NEW YORK — You can call the music of Kool & the Gang funky or R&B, soulful or disco, pop or dance. What you cannot call it is partisan. When Iowa’s delegation at this summer’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago announced its vote for the Harris-Walz ticket, they played “Celebration.” That was the same song … Read more
NEW YORK — Maurice Williams, a rhythm and blues singer and composer who with his backing group the Zodiacs became one of music’s great one-shot acts with the classic ballad “Stay,” has died. He was 86. Williams died Aug. 6, according to an announcement from the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, which did not … Read more
NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — Tinashe refuses to retreat from the unknowns of life — or the music industry — but instead, embraces them. That’s what makes the success of her cheeky, inuendo-filled hit, “Nasty,” taste oh so sweet. “You never really know when that’s going to happen. You can’t really predict it,” … Read more
SEOUL, South Korea — Korean American star Jay Park is known for many things, including being a rapper and R&B artist, as well as a garlic health drink enthusiast. Park held a two-day fan meeting in Seoul over the weekend for the first time in over a decade. Between performing his hits, Park, known for … Read more
NEW YORK — Twenty years on from the release of his debut album, the career making “Get Lifted,” John Legend is entering uncharted territory. On Aug. 30, the R&B-pop singer will release his first-ever children’s album titled “My Favorite Dream,” via Republic Records: Kids & Family. Produced by the chamber pop polymath Sufjan Stevens, the … Read more
NEW ORLEANS — Seven years ago, New Orleans band Tank and the Bangas squeezed into the corner of a classroom and recorded themselves performing their song “Quick,” for National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk contest, the nonprofit’s annual search for the “next great undiscovered artist.” Their video — a lively mix of funk, soul, hip-hop and … Read more
NEW YORK — Marsha Ambrosius was done with the demands required of a successful R&B star, including the wear-and-tear of touring and fickle music industry politics. She was at peace working behind the scenes and writing for other artists. But Dr. Dre had a prescription to rejuvenate her on-stage desire. “I didn’t want to do … Read more
NEW YORK — Sean “ Diddy ” Combs has returned his key to New York City after a request from Mayor Eric Adams in response to the release of a video showing the music mogul attacking R&B singer Cassie, officials said Saturday. The mayor’s office said Combs returned the key after Adams sent letters to … Read more
WARREN, Mich. — The lead singer of the Four Tops said a Detroit-area hospital restrained him and ordered a psychological exam after refusing to believe that he was part of the Motown music group. Alexander Morris, who is Black, filed a lawsuit Monday against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, alleging racial discrimination and other misconduct … Read more
LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Usher will add another prestigious award to his already loaded trophy case. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers said Thursday that Usher will receive its Voice of the Culture Award. He’ll be honored at ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Music Songwriters and Publishers event on June 27. … Read more
