Nena
Nena, the renowned pop star from Germany, emerged in 1982 with unparalleled success, notably with the hit “99 Luftballons” in 1984. Born Nena Kerner, she started her musical journey as a vocalist for the Stripes before forming her band, Nena, in Berlin. The band’s debut single, “Nur Geträumt,” skyrocketed to number one after their TV debut in 1982, marking the beginning of Nena’s musical legacy.
Despite the band’s eventual breakup in 1987, Nena continued her solo career from 1989, composing her songs and collaborating with talented musicians as co-authors. Her solo tours, starting in 1993, were intermittent due to pregnancies but resumed in 1997 with a mix of US and German backing musicians. Known for her blend of melodic vocals and diverse rock styles, Nena’s music captivated audiences ranging from children to rock enthusiasts, paving the way for her enduring success throughout the ’90s and beyond.
Nena’s resilience and versatility shone through her discography, from the acclaimed 2002 album celebrating her 20th anniversary to the platinum-selling records in 2005 and beyond. Her ability to connect with different generations through a blend of new wave, punk, and modern electronic music solidified her position as a musical icon. With numerous successful albums and live performances, Nena’s influence continues to resonate in the music industry, transcending borders and genres with her timeless sound.
The Proclaimers
As the Proclaimers, identical twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid rose to global success in the late ’80s, playing a charismatic amalgam of rock, folk, soul, and country sung in close brotherly harmony and proudly bearing their thick Scottish accents. Cutting their teeth first as an acoustic duo, they added a band for 1988’s Sunshine on Leith, and landed a worldwide hit with the wildly catchy “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” an enduring song that charted again five years later in the U.S. thanks to its inclusion on the soundtrack to the movie Benny & Joon. Over the next few decades, the Reids maintained consistent chart success with career highlights like 1994’s Hit the Highway, 2007’s Life with You, and 2018’s Angry Cyclist, becoming a well-established live act around the world with a reputation for fiery, soulful performances. Their music has been featured in numerous films including Shrek, The Commitments, Bottle Rocket, Dumb and Dumber, and Pitch Perfect as well as inspiring a 2007 stage musical called Sunshine on Leith, based on their songs. Returning to work in 2022, the Proclaimers delivered the punchy and political Dentures Out.
Craig and Charlie Reid were born on March 5, 1962 in Leith, the working-class port district just north of Edinburgh which they would later immortalize on their second album. Growing up in Edinburgh, Cornwall, and the Fife town Auchtermuchty, they listened to early rock & roll and country, gravitating toward artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Hank Williams. After playing in various punk bands during their school years, they formed the Proclaimers in 1983 and quickly developed a regional fan base with a particularly devoted following in Inverness. As an acoustic duo singing Everly Brothers-style harmonies in the mid-’80s, the Proclaimers were certainly outliers, but a 1986 tour with the Housemartins helped win them a coveted spot on the Channel Four pop program The Tube, where their dynamic performance of early singles “Letter from America” and “Throw the R Away” effectively introduced them to the U.K. at large.
They were quickly signed to Chrysalis and their minimalist songs were cut live to tape by producer John Williams, resulting in 1987’s This Is the Story. The sparse but spirited arrangements solely featured Craig on hand percussion and Charlie on acoustic six- and 12-string guitars, with both brothers belting out their trademark, thickly accented harmonies. A full-band version of their emigration song, “Letter from America,” recorded by Gerry Rafferty, became a number three hit single in November of that year and was subsequently added to the album’s playlist alongside its original acoustic version. The Proclaimers’ 1988 follow-up, Sunshine on Leith, featured a more polished, rock-driven, full-band sound and yielded three of their best-known and enduring songs, which helped it go platinum in the U.K.
Level 42
At the beginning of their career, Level 42 was squarely a jazz-funk fusion band, contemporaries of fellow Brit funk groups like Atmosfear, Light of the World, Incognito, and Beggar & Co. By the end of the ’80s, however, the band — whose music was instantly recognizable from Mark King’s thumb-slap bass technique and associate member Wally Badarou’s synthesizer flourishes — had crossed over to the point where they were often classified as sophisti-pop and dance-rock, equally likely to be placed in the context of Sade and the Style Council as was any group that made polished, upbeat, danceable pop/rock. The band’s commercial peak came with 1985’s World Machine, but they continued to record and tour sporadically throughout the ’90s and 2000s.
Featuring Mark King (bass, vocals), Phil Gould (drums), Boon Gould (guitar), and Mike Lindup (keyboards), the band formed in 1979. Before they released their first single, “Love Meeting Love,” the group was pushed to add vocals to their music in order to give it a more commercial sound; they complied, with King becoming the lead singer. Released in 1981, their self-titled debut album was a slick soul-R&B collection that charted in the U.K. Top 20, resulting in the release of The Early Tapes. Level 42 had several minor hit singles before 1984’s “The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)” hit the British Top Ten. 1985’s World Machine broke the band worldwide when “Something About You” hit number seven in America. Their next two records, Running in the Family (1987) and Staring at the Sun (1988), were big successes in the U.K., with the former’s single “Lessons in Love” hitting number one. Both of the Gould brothers left the band in late 1987; they were replaced by guitarist Alan Murphy and drummer Gary Husband. Murphy died of an AIDS-related illness in 1989; he was replaced by the renowned fusion guitarist Alan Holdsworth for 1991’s Guaranteed. The band followed Guaranteed in 1995 with Forever Now.
Throughout the remainder of the ‘90s and the 2000s, the band’s lineup fluctuated, with King the lone constant and his brother, guitarist Nathan King, on board since 2001. Level 42 released a studio album, Retroglide, in 2006. Four years later, the band celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special tour as well as a box set, Living It Up, which included a disc of fresh acoustic versions recorded by Mark King and Lindup. 2010 also saw Husband leave the band once again, to be replaced by Pete Ray Biggin. The group continued to tour over the next few years before releasing new material in 2013 in the form of the EP Sirens. Supporting the release with an extensive tour of the U.K. and Europe, the group also recorded the live release The Sirens Tour at their stop in London in 2015. Level 42 continued to tour into 2016 with performances at festivals across Europe and South America. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin, one of the most prominent Latin artists in history, has made a name for himself as a versatile singer and actor with a distinctive style of pop music. Starting his career as the lead vocalist of the popular boy band Menudo, Martin quickly rose to fame and ventured into acting, earning recognition in both the Mexican film industry and American television. It was his English-language album ‘Ricky Martin’ in 1999 that catapulted him to global stardom, driven by chart-topping hits like ‘Livin’ la Vida Loca’ and ‘She’s All I Ever Had.’ Apart from his musical success, Martin founded the Ricky Martin Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to humanitarian efforts. Throughout his career, he has released several platinum albums, including ‘Sound Loaded,’ ‘Life,’ and the Grammy-winning ‘A Quien Quiera Escuchar.’ In recent years, he has continued to shine on the music scene, with notable releases like the ‘Pausa’ and ‘Play’ EPs that topped the Billboard Latin charts.
Born on December 24, 1971, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ricky Martin showed early talents in singing and acting, performing in school plays and television commercials from a young age. At just 12 years old, he joined Menudo, marking the beginning of his musical journey. Following his departure from Menudo, Martin pursued his education before returning to the entertainment industry with the release of his self-titled debut album in 1991. Collaborating with artists like Robi Rosa, Martin achieved considerable success in the Latin music scene, leading to his superstar status in Latin America with albums like ‘Me Amarás.’ His career expanded to acting, with notable roles in soap operas and on Broadway, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Martin’s international breakthrough came with the release of his first English-language album ‘Ricky Martin’ in 1999, which solidified his status as a pop icon with hit songs that topped global charts.
Howie Day
Howie Day’s emotionally resonant lyrics and inventive melodies have earned him both critical praise and a legion of devoted fans. He is known for his energetic, heartfelt shows, where he connects with audiences through the strength of his songwriting and his quirky sense of humor. He has achieved hundreds of millions of streams, over a million record sales, and two Top 10 radio hits.
A native of Bangor, Maine, Day wrote, financed and released his first effort, Australia. The Boston Globe called Day “gorgeously seasoned, far beyond his years.” Day began experimenting with effects pedals and loop-sampling techniques as he performed, layering live percussion with vocals and guitar riffs to become a veritable one-man band. After signing with Epic Records, his major-label debut, Stop All The World Now, was certified gold in the U.S. and spawned two Top 10 radio hits: “She Says” and the platinum single “Collide.” His next release, Sound the Alarm, delved into Day’s journey from indie wunderkind to platinum-selling artist.
After leaving Epic and relocating to New York, Day toured North America, Australia and Asia. New songs began emerging that would become his fourth full-length album, Lanterns. Recorded in Boston with producer and longtime friend Mike Denneen, it’s awash with warm musicality and unique instrumentation–also featuring guest vocals from Aimee Mann. Day currently resides in Seattle and is touring celebrating the 20 year anniversary of his debut album, Australia.
Howard Jones
Howard, the renowned artist, recently showcased his exceptional talent at the prestigious O2 Arena in London. Captivating the audience with his mesmerizing performance, Howard is now in the process of crafting a captivating live album from the show. Fans can look forward to experiencing the magic of his music as the album is set to release alongside his much-anticipated North America tour scheduled for August/September 2024. Stay updated for more touring details and exclusive information via Howard’s official website: http://www.howardjones.com/. Your support and listenership are greatly appreciated. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and enrich your musical journey with Howard.
Read MoreCommodores
Renowned for the R&B hits “Just to Be Close to You,” “Easy,” and “Brickhouse,” to name but a few, Commodores were one of the top bands during their long tenure at Motown. The group is credited with seven number one songs and a host of other Top Ten hits on the Billboard charts, and their vast catalog includes more than 50 albums. The members of Commodores, all of whom attended Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, came together as a result of two groups disbanding: the Mystics and the Jays. Initially formed to simply play music as a pastime and to meet girls, the lineup consisted of William King (trumpet), Thomas McClary (guitar), Ronald LaPread (bass), Walter “Clyde” Orange (drums), Lionel Richie (saxophone), and Milan Williams (keyboards). The members nearly went stir-crazy trying to pick a name for the group, but with no success. As a last resort, Oran…
Read MoreChumbawamba
Chumbawamba, the anarchist pop group from Burnley, England, was a remarkable mainstream success story despite their initial obscurity and anti-stardom stance. Formed in 1982, the band gained international fame with the 1997 hit single ‘Tubthumping,’ marking their peak in commercial success. Comprised of Dunstan Bruce, Alice Nutter, Lou Watts, Harry Hamer, and Mavis Dillon, Chumbawamba became known for their politically charged albums and benefit concerts for anti-Thatcher causes and campaigns, often facing police interference.
Their debut LP in 1986, ‘Pictures of Starving Children Sell Records: Starvation, Charity and Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ challenged media limelight principles, setting the tone for their rebellious career. Over the years, the band experimented with folk music, sampling, and controversial covers, sparking debates within their fan base. Despite signing with major label EMI in 1997, Chumbawamba continued to advocate for anarchism and anti-corporation ideals, with their music carrying strong social and political messages. Throughout their career, the band released a range of albums, from politically charged hits like ‘Amnesia’ to acoustic folk-inspired works like ‘The Boy Bands Have Won,’ showcasing their diverse musical evolution before disbanding in 2012.
Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams is a versatile artist known for her impeccably rendered adult contemporary ballads, with a successful career in music, television, and film. She first gained fame as the first Black woman crowned Miss America, leading to roles in acting and music. Her debut album, ‘The Right Stuff,’ featuring Grammy-nominated hits like ‘The Right Stuff’ and ‘Dreamin’,’ set the stage for a string of successes in the pop, dance, and R&B charts. Subsequent albums like ‘The Comfort Zone’ and ‘The Sweetest Days’ garnered critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations, with chart-topping singles like ‘Save the Best for Last’ and ‘Colors of the Wind’.
Born in the Bronx in 1963, Vanessa’s passion for music was rooted in her upbringing with music teacher parents. Despite facing challenges early in her career, such as the Penthouse scandal during her Miss America reign, Vanessa pursued her love for music and acting. Her career saw a resurgence with albums like ‘Everlasting Love’ and ‘The Real Thing,’ leading to a successful transition into television roles, including the award-winning ‘Ugly Betty.’ Vanessa’s comeback to music in 2024 with ‘Survivor’ showcased her versatility with a blend of different genres and collaborations, proving her enduring talent and creativity in the entertainment industry.
Philip Bailey
Renowned for his zestful falsetto, Philip Bailey emerged in the early 1970s as the four-octave counterpart to Maurice White in Earth, Wind & Fire. Bailey co-wrote some of EW&F’s earliest hits, such as “Evil” and “Shining Star,” and expanded into production by the end of the ’70s. Alongside Earth, Wind & Fire, Bailey embarked on a solo career in the ’80s, exploring R&B, jazz, gospel, and pop genres with hits like “Easy Lover” and Grammy-winning releases like Triumph and Love Will Find a Way.
Born Philip Irvin Bailey, he began singing in church in Denver and later joined Earth, Wind & Fire after opening for them with his band Friends & Love. Bailey played a crucial role in the band’s success, co-writing signature songs like “Shining Star” and gaining acclaim for his electrifying live performances. Apart from his contributions to Earth, Wind & Fire, Bailey also pursued solo ventures, releasing albums across different genres and collaborating with industry icons like Phil Collins and Nile Rodgers.
Throughout the ’90s and beyond, Bailey continued to balance his solo career with group activities. With multiple Grammy nominations and successful albums like Chinese Wall and Triumph, Bailey solidified his reputation as a versatile artist. Inducted into prestigious halls of fame, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Bailey remains a celebrated figure in the music industry, with his 11th solo album, Love Will Find a Way, topping the Jazz Albums chart in 2019.
Go West
Guitarist Richard Drummie and vocalist Peter Cox formed the duo Go West. Backed by the likes of Austrian keyboardist/producer Peter Wolf and a cast of West Coast studio musicians, they’ve produced several albums of high energy dance pop. Although their 1985 debut was a polished set that produced two Top 40 singles (“We Close Our Eyes” and “Don’t Look Down”), their biggest hit was “King of Wishful Thinking” from the Pretty Woman soundtrack. Scott Bultman, Rovi
Read MoreT’Pau
T’Pau, the band formed in 1986, revolves around the talented vocalist Carol Decker, born on September 10, 1957. The group also comprises guitarist Ronnie Rogers (born March 13, 1959), keyboard player Michael Chetwood (born August 26, 1954), bassist Paul Jackson (born August 8, 1961), and drummer Tim Burgess (born October 6, 1961). Initially signed with Virgin’s Siren subsidiary, T’Pau’s debut single, ‘Heart and Soul,’ released in early 1987, garnered limited attention at first. However, after its feature in a Pépe jeans commercial, the track soared to a Top Five position on both sides of the Atlantic. Their first album, Bridge of Spies (known as T’Pau in the U.S.), swiftly claimed the number one spot in England. Following successful singles from the album, T’Pau toured with Bryan Adams and Nik Kershaw, expanding their lineup with guitarist Dean Howard for the second album, Rage, in 1988. Despite reaching number four on the UK chart, the album’s successor, The Promise, achieved only modest success by barely entering the Top Ten in 1991. After a final tour, T’Pau disbanded, prompting Carol Decker to pursue a solo career. In 1998, Decker revived T’Pau with fresh members and released the album Red. Celebrating the 25th anniversary in 2013, Decker and Rogers reunited for a UK tour, continuing to headline shows and festivals across the UK and Europe.
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