New Orleans -- The Essence Music Festival kicked off Thursday with events geared for the young.
Organizers planned to hold talks at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on crime, education and other issues affecting today's youth as a prelude to teen musical acts scheduled to hit the Superdome stage later in the evening.
Essence is one of the premiere music festivals celebrating black culture and music. It's been held every Independence Day weekend since its inception in 1995, when it marked the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine.
As in years past, the festival tackles themes of importance to African Americans, such as education and the upcoming presidential election. But above all, Essence is a celebration of music.
Opening day was to be all about recognizing newcomers to the music scene, including the Disney Channel's Coco Jones, rapper Diggy Simmons, the Omg Girlz, Roshon Fegan, Katlyn Nichol, Square Off and New...
Organizers planned to hold talks at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on crime, education and other issues affecting today's youth as a prelude to teen musical acts scheduled to hit the Superdome stage later in the evening.
Essence is one of the premiere music festivals celebrating black culture and music. It's been held every Independence Day weekend since its inception in 1995, when it marked the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine.
As in years past, the festival tackles themes of importance to African Americans, such as education and the upcoming presidential election. But above all, Essence is a celebration of music.
Opening day was to be all about recognizing newcomers to the music scene, including the Disney Channel's Coco Jones, rapper Diggy Simmons, the Omg Girlz, Roshon Fegan, Katlyn Nichol, Square Off and New...
- 7/5/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Stephanie Mills’ knack for hitting both the theater stage and the recording booth made her one of the most respected vocalists in R&B music. And while you may not be able to catch the pint-sized diva appearing on any of your favorite reality television shows in the near future, she has her eyes set on the coming months with a new album, various shows and a forthcoming children’s book, titled “Little Joseph.”
During an exclusive, candid interview with The Huffington Post, the Brooklyn-bred Grammy Award-winner opened up on an array of topics, including her thoughts on veteran artists starving for attention, recording a tribute album, and the idea of forming a super group with other sisters with voices.
In light of your recent shows, what is it that makes you still connect with fans while not releasing any new material?
I think because I keep it very real...
During an exclusive, candid interview with The Huffington Post, the Brooklyn-bred Grammy Award-winner opened up on an array of topics, including her thoughts on veteran artists starving for attention, recording a tribute album, and the idea of forming a super group with other sisters with voices.
In light of your recent shows, what is it that makes you still connect with fans while not releasing any new material?
I think because I keep it very real...
- 6/20/2012
- by Brennan Williams
- Huffington Post
I think most will agree that TV One's hour-long music series, Unsung, has been one of the network's treasured shows, earning his highest-rated, most successful season ever, this year. Just don't tell that to Stephanie Mills, because she doesn't care for the program, and has absolutely zero interest in being on it, so if you're one of those who's been hoping Mills featured in an episode, it's not happening, despite the fact that her journey is one that's seen as great fodder for an episode in the serie, as noted by HuffPo notes: ... rubbed shoulders with the likes of Michael Jackson and Pendergrass after acclaimed stints on Broadway in...
- 5/29/2012
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Joe Manganiello and Chace Crawford attend the Duracell Olympics program launch
Birthday shoutouts go to Matthew Modine, who turns 53, , Andrew Lloyd Webber is 64, and Stephanie Mills is 55. Here are my top five Stephanie songs: 5. "Two Hearts" 4. "Home," 3. "Never Knew Love Like This Before," 2. "Bit By Bit," 1. "The Medicine Song"
Eragon star Ed Speleers has joined the cast of Season Three of Downton Abbey.Sarah Jessica Parker Gives New Carrie Bradshaw Her Blessing.Me, Myself, and Her, by Pandora Boxx.That was quick. Those two cruise passengers in Dominica have pleaded guilty, apologized, been fined, and have been released. I love this response from their attorney: "They were struck by the beautiful mountains, the clean and clear fresh air and were having a few cocktails, and so threw caution to the wind." Emphasis probably on "a few cocktails."Adam Pally will join Amy Poehler and Adam Scott in the feature film A.C.O.D.,...
Birthday shoutouts go to Matthew Modine, who turns 53, , Andrew Lloyd Webber is 64, and Stephanie Mills is 55. Here are my top five Stephanie songs: 5. "Two Hearts" 4. "Home," 3. "Never Knew Love Like This Before," 2. "Bit By Bit," 1. "The Medicine Song"
Eragon star Ed Speleers has joined the cast of Season Three of Downton Abbey.Sarah Jessica Parker Gives New Carrie Bradshaw Her Blessing.Me, Myself, and Her, by Pandora Boxx.That was quick. Those two cruise passengers in Dominica have pleaded guilty, apologized, been fined, and have been released. I love this response from their attorney: "They were struck by the beautiful mountains, the clean and clear fresh air and were having a few cocktails, and so threw caution to the wind." Emphasis probably on "a few cocktails."Adam Pally will join Amy Poehler and Adam Scott in the feature film A.C.O.D.,...
- 3/22/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
As we look back on the life of the late Whitney Houston, who died at the age of 48 on Feb. 11, it's nearly impossible to choose her best performance. But in the video above, take a look at her first.
On April 29, 1985, a 21-year-old Houston made her national television debut on "The Merv Griffin Show." In an off-the-shoulder gown, she stepped onto the stage with clenched hands to sing a cover of "Home" from "The Wiz."
Then-Arista Records head Clive Davis introduced Houston to world on the late night show. He'd seen her at a New York nightclub, signed her and helped her become one of the biggest selling artists in music history.
Before she belted the song -- which was originally sung on the stage by Stephanie Mills and Diana Ross in the 1978 film adaptation -- Davis sung Houston's praises to Griffin before anyone knew her name.
"There was Lena Horne.
On April 29, 1985, a 21-year-old Houston made her national television debut on "The Merv Griffin Show." In an off-the-shoulder gown, she stepped onto the stage with clenched hands to sing a cover of "Home" from "The Wiz."
Then-Arista Records head Clive Davis introduced Houston to world on the late night show. He'd seen her at a New York nightclub, signed her and helped her become one of the biggest selling artists in music history.
Before she belted the song -- which was originally sung on the stage by Stephanie Mills and Diana Ross in the 1978 film adaptation -- Davis sung Houston's praises to Griffin before anyone knew her name.
"There was Lena Horne.
- 2/12/2012
- by Jaimie Etkin
- Huffington Post
As we look back on the life of the late Whitney Houston, who died at the age of 48 on Feb. 11, it's nearly impossible to choose her best performance. But in the video above, take a look at her first.
On April 29, 1985, a 21-year-old Houston made her national television debut on "The Merv Griffin Show." In an off-the-shoulder gown, she stepped onto the stage with clenched hands to sing a cover of "Home" from "The Wiz."
Then-Arista Records head Clive Davis introduced Houston to world on the late night show. He'd seen her at a New York nightclub, signed her and helped her become one of the biggest selling artists in music history.
Before she belted the song -- which was originally sung on the stage by Stephanie Mills and Diana Ross in the 1978 film adaptation -- Davis sung Houston's praises to Griffin before anyone knew her name.
"There was Lena Horne.
On April 29, 1985, a 21-year-old Houston made her national television debut on "The Merv Griffin Show." In an off-the-shoulder gown, she stepped onto the stage with clenched hands to sing a cover of "Home" from "The Wiz."
Then-Arista Records head Clive Davis introduced Houston to world on the late night show. He'd seen her at a New York nightclub, signed her and helped her become one of the biggest selling artists in music history.
Before she belted the song -- which was originally sung on the stage by Stephanie Mills and Diana Ross in the 1978 film adaptation -- Davis sung Houston's praises to Griffin before anyone knew her name.
"There was Lena Horne.
- 2/12/2012
- by Jaimie Etkin
- Aol TV.
New Orleans — Newly engaged queen of soul Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Stephanie Mills and Charlie Wilson are among entertainers set to perform at this summer's Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
The event, set for July 6-8, is billed as one of the largest gatherings of black artists in the country. Performances will be held at the Superdome while seminars with speakers, artists and authors will take place at the city's convention center.
This will be the 18th annual Essence Music Festival and the third time Franklin has performed at the event. Franklin, who became engaged over the holidays to longtime friend Willie Wilkerson, performed during the festival's inaugural year in 1995 and again in 2005.
The festival began as a one-time event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine.
The event, set for July 6-8, is billed as one of the largest gatherings of black artists in the country. Performances will be held at the Superdome while seminars with speakers, artists and authors will take place at the city's convention center.
This will be the 18th annual Essence Music Festival and the third time Franklin has performed at the event. Franklin, who became engaged over the holidays to longtime friend Willie Wilkerson, performed during the festival's inaugural year in 1995 and again in 2005.
The festival began as a one-time event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine.
- 1/11/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
New Orleans (AP) — Newly engaged queen of soul Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Stephanie Mills and Charlie Wilson are among entertainers set to perform at this summer's Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. The event, set for July 6-8, is billed as one of the largest gatherings of black artists in the country. Performances will be held at the Superdome while seminars with speakers, artists and authors will take place at the city's convention center. This will be the 18th annual Essence Music Festival and the third time Franklin has performed at the event. Franklin, who became engaged over the...
- 1/11/2012
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., has announced that this year's Essence Music Festival will be headlined by Kanye West and Mary J. Blige among others. These two will be joined by Trey Songz, Jill Scott as well as other artists who embody the spirit of rhythm and blues.
The New Orleans festival, which is in its 17th year, would be held over the course of three days as usual, beginning July 1, at Louisiana Superdome. Fans selected the musicians whom they want to see including some local artists like Irma Thomas, Kourtney Heart, the Charmaine Neville Band and Rebirth Brass Band.
Other artists set to take the stage are Charlie Wilson, Fantasia Barrino, Boyz II Men, Stephanie Mills, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Mint Condition, Kelly Price, M.C. Lyte and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. More artists will be added later to the lineup.
For tickets and other info,...
The New Orleans festival, which is in its 17th year, would be held over the course of three days as usual, beginning July 1, at Louisiana Superdome. Fans selected the musicians whom they want to see including some local artists like Irma Thomas, Kourtney Heart, the Charmaine Neville Band and Rebirth Brass Band.
Other artists set to take the stage are Charlie Wilson, Fantasia Barrino, Boyz II Men, Stephanie Mills, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Mint Condition, Kelly Price, M.C. Lyte and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. More artists will be added later to the lineup.
For tickets and other info,...
- 2/17/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
New Orleans (AP) — Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, Jill Scott and Kanye West are among the headliners for the 2011 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., says the lineup also will include Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men, Stephanie Mills, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Mint Condition, Kelly Price, M.C. Lyte and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Ebanks said Wednesday that the lineup includes musicians who fans asked to see. She says more artists will be added for the festival, which will be held July 1-3 in the Louisiana Superdome. A...
- 2/17/2011
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
Trey Songz, Fantasia, Boyz II Men also on the bill for July event.
By Gil Kaufman
Kanye West
Photo: Shirlaine Forrest/ WireImage
Kanye West's joint 2010 tour with Lady Gaga may have been a nonstarter, but the rapper is making up for lost time by adding his name to a growing string of major festivals. In addition to bringing My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to the indie masses at the upcoming Coachella festival, West will also topline this year's Essence Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.
The 17th annual gathering of hip-hop and R&B glitterati will take place July 1-3 and also feature sets from Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott and Trey Songz; Charlie Wilson, Fantasia and Boyz II Men will also perform on the main stage. Other stages will host Stephanie Mills, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Mavis Staples,...
By Gil Kaufman
Kanye West
Photo: Shirlaine Forrest/ WireImage
Kanye West's joint 2010 tour with Lady Gaga may have been a nonstarter, but the rapper is making up for lost time by adding his name to a growing string of major festivals. In addition to bringing My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to the indie masses at the upcoming Coachella festival, West will also topline this year's Essence Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.
The 17th annual gathering of hip-hop and R&B glitterati will take place July 1-3 and also feature sets from Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott and Trey Songz; Charlie Wilson, Fantasia and Boyz II Men will also perform on the main stage. Other stages will host Stephanie Mills, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Mavis Staples,...
- 2/16/2011
- MTV Music News
It's so good to be going back to New Orleans! Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, and Fantasia are just a few of the hot acts confirmed for the 2011 Essence Music Festival. This year's festival celebrates "the roots of R&B" and promises to have something for everyone. Other acts scheduled to play at the 17th annual gathering in New Orleans, July 1-3, include Trey Songz, Boyz II Men, Charlie Wilson, Mint Condition, Stephanie Mills and many more...
- 2/16/2011
- Essence
Cory Monteith, Lea Michele and the rest of the "Glee" cast have joined the festivities held at the White House. On Monday, April 5, they took part of this year's White House Easter Egg Roll, entertaining the First Family and people gathering on the South Lawn with some of the group and individual numbers from the show in addition to a couple of new songs.
During the special occasion, the cast members of Fox's hit comedy musical were dressed in the same jeans-and-red-t-shirt costumes they used in an episode of the series. They opened their set for the annual Easter event with a performance of a familiar song "Somebody to Love". Matthew Morrison then took over, singing a duet of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Mark Salling.
Salling later continued on with his rendition of "Sweet Caroline". Following his performance, Jenna Ushkowitz got to sing "True Colors" before Amber Riley belted out a never-before-heard song,...
During the special occasion, the cast members of Fox's hit comedy musical were dressed in the same jeans-and-red-t-shirt costumes they used in an episode of the series. They opened their set for the annual Easter event with a performance of a familiar song "Somebody to Love". Matthew Morrison then took over, singing a duet of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Mark Salling.
Salling later continued on with his rendition of "Sweet Caroline". Following his performance, Jenna Ushkowitz got to sing "True Colors" before Amber Riley belted out a never-before-heard song,...
- 4/6/2010
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
American Idol will be rocking an R&B theme on this week’s show and the lucky contestants are set to mentored by none other than the amazing Usher.
Set to perform on the Wednesday night result show (Thursday in the UK) are P Diddy, Usher and the cuter than cute Justin Bieber. We have included the entire songlist that the remaining ten contestants can choose from and we’d love to hear your suggestions. As always, you can leave your comments below!
Songlist (from iTunes)
A Song For Momma – Boyz II Men
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross
Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – The Temptations
Angel of Mine – Monica
At Your Best You Are Love – Aaliya
Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops
Back At One – Brian McKnight
Back in My Arms Again – The...
Set to perform on the Wednesday night result show (Thursday in the UK) are P Diddy, Usher and the cuter than cute Justin Bieber. We have included the entire songlist that the remaining ten contestants can choose from and we’d love to hear your suggestions. As always, you can leave your comments below!
Songlist (from iTunes)
A Song For Momma – Boyz II Men
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross
Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – The Temptations
Angel of Mine – Monica
At Your Best You Are Love – Aaliya
Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops
Back At One – Brian McKnight
Back in My Arms Again – The...
- 3/29/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
What should the "American Idol" Top 10 sing for the R&B/Soul week? Make your picks here.
Even though Usher kinda spilled the "Idol" mentoring beans over the weekend, it was officially announced during the Wednesday, March 24 results show that he would be mentoring the Top 10 for R&B/Soul week.
We love that R&B/Soul reaches way back into Motown because some of the non-Michael Lynche singers need some oldies thrown in there.
The song list is available here, but here is the whole list:
* A Song For Momma - Boyz II Men
* Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross
* Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
* Ain't Too Proud to Beg - The Temptations
* Angel of Mine - Monica
* At Your Best You Are Love - Aaliya
* Baby I Need Your Loving - The Four Tops
* Back At One - Brian McKnight...
Even though Usher kinda spilled the "Idol" mentoring beans over the weekend, it was officially announced during the Wednesday, March 24 results show that he would be mentoring the Top 10 for R&B/Soul week.
We love that R&B/Soul reaches way back into Motown because some of the non-Michael Lynche singers need some oldies thrown in there.
The song list is available here, but here is the whole list:
* A Song For Momma - Boyz II Men
* Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross
* Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
* Ain't Too Proud to Beg - The Temptations
* Angel of Mine - Monica
* At Your Best You Are Love - Aaliya
* Baby I Need Your Loving - The Four Tops
* Back At One - Brian McKnight...
- 3/25/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.