Donna Summer's life as just an 'Ordinary Girl'
During her life she's been 'Working hard for the money', some 'Hot Stuff', a 'Bad Girl' who'd 'Love to Love you, Baby' and has been 'On the Radio' but none would suspect that she's just an 'Ordinary Girl'.
But that is the case for legendary Disco Queen Donna Summer who this week released her tell-all autobiography called 'Ordinary Girl'. A compelling and apparant must-read book from Random House that finds the singer/songwriter revealing childhood memories and the highs and lows she has experienced as being disco diva Donna Summer.
The book also details her insecurities and fragilities that caused her drama throughout her career (including suicide attempts). The book coincides with the release of her new double CD, The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer, which showcases all of her Top 10 hits she recorded for the Casablanca, Mercury Geffen and Atlantic labels, plus two new songs that mark a reunion with her primary hit producer throughout her career, Giorgio Moroder, after 22 years. Also in release is a new album by her husband, Bruce Sudano, titled Rainy Day Soul (on Purple Heart Records) which wifey “Donna Sudano” contributed to in a very special way: she photographed the CD cover
- - Source: soulnotes.cc
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Amel Larrieux's sophomore album 'Bravebird' to be released Jan 04
It's been almost four years since Amel Larrieux graced us with her excellent debut solo set 'Infinite Possibilities' (on with then label Sony). The album excellently produced in both quantity and quality by her and her husband Laru Larrieux gave us the classic hits 'Get Up' and 'I 'n' I'.
The former Groove Theory co-founder and front lady's latest effort called 'Brave Bird' will be out come Jan. 20, 2004, on Blisslife Records. There's been a frenzy of interest for her to release her second album after her first did so well but she had other plans with a trip to the small screen for a lead role in the animated series Maat Kara for the cable channell SciFi. She'll use her sexy voice for the title roles charactor who after learning of her obligations in ancient Egypt becomes a warrior princess for the cause.
She's also been busy performing doing the Essence on Campus college tour where she's toured some of the top Black colleges in the country and also appeared and performed at the COACH 60th Anniversary celebration that took place in Japan. And on top of that she's landed herself a grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for her duet with Glenn Lewis on Stanley Clarke's track 'Where is the Love'.
The lead off single is likely to be the soulful ballad 'Believe in Love' which has already made the underground circuit
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Jay Z inks 'Black' cellular phone deal with Nokia
He's everywhere nowadays, he's got a club/restaurant, clothing line, record label, a signature 'black' Reebok sneaker and now you can purchase his 'black' phone. Following the release of "The Black Album", Jay-Z has teamed with Nokia on a special edition mobile phone called 'The Black Phone' a version of Nokia's 3300 Music Phone (pictured left). The Jay-Z-linked edition will be sold exclusively through the Sam Goody retail chain and Media Play retail outlets beginning Friday (Dec. 19).
"Technology now provides us with the opportunity to deliver music in new ways," Jay-Z says in a statement. "The Black Phone is at the forefront of the future which includes buying music instantly and taking it with you wherever you go."
Selling for $124 (after rebates - let's not forget that), the Black Phone comes with a multimedia card preloaded with the rappers "The Black Album." which was released in late November.
The phone also features Jay-Z True Tones ring tones and registered owners will receive weekly text and monthly voice messages from the artist for a limited time. In addition to its digital music player, the Nokia 3300 phone also features a stereo FM radio, a full messaging keyboard and high-resolution color display.
- Source: billboard.com
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'Idol' winner Ruben Studdard gets grammy nod
Even though his debut album 'Soulful' was just released last week, the teddy bear singer (as he's been nick named nowadays) has garnered a grammy nomination.
The 25-year-old Birmingham, Alabama native received the nomination last week in the category of Best R&B Male Vocal Performance for his cover of Luther Vandross 'Superstar' which is also included on the album.
The track originally came out this past June as the B -side of his debut single "Flying Without Wings'. Ironically enough, Studdard is now in competition in the same category against Vandross , who was nominated himself for his summer hit 'Dance With My Father'. Brian McKnight, R. Kelly, and
Tyrese round out the rest of the nominees up for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance.
- Source: spotlightonR&B.com