Search Results for: Luther Vandross

Metallica’s eighth studio album, “St. Anger,” has been certified multiplatinum for U.S. shipments in excess of 2 million copies in a little over a month of release, according to the Recording Industry Assn. of America’s July numbers. Hip-hop innovator Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott earned her first multiplatinum album with “Under Construction.” Fleetwood Mac earned its 14th gold record (U.S. shipments in excess of 500,000 units) in July for “Say You Will.” The classic rock group’s overall U.S. album sales have surpassed the 50 million mark. R&B icon Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father” was certified platinum for sales of more than… Read more »

“American Idol” Ruben Studdard is lucky he has a healthy ego. Not only is “Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken beating the champ on the Billboard singles charts, but on the fifth stop of the “Idol” summer tour, the spiky-haired crooner proved that he’s winning the battle for the hearts and minds of “Idol” fans across the country. Even before the nine “Idol” finalists took the stage at U.S. Bank Arena Sunday night to perform a nearly two-and-a-half-hour medley of covers, the mere sight of Clay’s face on the two Jumbotron screens flanking the massive neon ballroom set was enough to elicit… Read more »

“American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard has signed to Clive Davis’ J Records, and runner-up Clay Aiken will join the first “Idol” winner, Kelly Clarkson, on RCA Records, which Davis also oversees. The RCA Music Group, which includes J Records and RCA Records, has exclusive rights to sign the stars from the “Idol” franchise. The label’s close ties with the show stem from its parent company BMG’s long-standing relationship with “Idol” creator Simon Fuller. Additionally, Fremantle Media, the TV production arm of BMG parent Bertelsmann AG, partnered with Fuller’s 19 Entertainment Group to create the show. Davis, who founded J Records… Read more »

Veteran record executive Clive Davis, whose ouster from Bertelsmann AG’s Arista caused an uproar two years ago, returned to the fold on Tuesday by selling his half of J Records to the company and taking the helm of a combined label group. As Bertelsmann’s music group, BMG, focuses on cutting costs during a prolonged industry downturn, the group said on Tuesday it would buy the 50 percent of Davis’ J Records it did not already own for undisclosed terms and combine it with its legendary RCA Records, home to stars like Christina Aguilera. Davis – pushed out in a management… Read more »

Ginuwine says he’s glad his unauthorized impersonator has been stopped. Minnesota resident Ronrico Madison was indicted January 2 in New York for posing as the successful R&B singer, as well as Jodeci member DeVante Swing. Ginuwine spoke about Madison backstage at the American Music Awards. “Well, I’m just glad it’s over, you know what I mean? He caused a lot of problems for about a year and a half, so I’m just glad that it’s over. And hopefully, he’ll get what’s coming to him. He contacted a lot of people that I knew, and he was acting like me, so… Read more »

The following is a complete list of winners at the 29th annual American Music Awards, which took place Wednesday at the Shrine Auditorium. POP/ROCK Favorite male artist – Lenny Kravitz Favorite female artist – Janet Jackson Favorite band, duo or group – ‘N Sync – news – web sites Favorite album – “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child Favorite new artist – Alicia Keys SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES Favorite male artist – Luther Vandross Favorite female artist – Aaliyah Favorite band, duo or group – Destiny’s Child Favorite album – “Aaliyah” – Aaliyah Favorite new artist – Alicia Keys COUNTRY Favorite male artist… Read more »

Self-proclaimed “king of pop” Michael Jackson will dust off a 13-year-old hit song during the American Music Awards Wednesday night – even though it might jeopardize his chances of performing at the more prestigious Grammys seven weeks later. Grammys boss Michael Greene, who is being sued for $10 million by American Music Awards producer Dick Clark for allegedly blackballing acts who appear on the earlier show, said Tuesday he would see what the Gloved One does during the ceremony before deciding whether to send him an invite. “We have 980 nominees and only 14 performance slots. So who in their… Read more »

While Dec. 31, 2001, may not rank up there with the millennium celebrations, there’s still plenty of top-notch live music being presented in the clubs and arenas of the U.S. this New Year’s Eve. So, if you’re planning to get off the couch while Dick Clark rings in 2002 in Times Square, rest assured that there are worthwhile options in most major cities. In New York, band of the moment the Strokes will open for perennial indie favorite Guided By Voices at the famed Apollo Theatre. Further downtown, Phish’s Page McConnell will premiere his new band, Vida Blue, which features… Read more »

Ludacris, O-Town, India.Arie, Lifehouse and Nelly Furtado are the latest crop of presenters confirmed for the 29th annual American Music Awards, taking place January 9 in Los Angeles, while Lenny Kravitz, Toby Keith and Yolanda Adams have come aboard as performers. Also slated to dole out the show’s 21 awards to winners – which will be determined solely by fan votes – are Blu Cantrell, Melissa Etheridge, Ginuwine, Method Man, Nelly, Jamie O’Neal, Redman, LeAnn Rimes, Shedaisy, Trick Pony, Tyrese, Luther Vandross and Master P. with his son Lil’ Romeo, according to an AMA spokesperson. Previously announced performers include Kid… Read more »