"Mighty Love,” “Rubberband Man,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” and a string of other hits contributed to the Spinners 12 gold records and 6 Grammy Awards.

The Spinners are still taking it to the stage, performing their timeless classic soul hits during their 2008 tour:

• July
• Tuesday, July 29th, California Mid-Sate Fair, Paso Robles, CA
• August
• Wednesday, August 13th, America’s Fair, Buffalo.com Grandstand, Hamburg, NY
• Saturday, August 16th, Tropicana Express, Laughlin Pavilion Theatre, Laughlin, NV
• Friday, August 22nd, New York State Fair, Chevrolet Court, Syracuse, NY
• Saturday, August 23rd, Big Rock Casino, Espanola, NM
• Friday & Saturday, August 29 - 30th, Jazz Festival, Johannesburg Jazz Dome, Johannesburg, South Africa
• September
• Saturday, September 6th, Cerritos Center for the Arts, Cerritos, CA
• Saturday, September 20th, Palace Theatre, Corsicana, TX
• Saturday, September 27th, Millennium Center, Southfield, MI
  
• October
• Saturday, October 4th, Home Front Festival by the Bay, Richmond, CA
• Saturday, October 11th, Pontin’s Prestatyn, Prestatyn, North Wales, United Kingdom
• Saturday, October 18th, Trump Marina, Grand Cayman Ballroom, Atlantic City, NJ
• November
• Friday, November 7th, Viejas Casino - Dreamcatcher, Alpine, CA
• Saturday, November 8th, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA
• December
• Friday, December 5th, Children’s Charities Foundation Event, Washington Hilton & Towers, Washington, DC

Technorati tags: The Spinners Keep Classic Soul Revolving

Chaka Khan is heating up the European continent on the latest leg of her 2008 - 35th Anniversary World Tour.

She’ll be back in the USA on a cross-country excursion in August.

• July
• Saturday, July 19, Campione D’Italia Casino, Campione D’Italia, Italy
• Sunday, July 20, Porretta Soul Festival, Porretta Terme, Italy
• Tuesday, July 22, Indigo, London, England
• Wednesday, July 23, Bridgewater, Manchester, England
• Thursday, July 31, Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL
• August
• Saturday, August 2, Country Club Hills Theater, Country Club Hills, IL
• Tuesday, August 5, Epic, Minneapolis, MN
• Thursday, August 7, Kool Haus, Toronto, Canada
• Friday, August 8, Ohio State Fair, Columbus, OH
• Saturday, August 9, Borgata, Atlantic City, NJ
• Sunday, August 10, Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA
• Tuesday, August 12, Nokia Theater, New York, NY
• Thursday & Friday, August 14-15, Warner Theater, Washington, DC
• Saturday, August 16, Seneca Niagara Casino Theater, Niagara Falls, NY
• Monday, August 18, Showcase Live, Foxborough, MA
• Thursday, August 21, Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, TX
• Friday, August 22, Riverwind Casino, Norman, OK
• Saturday, August 23, Winstar Casino, Thackerville, OK
• Sunday, August 24, Reliant Arena, Houston, TX
• Friday, August 29, Hard Rock Casino, Biloxi, MS
• Saturday, August 30, Cannon Center, Memphis, TN
• September
• Friday & Saturday, September 5-6, Gibson Amphitheater, Los Angeles, CA

This is a really intense non-stop schedule!

Here are 3 additional Chaka Khan tidbits…

1. The Chaka Khan - Yvette Stevens connection
2. Rufus & Chaka Khan’s 30th Anniversary Concert
3. Chaka Khan at Resorts International Atlantic City

Technorati tags: Chaka Khan 2008 World Tour

It’s 2008, and 30 years later, Jeffrey Osborne is still the traveling troubadour, taking his music to venues near and far during his Summer/Fall tour:

• August
• Saturday, August 2, Timberwood Amphitheatre, Magic Springs Theme park, Hot Springs, AR
• Friday, August 8, Gettysburg, VA
• Saturday, August 16, Santa Fe Casino, Las Vegas, NV
• Sunday, August 24, 4019 W. Sunset Blvd. – Sunset Junction Street Festival, Los Angeles, CA
• Wednesday, August 27, 5 Points Street Festival, Denver, CO
• Friday, August 29, First District Plaza, Philadelphia, PA
• September
• Saturday, September 20, UMOJA Festival, Wireless Paviillon, Portsmouth , VA
• Sunday, September 21, The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
• October
• Saturday, October 4, The Harold Washington Cultural Center, Chicago, IL
• Sunday, October 5, Sound Academy, Toronto, Canada
• Friday, October 10, The Sheraton Hotel Ballroom, Baton Rouge, LA
• Saturday, October 11, Diamond Jacks Casino, Vicksburg, MS
• Sunday, October 12, Jazztrax Festival, Avalon Ballroom, Avalon, CA

Osborne, born on March 9, 1948, continues to bellow those mellow song vibrations as he begins his 6th decade.

Technorati tags: Jeffrey Osborne holds on to Joy on the Road

Their house musicians: MFSB, mother - father - sister - brother, the instrumental magic behind the Philly sound, released a spirited album that year just in time for the lazy hazy days of Summer.

Best known for “Love is the Message,” and “TSOP,” (the sound of Philadelphia), MFSB’s Summertime included a cool collection of toe tapping treats topped with lots of breezy, airy, vocals.

Producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Gene McFadden, John Whitehead, and several other Philly faithful whipped up these bouncy songs keyed perfectly together for the hot weather season.

Gamble & Huff wrote 4 of the 8 songs...

1. “Picnic In The Park”
2. “Summertime” (George Gershwin)
3. “Plenty Good Lovin’”
4. “Sunnin’ and Funnin’” (McFadden & Whitehead)
5. “Summertime and I’m Feelin’ Mellow” (McFadden, Whitehead, Carstarphen)
6. “I’m on Your Side”
7. “Hot Summer Nights”
8. “We Got The Time” (McFadden, Whitehead, Carstarphen)

   Listen to 60 seconds of George Gershwin’s “Summertime,” performed Philly style, by MFSB from this great classic soul album.

   Technorati tags: MFSB Summertime Classic Soul Fun

   ]]> 2008-07-10T04:02:00-05:00 http://www.powerhouseradio.com/classicsoulblog/index.php/site/trammps_triumphant_with_disco_soul/ Biography, Concerts, News, Tour Their official biography reveals that the Trammps began in Philadelphia in 1972 featuring vocalist, Jimmy Ellis, Harold Doc Wade, Stanley Wade, and Earl Young.

   The Trammps have traveled with as many as 11 members, musicians who’ve also played for both Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Records, and later for Vince Montana’s Salsoul Orchestra.

   "Zing Went the Strings Of My Heart,” a remake of a 1943 Judy Garland classic, was the Trammps first hit in 1972 reaching #17 R&B, and #64 pop.

   Buddah Records recorded several Trammps hits, including “Hold Back The Night” which peaked at #10 R&B, and #40 pop, and “Where Do We Go From Here,” a #44 R&B chart hit in 1974.

   By mid 1975, the Trammps became one of Atlantic Records hottest dance music acts.

   Their first album with Atlantic produced “Hooked for Life,” and “Where the Happy People Go.” (their biggest pop hit).

   For 1977’s “Disco Inferno” anthem, the Trammps were recognized as the best performing group by one of New York’s most popular clubs, 2001 Space Odyssey, the location for the movie, Saturday Night Fever.

   The soundtrack from the movie included “Disco Inferno,” for which the Trammps won a Grammy Award in 1979.

   Original members, Jimmy Ellis, Harold Doc Wade, Stanley Wade and Dave Dixon continue as the core of the Trammps.  They tour nationally and internationally with musicians from the original touring group.

   Catch The Trammps, Friday, August 1, 2008, 7:30 pm at the Bank of America Pavilion, Boston, Massachusetts, for the Solid Gold Dance Party.

   Technorati tags: Trammps Triumphant with Disco Soul

   ]]> 2008-07-08T11:00:00-05:00 http://www.powerhouseradio.com/classicsoulblog/index.php/site/will_smith_bo_diddley_and_hancock/ News Once again, the world will be hearing the lasting influence of Bo Diddley in Will Smith’s new summer “super hero” send off, Hancock, hitting movie theaters just in time for the July 4th holiday weekend.

   Classic R&B, rock, soul, and pop music legend Bo Diddley recently passed away.  His song, “Who Do You Love,” is performed by George Thorogood & The Destroyers for the Hancock soundtrack connection.

   Will Hancock be another silver screen smash hit for “Big Willy?”

   Maybe, however win or lose at the box office, Bo Diddley’s music gets another high mileage vehicle in which to cruise.

   Technorati tags: Will Smith, Bo Diddley, and Hancock

   ]]> 2008-07-03T04:02:01-05:00 http://www.powerhouseradio.com/classicsoulblog/index.php/site/kool_the_gang_take_it_to_the_stage/ Concerts, News, Tour

   Here are some 2008 tour dates for Kool & the Gang:

   • July
   • Thursday, July 3, San Jacinto, CA - Soboba Casino Arena
   • Friday, July 4, Garland, TX - Garland’s Star Spangled Fourth Festival
   • Friday, July 11, Gulfport, MS - Island View Casino Resort
   • Friday, July 25, Las Vegas, NV - The Orleans Hotel & Casino
   • Saturday, July 26, Las Vegas, NV - The Orleans Hotel & Casino
   • Sunday, July 27, Las Vegas, NV - The Orleans Hotel & Casino
   • August
   • Saturday, August 2, Mableton, GA - Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre
   • Sunday, August 3, Bethlehem, PA - Bethlehem Musikfest
   • Wednesday, August 6, Girona, Spain - Festival Jardins de Caproig
   • Friday, August 8, Alicante, Spain - Port of Alicante
   • Saturday, August 9, Murcia, Spain - venue to be announced
   • Sunday, August 10, Menorca, Spain - Isla del Rey
   • September
   • Saturday September 6, Rotterdam, The Netherlands - Football Stadium

   

   Technorati tags: Kool & The Gang Take it to the Stage

   ]]> 2008-07-01T04:02:00-05:00 http://www.powerhouseradio.com/classicsoulblog/index.php/site/bet_awards_captured_by_kanye_keys/ News Here are some of the 2008 BET Award Winners:
   • Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys
   • Best Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown
   • Best Group: UGK
   • Best Gospel: Marvin Sapp
   • Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Missy Elliott
   • Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kanye West
   • Video of the year: UGK featuring Outkast - “International Player’s Anthem”
   • Best Video Director: Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto
   • Best Actress: Halle Berry
   • Best Actor: Denzel Washington
   • Best Female Athlete: Candace Parker
     
   • Best Male Athlete: Kobe Bryant
   • Best New Artist: The Dream

   Technorati tags: BET Awards Captured by Kanye & Keys

   ]]> 2008-06-25T11:00:00-05:00 http://www.powerhouseradio.com/classicsoulblog/index.php/site/bet_awards_hype_hughley_as_host/ News Comedian D.L. Hughley will pilot the 2008 BET Awards scheduled for Tuesday, June 24th at 8:00 pm Eastern.

   BET loves to air this showcase several times, so look for it to be repeated often on your TV screen in the coming weeks.

   Quincy Jones, who has more trophies than he can count, will be honored with a humanitarian award.

   Al Green will receive a lifetime achievement award.

   Among the scheduled performers: Usher (shown here), Alicia Keys, Nelly, Kanye West, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, and Al Green.

   There are 16 categories in which various nominees will be honored.

   For the 2 R&B categories, we have...

   Best Female R&B Artist:

   • Mary J. Blige
   • Mariah Carey
   • Keyshia Cole
   • Alicia Keys
   • Rihanna

   Best Male R&B Artist:

   • Raheem DeVaughn
   • J. Holiday
   • Ne-Yo
   • Trey Songz
   • Chris Brown

   Interestingly, the nominated guys are mostly new school, whereas most of the ladies have been around for awhile with significant track records.

   Technorati tags: BET Awards Hype Hughley as Host

   ]]> 2008-06-24T04:02:00-05:00 http://www.powerhouseradio.com/classicsoulblog/index.php/site/stevie_wonder_welcomes_summer_fall_dates/ News, Tour When child prodigy Stevie Wonder was signed to Motown’s Tamla Records in the early 1960’s, few could have predicted his monumental body of musical work or his influential staying power.

   Still relevant, still vibrant, and still performing, Motown Stevie has an evening full of tunes and fun just waiting for his worldwide legion of eager fans.

   Here are some 2008 tour dates for Stevie Wonder:

   • June
   • Thursday, June 19, Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun Arena
   • Saturday, June 21, Atlantic City, NJ, Trump Taj Mahal Arena
   • Sunday, June 22, Mansfield, MA, Comcast Center
   • Tuesday, June 24, Clarkston, MI, DTE Energy Music Theatre
   • July
   • Tuesday, July 1, Englewood, CO, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
   • Friday, July 4, Reno, NV, Reno Events Center
   • Saturday, July 5, Mountain View, CA, Shoreline Amphitheatre
   • Tuesday, July 7, Concord, CA, Sleep Train Pavilion
   • Friday, July 11, Auburn, WA, White River Amphitheatre
   • Saturday, July 12, Vancouver, BC, Canada, General Motors Place
   • September
   • Monday, September 8, Birmingham, United Kingdom, National Indoor Arena
   • Tuesday, September 9, Manchester, United Kingdom, Manchester Evening News Arena
   • Thursday & Friday, September 11-12, London, United Kingdom, O2 Dome
   • Sunday & Monday, September 14-15, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Ahoy Rotterdam
   • Monday, September 22, Cologne, Germany, Koln Arena
   • Tuesday, September 23, Mannheim, Germany, Sap Arena
   • Thursday, September 25, Munich, Germany, Olympiastadion
   • Friday, September 26, Assago, Italy, Datch Forum Di Assago
   • Sunday, September 28, Paris, France, Palais Omnisports - Bercy
   • Tuesday, September 30, London, United Kingdom, O2 Dome

   Technorati tags: Stevie Wonder Welcomes Summer Dates

   ]]> 2008-06-19T04:02:00-05:00