soulm8online.com Blog

Apollo Theater To Induct Chaka Khan Into Apollo Legends Hall of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:01:00 +0100

Chaka Khan will be inducted into the Apollo Theater's "Apollo Legends Hall of Fame" during the not-for-profit performing arts institution's 8th Annual Spring Gala Concert on Monday, June 10, 2013. Celebrating Ms. Khan's 40th anniversary in the music business, Apollo Legend Patti LaBelle and hip hop/soul Queen Mary J. Blige will perform tributes for the legendary singer.

"I am honored that the Apollo is inducting me into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame," says Khan. "The Apollo Theater is an American institution and is world-renowned for developing, nurturing, and creating talent for decades. The Apollo Theater has supported my career and now they are a part of honoring my legacy. I am looking forward to the celebration."

Khan joins a legendary list of past Apollo inductees including Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, and Ella Fitzgerald. Each Apollo Legends Hall of Fame inductee is honored with a plaque in the Apollo Walk of Fame, installed under the Theater's iconic marquee on 125th Street in New York City.

R.I.P. Don Blackman 1953 - 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:07:00 +0100

Pianist, singer, songwriter and producer Don Blackman has sadly lost his battle with cancer today. Blackman was born in Queens New York and his musical career included working with Parliament, Funkadelic, Earth Wind and Fire and of course Roy Ayers.

Don released his self titled solo album on Arista Records in 1982 and he had a further release on Expansion records titled Listen in 2002. Don was a unique talent, he was soulful, cool and captivating. He was known to be charming when you were ever in his company and his music was made with the sole purpose to move you.

Don entertained audiences both young and old and they enjoyed his versatility and ability to naturally entertain. He travelled the world with his fantastic band, and continued to do so, with regular visits to the UK where he played to sell-out crowds at London's Jazz cafe.

The sad news was confirmed by his daughter earlier today.

R.I.P. Jackson 5 producer Deke Richards

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:42:00 GMT

Motown songwriter-producer Deke Richards, who was behind songs including The Jackson 5′s first three US number one hits, has died aged 68.

Richards, passed away on Sunday at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, Washington, surrounded by his immediate family, Universal Music said in a statement.

He had been battling esophageal cancer, it said.
Richards, whose real name was Dennis Lussier, along with Motown founder Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell and Freddie Perren comprised “The Corporation,” the label’s in-house producers and writers in the 1960s and 1970s.

Chris Brown at it again...

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 18:45:00 GMT

Chris Brown reportedly dismissed his bodyguard after the pair got into a big blow-up in Bermuda according to music-news. The 23-year-old is known for having a bad temper and has been associated with a number of high-profile altercations within the past year.

In 2012 Chris was injured in a bar brawl with Drake at a New York City nightspot and as recently as January the Look At Me Now singer was involved in a car park fracas with fellow Grammy-winning singer Frank Ocean.

Chris also remains on probation for assaulting his girlfriend Rihanna in 2009.
The star is now allegedly involved in a new grievance with a member of his security staff, a man named Big Pat. While Chris' private jet refuelled in Bermuda, Big Pat was seen boarding the plane then exiting the aircraft followed by another man.

"I'm not sure of the details of what happened on the plane but his plane came in, got serviced and everything was finishing and they were getting ready to leave. Then there was a stall,' an airport employee told the Bermuda Sun. "They had to come inside to customs. The security guard came inside [an airport building] and said he wasn't getting back on the plane.'

Apparently the security guard left due to a huge argument and boarded a flight to JFK Airport in New York City soon after the incident.

RIP Richard Street former member of the Temptations

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:02:00 GMT

Richard Street, longtime member of the Temptations, and featured vocalist on such hits as "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," "Heavenly" and "Hey Girl (I Like Your Style)," has died in Las Vegas at age 70.

Street was a mainstay in the Temptations during the 1970s and 80s and was the lead vocalist on several major hits. Richard Allen Street was born in Detroit on October 5, 1942. He was a child prodigy, talented both as a pianist and as a singer.

Street went on to play a significant part in the success of the Temptations, remaining with the group for 22 years. He featured on such hits as "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," "Heavenly," "Aiming At Your Heart" and "Hey Girl (I Like Your Style)." Street left the group in 1993 as personal dynamics in the Temptations deteriorated. He went on to work as a solo singer and as part of his own Temptations tribute group.

Richard Street was an incredible talent and will be greatly missed.

Bobby Brown Sentenced to 55 Days

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:20:00 GMT

RnB Singer and ex husband to the late Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown has been sentenced to 55 days in prison following his arrest in October 2012 for a drink driving according to TMZ.
Brown was arrested by police whilst on probation from a previous drink driving charge at the time. The singer will be required to undertake an 18-month alcohol treatment programme.

Brown has pleaded no contest to the charges and received a 55 day sentence and 4 years probation. He must also complete the 18-month alcohol rehabilitation programme. Bobby has until March 20 to turn himself in and has been ordered to attend three Alcoholic Anonymous meetings per week until then.

Janet Jackson ties the knot...

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:56:00 GMT

Another Jackson has made the news this week. This time singer Janet Jackson has stated that she married her Qatari businessman boyfriend last year, quashing media reports of upcoming nuptials.

Jackson, 46, the younger sister of the late singer Michael Jackson, was engaged to billionaire Wissam Al Mana, 37, last year but kept the news under wraps.

"The rumors regarding an extravagant wedding are simply not true. Last year we were married in a quiet, private, and beautiful ceremony," Jackson and Al Mana said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.

MC Hammer Arrested

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:35:00 GMT

Former rapper MC Hammer was arrested over the weekend for obstruction. Hammer says that an officer pulled out a gun and randomly asked him if he was "on parole or probation." But the rapper claims that it was actually a case of racial profiling.

The "U Can't Touch This" rapper says he was arrested for obstructing an officer in the performance of their duties and resisting an officer. He was booked and released from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California.

Taking to Twitter, Hammer detailed what he says actually went down. "Chubby elvis looking dude was tapping on my car window, I rolled down the window and he said 'Are you on parole or probation?'" he wrote. "While I was handing him my ID he reached in my car and tried to pull me out the car but forgot he was on a steady donut diet. .. It was comical to me until he pulled out his gun, blew his whistle and yelled for help (MallCop) !!! But make no mistake he's dangerous .. only thing more dangerous than a scared man with a gun, is a scared man with an agenda, a gun and a badge. I was citied for obstruction smh. You have to know me to understand I was laughing when he was grunting and pulling on me .. I had just left the weight room .. I will now answer his question, contrary to his personal beliefs, all people of color are not on parole or probation fat boy !!!"

Santa Rita police are yet to comment on the matter...!

UK Soul Legend Omar signs to Freestyle Records

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:35:00 GMT

2013 will bring in 10 years of Freestyle Records and what better way to mark this special occasion but with the todays announcement that they have signed UL Soul Legend Omar.

Freestyle a&r manager Greg Boraman remarked, "As someone who has closely followed Omar's career from the outset, to have Omar and his new music on the label feels like a wonderful and exciting partnership, as he, like Freestyle, continues to fly the flag for quality, soulful music with integrity."

You can tell much about an artist from the musical company they keep, and in a career spanning 23 years and counting, Omar's list of collaborations is a whose who of greatness; Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Common, Angie Stone, Estelle, Syreeta Wright, Carleen Anderson, Leon Ware and Lamont Dozier are just some of the artists who appreciate his incredible musicality.

Of this fresh new deal with Freestyle Records, and the forthcoming album ‘The Man’, Omar says: "I'm very glad to be joining the guys at Freestyle, they have a unique ear for music which suits me down to the ground!"

And Omar’s unquestionable contribution to UK music gets official recognition this week, as he is off to Buckingham Palace to collect his MBE!

R.I.P. Terry Callier

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:15:00 GMT

Chicago Born singer and songwriter Terry Callier has sadly passed aged only 67.
Terry Callier was best known for his fusion of jazz, soul and folk music which gave him such a unique sound.

Terry Callier's 50-year career began when he signed to Chess Records in 1962, aged just 17. Leaving behind the doo-wop sound of his teenage years, his most famous trio of albums – 1972's 'Occasional Rain', 1973's 'What Color Is Love' and 1974's 'I Just Can't Help Myself' exemplified the hybrid of funk, soul and jazz that he created.

His funeral will take place on 3 November in his home city and a memorial is planned for London. The date is yet to be announced.

New soulm8 Podcast

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:16:00 +0100

HOT....Thats the only way to describe the new soulm8 podcast.....!!

Take a listen and share Share SHARE.....!

You can keep up to date with all the goings on by following us on twitter....just add @soulm8online

Mondays are now Live on Mi Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:01:00 +0100

Monday Nights Will Never Be The Same Again..!

Cameo to perform live in London...!

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 18:09:00 +0100

Iconic funk band readies for exclusive live shows at the Jazz Cafe London.

Funk group Cameo will be making a highly-anticipated return to the UK next week with a rare series of intimate gigs at the Jazz Cafe. Led by the charismatic Larry Blackmon, the chart-topping band are considered to be pioneers of their era and will be performing a string of one-off shows at the prestigious Camden venue.

Cameo first formed in 1974 as New York City Players, before later adopting the name Cameo and developing a more electronic sound by 1983. A few years later, this new direction led to landmark hits such as Word Up, Single Life and Candy, all brilliant offerings which have been honoured in everything from movie soundtracks, pop covers and hip-hop samples, to video games, wedding playlists and weekend karaoke, a further testament to their legendary status. With 17 million albums sold, they remain one of the most innovative outfits of our time – and their performances today are nothing short of exhilarating. Delivered with plenty of high energy, their timeless classics will make you dance, sing and reminisce on a bygone era, thanks to their timeless sound and a legacy that continues to live on.

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:11:00 +0100

Street Sounds 30th Anniversary Extravaganza.....whats it all about, just watch and learn......!!!!

Grab your tickets for this one off special event from the soulm8 website and you will be entered into our free, two ticket VIP upgrade draw. Come backstage with all the stars on the night...!

http://www.soulm8online.com/specialevent.html

Hope to see you all there...!

gjklj To

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:13:00 +0100

Not long now...if you havent secured your ticket as yet then time is running out. You can get yours from our website by clicking HERE. You will also be in with a chance to win two backstage VIP passes and a Street Sounds Goody bag...!

Check out the video teaser......

Do not miss this event, grab your tickets

HERE...!

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Wed, 3 Oct 2012 09:33:00 +0100

KOOL & THE GANG

ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE UK SHOW

THURS 29^TH NOVEMBER

LONDON

This show is Kool & the Gang’s only UK appearance this year. Kool and the Gang have sold over 70 million albums worldwide and influenced the music of three generations. Their impressive list of hits include Celebration, Ladies Night, Cherish, Jungle Boogie, Fresh, Get Down On It, Summer Madness and Open Sesame. Their music featured in many movies, amongst others; Saturday Night Fever, Jungle Boogie, Men in Black. Kool & the Gang have earned countless mainstream awards and their bulletproof funk and jazz has made them one of the most sampled bands of all time.

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:25:00 +0100

Gearing up for the Street Sounds 30th Anniversay Extravaganza...we catch both Morgan Khan and Andy Smith doing what they do every Friday between 6pm and 8pm on Solar Radio...The Street Sounds Show..! Dancing optional....!!!!

Dont forget you can grab your tickets for this must see event directly from the soulm8 website...just click HERE to make your purchase...This event will sell out so grab your ticket before there all gone...!

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:17:00 +0100

The latest soulm8 podcast is still flying high...check it out..!

Street Sounds 30th Anniversary Extravaganza

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 20:25:00 +0100

Still chance to win a VIP upgrade and a Street Sounds goody bag which includes CD, Video, T-Shirt and a bunch of other bits..All courtesey of Soulm8 and Street Sounds....to be in with a chance to a VIP upgrade so you can mingle with the stars on the night in the VIP Lounge...all you need to do is purchase your tickets from us at soulm8online.

Check out the line up on the flyer below...you could be in the VIP lounge with this bunch of Street Sounds legends...!

Some of the Street Sounds 30th Anniversary Extravaganza line up

To purchase your tickets just click HERE and you will be automatically entered into our VIP prize draw. With not many tickets remaining you will need to be quick before they are all gone....!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:48:00 +0100

New single and video from Octave One "New Life" check out the brand new video currently being played all over the net....!!

Ladies Night Album Launch Party

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:15:00 +0100

UK Soul legend Don E is back with a new album and true to his roots he is supporting up and coming UK talent. The album is titled 'Ladies Night' and it features eight of the UK's finest vocalists currently around..... Have a listen to the sound clip and choose which track is your favourite.

You can catch some of the ladies performing their individual track live at the launch party, which will be taking place at Plan B in Brixton on 19th July 2012 Advance tickets are selling fast and are available NOW by clicking HERE or by visiting www.soulm8online.com

Dont miss out, this is one NOT to be missed....!!!

Michael Jackson News...!!

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:16:00 +0100

Twenty-five years after the phrase “Who’s Bad” became a generation’s cultural catchphrase, Epic/Legacy Recordings, in collaboration with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will celebrate the legendary album and record breaking BAD tour on September 17, 2012 with the release of a deluxe package, BAD 25, which includes three CDs, two collectible booklets, and features the first ever authorized DVD release of a concert from the record breaking BAD tour.

The BAD World Tour was Michael’s first concert tour as a solo artist. The legendary tour included 123 concerts attended by more than 4.4 million fans over sixteen months. When it concluded, the tour had shattered all previous touring records for attendance and total gross revenue adding three new entries the Guinness Book of World Records in for the largest grossing tour in history, the tour with the largest attended audience and the most sold out shows at Wembley Stadium.

More details on this and other exciting projects relating to BAD’s 25^th anniversary will be announced soon.

RIP Donna Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:17:00 +0100

The Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, has sadly passed away today (17th May 2012) after losing her battle with Cancer.

Summer who was aged just 63 was in Florida at the time of her passing and a close friend has stated that the singer was trying to keep the extent of her illness under wraps.

Summer was a 5-time Grammy winner who shot to superstardom in the '70s with massive disco hits like "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls."

Donna Summer real name LaDonna Adrian Gaines was born in Boston USA on the 31st Dec 1948. The mezzo-soprano vocalist's career spanned four decades and was a five time Grammy award winner. She was the first artist to have three consecutive number one double albums and she also charted four number one singles in a thirteen month period.

One of her finest pieces of work was the album 'Bad Girls'. It was two years in production and she had based the whole theme on Prostitution. The album, when finally released in 1979, went on to be an international hit spawning two number ones in 'Hot Stuff' and 'Bad Girls' along with a number two in 'Dim All The Lights'.

The disco diva was currently focused on working on a new production, one which she had dedicated a lot of time and effort even though she was ill. Her passing is a huge loss to the world of music and she will be missed by us all, those of us young enough to know of her great work and those of us old enough to have really enjoyed it.

RIP Donna Summer you will be missed.

Don E Presents Ladies Night LIVE...!

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:46:00 +0100

UK Soul Legend Don E & sm8music are proud to present Ladies Night Live,

in anticipation of the launch of his new album, 'Ladies Night' featuring eight UK female vocalists.

The Ladies Night album launch will be taking place on Thursday 19th July at Plan B, 418 Brixton Road London SW9 7AY.

Performing live on the night will be Nadine Charles, Kyra Simone, Shelly and Elisha La'verne alongside Don E, who will be playing some of his old and, of course, new tracks.

This is one not to be missed and you can pre order your reduced price tickets now by clicking HERE

Melba Moore Live In Concert 29/04/12

noreply@blogger.com (Soulm8) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:55:00 +0100

Heres your chance to catch one of the finest vocalists from the soul scene....Melba Moore is live in concert at Londons Jazz Cafe on Sunday 29th April Doors at 7.00pm.

Miss Moore will be performing some of her many hits including "I Cant Believe Its Over", "You Stepped Into My Life" and of course my personal favourite "Standing Right Here".

Its not often such a soul legend graces us with here presence so make the most of it and get your tickets for this event before there all gone....! Just go to www.soulgigs.com for further details