David Bowie
David Bowie, one of the legendary figures of the rock & roll era, defied conventional labels throughout his illustrious career, seamlessly blending artistry with mainstream appeal and pushing musical boundaries. Bowie’s journey began in the 1960s as he ventured into various genres like British blues, mod rock & roll, and elaborate pop before capturing the spotlight with his hippie singer/songwriter persona. His breakthrough came with the iconic ‘Space Oddity’ in 1969, followed by the flamboyant glam-rock character Ziggy Stardust, setting the stage for a decade of genre-bending experimentation with collaborators like Brian Eno and Nile Rodgers. Achieving superstardom with ‘Let’s Dance,’ Bowie continued to reinvent himself, merging hard rock and art influences in the 1990s, culminating in the poignant ‘Blackstar’ released on his birthday in 2016, shortly before his untimely passing.
Born as David Jones, the music prodigy embarked on his musical journey at just 13, mastering the saxophone during his school years. After stepping into the music scene, he performed with several bands and eventually rebranded himself as David Bowie in 1966. Embracing experimentation, Bowie joined forces with talents like Marc Bolan and Michael ‘Woody’ Woodmansey, weaving intricate narratives through albums like ‘The Man Who Sold the World’ and ‘Hunky Dory.’ It was during this period that Bowie unveiled his iconic alter ego Ziggy Stardust, captivating audiences with his androgynous, otherworldly persona. The rise of Ziggy marked a turning point in Bowie’s career, propelling him to international fame and critical acclaim that transcended borders and genres.
Pretenders
The Pretenders recently released their highly-anticipated new studio album ‘Relentless’. Titled as a testament to their enduring musical journey, this album features a captivating blend of tracks that showcase the band’s signature sound and evolution. Standout singles like ‘Let The Sun Come In’, ‘A Love’, and ‘I Think About You Daily’ have already garnered widespread acclaim, setting the stage for an immersive listening experience that resonates with fans across the globe.
Read MoreINXS
INXS originated from the vibrant pub scene of Australia, setting them apart from the new wave genre. Despite their early ventures into synth-pop, the band retained a strong, Stonesy beat and the Jagger-esque charisma of their lead vocalist, Michael Hutchence. These distinctive elements propelled INXS to global stardom in the late ’80s, culminating in the massive success of their 1987 album Kick. However, their signature sound became a double-edged sword, confining them to a narrow style that clashed with the rising popularity of edgier alternative rock in the early ’90s. The tragic death of Hutchence in 1997 marked the end of an era for the band.
Formed around the Farriss Brothers, INXS emerged from a family musical background, particularly the collaboration between Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence during their high school years. The band solidified with the addition of members like Gary Beers, Tim Farriss, and Kirk Pengilly, ultimately transforming into INXS in 1979. Their early successes in Australia paved the way for a U.S. contract with Atco Records, leading to breakthrough albums like Shabooh Shoobah and Listen Like Thieves. However, it was the release of Kick in 1987 that elevated INXS to international fame, with hit singles like “Need You Tonight” and “Never Tear Us Apart” dominating the charts.
The zenith of their career with Kick not only catapulted Michael Hutchence to iconic status but also positioned INXS as one of the premier bands of the late ’80s. Despite subsequent albums like X and Welcome to Wherever You Are, the band struggled to recapture their earlier success, facing challenges both creatively and commercially. The tragic loss of Hutchence in 1997 marked a pivotal moment for INXS, leading to a series of transitions, including the arrival of new frontmen like J.D. Fortune and the end of extensive touring by 2012. The band’s enduring legacy is commemorated through various media, including a miniseries and a documentary showcasing the life and music of the enigmatic Michael Hutchence.
DNCE
DNCE was a popular American dance-rock band formed in 2015. The talented lineup included lead singer Joe Jonas, drummer Jack Lawless, and guitarist JinJoo Lee, with bassist and keyboardist Cole Whittle also part of the original formation. DNCE’s music style encompassed dance-rock, dance-pop, pop rock, and funk-pop genres, showcasing their versatility and appeal to a wide audience. Republic Records recognized their potential and signed the band, leading to the release of their breakout single, ‘Cake by the Ocean,’ in September 2015. This hit song not only reached the top 10 on various music charts but also earned DNCE critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Following their successful debut, DNCE continued to make waves in the music industry with the release of their EP ‘Swaay’ in October 2015 and their self-titled debut album in November 2016. Their musical journey included the launch of a second EP, ‘People to People,’ in June 2018, showcasing their growth and evolution as artists. The group’s achievements were recognized through nominations for prestigious awards like the Kids’ Choice Awards and Radio Disney Music Awards, highlighting their impact on popular culture. Despite taking a hiatus in 2018, DNCE made a triumphant return in February 2022 with their collaboration with Kygo on the track ‘Dancing Feet,’ proving that their music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. While the band temporarily went back on hiatus in mid-2023, their legacy in the music industry remains strong, leaving a lasting impact on fans and fellow musicians alike.
Wyclef Jean
The music that Wyclef Jean has written, performed, and produced — both as a solo superstar and as founder and guiding member of the Fugees — has been a consistently powerful, pop cultural force for over two decades. In 1996, the Fugees released their monumental album The Score. As a solo artist, Wyclef has released seven albums that have sold nearly nine million copies worldwide, including his 1997 debut The Carnival and 2000’s aptly titled The Eclectic: 2 Sides II a Book. Jean’s 2017 studio album, Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugee, his first in eight years, was released on Sept. 15, 2017. The album was named one of the “25 Most Anticipated Albums” of the fall by Billboard Magazine that year. In November 2017, Wyclef also released a mixtape, entitled, “Inspired By…” that paid tribute to the music that inspired him that year. The project received high acclaim from critics and fans alike. In December 2017, Wyclef wrote and performed a song, “Dimelo,” along with X-Factor winners, Rak-Su. The song rose to the top of the charts in less than a week in the UK. Wyclef recently released his newest project, Wyclef Goes Back to School, a collaboration with students he met while touring the United States and visiting colleges across the country, which features singles “Demons Enjoy,” “Baba” and “Faded Butterfly.
Read MoreEnrique Iglesias
The artist, a talented singer-songwriter, is renowned for their exceptional ability to craft soulful music that resonates with audiences worldwide. With a captivating voice and impressive songwriting skills, they have established themselves as a prominent figure in the music industry. Their passion for music shines through in every performance, captivating listeners with heartfelt lyrics and uplifting melodies. The artist’s unique style and genuine artistry have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following of fans who admire their authenticity and creativity.
Known for their soul-stirring performances and meaningful lyrics, the artist has a gift for connecting with listeners on a profound level. Their songs touch the hearts of many, delving into themes of love, life, and personal experiences. Through their music, the artist shares stories that resonate with people from all walks of life, creating a sense of unity and emotional connection. Their talent and dedication to their craft have earned them a reputation as a versatile and influential artist whose music transcends genres and generations, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and listeners alike.
Steve Perry
Steve Perry, the iconic singer, songwriter, and powerhouse vocalist, rose to fame as the lead singer of arena rock legends Journey. His dynamic range and instantly recognizable warm tone dominated the rock music scene from 1977 to 1987, with timeless hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and “Lights” etching their place in classic rock history. Perry’s journey continued with solo success, including the platinum-selling debut “Street Talk” in 1984, followed by “For the Love of Strange Medicine” a decade later. After a hiatus, Perry made a triumphant return to music in 2018 with the release of his third studio album, Traces, followed by the delightful Christmas collection, The Season, in 2021.
Born as Stephen Ray Perry in Hanford, California, on January 22, 1949, Steve Perry’s early life was rooted deeply in music aspirations. Transitioning from working at his stepfather’s turkey ranch in Lemoore, Perry’s journey to stardom led him to Los Angeles at the age of 18, where he immersed himself in the music scene. Despite setbacks and a temporary retreat from music, Perry’s destiny took a new turn when approached by Journey’s manager, Herbie Herbert, marking the beginning of his legendary tenure with the band. The evolution of Journey’s sound under Perry’s lead vocals paved the way for monumental success, with hit albums like “Infinity,” “Evolution,” and “Departure.” Perry’s solo endeavors also made waves, with his album “Street Talk” resonating with audiences and setting the stage for his enduring impact on rock music history.
While Journey’s popularity soared with chart-topping albums like “Escape” and “Frontiers,” Perry’s musical journey took him on a solo path with releases like “Raised on Radio.” Despite challenges and a period of silence, Perry’s resilience shone through as he returned to the spotlight with new music ventures, culminating in the heartfelt album “Traces” in 2018. Perry’s passion for music and unwavering dedication to his artistry continue to inspire fans worldwide, making him a true legend in the realm of rock music.
Gloria Gaynor
2x GRAMMY Award winner Gloria Gaynor’s legendary career spans five hit-filled decades as a global music icon. With the world facing unimaginable challenges in 2020 due to Covid19, Gloria helped usher in 2021 by singing her global anthem, “I Will Survive,” in New York City’s Times Square, honoring first responders and essential workers. Her performance was streamed around the world to a global audience of billions.
Gloria continues to write and record new music. Her recent work in Nashville with the GRAMMY® winning team delivered her new album, “TESTIMONY.” It received rave reviews and debuted in the Top 5 of the BILLBOARD Top Gospel Albums Chart, Top 3 on the iTunes Gospel Chart and Top 20 on the Amazon Overall Album Chart. The album received two GRAMMY® nominations for Best Roots Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance / Song for Gloria’s duet with Yolanda Adams on the song, “Talkin’ ‘Bout Jesus.” Gloria took home the Best Roots Gospel GRAMMY® at the 2020 Award Ceremony. Gloria also headlined the 2020 GRAMMY® Celebration.
Gloria is active on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok) as @GloriaGaynor on all these platforms. Gloria recently launched her YouTube channel bit.ly/YOUTUBEGG and it just surpassed 100k subscribers. She also just launched her, “I WILL SURVIVE by Gloria Gaynor,” Merch by Amazon at https://www.GloriaGaynorShop.com featuring inspirational designs on a wide range of clothing and accessories.
Jewel
Jewel Kilcher, commonly known as Jewel, is a renowned American singer-songwriter born on May 23, 1974. With a remarkable career, Jewel has garnered four Grammy Award nominations and has achieved global success with over 30 million albums sold as of 2021. Originating from Homer, Alaska, Jewel’s musical journey began early in her life, singing and yodeling alongside her father, Atz Kilcher, a local musician. At the age of fifteen, she earned a partial scholarship to the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, focusing on operatic voice training. Following her education, she ventured into writing and performing at various venues in San Diego, California. Her breakthrough came when Atlantic Records signed her based on the local buzz, leading to the release of her debut album, ‘Pieces of You,’ in 1995. The album quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the best-selling debut albums ever, achieving 12-times platinum status. Notably, her singles like ‘Who Will Save Your Soul,’ ‘You Were Meant for Me,’ and ‘Foolish Games’ climbed the charts and received accolades on Billboard’s year-end charts.
Continuing her musical journey, Jewel released her subsequent albums, ‘Spirit’ in 1998 and ‘This Way’ in 2001. With the release of ‘0304’ in 2003, Jewel embraced a new sound, incorporating electronic elements and dance-pop vibes, a departure from her folk-oriented style. In 2008, she ventured into country music with the release of ‘Perfectly Clear,’ which debuted at the top of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The album featured hit singles like ‘Stronger Woman,’ ‘I Do,’ and ”Til It Feels Like Cheating.’ Jewel’s versatility extended beyond music into writing and acting, showcasing her talents across different artistic mediums. In 1998, she published a collection of poetry and made her acting debut in Ang Lee’s Western film ‘Ride with the Devil’ in 1999, earning critical acclaim for her performance. Recently, in 2021, Jewel captivated audiences as she emerged as the winner of the sixth season of ‘The Masked Singer’ under the persona of the Queen of Hearts, further solidifying her multifaceted artistic prowess and enduring legacy.
Gnarls Barkley
The collaboration with Gnarls Barkley didn’t just put Danger Mouse, also known as Brian Burton, on the British charts for the first time; it also marked his successful debut as a hit record producer. Danger Mouse initially caught the attention of discerning music enthusiasts with his creation of The Grey Album, a bootleg project that blended the vocals from Jay-Z’s The Black Album with music samples from the Beatles’ The White Album. Despite facing a cease-and-desist order from the label, Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz recognized Burton’s talent and engaged him to produce beats for Gorillaz’s album, Demon Days.
Within a year, Danger Mouse returned to the music scene with another collaborative endeavor, Gnarls Barkley, partnering with the talented singer Cee-Lo Green. The duo, who had been acquainted since the late ’90s in Atlanta, began recording together during the release of Danger Mouse’s Ghetto Pop Life in 2003. Their leaked track, ‘Crazy,’ gained immense popularity through digital distribution, making it the first single to top the UK charts by online downloads. Their album, St. Elsewhere, swiftly followed suit, claiming the number one spot on the album charts. Soon after, their next project, The Odd Couple, was released in early 2008.
Mr. Big
Mr. Big, a remarkable band in the ‘shredder’ pop metal genre, distinguished themselves by valuing songcraft as much as virtuosity. The band’s inception traces back to bass player extraordinaire Billy Sheehan, known as ‘the Eddie Van Halen of bass,’ who departed David Lee Roth’s solo band in 1988. Shortly after, he assembled a new group with former Racer X guitarist Paul Gilbert, drummer Pat Torpey, and singer Eric Martin, who had released two solo albums in the mid-’80s. By 1989, the quartet signed with Atlantic and released their self-titled debut album, garnering success in Japan while struggling to break into the mainstream American rock scene.
In their second album, ‘Lean into It’ in 1991, Mr. Big expanded their musical horizons with hits like ‘Green Tinted Sixties Mind,’ ‘To Be with You,’ and ‘Just Take My Heart.’ Despite subsequent albums like ‘Bump Ahead’ and ‘Hey Man,’ the band couldn’t replicate their early success in the U.S. but maintained a strong following in Japan, leading to numerous sold-out tours and exclusive live albums. After guitarist Gilbert left in the late ’90s, Richie Kotzen joined the band, and they released albums like ‘Get Over It’ and ‘Actual Size’ before embarking on a farewell tour in Japan in 2002.
In 2009, marking their 20th anniversary, Mr. Big’s original members reunited, launching a tour and releasing ‘Back to Budokan.’ They returned to the studio, recording ‘What If’ in 2010 and ‘…The Stories We Could Tell’ in 2014, followed by ‘Defying Gravity’ in 2017. The band’s journey, filled with highs and lows, speaks volumes of their resilience and dedication to their craft. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi
Céline Dion
Canadian singer Celine Dion rose from her beginnings as a French-language teenage pop singer to achieve international superstardom in the ’90s. Breaking into the English-language market, Dion captivated audiences with heartfelt ballads showcasing her powerful and unique voice. Her success includes winning the 1988 Eurovision song contest and multiple Grammy awards, notably Album of the Year for 1996’s Falling into You. Dion’s iconic contributions to film soundtracks, such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic, propelled her into the pop culture mainstream. She solidified her status as a pop icon with a record-breaking Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace, ranking among the highest-grossing artists of all time.
Born on March 30, 1968 in Charlemagne, Quebec, Céline Marie Claudette Dion was raised in a musically inclined family with 13 siblings. Dion’s passion for singing emerged early on, performing at the family’s piano bar and at her brother’s wedding. Pursuing her dream, she co-wrote her first song in 1980, leading to her debut album in 1981. Guided by producer René Angélil, Dion’s talent shone bright, winning prestigious awards and captivating audiences worldwide. Transitioning to English-language music with the album Unison in 1990, Dion’s success soared with chart-topping hits like “The Power of Love” and notable collaborations, establishing her as a global music icon.