Darnell Meyers-Johnson is a music journalist based in New Jersey. His writing career began in the early 90s writing a music column, "The Rhythm Section", for the now defunct publication, The Nubian News. Most recently, he served as writer and Editorial Coordinator for SoulMusic.com. He has interviewed a wide range of artists from established legends (George Duke, Philip Bailey) to more contemporary acts (Anthony Hamilton, Noel Gourdin). When not conducting interviews or writing liner notes, Darnell likes to sing in the shower and enjoys sharing opinions and interests with his readers on Facebook. He also hosts a weekly radio show, Vocal About Jazz, every Saturday from Noon - 2pm EST on JazzOn2.org. var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-38001555-1']); _gaq.push(['_setDomainName', 'tumblr.com']); _gaq.push(['_setAllowLinker', true]); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();
NEW MUSIC! / "Then There's You" by Marie Osmond featuring Alex Boye!
Marie Osmond (yes THAT Marie Osmond) released the video for her new single "Then There's You" on YouTube Thursday.
It's Osmond's first presence on the video hosting service Vevo and the first single from her upcoming album MUSIC IS MEDICINE. The video was recorded at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.
The song features internet sensation and America's Got Talent contestant Alex Boye, a London born Nigerian singer and actor.
Have you ever wondered what Usher's top 10 songs were? Neither did we. However the good folks at WatchMojo.com gave it a lot of thought and came up with this list they posted on YouTube Friday.
The full unedited video was posted back in August 2015. You can peep that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFmZ3pkkqVY
Pictured is Aretha Franklin winning her 5th consecutive Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance Female for "Bridge Over Troubled Water" on March 14, 1972. She would go on to win in this category for the next three years.
Franklin has the most nominations (23) and the most wins (11) in this category which was discontinued in 2011.
Dancer/choreographer/Britain's Got Talent finalist and YouTube sensation, Yanis Marshall returned to the latter vehicle with a routine to Beyonce's latest hit "Formation" yesterday.
He was giving one of his world-popular dance classes in Brazil.
We're a fan of Marshall's so we already know what we're going to get with him: the high heels, the quick isolated arm movements, the old school basketball shorts, the posing, the prancing, the rolling on the floor...and all things campy and homoerotic.
So why were we not really feeling this?
At one point a little girl comes on screen and while it's nice to see someone so young interested in dance, we don't want to see a little girl booty-popping. It didn't feel age appropriate.
Marshall certainly has signature moves and maybe that was part of the problem too. Nothing looked new and refreshing, just the same-ole, same-ole. We get it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But you can update it and add to it.
And lastly, his fun version of campy veered off into slutty/pervy territory: backing his ass up into the crowd, shaking his crotch in another dancer's face, simulated dick riding, exposed ass cheeks. Again, we're a fan of his work, but this came off as a lot extra. Perhaps that's how they like it in Brazil.
Our favorite former Miss America, singer/actress Vanessa Williams stopped by the Wendy Williams show to discuss her recent marriage, new clothing line and starring role in Star Jones' upcoming series "Satan's Sisters" yesterday.
Sadly, there was no mention of new music.
Enjoy!
D.
Interview with legendary record producer Arif Mardin about working with Norah Jones, the Bee Gees, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and other artists.
Happy Birthday Arif Mardin!
The Meyers Music Report sends happy birthday wishes out to the memory of noted producer/arranger Arif Mardin.
His long list of credits read like a who's who of music: Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, Norah Jones, Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, The Bee Gees, Bette Midler, Hall & Oates, Jeffrey Osborne, Anita Baker...
The list never ends.
Mardin passed away in June 2006 of pancreatic cancer. A year before he gave one of his final interviews to Dale Kawashima for www.SongwriterUniverse.com.
On this day in music history, March 15, 1973, Roberta Flack scored her second number one hit with "Killing Me Softly With His Song" from her album KILLING ME SOFTLY.
The tune would earn Flack two Grammy awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female and Record Of The Year. She won the latter award the previous year for "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", making her the first artist to triumph in that category for two consecutive years.
"Killing Me Softly With His Song" was written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel. It was first recorded by Lori Lieberman in 1971.
Enjoy!
:-)
Jazz singer and songwriter Maysa will be celebrating a few milestones this year. 2016 marks her 25th year in the music business and in August she will celebrate her 50th birthday.
"There are going to be celebrations all over the world this year into February 2017, so I hope to see you soon!" - Maysa
To stay updated on all of Maysa's appearances, releases and business ventures feel free to visit her official website www.Maysa.com.
Enjoy!
:-)
Our show no longer has a station home, but I felt like doing another one for you. So if you want some vocal jazz in your life this afternoon feel free to give this a listen.
Lena Horne is in the 4-play spotlight and a mini blues segment is up on the second hour.
Were you ever curious about how Donatella Versace and Mariah Carey became close friends? Me either.
Were you aching to know Donatella's favorite tracks from Mariah's new album ME. I AM MARIAH...THE ELUSIVE CHANTEUSE? Me either.
But for anyone interested, Donatella shared this info with the current edition of British Vogue online. You can check it out here: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2014/06/24/donatella-versace-reviews-mariah-carey-you-dont-know-what-to-do
The Meyers Music Report sends congrats to one of your favorites, Kelly Clarkson on the birth of a daughter she named River Rose. Clarkson and hubby Brandon Blackstock welcomed the addition to their family on Thursday, June 12. It is the first child for Clarkson who skyrocketed to fame as the winner of American Idol’s first season. Blackstock, the stepson of country legend Reba McEntire, has two other daughters from a previous marriage.
The Meyers Music Report sends Happy Birthday love out to the one and only Boy George.
George showed up on our radar in a huge way back in the early ‘80s as the front man for the group Culture Club when their third single “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” became a global radio hit.
A long list of hits would follow for the group but George’s drug addiction, as well as his reported (and initially denied) failed romance with drummer Jon Moss were contributing factors to the band’s demise.
After many legal woes, including a conviction for falsely imprisoning and beating a male companion in 2009, George emerged last year with a new solo album, KING OF EVERYTHING.
