Showing posts with label Grammy Awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grammy Awards. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Current Mood

Unholy
Sam Smith

Sam Smith got in touch with his Devilish side at the Grammys Sunday night. Honestly he's on to something. That is where I'm at presently and it reflects my Current Mood to the bone.

Everything is coming up naughty in my corner of the universe and it's all because I've made friends out of my demons. That way they work with you, not against you. 

Thoughts and Feelings of the twisted kind coarse through my blackened soul and my evil veins. 

Manifesting in some fiendish fun of the secular kind...

Time is ticking, off I go Minions, there's debauchery to spread!!!

Sam Smith on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/samsmith/?hl=en 

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Hump Day & Chill

 “I Am Not Afraid” Singer Feathers Wise flies into Grammy Future For your consideration for the Dance/Electronic Recording category of the 64th Annual GRAMMY™ Awards! New York, NY 

Today, we are happy to announce that Feathers Wise, an American transgender musician, actor, and music producer, has been nominated in the Dance/Electronic Recording category at the 64th Annual GRAMMY™ Academy Awards. Born in Novato, CA, she began writing music at age 13 using her home built PC and a dream. In college, she studied music composition, but dropped out to transition. She struggled with homelessness and lived on the margins of society for years until her return to musical expression. Since then, the “I Am Not Afraid” singer has been a part of many groundbreaking and progressive queer projects. “I Am Not Afraid” contains trans themes and queer history, but it’s really a song for everyone. Our struggle to live and thrive in the trans community is a universal human story. People everywhere struggle with self awareness and acceptance of our true selves. And we want to be able to face the future with pride, joy, and bountiful energy that comes as a result. 

This inspirational message is delivered with pop hooks, synthesizers, and a soaring vocal. Some noteworthy credits include: 

Jean Grae’s Intersectionals Choir at Church of the Infinite You (2017), Joel Escher and Blair Bodine’s mini-musical Superhots! (2017), sister Anna Wise’s music video “Stacking That Paper” (2017), ChloĆ© Rossetti’s short film "SUNRIDER” (2018), M-34’s Production of “Salome” (2018), the HEAT Collective’s production of “The Night it Rained” (2018), Brandon Colvin’s feature film “A Dim Valley” (2020), Ashlei Hardenburg-Cartagena’s musical short film “BREAK/UP” (2021), and she is currently working as Composer of the new musical “Paradise Lost in Space” with book & lyrics by Omri Navot and Joshua Fesi. 

Feathers used to write music in her bedroom, and she is still working in writing and production. She has taught songwriting workshops through the LGBT summer camp program “Arts in the Woods,” and has worked as a music producer with RAD (Recording Artists Development) to help future queer independent artists create and grow.

Feathers song “I Am Not Afraid” was recorded in the RAD workshop program and has garnered its share of GRAMMY™ Nomination Buzz. Jeff “The Jedi-Master” Jones, GRAMMY™ Award Winning Producer & Voting Member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, who currently produces and records through his company World Alert Music in New York City, has been quoted on social media saying:

“No need to downplay your nomination. You deserve every mention that’s turned up on FB because you are a fantastic artist, musician and producer. Now you can forever put grammy nominated in your resume and promo. It’s a great song. It sounds great and your performance is great - more than that it strikes a nerve that needs to be struck in this day and age. I personally love your music and you were nominated on the merit of your work in my opinion. I participate in voting and selecting categories artists songs appear in - you freakin rock” - Jeff “The Jedi-Master” Jones 

If “I Am Not Afraid” passes through the first round of Recording Academy voting for the 64th Annual GRAMMY™ Awards, Feathers will join the short list of out trans women recording artists to be nominated. The list includes SOPHIE, Teddy Geiger, and the legendary Jackie Shane. With your consideration and votes, Feathers Wise will be the 4th

Feathers Wise on the WWW -

https://www.feathersthewise.com/  

Monday, January 29, 2018

Dreams Do Come True!

When Willow Met Rihanna 
After a very underwhelming Grammy telecast last night (yes there were a few great moments, but...) comes my favorite part of any award show. "Yes" this is where I honor my favorite Instagram or Twitter moment from last night's festivities. 

This year the honor goes to Pink for posting a photo of her daughter Willow with Rihanna on her Instagram captioning it: "Dreams come true. My daughter lives for this woman. So do I" 

Awwwwwwww...there really is something charming about kids getting to meet their idols, no?

This pic is too precious for words. Thus I will halt the use of any more adjectives to describe it right here right now.

Now tell me again why you don't like Mondays???

Pink on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/pink/?hl=en

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Praise The Lorde

Angelic
Lorde
It's Grammy Sunday and time to give thanks. What better way to do it than to offer up praise to Grammy Album of the Year nominee Lorde

If there is paint drying that I can watch somewhere I will not be tuning in. That being stated there is much speculation as to why Lorde is the only Album of the Year nominee not performing since she is in town and has been belting out her latest efforts everywhere else.

Werd has it that she unlike the other nominees in her category who are male, she was not offered a solo spot. She was approached to take part in the Tom Petty Tribute singing American Girl...WTF?!

How weird would that be coming from a Kiwi? For those of you not in the loop that is a common nickname for people originating from New Zealand.

It's a shame Lorde won't be taking to the Grammy stage to croon, so let's offer up our gratitude for her music and praise her!

Lorde on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lordemusic/?hl=en

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Michael's Musings

Peek-A-Boo, I See U & I Know What U Do
Michael Shinafelt
Once upon a time there was a man who lived in a house of cards...and so the story goes. It's that time of week when I spout word vomit.

This past week brought us a variety of things, such as The Grammy's, Valentine's Day, Fifty Shades Darker and the shit show we all affectionately refer to as Donald Tump.

Wonder what will spew fourth from the corners of my mind this week? Let's find out...

Lady Gaga continues to amaze and show her versatility by teaming up with Metallica and blowing us away by nailing hardcore rock music. I wasn't surprised she could get her head banger on, and frankly I wished she do an album of it.

Thirsty Ivanka is a thing. Apparently Ms. Trump inherited her father's lech gene, I am sure by now you all got a look at the way she drooled when she met Justin Trudeau.

VD was Tuesday, and that of course meant the release of the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel Fifty Shades Darker - a Harlequin Romance for the domestic abuse set.

Let me extrapolate on the domestic abuse comment re: Fifty Shades. Author E.L. James is a terrible writer. I read two paragraphs excerpted online from the first novel and couldn't bear anymore. Not to mention she does not know the first thing about BDSM. Anastasia Steele is an abused woman, end of story.

Dear Pentatonix, please get a new stylist
Fierce! This is How U Red Carpet!
:Lady Gaga
Remember that time when James Hetfield's mic didn't work at The Grammy's? So does everyone else. Really Grammy's?! The whole premise of the fucking award is based on sound, enough said.

AC/DC said it best: "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"

Toughen up buttercups, it's going to be a wild ride!

Ask yourself this, are you a good little pony worthy of a biscuit?

In case you were wondering, Erika Jayne is my favorite Real Housewife of Beverly Hills. She out classes and sasses them all while giving no fucks.

Enjoy your Thursday, it's the day before Friday after all.

Join me on the Internet at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/mshinafelt?lang=en  

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Slow & Steady Wins The Grammy...Margaret Cho!


It's that time of the year again, awards season and as you may, or perhaps not know one Ms. Margaret Cho is nominated for a Best Comedy Album Grammy for her effort American Myth.

Margaret has had an amaze balls 20 plus year career that has always been steadfast and true. This is also her 5th nomination so all you Cho Ho's out there who have a Grammy ballot, you'd better cast your vote for her because isn't it about time the woman won?!?! Hell yes it is!!!

Of note Margaret and the Fashion Police return on January 9th and she will be on Access Hollywood Live on January 5th.

Remember this is the year white people are supposed to get their comeuppance during award season and what better way to do that than cast your Grammy ballot for Margaret in the Best Comedy Album category. 

All kidding aside, just do it!

Get social with Margaret at:

https://twitter.com/margaretcho
https://www.facebook.com/officialmargaretcho/
https://www.instagram.com/margaret_cho/?hl=en   

Thursday, August 18, 2016

TBT: 1 + 1 + 1 = Trio

We Three Queens
Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris & Linda Ronstadt
You can't keep a good threesome down

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris have premiered a new lyric video for an unreleased alternate version of “Wildflowers.” The Parton-penned track, which was originally released on their 1987 collaboration Trio, is featured on the upcoming three-CD set THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION. The video can be viewed here and the track is also available now at digital retailers.

Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris have three careers unparalleled in music history. Together they have sold over 200 million albums worldwide and performed for decades in front of countless fans around the globe. It’s no surprise that when their three voices united to release their debut collaboration, the results were remarkable. The threesome released two albums together, Trio (1987) and Trio II(1999), which have combined to sell more than five million copies worldwide and win three Grammy® Awards.

Both of these classic albums have been newly remastered for a three-CD collection packed with rare and unreleased music. Produced by Harris, THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION will be available on September 9 for a list price of $29.98.

On the same date, a single-disc set will also be available entitled MY DEAR COMPANION: SELECTIONS FROM THE TRIO COLLECTION, featuring a mix of songs taken from the three-disc set, as will FARTHER ALONG, a double-LP set of all the bonus material from THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION. Trio II will also be released on vinyl for the first time.

Even though Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris began recording together in the 1970s, a full album proved elusive. When the stars aligned and the friends were finally able to record a full album, a powerhouse sound of country and Americana was born. The results were remarkable. Trio arrived in 1987; sold more than four million copies; won two Grammy Awards; and topped the country album chart for five consecutive weeks. Among the standout tracks are “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” “Wildflowers,” and “Farther Along.”

It would be more than a decade before the group released a follow-up, but when Trio II arrived in 1999 it did not disappoint. The album won a Grammy Award and peaked in the Top Five of the country album chart. It sold more than one million copies worldwide on the strength of tracks like “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” the Carter family’s “Lover’s Return” and a cover of Neil Young’s “After The Gold Rush.”

The bonus disc is loaded with 20 songs, including alternate takes of album tracks like “I’ve Had Enough,” “Making Plans” and “My Dear Companion.” Also featured are 11 completely unreleased recordings from the trio spanning both album sessions including “Waltz Across Texas Tonight,” “Pleasant As May,” “Are You Tired of Me,” and the gospel standard “Softly And Tenderly.” Among the unreleased material is also an alternate version of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” featuring Parton on lead vocals and a stunning acapella version of “Calling All My Children Home.”

# # #

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DOLLY PARTON, VISIT:
dollyparton.com
 

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Do You Remember "Trio?" You Are Old.

One Awesome Menage 

DOLLY PARTON, LINDA RONSTADT, AND EMMYLOU HARRIS:
THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION

Both Legendary Albums Recorded By The Female Country Holy Trinity
Newly Remastered For Three-Disc Set Packed With Rare And Unreleased Music

Three Different Versions Will Be Released On September 9 From Rhino

 
"Yes" I remember them too, can I join the AARP now?

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris have three careers unparalleled in music history. Together they have sold over 200 million albums worldwide and performed for decades in front of countless fans around the globe. It’s no surprise that when their three voices united to release their debut collaboration, the results were remarkable. The threesome released two albums together, Trio (1987) and Trio II(1999), which have combined to sell more than five million copies worldwide and win three Grammy® Awards.

Both of these classic albums have been newly remastered for a three-CD collection packed with rare and unreleased music. Produced by Harris, THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION will be available on September 9 for a list price of $29.98.

On the same date, a single-disc set will also be available entitled MY DEAR COMPANION: SELECTIONS FROM THE TRIO COLLECTION, featuring a mix of songs taken from the three-disc set, as will FARTHER ALONG, a double-LP set of all the bonus material from THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION. Trio II will also be released on vinyl for the first time.

Even though Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris began recording together in the 1970s, a full album proved elusive. When the stars aligned and the friends were finally able to record a full album, a powerhouse sound of country and Americana was born. The results were remarkable. Trio arrived in 1987; sold more than four million copies; won two Grammy Awards; and topped the country album chart for five consecutive weeks. Among the standout tracks are “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” “Wildflowers,” and “Farther Along.”

It would be more than a decade before the group released a follow-up, but when Trio II arrived in 1999 it did not disappoint. The album won a Grammy Award and peaked in the Top Five of the country album chart. It sold more than one million copies worldwide on the strength of tracks like “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” the Carter family’s “Lover’s Return” and a cover of Neil Young’s “After The Gold Rush.”

The bonus disc is loaded with 20 songs, including alternate takes of album tracks like “I’ve Had Enough,” “Making Plans” and “My Dear Companion.” Also featured are 11 completely unreleased recordings from the trio spanning both album sessions including “Waltz Across Texas Tonight,” “Pleasant As May,” “Are You Tired of Me,” and the gospel standard “Softly And Tenderly.” Among the unreleased material is also an alternate version of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” featuring Parton on lead vocals and a stunning acapella version of “Calling All My Children Home.”

# # #

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DOLLY PARTON, VISIT:
www.dollypartonentertainment.com
 

Monday, February 15, 2016

Grab Hold, It's The Grammy's!

Aladdin Sane x 2!
David Bowie & Lady Gaga
Happy Presidents Day! Which is doubling this year as Grammy Award day as well. Or as I like to call it The Lady Gaga David Bowie Tribute.
Since I really have no drive to write about award shows I went to my friends at E!Online and spied a write-up called "7 Things You Need To Know" about tonight's celebration.
I only found four of them worth re-printing, one of the things I did not include was about Kanye West. Send me Thank You notes later. Here are the Top 4 points of interest that I found worthwhile about music's biggest night! Source E!Online:
It's Me, Gwen Stefani
1. Music History: Just days after premiering her new single "Make Me Like You,"The Voice coach Gwen Stefani will collaborate with Target to produce a music video on live television. Set to air during a four-minute commercial break, the finished product will feature multiple sets and real-time costume changes as well as "special surprises for fans."
2. The Year of 1989: With seven impressive nominations for the evening, fans and critics alike believe Taylor Swift will walk away with an award before the night is over. But in even more good news, the "Shake It Off" singer is opening up the show with a top-secret performance. Now if only we knew if boyfriend Calvin Harris was coming too.
3. Honoring a Legend: Just a few weeks after the passing of David Bowie, the Grammys will pay tribute to the "Modern Love" singer with the help of the one and only Lady Gaga. After slaying the National Anthem at last weekend's Super Bowl, Mother Monster will perform an "experiential" tribute for late rock star, who will also be receiving a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award. "We had already booked Lady Gaga on this year's show, but when David passed—almost in a single moment—we knew we had to change direction," Grammys executive producer Ken Ehrlich said in a statement. "We immediately spoke and agreed that she should be the one to honor David. She's perfect for it."
4. Hello Superstar: While she may not be nominated this year—don't worry, there's an explanation whyAdele is still expected to attend the show where she will deliver a performance that may just be a tease to her upcoming tour across the country. For all those fans who couldn't score their tickets to the concert in your neck of woods, this may just be your lucky night.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

It's A Gaga, Gaga, Gaga World!

It's My World, Enjoy!
Lady Gaga
Not only did February bring hope of an early spring courtesy of a groundhog, it also brings us a world ruled by Lady Gaga. Yeah, I know there are some of you who think that is a year round thing. I am skeptical on that one, but, I will give the tip of the hat to her, Tony Bennett style for the second month of 2016.

So gather round peeps and get the 411 on the two huge reasons Gaga owns your ass for February....

First off the mother of all monsters will perform an "Experimental" tribute to David Bowie at the 2016 Grammy Awards on February 15th. Normally this show falls under AAAC (avoid at all costs,)

But this is inspired perfection! After all what has Gaga's career been other than one big tribute to one of the Gods of rock?

Lapping up the momentum of this blessed announcement comes another Gaga bon mot. She is officially singing the National Anthem at Superbowl 50 this Sunday! Marlee Matlin will be signing it alongside her.

Wow! This is going to be some opener to the football's biggest day. The Lady has proven she has the chops to score a touchdown with this, and while I doubt she will veer to far from a traditional delivery of such a revered song, I bet we will get some Gaga flourishes and she will make the performance all hers. 

For sure she will not forget the lyrics.

Give yourself to Lady Gaga at:

https://twitter.com/ladygaga
https://www.instagram.com/ladygaga/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/ladygaga/    

Friday, December 18, 2015

There's a New Sheriff in Town: Margaret Cho


Sheriff, Margaret Cho
Photo: Mary Taylor 
MARGARET CHO JOINS "FASHION POLICE" AS SPECIAL CO-HOST FOR 2016 SEASON BEGINNING JANUARY 11, 2016

"I love joining the crew of Fashion Police. To me it feels like family. although I am not quite a fashionista, I would love to look at it like I am changing it up - Fashion Police:Special Victims Unit. It makes me happiest to spend time with Melissa, and when I see her laugh at my joke,  I feel like Joan is smiling, somewhere."  Margaret Cho


Margaret Cho was the deputy, but, she never shot the sheriff. She could have though... 

LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET AND FASHION POLICE RETURN THIS JANUARY TO COVER THE BIGGEST AWARD SHOWS OF 2016

FASHION POLICE TO DELIVER BIG LAUGHS AND UNFORGETTABLE FASHION WITH CO-HOSTS MELISSA RIVERS, GIULIANA RANCIC, BRAD GORESKI, AND NEW SPECIAL CO-HOST MARGARET CHO

This January E!’s signature series "Live From The Red Carpet" and comedy favorite "Fashion Police," will return to cover the biggest award shows of 2016.  The popular E! franchises will make their new year debut with coverage of the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, and keep the festivities going throughout the entire award season.  

Only E! brings the real magic of the red carpet to life, and beginning this January, "Live From The Red Carpet" will return to deliver that spark to millions of pop culture fans around the world.  Hosts Ryan Seacrest, Giuliana Rancic, and the rest of the E! “Live From The Red Carpet” team will immerse fans in every part of the red carpet action to capture each unpredictable moment, all the gorgeous fashion, and the most memorable and buzzworthy conversations with the biggest celebrities.  Through E!’s unprecedented camera coverage, second screen experiences and personal relationships with the Hollywood elite, “Live From the Red Carpet” will truly take fans behind the velvet ropes for all of the exciting, spontaneous, and headline-making moments as they happen, and bring viewers the unique and authentic interviews that pop culture fans crave.  Plus, join E! in celebrating Ryan Seacrest’s ten year anniversary hosting “Live From The Red Carpet” throughout the 2016 red carpet season.  From Jennifer Lawrence and Taylor Swift’s love fest to Jimmy Kimmel turning the mic on Ryan live on the air to Sacha Baron Cohen’s infamous ashy spill, E!’s viewers know to expect the unexpected.
The Gang Bang's All Here
Fashion Police
 The day after each big award show “Fashion Police” will report for duty to cover all the night's hottest fashion moments and trends.  Beginning with the 2016 Golden Globes, co-host and executive producer Melissa Rivers, along with co-hosts Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski will break down the can't miss celebrity fashions from the awards show and after parties, and offer up juicy pop culture commentary on all of the breaking entertainment scoop!  This season, the show welcomes funny woman Margaret Cho, who joins the team as the special co-host throughout all of 2016.  The fab foursome will also be joined by a rotating celebrity guest chair each episode –  Fashion Police fans can rest assure that this awards season will bring big laughs, omg moments and lots of jaw dropping fashion!

Schedule:

Golden Globes
-   Countdown to the Red Carpet: The 2016 Golden Globe Awards – Sunday, January 10th at 4p ET/1p PT
-   Live From The Red Carpet: The 2016 Golden Globe Awards – Sunday, January 10th at 6p ET/3p PT
-   E! After Party: The 2016 Golden Globe Awards – Sunday, January 10th at 11p ET/8p PT
-   Fashion Police: The 2016 Golden Globe Awards – Monday, January 11th  at 8p ET/PT

Screen Actors Guild Awards
-   Live From The Red Carpet: The 2016 Screen Actors Guild Awards – Saturday, January 30th at 6p ET/3p PT
-   Fashion Police: The 2016 Screen Actors Guild Awards – Monday, February 1st at 8p ET/PT

Grammy Awards
-   Countdown to the Red Carpet: The 2016 Grammy Awards – Monday, February 15th at 4p ET/PT
-   Live From The Red Carpet: The 2016 Grammy Awards – Monday, February 15th at 6p ET/PT
-   E! After Party: The 2016 Grammy Awards – Monday, February 15th at 11p ET/PT
-   Fashion Police: The 2016 Grammy Awards – Tuesday, February 16th  at 8p ET/PT

Academy Awards
-   Countdown to the Red Carpet: The 2016 Academy Awards – Sunday, February 28th at 1:30p ET/10:30a PT
-   Live From The Red Carpet: The 2016 Academy Awards – Sunday, February 28th at 5:30p ET/2:30p PT
-   E! After Party: The 2016 Academy Awards – Sunday, February 28th at 11:30p ET/8:30p PT
-   Fashion Police: The 2016 Academy Awards – Monday, February 29th at 8p ET/PT

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Michael Jackson, Death Becomes Him


MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER IS THE FIRST ALBUM CERTIFIED RIAA 30X MULTI-PLATINUM, THE KING OF POPMAKES HISTORY (AGAIN)!


THRILLER REMAINS THE BIGGEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME, TOPPING 100 MILLION SALES WORLDWIDE

I'm sure Michael Jackson is Moon Walking in his grave right now.

 The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Estate of Michael Jackson, Epic Records and Legacy Recordings announced today that Michael Jackson’s THRILLER is the first album in RIAA Gold & Platinum Program history to be certified 30X multi-Platinum for U.S. sales, continuing The King of Pop’s reign as the biggest selling artist of all time with worldwide sales of over 100 million for Thriller and 1 billion overall.   


“RIAA has awarded Gold & Platinum records on behalf of the music business for nearly 60 years, but this is the first time an artist has crossed the 30X multi-Platinum plateau,” said Cary Sherman, Chairman & CEO, RIAA. “We are honored to celebrate the unique status ofThriller in Gold & Platinum history. What an exceptional achievement and testament toThriller’s enduring spot in our hearts and musical history.”


Michael Jackson’s masterpiece Thriller, produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, won a record setting 8 Grammys, more than any album ever, and has been earning awards and setting new standards of success since its release on November 30, 1982. Thriller spent nearly 2 ½ years on the Billboard album chart and holds a modern day record of 37 weeks at No. 1.  It was the first album in history to spend each of its first 80 weeks in the album chart’s Top 10, a feat only reached by one other album in the more than three decades since. During its 112th week on Billboard’s album chart, it became the first title ever to be certified RIAA 20X multi-Platinum (October 30, 1984). Worldwide, Thriller went to #1 in practically every country in the world, including the UK, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and apartheid South Africa.  


The album was acclaimed for its range and depth. Rolling Stone referred to the album as a “watershed” moment for Michael, and Newsweek prophetically wrote that “Michael’s voice haunts these songs, gives them heart…It is what will make this music endure.” Seven tracks from the album became Top 10 singles, and three, “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller,” went No. 1. ALL nine assumed a permanent place in hearts and memories of everyone on the planet.

                                                                   Thriller

More than just an album, Thriller has remained a global cultural multi-media phenomenon for both the 20th and the 21st centuries, smashing musical barriers and changing the frontiers of pop forever. The music on Thriller is so dynamic and singular that it defied any definition of rock, pop or soul that had gone before. “Beat It” was a new kind of pop-rock hybrid and demolished the longstanding segregation between black and white music with Eddie Van Halen’s incendiary guitar. On “The Girl Is Mine,” a black man and a white man bantered about the same girl. On the same album were songs like the African-rooted “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” and the rhythm and blues-based “Billie Jean.” No one had ever released an album with such a vast range of material.


“Perhaps Michael’s most significant racial trailblazing came with music videos,” wrote Joe Vogel in Man in the Music. Fascinated with the fledgling art form, Michael wanted to tell a story and entertain on a grand scale. Despite the luscious cinematography, dramatic narrative and spectacular choreography of “Billie Jean,” a fledgling MTV, which was programming white rock artists almost exclusively, refused to play it. Epic persisted. Once the wall came crashing down, MTV’s ratings soared and a door was opened for a generation of African American artists. “He was MTV’s Jackie Robinson,” said cultural critic TourĆ©. Next, came the unforgettable short film for “Beat It,” which featured Michael bringing two gangs together through the power of music and dance. And then there was “Thriller.” Premiered at the AVCO Theatre in Los Angeles in 1983, it sold out every night for three weeks. No other video before or since has generated such excitement and has such a hold on our attention, such that more than 30 years later we all share it as a collective memory and it remains the only music video to be inducted into the elite National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.


The importance of Thriller was recognized by Michael Jackson’s industry peers at the Grammys.  Thriller was nominated in a record-breaking 12 categories, and won a history making eight, which stands as the record for most Grammy Awards to be won by any album. Seven of those Grammys that year were awarded to Michael for: Album of the Year; Record of the Year ("Beat It"); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ("Thriller"); Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical (Thriller); Best Male Rock Vocal Performance ("Beat It"); Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("Billie Jean"); Best R&B Song ("Billie Jean"). (Michael's eighth Grammy that year was in the Best Recording for Children - Single or Album, Musical or Spoken category for "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial"). That same year, Michael Jackson took home eight American Music Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards. The following year, "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" took home the Best Video Album trophy at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards.

  
# # #
SOCIALS:
RIAA:
MICHAEL JACKSON:

Friday, March 20, 2015

It's Spring! Time For Some "Sunshine Band"

KC: "That's The Way I Like It"
KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND KICKS OFF SPRING WITH SIRIUSXM'S '70s ON 7 FEELING SPRING! FEELING YOU ONE-HOUR SPECIAL 

Yep, it's the first day of Spring! A toast to the Vernal Equinox and of course what says Spring better than Sunshine? KC and the Sunshine Band of course! 

Enjoy my full length interview with da man himself by clicking on this link:


Spring is in the air and who better to ring it in than Harry Wayne "KC" Casey and the sunshiny 'Miami sound' of his Sunshine Band. Celebrating the release of their brand-new album, Feeling You! The 60s, which is available oniTunes, Amazon and stores nationwide, KC of KC and The Sunshine Band stopped by SiriusXM to share the new music and talk about classic hits like "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty," "That's The Way I Like It," "Get Down Tonight" and more. Soak up the musical rays and tune in to SiriusXM's '70s on 7on the first day of spring, this Friday, March 20 at Noon ET/PT, for the one-hour special Feeling Spring! Feeling You. 

Upcoming SiriusXM '70s on 7 Airdates:
Friday, March 20 at Noon, 3 p.m. ET/PT
Saturday, March 21 at 1 a.m., 10 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, March 22 at 4 a.m., 5 p.m. ET/PT

*Listen On Demand with a SiriusXM internet subscription. Details here

Celebrating over forty years since their biggest hits dominated the mainstream pop charts, KC and The Sunshine Band is back, performing over 100 dates per year and recently appearing on national television shows including OWN's Where Are They Now, Bloomberg TV's Taking Stock with Pimm Fox, The Weather Channel's Wake Up With AlThe Better Show, OK! TV, TV One'sUnsung, CNN's The Seventies and more.

"I feel like I'm 24," KC told The Miami Herald in advance to his hometown show March 20 at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, FL. "Forty years later I feel like I'm back in 1975. Coming to 2015, and the 40th anniversary of 'Get Down Tonight' going to No. 1, has been an interesting process. That creative flow we got going in '73, '74, that's what I'm feeling now. I know that in 1984 we wanted to get away from it all, we were tired of it all, but this [new music] has reinvigorated me, and I think I'm writing better than I did back then. Lyrically, I think it's better, [and] it's much more mature. I don't know how to explain it, but it feels good."

Featuring covers of songs by sixties legends like Ben E. King, The Righteous Brothers, Jackie DeShannon, Aaron Neville and others, KC says this new album Feeling You! The 60s stems from an inspiration to pay tribute to those songs who helped shape him into the revolutionary artist he is today.

With sales of over 100 million records, nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award, KC and The Sunshine Band are still known today as one of the most progressive bands of the 70s, as their music is still discovered daily by millions around the world through its continual placement in top box office movies, TV commercials, TV shows and video games, including KINGSMAN: The Secret Service. The film, The Record Man, documenting the life of Henry Stone, features KC and The Sunshine Band in the early days and is currently playing at various film festivals across the country.

KC and The Sunshine Band On Tour:
03.20 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino / Hollywood, FL
03.21 Seminole Casino Immokalee / Immokalee, FL
03.26 Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino / Lemoore, CA
04.11 Busch Gardens / Tampa, FL
04.18 Seven Feathers Casino – Grand Ballroom / Canyonville, OR
04.19 Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom / Snoqualmie, WA
07.04 A Capitol Fourth Independence Day / Washington, DC
07.11 Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre / Peachtree City, GA
07.17 Three Rivers Festival / Ft. Wayne, IN
07.25 Burton Chace Park / Marina Del Rey, CA
08.08 Tropicana / Atlantic City, NJ
08.20 Indiana State Fairgrounds / Indianapolis, IN
08.22 Delta Downs - Delta Center / Vinton, LA
08.28 Monticello Grand Casino / Santiago, Chile
08.29 Monticello Grand Casino / Santiago, Chile
10.03 University of Buffalo Stadium / Buffalo, NY


To learn more about KC and The Sunshine Band and to find more details about their upcoming tour dates, visit heykcsb.com.