Song of the Day: "I Think I Love U" (Dwele)

"I Think I Love U"

• Writer and Producer: Mike City 
  
• Classification: Detroit Soul, Neo-Soul
  
• Record Label: Virgin Records 
  
• Released in 2005 from the album "Some Kinda..."
  
• This song peaked at #53 on the  U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart 
  

Jill Scott's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency future still unknown.

The following news story comes from Alex Strachan, Canwest News Service. To view the full article click here. 

The future remains a mystery for The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

The acclaimed BBC-HBO adaptation of the popular series of mystery novels by Alexander McCall Smith, starring Broadway veteran Jill Scott as Precious Ramotswe, a lady detective "of traditional build" in her native Botswana, is still alive HBO president Michael Lombardo told Canwest News Service at the semi-annual gathering of the TV Critics Association.

Despite strong reviews, the series did not fare as well as other recent HBO dramas like True Blood and Hung, or established programs like Entourage and Big Love, all of which will return with new seasons.

True Blood is averaging 11 million viewers for HBO, and is the pay cable channel's most-watched series since The Sopranos.

It would be "an incorrect assumption" to think that The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency has been cancelled, though, Lombardo said, even though it was pointedly left out of HBO's programming announcements for the 2009-'10 season.

"We're actually in conversations now and are trying to figure out the next step," Lombardo told Canwest News Service.

Two of the series' original creators, feature-film directors Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack, passed away shortly after production began on The No. 1 Ladies' Detective's first season.

"It's been a challenge because, as you know, the creative vision behind that show unfortunately passed away," Lombardo said. "So we're trying to figure that out."

HBO's programming president, Richard Plepler, concurred.

"The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency did very well for us critically and with audiences, and we're very proud of it," Plepler added. "So we're going to try to figure out a way to get it back."

Live Video of the Day: "Clean Up Women " (Betty Wright)

Here is Betty Wright performing her #2 Hot Soul Singles jam "Clean Up Women" live at the Micheal Baisden Show After Dark. Enjoy!

 

Amazing Cover: "After The Love Is Gone" (Mint Condition)

For the Earth, Wind, and Fire tribute album "Interpretations", Mint Condition along with other artists covered some of EW&F's most memorable songs. Enjoy "After the Love Is Gone" by Mint Condition performed for AOL Black Voices.

Live Video of the Day: "Get Up Offa That Thing " (James Brown)

The King of Soul performing one of his many hits "Get Up Offa That Thing". Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "You Got The Love" (Rufus)

"You Got The Love"

• Writers Ray Parker, Jr. and Chaka Khan
• Classification: Old-School Soul, Funk, and Psychedelic Soul
• Record Label: ABC
  
• Released in 1974 from the album "Rags to Rufus"
  
• This song was #1 for one week on the Hot Soul Singles and #11 on the Hot 100 in 1974
  

Amazing Cover: "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" (Mary J. Blige)

At an event honoring Elton John in the mid-200s, Mary J. Blige performs one of Elton John's classic. Enjoy!

Song of the Day: "Women to Women" (Shirley Brown)

"Women to Women"

• Writers Homer Banks, Eddie Marion, and Henderson Thigpen
• Classification: Southern Soul and Old-School Soul
  
• Record Label: Stax Records
  
• Released in 1974
• This song was #1 for two weeks on the Hot Soul Singles and #22 on the Hot 100 in 1974

Live Video of the Day: "I'm His Only Women" (Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia)

Enjoy this rare live video of Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia performing "I'm His Only Women" which is a modern version of "Women to Women" by Shirley Brown.

Amazing Cover: "Home" (Jazmine Sullivan)

Check out an 11 year old Jazmine Sullivan singing "Home" from The Wiz in her elementary school production. Listen to her runs... they are so reminiscent of Stevie Wonder!

Song of the Day: "Hometown Glory" (Adele)

"Hometown Glory"

• Writer & Producer: Adele Adkins
• Classification: Blue-Eyed Soul, British Soul
• Record Label: Pacemaker Recordings, XL Recordings
• Released in 2007 and 2008

Live Video of the Day: "Why Does It Hurt So Bad" (Whitney Houston)

At the MTV Movie Awards in 1996, Whitney Houston performed "Why Does It Hurt So Bad" from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. Enjoy!

Concert: Ledisi in Chicago!

For those in the Chicagoland area on Friday August 21st, please get your tickets to "The Experience with Ledisi". This 2 and a half hour interview, performance , and CD signing is so worth the $20. You also get a copy of her latest CD at the door! For more information click here! Hope to see you all there...

Amazing Cover: "The Impossible Dream" (Jennifer Hudson)

"The Impossible Dream"'s most famous cover probably comes from Soul crooner Luther Vandross who covered this song for his 1994 "Songs" album. This video however, comes from the 2009 NAACP Image Awards where Jennifer Hudson performed an amazing live rendition that would make Luther proud.

Album in the Works: Anita Baker

Bellow is the transcript from Billboard online about Anita's plans for the forthcoming future. To access the article on their site click here.

Anita Baker is considering a live video and/or album for her next release, possibly in 2010. And she's not ruling out the possibility of some new music next year, either.

The Grammy Award-winning songstress filmed shows during the past year at the DTE Energy Music Theatre near her hometown of Detroit, Mich., in the Cayman Islands, and at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minn. But Baker tells Billboard.com that, if the project moves forward, the bulk of the footage will likely come from two shows at New York's Radio City Music Hall over Valentine's Day weekend this past February.

"What you'll probably end up seeing is something that's packaged live from Radio City, with elements of the Caymans and Detroit added into that," says Baker, whose last studio album, "My Everything," came out in 2004. She's also been looking over footage from this year's Essence Music Festival, which will be used for a future TV broadcast. "Luckily I wear black all the time," Baker says with a laugh, "so there's no problem with having to go back and re-cut anything, usually."

Baker released "A Night of Rapture -- Live" in 2004. ¨As for brand new music -- either instead of or alongside the live project -- Baker says there are "a couple of songs that I had in mind for a couple of artists that I think I'm going to use for myself." She adds that the new music is "not a departure. It will be an Anita Baker record, but it will have a lot of surprising elements in it. We'll take a lot of our contemporaries and bring them into my project where they may fit."

One of those could be rapper Snoop Dogg, who Baker is working with on an adaptation of Curtis Mayfield's "Give Me Your Love (Love Song)" from the "Superfly" soundtrack. "We do it in a very contemporary way, a very grown-up way," Baker says. "It's lovely -- who knew that Snoop is madly in love with his wife, you know? We've got a chance to see that in the way his music has grown, so when he comes in to do dialogue over that love theme, it becomes very grown-up and contemporary at the same time."

As for when we might hear, or see, something new, however, Baker is circumspect. "The record company (Blue Note) wants next spring, and I would love for that to happen," she says. "That would be lovely, but we all are mindful of the fact that we want it to be right. So when they say spring, they really are planning for the fall. It's like...I'm a mom. If we want to be at brunch at 1, I have to tell my kids 12 o'clock -- you know what I mean?"

Live Video of the Day: "In The Morning" (Ledisi)

During the 2008 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Ledisi took to the stage and killed it. Here she is singing "In The Morning" off of her first major release "Lost and Found". Enjoy the vocals and the stage antics!

Song of the Day: "Emotional Rollercoaster" (Vivian Green)

"Emotional Rollercoaster"

• Writers & Producers: Vivian Green, E.Roberson, and Osunlade
• Classification: Neo-Soul, Philly Soul
• Record Label: Columbia Records
• Peaked at #13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles & Tracks and #39 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100

Song of the Day: "The Way" (Jill Scott)

"The Way"

• Writers & Producers: Jill Scott and Andre Harris
• Classification: Neo-Soul, Philly Soul
• Record Label: Hidden Beach Records 
• Peaked at #15 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles & Tracks and #60 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100

Live Video of the Day: "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (Aretha Franklin)

During the 60s and 70s no one can deny "The Queen's" vocal prowl and her catalogue of hits. Enjoy a live rendition of her 1968 hit "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Women". 

Amazing Cover: "Overjoyed" (Toni Braxton)

For UNCF's tribute to Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton covered his hit song "Overjoyed". Enjoy her alto vocals on this great cover.

Live Video of the Day: "Gimme" (Jill Scott)

During the  2002 Soul Train Music awards,  Jill Scott performed her single "Gimme". For this performance, she slows it down and makes it more jazzy! Enjoy this wonderful mellow showcase!

Song of the Day: "I Am Not My Hair" (India.Arie)

"I Am Not My Hair"

• Writers: India Arie Simpson, Shannon Sanders, Drew Ramsey
• Producer: Shannon Sander
• Classification: Neo-Soul
• Record Label: Motown Records 
• Peaked at #47 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles & Tracks and #97 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100

Solange responds to criticism

Solange Knowles has released the following statement about her haircut with the following responses. I must say that after reading this I  totally agree and love her even more... fight the social constructs of beauty! Let's also not forget that it isn't Amber Rose who first shaved their head but Grace Jones back in the 1970s, or even India.Arie in 2006 while she was promoting her third album! 

"Listen, if I wanted to make a statement I would have twitpic’d a photo shoot, ect. I was simply taking my son to school. Stupid paps took my pic. I’ve had my hair cut like this for two weeks. I was NOT inspired by anyone but myself. I have done this twice in my life. I was 16. I was 18. Did not care about your opinion then. Don’t care now. Don’t need your attention or your co-sign. Don’t want an edge up or a perm, because I’m not trying to make this “a style” or a statement. I just wanted to be free from the bondage that black women sometimes put on themselves with hair. This phase of my life I want to spend the time, the energy and the money on something else and not in the hair salon. I’m not mad at all of you that have made your opinions known and have sent negative energy my way. I expected this of you, and you have the right to have an opinion. So do I"

Amazing Cover: "Viva La Vida" (Solange)

While promoting her 2008 album "Sol-Angle and the Hadley St. Dreams", Solange performed a cover of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" for yahoo music. Enjoy the cover bellow!

Song of the Day: "Bag Lady" (Erykah Badu)

"Bag Lady"

• Writer: Erykah Badu, Yahzarah, André Young
• Producer:  Erykah Badu Tone Da Backbone
• Classification: Neo-Soul
• Record Label: Motown Records 
• Peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles & Tracks and #6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100

Live Video of the Day: "He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)" (Jill Scott)

Jill Scott offers a more jazzy rendition of her hit song "He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)" during a 2001 performance.

Countdown Till Album: Ledisi

Checkout this behind the scenes look at Ledisi and Raphael Saadiq in the studio talking about their work in the studio.

New Joint: "I Look To You" (Whitney Houston)

The voice is back! Be the judge for yourself by checking out this sneak preview of Whitney's title tracked "I Look To You"

Album In The Works: The Voice is back!

According to numerous sources who were in attendance at the listening party in NYC for the new Whitney album, she is back with a vengeance.

Check out a video from the event:

Album in the Works: Erykah Badu Set To Finish Album

New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)
Grammy Award winning Neo-Soul singer Erykah Badu, who’s been busy with a full performance schedule will be heading back to studio after her tour is over. Badu has been recording new music for her new album which will be a follow-up to her latest album “New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)”. The expected title for her fourth studio album is “New Amerykah, Part 2: Return Of The Ankh”.

Meanwhile, Erykah Badu is on her international tour “4th World War” which began on May 24th in Los Angeles, CA and will be ending September 10th in Memphis, TN.

Check out the dates bellow and if you can check it out.

Tentative Tour Dates for Erykah Badu International Tour
May 24 – Los Angeles, CA, UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival
May 25 – Quincy Washington, Sasquatch Music Festival
May 29 – Hawaii, Waterfront at Aloha Tower
May 30 – Phoenix, AZ, Celebrity Theatre
May 31 – Las Vegas, NV, House of Blues
June 2 – Anaheim, CA, The Grove of Anaheim
June 4 – San Diego, CA, Humphrey’s by the Bay
June 5 – Los Angeles, CA, Club Nokia at L.A. Live
June 6 – San Francisco, CA, The Warfield Theatre
June 14 – Manchester, TN, Bonnaroo Music Festival
July 8 – Milan, Italy, Arena Civica
July 10 – Paris France, Zenith
July 11 – Rotterdam, Holland, North Sea Jazz Festival
July 13 – Copenhagen, Denmark, Vega
July 15 – Oslo, Norway, Sentrum Scene
July 17 – Pori, Finland, Pori Jazz Festival
July 19 – Stockholm, Sweden, Stockholm International Jazz Festival
July 21 – Nice, France, Nice Jazz Festival
August 6 – Atlantic City
August 7 – Detroit
August 8 – Baltimore, MD
Sept. 10 – Memphis, TN, Orpheum Theatre – Memphis

Rare Performance: "If Only For One Night" (Patti Labelle and Luther Vandross)

Here is a rare performance of Patti Labelle and Luther Vandross doing their thing on one of Luther's classics "If Only For One Night".

Live Video of the Day; " I Say A Little Prayer"

Here is the "Queen" performing one of her many hits. Here is a rare performance of her performing "I Say A Littler Prayer" which was an original B-Side single, but the DJs liked her recording so much they they started playing it more than the A-Side single ("The House That Jack Built")

Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder honoring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder are two of the acts lined up for the two-night concert celebration honoring the 25th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The shows will be Oct. 29-30 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Song of the Day: "Never Too Much" (Luther Vandross)

• Writer: Luther Vandross
  
• Producer:Luther Vandross
  
• Classification: Quiet Storm, Old-School Soul
  
• Record Label: Epic Records
  
• "Never Too Much" was released in 1981
• First single from his double platinum debut album "Never Too Much"
  
• Peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles & Tracks and #33 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100
• "Never Too Much" was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance - Male

VH1's Divas Live

British songstresses Adele and Leona Lewis have been added to the lineup for VH1's Divas Live concert this year. These two British Soul singers will join Miley Cyrus and Kelly Clarkson as the current headliners for the benefit concert which will shown live on September 17th.

I just hope that other Soul Divas such as Jill Scott, Angie Stone, India.Arie, Erykah Badu... to name a few will join these other female singers on stage.

Also since Whitney's album comes out September 1st, it just makes sense that they include this Diva.

Billboard Exclusive: Ledisi

Billboard has an exclusive peak at one of Ledisi's new songs "Trippin". To check the song out and an interview they conducted click here.

Song of the Day: "Alright" (Ledisi)

"Alright" - Ledisi

• Writers: Ledisi Young & Rex Rideout
  
• Producers: Ledisi Young & Rex Rideout
• Classification: Jazz-Soul, Neo-Soul
  
• Record Label: Verve Records
  
• "Love Ballad" was released in 2007.
  
• The song peaked at #45 on the Billboard Hot R&B Charts.
  

Album Review: "I Look To You" - Whitney Houston

One of the first reviews of Whitney's new material has surfaced online. You can click here for the link to the 9 track preview review. 

Live Video of the Day: "Come On Go With Me" (Teddy Pendergrass)

IN 1979, Teddy Pendergrass released "Come On Go With Me" which because a top 15 R&B hit peaking at number 14. Here he is performing his hit single. If the beat sounds familiar to you, it is because Avant sampled this song for his 2003 single "Read Your Mind".

Song of the Day: "Brown Skin" (India.Arie)

"Brown Skin" - India.Arie

• Writers: India.Arie, Carlos "6 July" Broady, Shannon Sanders
  
• Producer: Carlos "6 July" BroadyClassification: Neo-Sou
  
• Record Label: Motown Records 
  
• "Brown Skin" was released in 2001.
  
• It reached #39 on Billboard's  Hop R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 
  

Video:

Live Video of the Day: "Saving All My Love For You" (Whitney Houston)

In 1985, Whitney Houston made a stop at David Letterman to promote her debut album. At this show, she performed her classic hit "Saving All My Love For You"... enjoy this rare and amazing performance.

Live Video of the Day: "Always and Forever" (Heatwave)

"Always and Forever" was the second single off of Heatwave's 1976 debut album "Too Hot To Handle". "Always and Forever" peaked at #2 on the  U.S. R&B charts and #18 on the U.S. Hot 100.

Song of the Day: "Back In the Day" (Christina Aguilera)

"Back In The Day" - Christina Aguilera

• Writer: Christina Aguilera, Kara DioGuardi, Winwood
• Producers: Rich Harris and Christina Aguilera
• Classification: Blue-Eyed Soul
  
• Record Label: RCA 
• Contains a sample of "Glad"
• "Back In The Day" was on her third album "Back to Basics".

Fan Made Video:

Live:

Live Video of the Day: "Tyrone" (Erykah Badu)

Bellow is a video of Erykah Badu performing "Tyrone" which was recorded and later released on  for her double platinum live album entitled "Live". 

Song Of the Day: "Midnight Train To Georgia" (Gladys Knight and The Pips)

"Midnight Train To Georgia" - Gladys Knight and The Pips

• Writer: Jim Weatherly 
• Producers: Tony Camillo & Gladys Knight & the Pips
• Classification: Old-School Soul
  
• Record Label: Buddah Records 
  
• "Midnight Train To Georgia" was released in 1973.
• It reached #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Soul Singles chart.
• "Midnight Train to Georgia" won the 1974 Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus.

Recorded:

Midnight Train To Georgia - Gladys Knight & The Pips

Live: