Artist: Leah Labelle Title: Lolita Label: So So Def/Epic Genre(s): Soul, Pop, R&B, Dance You Will Like This if You Like: Kerry Hilson, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna Released: February 2013
Late last year, following the BET aired Soul Train Music Awards, we talked up relative newcomer Leah Labelle, who appeared on the show in a segment honoring soul legends. Her performance of Square Biz was honorable enough to get our staff searching for more of her music to bring you. We found the super (but slept on) single “Sexify” and hoped this Pharrell Williams produced artist would break through commercial radio. Although she experienced some regional success, nothing has broken through just yet. Read more of this post
We are new to this TVOne series, Verses and Flow, which features spoken word and musical performances. Hosted by Hill Harper each episode features a performance by a neo-soul, R&B or Hip Hop artist, as well as spoken word and poetic performances by intriguing poets. Enjoy this ep which features Ledisi singing her hits Pieces of Me and Bravo.
Shot in a very intimate fashion, this incredible concert performance captures the brilliance of Whitney Houston as a singer and performer. This is CLASSIC WHITNEY. From the opening shot where she walks through the crowd to the stage to the final notes and cheers for encores, you can really feel the power of this legendary voice, which we lost earlier this year. She captivates the audience with her classics as well as a medley of her aunt, Dionne Warwick‘s, hits. Enjoy this one evening or weekend morning.
Here is more about the concert from Wikipedia:
Classic Whitney, Live from Washington, D.C., were special live concerts by Whitney Houston featuring many of her greatest hits, as well as gospel favorites and songs saluting some of her influences including Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. The concerts were held at historic DAR Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. on October 3 and 5, 1997. 2nd night concert was broadcast live via HBO, which was her third HBO special. (First was “Welcome Home Heroes with Whitney Houston” in March, 1991 and second, “The Concert for A South Africa” in November, 1994.) Whitney and The Whitney Houston Foundation for Children donated the proceeds, over $300,000 from ticket sales to the Children’s Defense Fund, a national non-profit organization devoted to providing a voice for all children of America, particularly poor, minority and disabled children. Houston said her one-woman show was especially significant because it was occurring during the 100th anniversary of acclaimed opera singer Marian Anderson’s birthday. Houston dedicated her performance to Anderson’s memory and her historic attempt to perform in 1939 at Constitution Hall, where she was banned by the Daughters of the American Revolution(DAR).
Whitney Houston performed more than 20 songs in these concerts, including such hits as “I Will Always Love You”, “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” and “Greatest Love of All”. She was backed by a 35-piece band and orchestra with an entire string section. DAR Constitution Hall seated more than 2500 people for the performance, which employed 14 cameras. In addition, the backdrop featured images projected on five screens, setting an elegant and understated tone. Houston’s special was the first performance since the renovation of the legendary hall.
Set list
1. “I Will Always Love You”
2. “I Know Him So Well” (with Cissy Houston)
3. Dionne Warwick Medley:
“Walk On By”
“A House Is Not A Home”
“I Say a Little Prayer”
“Alfie”
4. Aretha Franklin Medley:
“Baby I Love You”
“(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone”
“Ain’t No Way”
5. Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.:
“Mr. Bojangles” (feat. dance solo by Bobby Brown)
6. Tribute to United States great men:
“Abraham, Martin and John”
7. Diana Ross Medley:
“God Bless The Child”
“Endless Love” (duet with Gary Houston)
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
“The Boss”
Missing You”
8. Tribute to George Gershwin:
“I Loves You, Porgy”
“Porgy, I’s Your Woman Now”
“Summertime”
9. “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” (BeBe Winans, Monica and Shirley Caesar joined in ad-lib of song’s finishing part at 2nd night concert.)
10. “I Love The Lord”
11. “I Go to the Rock”
12. “Greatest Love Of All” Encore
13. “Amazing Grace” (saxophone solo by Kirk Whalum)
14. “Step By Step”
15. “I’m Every Woman”
Artist: Leah Labelle Title: Sexify Label: So So Def/Epic
Earlier this week, following the BET aired Soul Train Music Awards, we talked up relative newcomer Leah Labelle, who appeared on the show in a segment honoring soul legends. Her performance of Square Biz was honorable enough to get our staff searching for more of her music to bring you. After learning that she was a contestant on season 3 of American Idol, which was won by Fantasia, we soon discovered that she has been signed to a major deal and a single has been floating around for a while now called Sexify. We love this mid tempo tune and hope that it will help propel this new voice to the top of the charts. With folks like Pharrell and Jermaine Dupris involved, she’s got a great shot.
Anyone who checked out last night’s Soul Train Music Awards saw a relatively new voice step to the fore. This lovely young lady, Leah Labelle, appeared in a medley of Soul Train greats which included Blue Eyed soul legend Teena Marie. We have to be honest that based on her looks alone, we had to take a further listen. When digging for more of this singer, we came across several examples of her vocal abilities, which we have to say are quite impressive. She is not blowing you away like Fantasia (who won Season 3 of American Idol, on which Leah appeared) or similarly named Patti Labelle, but she does an impressive job at delivering a soul classic first sung by The Stylistics. Enjoy and look forward to seeing and hearing more from this young lady since she has been working with Jermaine Dupris and Pharrell Williams. Read more of this post
Artist:Bobby Brown Title: Don’t Let Me Die Release Date: May 9, 2012
This new Bobby Brown song is great. Period. In it, you can hear true passion and pain in his voice as he seems to be singing to his recently departed ex-wife Whitney Houston. His new album, Masterpiece, will be released on June 5 and is rumored to include some his most personal songs to date. We got the pleasure of seeing New Edition on their recent performance at Madison Square Garden’s theater and we can definitely say Bobby still has it. While his voice seemed a little strained on classics like Jealous Girl, he tore the house down with My Prerogative from his classic Don’t Be Cruel LP. We are hopeful that Bobby will take his impeding re-emergence in the right direction. We don’t need to see another Being Bobby Brown reality show. Enjoy.
Bobby Brown Official Video- "Don't Let Me Die" The Masterpiece- June 5, 2012
Bobby Brown discusses his marriage to and love for the late Whitney Houston in this interview with the Today Show’s Matt Lauer. In the interview, Bobby opens up about the moment her heard about Whitney’s death and how he felt. From this video, it is clear that he still loved Whitney.
According to this video, king of pop, Michael Jackson, and recently departed Whitney Houston were involved at least for a short time. In the interview with Whitney Houston, which looks to have been shot after the Michael’s death, she describes an elaborate date at Michael’s Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, California where he “pulled out all of the stops”. She explained how Michael flew here in with a helicopter and had her lead to the house in a coach and buggy! She even recalled a rather entertaining run in with Bubbles, Michael’s pet chimp.
“He was a gentleman. Always kind. And I Will Always Love Him” – Whitney Houston (about Michael Jackson)
Also appearing in the video are two unnamed men, both of whom confirm that Michael was not gay, as some in the media have rumored. In fact, as they describe, Michael had relationship with several mainstream stars. In a few montages, Michael is seen with Brooke Shields and Madonna among others. Could they have been real love interests and not just arm candy for award shows and public appearances? Perhaps. We will never know.
Whatever their connection was, Whitney ends the interview by saying “I really wanted to marry Michael.”
Wow! Michael was ’bout it!
In related news, it has come to our attention that Whitney was also rumored to have been involved with Michael’s older brother, Jermaine Jackson, who, the article claims was unwilling to leave his wife for Whitney. I mean, they did do this duet and it was rumored that Whitney chose a Jermaine lookalike in her “Saving All My Love for You” Video. Read more here.
New Editions Bobby Brown talks about his ex wife Whitney Houston in a concert set in her home town of Newark just hours after her funeral. Although he has done these tributes over the past week he seems a bit more sincere.
A gold hearse carrying Whitney Houston’s casket this morning pulled out of Wigham Funeral Home in Newark to head to the star’s burial in Westfield.
Just after 11:10 a.m. today, Houston’s hearse followed behind a black Chevy pick-up truck with a bed brimming with flowers — light purple roses, pink carnations and white lilies among the arrangement.
The police escorted funeral procession left from the rear of the funeral home, turning onto Shipman Street, to head to Fairview Cemetery some 20 miles away.
“We love you, Whitney!” fans called out trotting next to the hearse for about a block as it slowly pulled away. A backseat window displayed a black and white headshot photo of the star.
Barbara Davis waited outside since 8:30 this morning to get a glimpse of Houston. The lifelong Newark resident had already been to Wigham Funeral Home twice last week after news of Houston’s death.
“To be here at her home-going is an honor and a blessing,” Davis, 53, said.
We were amazed at the variety and depth of the incredibly soulful funeral services that were held today for the nearly departed Whitney Houston. Here is a list of the music that was included in the program. If we forgot any, please send our way. Goodbye Nippy!
Donnie McClurkin – Stand
Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come (Actually sung with new lyrics by Kim Burrell)
Alicia Keys – Send Me an Angel
Stevie Wonder – Ribbon in the Sky (Stevie changed the words to this to reflect his feeling that Whitney was an angel from heaven)
Stevie Wonder – Love’s in Need of Love Today
R. Kelly – I Look to You (composing a song he wrote for Whitney)
Ce Ce Winans – Don’t Cry For Me
The Winans – Tomorrow
Whitney Houston – Yes Jesus Loves
Jim Reeves – Where We’ll Never Grow Old
Marvin Winans – Let the Church Say Amen
Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (played in the church when Whitney Houston’s casket was being carried out of the church)
Whitney Houston – Home (from the Merv Griffin show during the early part of his career. This was played by BET in their broadcast)
Whitney Houston – Jesus Loves Me (although not part of the funeral, this is where Whitney got her start at New Hope Baptist church)
This looks like a fun event to end a day this will surely be difficult for all of Whitney’s many fans. Kudos to Forrest Renaissance and all of the other organizers of this event that will surely be packed. We thoroughly endorse this. Well done gents!
Details:
Party Rebel, Forrest Renaissance, & Cass Maya
invite you to a Tribute Night Honoring
The Legendary WHITNEY HOUSTON
Saturday, February 18th, 2012
11PM doors
Music by DJ GoldFinger – www.twitter.com/djgoldfingernyc
Doors Open at 11 PM
Highline Ballroom
431 West 16th Street btw 9th and 10th avenues, NYC Directions
ask for FORREST RENAISSANCE’s GUESTLIST at the door for entry
On Saturday night we will honor Whitney’s eternal legacy with live performances by some of NYCs best female vocalists, plus the djing by one of NY’s finest selectors, plus we’ll get to see some of Whitney’s best videos.
This is an incredibly well put together obituary commemorating the life of Whitney Houston, who died last weekend in Beverly Hills. It is still hard to imagine that this woman and her incredible gift will be buried on Sunday in Westfield N.J.’s Fairview Cemetery. She will be laid to rest next to her father, John Russell Houston, who died in 2003.
We are still grief stricken at this loss and wish her family the upmost love and respect as they prepare for this extremely difficult moment.
This weekend, it looks like all the cool kids will be in Brooklyn…again! DJ Spinna is adding his spin on the recent departures of soul music legends, Don Cornelius and Whitney Houston. Check out the details of this event, which looks to be the bomb.
Here is more information:
Description:
In Celebration Of Black History Month
Don Cornelius & Homage To The SOUL TRAIN Legacy (35+ Years of SOUL Music on TV)
*Along with A Tribute Segment In Loving Memory Of WHITNEY HOUSTON -R.I.P.*
Location: Free Candy, 905 Atlantic Avenue (Bet St. James Place and Grand) Clinton Hill – BKNY
Directions: C Train to Clinton & Washington or Any Train to Atlantic Avenue (about 6/8 blocks away from Atlantic Ave Mall station)
Produced by: KeiStar Productions
Music by: DJ Spinna Doors: 10pm / Admission $10 (w) RSVP / 21+
Although we reported earlier that there would be a large public ceremony for Whitney Houston, who died this past weekend, we must now report that the decision has been made to have the service at her childhood church, New Hope Baptist Church , and will be by invitation only. According to the Associated Press:
the owner of the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark said Tuesday that there will be no public memorial at Newark’s Prudential Center, the sports arena that Houston’s family had discussed as a possible venue. The funeral service will be by invitation only, Carolyn Whigham said, reflecting the family’s desire to keep the memorial more personal.
Houston was born in Newark and began singing as a child at the New Hope Baptist Church, where her mother, Grammy-winning gospel singer Cissy Houston, led the music program for many years. Cousin Dionne Warwick also sang in its choir.
This weekend’s Grammy Awards saw a number of tributes and we expect this funeral will be a beautiful celebration to an incredible talent who will be sorely missed.
UPDATE
According to reliable sources, recently departed Whitney Houston’s body was flown from Los Angeles via private plane and is now at rest at a local funeral home in Newark. According to the same sources, Ms. Houston’s family is preparing to have the funeral at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Once we find the timing, we will report.
Prudential Center
165 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102
Newark, NJ 07102
Friday, February 17
Time: TBD Directions
Those who are in the know can recall not too long again when then radio host, Wendy Williams, would simply go in on Whitney Houston for some of the alleged (and later confirmed) drug usage. And to be honest, at that point, we were all wondering how America’s soul pop sweetheart could really be committing the kinds of actions that the tabloids exploited constantly during that time. Anyway, on today’s The Wendy Williams show, Wendy, who has since moved from radio to a daily syndicated talk show, spoke a bit about her relationship with Whitney.
She reveals that although she never met Whitney in person, she shared many of the demons that beleaguered the nearly departed diva. Given Wendy’s tears, her tribute and recollections certainly seem heartfelt. Judge for yourself.
Here is Wendy’s previous interview with Whitney from Jan 30, 2003: Part 1
RT @JayFingers: Tks sir! RT @DrPostALot Love the write up from @JayFingers @soulhead1 for @GhostfaceKillah http://t.co/S4GFo7Ggd4 #Salute @AdrianYounge3 days ago via web from DrPostALot
