The Shindellas
Beatnik group The Shindellas is a female band that firmly believes in the power of women coming together to create significant impact. The Shindellas consist of three exceptionally talented women: Kasi Jones as the Singer, Stacy Johnson as the Singer/Guitarist, and Tamara Chauniece as the Singer. Each member of the group was introduced by the renowned multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated songwriting and production duo, Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly, who are also known as the innovative band Louis York. The Shindellas are known for their exploration of Jazz, Soul, and authentic R&B, resulting in a distinct and captivating music genre that resonates with their audience. Their music reflects values of self-love, empowerment, and sophistication, principles that they actively promote through their creative work.
Read MoreLalah Hathaway
A sought-after collaborator to some of today’s top hitmakers, undeniable music royalty, and vocal abilities matched by few, Lalah Hathaway is an artist, singer/songwriter and producer not to be slept on. A purveyor of many genres whilst sharing Grammy award winning records with the likes of Beyoncé (the only two artists whom have ever won in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category three times), Hathaway’s seven solo albums are complemented by an illustrious track-record of collaborations with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Anderson. Paak, Robert Glasper, Rapsody, Snoop Dogg, Esperanza Spalding and more. Her talents have inspired invitations to the stage from music legends, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock. As daughter to the late, great Donny Hathaway and the product of an incredibly musical family, Chicago-born and raised Lalah Hathaway has the most soulful of music running through her veins.
She has earned praise from Billboard, VIBE, Essence, the New York Times and performed on the highly sought after stages of NPR’s Tiny Desk and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Hathaway held the number one Adult R&B song in 2016 and in 2021 her song ‘Show Me Your Soul’ made the Oscars 2021 shortlist for Best Original Song.
Omarion
Among the ranks of R&B’s elite, Omarion aptly crowned by fans as The King of Unbothered is a pop-culture phenomenon and has remained in the upper echelon of the R&B/Pop Music World throughout his 20 year career. His unmistakable sound has driven the success of numerous multi-platinum, chart-topping records. The pop icon continues to electrify audiences worldwide with his charismatic energy and signature dance moves. In 2023, Omarion continued his reign as a global pop icon with the newest addition to his discography, the Full Circle Sonic Book Series. The first installment debuted at #1 on iTunes R&B Soul chart and the lead single, “Serious”, hit #1 on Amazon and iTunes and is currently top 20 with a bullet on Billboard’s R&B Airplay Chart. The highly anticipated Sonic Book Two dropped in December and gained momentum across social media. Omarion describes the Full Circle series as his most authentic project to date. Reflecting on his journey while creating the album, he teased, “There aren’t many artists who can inspire positivity. Not many people can evoke that feeling of, ‘I feel good’ or ‘I want to do something with this.’ Through this project, I’m inspiring people. This is that full-circle moment of me returning to a place where there’s power in my vulnerability. That’s what my music means to me at this time”.
The pop icon continues to electrify audiences worldwide with his charismatic energy and signature dance moves. Expect to see Omarion on tour in Spring 2024.
Johnny Gill
When Johnny Gill scored his first of eight Top Ten R&B singles in 1984 with the duet “Perfect Combination” featuring Stacy Lattisaw, he showcased a mature contemporary sound reminiscent of Peabo Bryson and James Ingram. Joining New Edition in time for the multi-platinum Heart Break (1988) album expanded Gill’s audience, setting the stage for his solo breakthrough with the self-titled Johnny Gill (1990) album. His deep baritone voice perfectly complemented the new jack swing style, leading to platinum success and a Grammy nomination. Gill continued to shine with two more gold solo albums, success in the LSG group with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat, and sporadic performances with New Edition. In the 2010s, he focused on his solo career, releasing a trilogy of studio albums culminating in the stylistically eclectic Game Changer II (2019).
Born in Washington, D.C., Johnny Gill discovered his passion for singing at a young age, performing alongside his brothers in the gospel group Wings of Faith. His professional music journey commenced in 1983 when he signed with the Atlantic-affiliated Cotillion label and swiftly made an impact with his mature and powerful voice. Teaming up with childhood friend Stacy Lattisaw, Gill delivered R&B hits like “Perfect Combination” in 1984. Joining New Edition in 1987 revitalized his career, leading to chart-topping singles outside the group and the platinum success of his solo album “Johnny Gill” in 1989. Collaborations with industry giants Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Babyface, and L.A. Reid produced major hit singles, solidifying Gill’s reputation in the music scene.
Over the years, Johnny Gill continued to excel, achieving solo peaks with hit singles like “Rub You the Right Way”, “My My My”, and “Wrap My Body Tight” that dominated the R&B charts. His subsequent albums, “Provocative” (1993) and “Let’s Get the Mood Right” (1996), further cemented his gold-level success. Gill’s involvement with New Edition and LSG brought further accolades, including Top Ten albums and chart-topping singles. Despite a gap between solo releases, he maintained his prominence, releasing successful albums like “Still Winning” (2011), “Game Changer” (2014), and “Game Changer II” (2019). His diverse musical style, ranging from contemporary ballads to throwback soul and EDM, showcased his versatility and enduring talent in the music industry.
Andra Day
Andra Day, originally known as Cassandra Monique Batie, is a remarkable singer and skilled songwriter with a diverse musical background encompassing gospel, jazz, and blues. Her debut album, ‘Cheers to the Fall’ in 2015, marked a significant breakthrough in her career, landing in the Top Ten of the R&B/hip-hop charts and earning multiple Grammy nominations as well as an Academy Award nomination for the song ‘Stand Up for Something.’ Her talents extended beyond music as she portrayed Billie Holiday in ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ in 2021, winning a Golden Globe for her performance. Following her debut success, Day’s second album ‘CASSANDRA (cherith)’ in 2024 showcased her versatility in blending traditional and progressive R&B, orchestral pop, and bossa nova.
Born in Edmonds, Washington, Andra Day spent her formative years in San Diego, where her passion for music flourished through performances in church and studies at the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Transitioning from contemporary R&B to classic jazz and soul, Day’s talent caught the attention of industry icons like Stevie Wonder and Adrian Gurvitz, leading to her signing with Warner Bros. With her debut album ‘Cheers to the Fall,’ Day collaborated with renowned artists like Raphael Saadiq, earning critical acclaim and Grammy nominations. Her contribution to various soundtracks and projects, including ‘The Hamilton Mixtape’ and ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday,’ solidified her position as a versatile artist with a powerful voice and significant influence in the music industry.
Tamia
Among the first to fall in love with contemporary R&B singer and songwriter Tamia’s voice was celebrated music producer Quincy Jones. He introduced U.S. audiences to the Canadian-born songstress via two tracks on his 1995 album Q’s Jook Joint: the singer’s breakthrough hit “You Put a Move on My Heart” and “Slow Jams,” which also featured Jones, Babyface, Portrait, and Barry White. Both tunes, as well as her guest stint on “Missing You” from the Set It Off film soundtrack, netted Tamia her first three Grammy nominations for the best female R&B vocal performance, best performance by a duo or group with vocals, and best pop collaboration with vocals, respectively. And all before she released her self-titled debut album in 1998.
Tamia added a No. 1 R&B/top 10 pop hit to her catalog a year later with her duet with Benét on his single “Spend My Life with You”—which also garnered her a fourth Grammy nod. Since then, in addition to her aforementioned hits, Tamia has recorded five studio albums: A Nu Day, More, Between Friends, Beautiful Surprise, and Love Life. While Beautiful Surprise brought her total Grammy nominations up to six including best R&B album, Love Life’s No. 1 debut on Billboard’s R&B tally became her highest-charting album to date. Another top 10 hit at urban AC, her latest single “Leave It Smokin’” set the alarm for Passion Like Fire, Tamia’s seventh studio album released in 2018 by 21 Entertainment Group/Plus 1 Music Group/Entertainment One.
Mint Condition
Mint Condition is an American R&B band based in St. Paul, Minnesota. The band uniquely blends various music genres including jazz, hip hop, funk, and dance, creating a distinct sound that sets them apart. Mint Condition’s musical talent has earned them recognition, including a Grammy nomination and three Soul Train Awards. They hold a significant place in music history as one of the final prominent funk bands to make an impact before the rise of hip hop and New Jack Swing took over the black music scene in the 1990s.
Read MoreKem
Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, multiplatinum R&B icon KEM remains one of the most vibrant and vital voices in 21st century R&B. The Nashville-born and Detroit-raised singer, songwriter, and producer boasts a catalog of classics including the Gold-certified Kemistry [2003], the Platinum-certified Album II [2005], and the Gold-certified Intimacy: Album III [2010]. Meanwhile, Promise To Love [2014] marked his second #1 debut on the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart and third consecutive Top 5 debut on the Billboard Top 200. In addition, KEM has been nominated for six NAACP Image Awards, two Soul Train Awards, and a BET Centric Award. He has garnered hundreds of millions of streams and sold out shows worldwide, including shows on The Full Circle Tour, his latest North American headlining arena tour with R&B titan Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and host Sherri Shepherd. KEM recently reached another critical milestone scoring his eighth career #1 at R&B radio with the single “Stuck On You,” featured on his Full Circle EP available now via Motown Records.
Read MoreFrankie Beverly
After eight lean years with the Butlers, Frankie Beverly changed directions. Self-contained bands were the vogue in the ’70s, so after a series of misfires, Beverly disbanded the Butlers. As a kid, Beverly was fascinated by Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers so much that he started using the name Frankie; his birth name is Howard. He was also influenced by Sly Stone. His first professional singing stint was a yearlong road tour with the Silhouettes (‘Get a Job’); he formed the Blenders afterward but didn’t record until the Butlers. He learned to play rhythm guitar and keyboards, and began Raw Soul with fellow Philadelphians Roame Lowry, McKinley Williams, and Sam Porter. Gigs were plentiful around Philly, but Beverly felt that California held the key; he relocated to the San Francisco/Oakland area in 1971. The addition of three members made Raw Soul a full-fledged funk band. Eldorado Records issued the first Raw Soul single, ‘Open up Your Heart,’ which features Temptations-ish ping-ponging leads, a Larry Graham sound-alike bass singer, and a Sly Stone/Norman Whitfield production. The label credits read Raw Soul with Frankie Beverly; two later singles on Gregor Records are credited as Frankie Beverly and Raw Soul. The Gregor singles, like the Eldorado side, dealt with curing the world’s woes, dissolving social injustices, and ending bigotry and racism. ‘Color Blind’ (1971) was sweetened with ’70s funk horns, and asked the question: What color is harmony? Raw Soul’s recordings sold regionally but never broke nationally; they did help to build a small following on the West Coast. Gregor followed ‘Color Blind’ with ‘Understanding’ b/w ‘People in the Know.’ Marvin Gaye gave them a big break when he picked them to back him on a tour and allowed them to open the show with some original numbers. Before meeting Gaye, they had no luck shopping a demo; after the tour, a meeting with Capitol Records’ Larkin Arnold resulted in a recording deal. Beverly scrapped the Raw Soul concept for the smoother sounds of Maze, keeping the core members and bringing in others to complete the package. After years of trying, Beverly was selling singles and albums by the truckload. Incorporating the best elements from the Butlers and Raw Soul, Maze became a quiet storm and urban contemporary favorite. Message songs, nothing new to Frankie (check the Butlers’ first single, ‘The Sun’s Message’), continued with Maze, and heartfelt love songs were also a part of the agenda. Everything worked, and the caps he wore to hide his thinning hair and receding hairline became a trademark. The fact that Philadelphia International Records exploded just two years after he left town may have disheartened him initially, but his success was still phenomenal. Frankie Beverly died on September 10, 2024, at the age of 77. ~ Andrew Hamilton, Rovi
Read MoreAnthony Hamilton
Anthony Cornelius Hamilton, born on January 28, 1971, is a highly talented American singer and songwriter who hails from Charlotte, North Carolina. He embarked on his musical journey by signing with Uptown Records, a label under MCA Records, to work on his debut studio album XTC in 1996. Although the album was initially set for release, it was unfortunately shelved due to the lack of success of its singles. Hamilton’s breakthrough came with his guest appearance on Nappy Roots’ hit single ‘Po’ Folks’ in 2002, which reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success led him to join forces with Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Recordings, a subsidiary of Arista Records.
Hamilton’s music career flourished with the release of his second studio album, ‘Comin’ from Where I’m From,’ in 2003. The album achieved platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and garnered four Grammy Award nominations. One of the standout tracks from the album, ‘Charlene,’ peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2004. Subsequent albums, ‘Ain’t Nobody Worryin” (2005) and ‘The Point of It All’ (2008), both achieved success by reaching the top 20 of the Billboard 200 chart and receiving gold certifications from the RIAA. Transitioning to RCA Records, Hamilton continued to captivate audiences with his fifth and sixth albums, ‘Back to Love’ (2011) and ‘What I’m Feelin” (2016). His musical prowess earned him a Grammy Award out of 12 nominations, and his composition ‘Freedom’ (with Elayna Boynton) for the soundtrack of the 2012 film Django Unchained stands out as a remarkable achievement in his career.
Jagged Edge
Jagged Edge, a rough but smooth male vocal quartet, originated in Atlanta, Georgia. The group is comprised of identical twin brothers, Brandon “Case Dinero” Casey and Brian “Brasco” Casey, who relocated from Hartford, Connecticut. Kyle Norman, known as “Quick”, was introduced to the brothers through church activities. Richard Wingo, also known as “Wingo Dollar”, joined the group later, recommended by Xscape’s Kandi Burruss. The group’s demo was presented to super-producer Jermaine Dupri, leading to their signing with Dupri’s Columbia-distributed So So Def label in 1997. Their debut single, “The Way That You Talk,” featuring Jermaine Dupri and Da Brat, achieved success on the R&B and pop charts.
In early 1998, Jagged Edge released their first album, A Jagged Era, which went gold and produced the hit “Gotta Be.” Subsequent singles like “He Can’t Love U” and albums like J.E. Heartbreak solidified their position in the music industry. Their third album, Jagged Little Thrill, released in 2001, featured the popular single “Where the Party At” with Nelly. Over the years, the group continued to release successful albums, including Hard in 2003 and Jagged Edge in 2006. Despite label changes, such as moving to Island for The Baby Makin’ Project in 2007, their talent shone through, with hits like “Let’s Get Married” and “Promise” topping the charts.
2007 marked a shift to Island Records, followed by a stint at Slip N Slide. Noteworthy collaborations with Jermaine Dupri and So So Def resulted in albums like J.E. Heartbreak II. The group’s musical journey includes milestones like a Greatest Hits collection in 2016 and the release of their ninth album, Layover, in 2017. Known for their harmonious vocals and contemporary sound infused with trap elements, Jagged Edge continues to captivate audiences with their distinctive style and enduring musicality.
Jaheim
Jaheim H. Hoagland, also known as Jaheim, is a renowned American R&B singer born on May 26, 1978. He entered the music scene in 2000 when he was discovered and signed by Naughty by Nature’s Kaygee to Divine Mill Records. Jaheim’s musical journey took off with the release of his debut album, Ghetto Love, in 2001. Following the success of his first album, he continued to ascend in the industry with his second album, Still Ghetto, in 2002. This album featured hit singles like “Put That Woman First” and “Fabulous,” both of which achieved platinum status, solidifying Jaheim’s position as a prominent R&B artist.
In 2006, Jaheim further solidified his place in the music world with the release of his third album, Ghetto Classics. This album made a significant impact by debuting at the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The album quickly gained popularity and resonated with audiences, selling over 153,000 copies within its first week of release. Jaheim’s unique style, soulful voice, and authentic lyrics have captivated fans worldwide, making him a standout figure in the R&B genre. With his chart-topping albums and platinum-selling singles, Jaheim continues to leave a lasting mark on the music industry, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a talented and influential artist.