Rick James
In the late 1970s, when the fortunes of Motown Records seemed to be flagging, Rick James came along and rescued the company, providing funky hits that updated the label’s style and saw it through into the mid-’80s. Actually, James had been with Motown earlier, though nothing had come of it. After growing up in Buffalo and running away to join the Naval Reserves, he left the Navy for Toronto, where he was in a band with future Buffalo Springfield members Neil Young and Bruce Palmer as well as Goldy McJohn, later of Steppenwolf. As the Mynah Birds, they signed to Motown and recorded, though no record was ever released. James had a journeyman’s career playing bass in various groups before signing again to Motown as an artist, songwriter, and producer. His first single, “You and I” (May 1978), topped the R&B charts and reached the pop Top 40. “Mary Jane” (September 1978) was another hit. Both were on James’ debut album, Come Get It! (June 1978), which went gold. Subsequent efforts were not as successful, though Bustin’ Out of L Seven (January 1979) featured the R&B hit “Bustin’ Out” (April 1979). James returned to form with the number one R&B hit “Give It to Me Baby” (March 1981), featured on the million-selling Street Songs (April 1981), which also included “Super Freak,” his first Top 20 pop hit since “You and I.” James turned his production attention to resuscitating the career of the Temptations, recently returned to Motown, and “Standing on the Top” (April 1982), credited to the Temptations featuring Rick James, was an R&B Top Ten hit. James’ follow-up to Street Songs was the gold-selling Throwin’ Down (May 1982), which featured the hit “Dance Wit’ Me.” The title song of Cold Blooded (August 1983) became James’ third R&B number one, and the album also featured his hit duet with Smokey Robinson, “Ebony Eyes.” James’ greatest-hits album Reflections (August 1984) featured the new track “17” (June 1984), which also became a hit. Glow (April 1985) contained Top Ten R&B singles in the title track and “Can’t Stop,” which was featured in the summer movie blockbuster Beverly Hills Cop. His ninth solo album, The Flag (June 1986), featured the R&B and dance charts hit “Sweet and Sexy Thing” (May 1986). James left Motown for the Reprise division of Warner Bros. Records as of the album Wonderful (July 1988), which featured the R&B chart-topper “Loosey’s Rap,” a collaboration with rapper Roxanne Shante. Nevertheless, his “punk funk” didn’t seem to rest comfortably with the trend toward rap/hip-hop. In 1989, James charted briefly with a medley of the Drifters hits “This Magic Moment” and “Dance With Me.” In 1990, MC Hammer scored a massive hit with “U Can’t Touch This,” which consisted of his rap over the instrumental track of “Super Freak.” That should have made for a career rebirth, but James was plagued by drug and legal problems that kept him from the recording studio. With the majority of his legal woes behind him, James returned in 1997 with Urban Rapsody, which didn’t yield any hits but was well accepted by critics. A stroke during a concert in 1998 led to his semi-retirement. Rick James died of a heart attack on August 6, 2004, at his Los Angeles home. ~ William Ruhlmann, Rovi
Read MoreJackson Browne
Jackson Browne is a distinguished artist known for his profound contributions to popular music through his exceptional songwriting and soul-stirring performances. His music is characterized by its literary depth, emotional intensity, and thought-provoking themes, setting a high standard in the realm of songwriting that resonates with honesty, passion, and personal convictions. In recognition of his remarkable impact on the music industry, Jackson Browne was rightfully welcomed into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, followed by his induction into the esteemed Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2007.
Born and raised in Southern California, Jackson Browne has established a permanent connection with his roots, shaping his identity as an artist deeply influenced by the rich cultural tapestry of the region. With a discography spanning over five decades, Browne’s musical journey began with the release of his debut album under David Geffen’s Asylum Records in 1972, leading to a prolific career that includes 14 studio albums, multiple live collections, and a variety of singles and compilations that showcase his enduring talent and creativity. His latest studio album, “Downhill From Everywhere,” launched worldwide on July 23, 2021, adding another jewel to his illustrious repertoire, captivating audiences with his timeless artistry and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
Beyond his musical achievements, Jackson Browne is a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation, human rights, and arts education, leveraging his platform to raise awareness and promote positive change. His involvement in key initiatives such as Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE), Nukefree.org, and Ocean Elders reflects his passionate activism and unwavering dedication to social causes. Browne’s impact transcends music, as evidenced by the numerous accolades and honors he has received over the years, including prestigious awards like the John Steinbeck Award and Duke University’s LEAF award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to environmental and social causes. Jackson Browne’s legacy as a musician and humanitarian continues to inspire generations, blending artistic brilliance with a profound commitment to creating a better world through his music and advocacy efforts.
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye, a legendary figure in American music during the 20th century, stood out for his unparalleled vocal talent and songwriting prowess. With a voice that ranged from angelic to seductive, Marvin Gaye delivered a string of timeless classics that defined his era, including hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “What’s Going On,” and “Let’s Get It On.” His versatile style spanned genres, blending gospel and cabaret to create the distinctive Motown sound in the early ’60s before evolving into soul music by the end of the decade. Despite facing personal struggles, Marvin Gaye’s artistry continued to resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
Born as Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. on April 2, 1939, in Washington, D.C., Marvin Gaye discovered his passion for music at an early age, finding solace in singing and playing musical instruments. After a brief stint in the U.S. Air Force, Gaye immersed himself in the vibrant music scene of Washington, D.C., becoming a prominent figure in the doo-wop genre. His journey led him to Detroit, where he caught the attention of Motown founder Berry Gordy, marking the beginning of his iconic career with hits like “Hitch Hike” and “Pride and Joy.” Over the years, Marvin Gaye’s sound evolved, culminating in groundbreaking albums like “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get It On,” solidifying his status as a music icon.
Sister Hazel
Originating from Gainesville, FL, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called ‘one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years’ by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Song ‘All for You’ topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and the success propelled their album to platinum status.
In their first showing on the country music charts in 2016, they made a strong debut with “Lighter In The Dark” at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #6 on Billboard Independent Albums chart, #30 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart and #79 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The band landed on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart again in 2016 with ‘Unplugged From Daryl’s House Club’ an acoustic album recorded in New York. Living up to their fan-centered reputation, the band hosts annual events like ‘Hazelnut Hang,’ that focuses on fan involvement and was a pioneer in themed cruise experiences by co-founding ‘The Rock Boat,’ a cruise featuring nonstop opportunities for fan/artist interaction. Sister Hazel has been equally attentive to connecting with their audience through social media. In addition to the events and touring, the band also gives back with ‘Lyrics For Life.’ Founded by singer Ken Block and the Band, the charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to benefit cancer research and patient-care charities.
Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett, known for his mellow country-rock style labeled ‘Gulf & Western,’ built a billion-dollar empire around his dream of coastal living in Florida. His charismatic albums in the 1970s showcased his warm melodicism, Caribbean influences, and humorous storytelling, with hits like ‘Come Monday,’ ‘A Pirate Looks at Forty,’ and ‘Margaritaville.’ Buffett’s fanbase extended beyond his loyal Parrot Heads, leading to a diverse business portfolio including restaurants and clothing lines. Despite his passing in 2023, his legacy lives on through his music and ventures.
Born in Mississippi and raised in Alabama, Buffett’s journey to fame saw him transition from Nashville to Key West, where his tropical folk-rock style took shape. His breakthrough with ‘Margaritaville’ and ‘Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes’ propelled him to pop stardom in the ’70s. Over the years, Buffett’s focus shifted to live performances, building a devoted following and expanding his brand with Margaritaville clubs and best-selling novels. His discography, marked by hits and successful ventures, reflects a legacy of a true island troubadour.
Natalie Merchant
Over her 40-year career Natalie Merchant has earned a place among America’s most respected recording artists and earned a reputation for being a songwriter of quality through her nine albums as a solo artist and six albums as the lead singer of the group 10,000 Maniacs with Elektra and Nonesuch Records. Merchant has toured extensively and collaborated with a diverse array of artists on stage and in the studio including: Billy Bragg, Philip Glass, David Byrne, The Chieftains, Tracy Chapman, Mavis Staples and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Though-out her entire career Merchant has been dedicated to supporting a variety of non-profit organizations by lending both financial support and raising public awareness. Scenic Hudson, Riverkeeper, Association to Benefit Children, The Fresh Air Fund,The Center for Constitutional Rights, Doctors Without Borders, Tibet House, Greenpeace, and Planned Parenthood are among the social justice groups to which she has been devoted.
In 2007 Merchant served a five-year term on New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). In 2013 she spearheaded an effort to stop the advance of hydraulic fracturing in New York State with a concert-protest film, Dear Governor Cuomo. Merchant used the same format to address the domestic violence crisis in the Hudson Valley with Shelter(2014).She is currently artist-in-residence with Head Start, developing a music and movement curriculum for pre-school aged children in The Hudson Valley.
Anna Nalick
Anna Nalick is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter from California, known for her exceptional talent in writing and producing her own music. Since 2010, Anna has been independently creating and releasing her music, demonstrating her versatility as an artist. Her journey began with the release of her debut studio album, ‘Wreck of the Day,’ under Sony/Columbia in 2004, which featured the chart-topping hit single ‘Breathe (2AM).’ This successful album propelled Anna Nalick into the spotlight at the young age of 19, leading to her first global tour and subsequent album, ‘Shine.’
In 2011, Anna Nalick took a bold step by releasing her first independent and co-produced album, titled ‘Broken Doll & Odds & Ends.’ This acoustic masterpiece surpassed all expectations, selling 30,000 copies within the first month. This achievement allowed Anna to pause her touring endeavors and pursue her passion for creative writing at UCLA. During her time at UCLA, she collaborated with esteemed playwrights and actors at Los Angeles Playhouse West, enriching her artistic journey. Subsequently, in 2014, Anna Nalick resumed touring and in 2017 completed her self-produced fourth album, ‘At Now,’ showcasing a blend of analog and digital production techniques.
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick, a legendary band known for their love of British guitar pop songcraft and crunching power chords, played a vital role in connecting ’60s pop, heavy metal, and punk music. Their unique sound became a blueprint for power pop and arena rock, influencing a generation of alternative and heavy metal bands in the ’80s and ’90s. Starting with their early albums in the late ’70s, Cheap Trick showcased highly melodic and well-written songs inspired by bands like the Beatles, the Who, and the Move. Their breakthrough came unexpectedly with the 1978 live album ‘At Budokan,’ leading to international success and a cult following.
The roots of Cheap Trick can be traced back to the late ’60s when Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson formed the band Fuse in Rockford, Illinois. After multiple transformations and lineup changes, Cheap Trick was officially born, featuring Bun E. Carlos on drums and vocalist Robin Zander. The band’s relentless touring schedule and energetic live performances solidified their reputation, opening for iconic bands like the Kinks, Kiss, Santana, AC/DC, and Queen. Despite facing challenges in the ’80s, Cheap Trick found commercial success with hits like ‘The Flame’ and persisted in their musical journey, releasing albums like ‘Rockford’ and ‘Bang, Zoom, Crazy… Hello.’ Their enduring sound and creative spirit were further recognized with inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Throughout their illustrious career, Cheap Trick navigated through highs and lows, experimenting with different sounds and lineups. From their remarkable early days to the revitalized era in the 2000s, the band continued to captivate audiences with their timeless music and electrifying performances. Cheap Trick’s resilience and ability to stay true to their rock roots have cemented their legacy as one of the most influential and enduring rock bands in music history, leaving an indelible mark on generations of music lovers worldwide.
Mike + The Mechanics
With its sci-fi theme and spaced-out keyboards, “Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground),” the first single by longtime Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford’s side project, Mike + the Mechanics, hinted at a return to the grainier early days of the prog rock giants. However, the bulk of the long-running band’s work, including “All I Need Is a Miracle” and the wistful 1989 number one hit eulogy “The Living Years,” revealed a melodic pop band firmly at home in an MTV world. Between the virtuosic riffs of Rutherford and moody, evocative vocals traded off between veterans Paul Carrack and Paul Young, Mike + the Mechanics formed one of the more refined pop acts of their day. The group went on hiatus periodically, and in 2010 returned with a pair of new vocalists, Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar.
While Phil Collins was pursuing his solo career in 1985, Genesis bassist and guitarist Mike Rutherford formed his own band. Featuring Rutherford (bass), former Ace and Squeeze member Paul Carrack (vocals, keyboards), ex-Sad Cafe member Paul Young (vocals), keyboardist Adrian Lee, and drummer Peter Van Hooke, the group released its self-titled first album late in 1985. The record produced two Top Ten hit singles, “Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)” and “All I Need Is a Miracle,” which both peaked on the charts in early 1986. Later that year, Rutherford returned to Genesis and Carrack revived his solo career.
Mike + the Mechanics didn’t release another album until 1988’s The Living Years. The record was a greater success than the first album, spawning the number one hit single “The Living Years.” After its release, the group was inactive for another few years, returning in 1991 with Word of Mouth, which failed to duplicate the success of its first two records. Four years later, Mike + the Mechanics released their fourth record, Beggar on a Beach of Gold, which was a moderate hit in the U.K. In the spring of 1996, Mike + the Mechanics released the greatest-hits collection Hits in Britain; M6 followed three years later. Young died of a heart attack on July 15, 2000. The band re-formed in 2004, releasing the all-new Rewired under the moniker Mike + the Mechanics featuring Paul Carrack.
Paula Cole
Paula Cole is a truth-teller, provocateur, feminist, rebel, and autobiographical writer who has been a driving force for personal honesty and social justice. With a unique ability to blend genres, she defies categorization and stands out as a singular artist. Rising to fame in the mid-’90s, Paula Cole made her mark with her critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Harbinger,’ and her collaborations with Peter Gabriel. She made history by becoming the first woman ever to be GRAMMY-nominated for “Best Producer” for her successful follow-up album, ‘This Fire.’ In 1997, her singles ‘I Don’t Want to Wait’ and ‘Where Have All The Cowboys Gone’ both reached the Top 20 on the charts. With a total of 7 GRAMMY nominations, Paula Cole secured the win for “Best New Artist” in 1998, solidifying her place in the music industry. Known for her captivating live performances, Paula Cole has built a dedicated fan base that continues to support her throughout her career.
Throughout her illustrious career, Paula Cole has collaborated with music icons such as Peter Gabriel, Dolly Parton, Missy Elliott, John Paul White, and Jason Isbell on acclaimed projects like ‘Secret World Live’ and ‘For the Birds.’ Additionally, Paula Cole played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking Lilith Fair, further establishing her influence and impact on the music scene. Her songwriting prowess is evident through the covers of her songs by artists like Herbie Hancock, THEY., Lissie, and HAIM, as well as their inclusion in hip hop samples and choir performances. Paula Cole’s fearless approach to pushing boundaries and creating unique music has set her apart as an artist with a visionary outlook. As she approaches the 30-year milestone since the release of ‘Harbinger,’ Paula Cole is gearing up to release her first album of all original songs in nearly a decade, promising an exciting new chapter in her musical journey accompanied by an extensive tour schedule in 2024.
Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony is a multi-talented singer, dancer, actor, songwriter, producer, and fashion designer. He is inarguably one of the world’s biggest pop stars, and the top-selling salsa artist of all time, considered the only rightful heir to the late Hector Lavoe’s throne. Anthony has sold tens of millions of recordings, won multiple Grammys, Latin Grammys, and dozens of other awards. Since releasing 1997’s Contra La Corriente, he’s regularly scored Top 200 albums and Top Ten Latin Albums that include 2007’s El Cantante, 2013’s 3.0, and 2019’s multi-platinum-certified Opus. As an actor he has appeared in starring and supporting roles in films including The Substitute, Big Night, and Blue in the Face. He starred as Lavoe in El Cantante, had a recurring role in the television series Hawthorne, and appeared in Broadway productions such as Paul Simon’s The Capeman. While rightfully regarded as one of the great salseros to emerge in the 20th century, he continues to innovate by embracing and exploring new directions and trends in Latin music and pop; he has employed tenets from hip-hop, electro, rock, soul, and trap, as on 2022’s Grammy- and Latin Grammy-winning Pa’llá Voy and 2024’s Muevense.
Instructed in music theory and composition by his father, Anthony (who was born in 1968 in New York City) grew up listening to Latin musicians including Rubén Blades, Hector Lavoe, and Willie Colón, and contemporary pop recordings by Air Supply and José Feliciano. At age 12, Anthony and his sister were discovered by David Harris, a producer of demos and commercials; Anthony was hired to sing background on several productions. His songwriting skills became evident, and an early composition, “Boy, I’ve Been Told,” became a Top 40 hip-hop hit for school friend Safire. Anthony subsequently sang background vocals on Safire’s debut album and on albums by the Latin Rascals and Menudo.
Teaming with producer and disc jockey Little Louie Vega, Anthony recorded his debut album, When the Night Is Over, in 1991. The Latin hip-hop-style album, which featured guest appearances by Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri, included the single “Ride on the Rhythm,” which reached the top slot on Billboard’s dance music charts. On November 22, 1991, Anthony was the opening act on a show at Madison Square Garden that celebrated Puente’s 100th album release. Anthony’s second album, Otra Nota (produced and arranged by Sergio George), was a better representation of his salsa roots and included the original tune “Juego o Amor.” Todo a Su Tiempo, released in 1995, was a continuation of Anthony’s collaboration with George.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were an American rock band formed in Gainesville, Florida, in 1976. The band originally comprised lead singer and rhythm guitarist Tom Petty, lead guitarist Mike Campbell, keyboardist Benmont Tench, drummer Stan Lynch, and bassist Ron Blair. In 1982, Blair, weary of the touring lifestyle, departed the band. His replacement, Howie Epstein, remained with the band for the next two decades. In 1991, Scott Thurston joined the band as a multi-instrumentalist, primarily on rhythm guitar and secondary keyboard. In 1994, Steve Ferrone replaced Lynch on drums. Blair returned to the Heartbreakers in 2002, the year before Epstein’s death. The band had a long string of hit singles, including ‘Breakdown,’ ‘American Girl’ (both 1976), ‘Refugee’ (1979), ‘The Waiting’ (1981), ‘Learning to Fly’ (1991), and ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance’ (1993), among many others, that stretched over several decades of work.
Although Petty was insistent that the band’s musical style be referred to as simply rock and roll, the Heartbreakers’ music was characterized as both Southern rock and heartland rock, cited alongside artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, and John Mellencamp as progenitors of the latter genre, which arose in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While the heartland rock movement waned in the 1990s, the band remained active and popular, touring regularly until Petty’s death in 2017, after which the Heartbreakers disbanded. Their final studio album, Hypnotic Eye, was released in 2014. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, their first year of eligibility. Although most of their material was produced and performed under the name ‘Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers,’ Petty released three solo albums, the most successful of which was Full Moon Fever (1989). In these releases, some members of the band contributed as collaborators, producing and performing as studio musicians.