Singer Syretta Wright dies from long term battle with disease
She had one of the prettiest smiles you'll ever see, she was a talent to be reckoned with in her own right. She is Syretta Wright and last week (July 5th) she succombed to her long battle with cancer, she was 58.
Syreeta was probably best known for her duet with Billy Preston with the song 'With You I'm Born Again', but she was much more than that including being the wife of the legendary Stevie Wonder.Syretta was born Rita Wright in Pittsburgh, PA and in the 60s was working as a secretary for Motown Records when she was discovered as a backup singer. Motown founder Berry Gordy would later sign her to his label and she recorded the Holland/Dozier/Holland penned 'I Can't Give Back the Love I Feel for You' originally slated for Diana Ross to sing.
Syretta would meet Stevie at Motown and the two would become an item. She would marry Stevie Wonder in 1970 and although the marriage lasted less than two years, their professional collaboration as songwriters would last for years afterwards. The two collaborated on a series of hits, including 'If You Really Love Me' and the Spinners' 'It's a Shame'.
Stevie would produce her 1st two albums, the critically acclaimed 'Syreeta' in 1972 and 'Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta in 1974. Wright last studio album, 'The Spell' was released in 1983 and she would appear on 'The Last Dragon' soundtrack teaming up with Smokey Robinson on the song 'First time on a Ferris Wheel' two years later. She worked with a bevy of artists and producers throughout her career including Quincy Jones, the late Ray Charles, Leon Ware and Donald Byrd among others. Our condolunces goes out to her family and loved ones
- - Source: soulwalking.co.uk
.
__________________________________________________________________
Joss Stones sophomore set is for the 'Mind, Body & Soul'
We didn't know her name a year ago but how a lot can happen in a year. In that time Joss Stone has become a household name. She's seen her dream come to life with her debut EP release a smash hit and a critical success (selling over 2 million copies).
Now the English born teenager is planning to release her sophomre album called 'Mind, Body & Soul' this coming September and it will be her official full length. This set follows up her outstanding EP 'The Soul Sessions', the 14-track album will feature twelve new songs written or co-written by the 17-year-old and sees the return of producer/collaborator Betty Wright, plus veteran Lamont Dozier, Salaam Remi and Portishead's Beth Gibbons.'Mind, Body & Soul' also has its fair share of guest stars too including Angie Stone, Nile Rodgers (of Chic fame) and the Roots' ?uestlove who also played drums on the EP and as with 'Soul Sessions', it is co-produced by S-Curve Records president Steve Greenberg, Betty Wright and Michael Mangini.
The first single will be 'You Had Me' co-penned with Betty Wright and Eg White. Stone's official Web site says she will make appearances on PBS' 'Austin City Limits', MTV's 'Hard Rock Live' and Fuse's 'Sessions @ AOL'. A tour is also expected in support of the new album.
- Source: thebeatmiami.com
__________________________________________________________________
Mariah Carey is taken to court over 'Thank God I found You'
Someone wants a piece of Mariah Careys financial pie. It seems that the singer is going to court to fight an ongoing plagiarism battle over her hit song 'Thank God I Found You'.
Songwriter Seth Swirsky claims to have written the song before Mariah Carey recorded it in the late 1990s and is rather upset by that fact. Swirsky claimed he wrote the tune with a partner and Carey used it.
The case first went to the courts in 2002 and it was dismissed but Swirsky has since won an appeal on the decision and can now go ahead with his plans to sue. What will happen next remains to be seen - stay tuned.
- Source: VH1.com
__________________________________________________________________
Cosmetics Cover Girl gets its own record label
Cosmetics brand CoverGirl has inked a deal with Atlantic Records to create a new record label, CG Vibes. The first release will be a limited-edition compilation, 'CG Vibes: Music That Gives Back', consisting of mostly Atlantic artists. Due July 20 and scheduled to remain on sale through December, the album will be available at Sam Goody and Media Play stores for a retail price of $3.99. Sony's connect.com is also selling the album for digital download at the same price.
Artists on the first CG Vibes album include CoverGirl spokesmodels Queen Latifah and Brandy, as well as the Corrs, Sugar Ray, the Donnas, Toby Lightman, Ryan Cabrera, Ben Jelen and Cherie. As part of a limited promotion, the CD is available for free with purchase of albums from Brandy, the Corrs, Lightman and Jelen.
A CoverGirl spokesperson says it is undecided when and what the next release from CG Vibes will be. A launch party for the label will be held Thursday (July 15) at Boulevard's Crash Mansion nightclub in New York, featuring a live performance by Lightman.
In addition, CG Vibes is launching a contest which will award a $10,000 grant to five young women involved in public service. The CG Advisory Board, featuring Queen Latifah, 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' band leader Kevin Eubanks, former 'American Idol' finalist Tamyra Gray and Cherie, will vote for the winners, who will receive the prizes in May 2005.
- Source: billboard.com