James Ingram, Grammy-Winning R&B Singer, Dies at 66

James Ingram, Grammy-Winning R&B Singer, Dies at 66

Courtesy https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/james-ingram-dead-grammy-winning-r-b-singer-was-66-1180817

Ingram's friend and creative partner Debbie Allen announced the news on Tuesday.

R&B singer James Ingram, who collected two Grammy Awards and a pair of No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits over his decades-long career, has died. He was 66.

The news was shared via Twitter on Tuesday by Ingram's friend and creative partner Debbie Allen. There are no details yet about when or how Ingram died.

"I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir," Allen tweeted. "He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name."

Ingram collected two Grammys during his career: His song "One Hundred Ways" was named best male R&B performance in 1981, and his duet with Michael McDonald on "Yah Mo B There" earned the award for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals in 1984. He also was nominated for back-to-back best original song Oscars in 1993 and 1994, for co-writing "The Day I Fall in Love" from Beethoven's 2nd and "Look What Love Has Done" from Junior.

Ingram charted nine hits on the Hot 100, including a pair of No. 1s: "Baby Come to Me," with Patti Austin, in 1983, and "I Don't Have the Heart" in 1990. Other top 20-charting hits included "Just Once" (No. 17 in 1981, Quincy Jones featuring Ingram), "Yah Mo Be There" (No. 19 in 1984, with McDonald) and "Somewhere Out There" (No. 2 in 1987, with Linda Ronstadt). He also logged 19 hits on the Adult Contemporary airplay chart and 18 entries on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Ingram also tallied hits as a songwriter, co-penning Michael Jackson's top 10 hit "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," from the Thriller album, as well as songs recorded by Pointer Sisters, George Benson, Ray Charles, Shalamar and others.

Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine suffers another stroke, sources claim

Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine suffers another stroke, sources claim

Source: https://www.aol.com/article/entertainment/2018/11/05/health-crisis-michael-jacksons-mother-katherine-suffers-another-stroke-sources-claim/23580880/

Katherine Jackson has suffered another debilitating stroke, RadarOnline.com has confirmed exclusively with multiple sources.

This is her second major health setback since April, when the Jackson family matriarch suffered a previous stroke, Radar first reported.

Now, her famous family is preparing for the worst.

“Katherine had another stroke several weeks ago,” said a source. “Everyone is just bracing for her passing at this point.”

According to another source, the most recent stroke landed her in a Los Angeles-area hospital for about a week toward the end of the summer. Shortly after she returned home to recuperate, she had to see her doctors again.

“She’s not in good condition and is still struggling to speak. She has said she’s ready to be in heaven with her son,” added another source, referring to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who died in 2009.

Sadly, Katherine’s husband Joe died from an aggressive form of cancer in June of this year.

As Radar has reported, Jackson family members have grown increasingly concerned about the 88-year-old’s health since Joe’s death.

And it turns out, their worst fears are coming true.

“Her health has rapidly declined since Joe’s death,” said a source. “She’s been in such pain, both internal and external. Katherine seems to have given up on even trying in the past month, and it makes her family very sad to see her like this. She was always such a strong, strong woman.”

Read More

Katherine Jackson Health Crisis — Legendary Mother Of Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson Reportedly Suffers A Secret Stroke! http://bit.ly/2PKVc3m 

Remembering Aretha Franklin: Rare duets and collaborations

Remembering Aretha Franklin: Rare duets and collaborations

Aretha Franklin Sammy Davis Jr. 1968 Respect Think

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKn-E15g22o

Andy Williams & Aretha Franklin - Gentle on My Mind (1969)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqJA3f-mPuw

Ray Charles & w/Aretha Franklin - Georgia On My Mind & It Takes Two to Tango

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4rhy1rBsVM

Cissy Houston Gospel, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, BeBe & CeCe Winans (Rare Footage)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUy2AT1C4WA

We Are the World (Diana Ross & Michael Jackson & Stevie Wonder & Aretha Franklin)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUgIDJPY674

WE REMEMBER MICHAEL JACKSON - JUNE 26 2014

Michael Jackson remembered five years later: After King of Pop's death, his influence still resonates in music

Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk, Bruno Mars and Robin Thicke have clearly been influenced by late Jackson. But nothing beats the real thing, as evidenced by success of the posthumously released, 'Xscape.'

Courtesy of New York Daily News - http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/years-michael-jackson-death-influences-pop-article-1.1842265

 

 

Five years after his death, Michael Jackson sounds more alive than ever.

The style he patented back in the 1970s and 1980s has staged a comeback on the pop charts in the last year, channeled through the pervasive hits of Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Bruno Mars, and Daft Punk. They all reference the sumptuous, disco-era dance beats, spiraling falsetto vocals, and plush production that would have fit right in with the peak style of Jackson’s greatest solo albums: 1979’s “Off The Wall” and 1983’s “Thriller.”
On Mars’ current tour, he styles himself with the Afro, wide lapels and velvet suits fans will remember from a far younger Michael J.

 

All this stands in stark contrast to the brand of pop which dominated the scene in the year of the icon’s passing, 2009. Then, far more angular dance sounds ruled, pounding through hits like the Black Eyed Peas’ percussive “Boom Boom Pow,” or the new-wave-tinged Lady Gaga singles “Poker Face” and “Just Dance.” Those songs ranked as the No. 1, 2, and 3 hits of 2009, according to Billboard.

Less than 18 months after Jackson’s passing, his estate released his first posthumous album, “Michael.” It earned tepid reviews and no small number of accusations of exploitation.

 

 

The material wasn’t top rank but another factor in the resistance may have been that it was simply too soon.

By contrast, the “new” Jackson album, “Xscape,” released last month, has earned more respect and had greater commercial impact. It features nine never-before-released tracks, updated by top producers of today, like Rodney Jerkins and StarGate. In May, the disc opened at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 list, missing the top slot (snagged by the Black Keys) by just a few thousand copies. It did earn the pole position in the U.K., a feat it matched in six other European countries. “Xscape” remains in the U.S. Top Twenty, buoyed by a single “Love Never Felt So Good,” a song with special resonance.

Originally recorded at a session back in 1983, the cut sounds like a lost track from “Off the Wall,” complete with a cascading string section, a thumping disco beat and a balletic Jackson vocal. Even the modern production that updates the song can’t obscure its connection to a storied past. Tellingly, the song bolted into the U.S. Top Ten in May, earning first week digital sales of over 100,000 copies.
The success of the song made Jackson the first act in the history of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart to score Top Ten hits in five different decades, going back to the ‘70s. If you include his work with the Jackson 5 like “I Want You Back,” from December of ‘69, his streak would stretch to six decades.

No doubt the success of “Love” has had as much to do with the context of pop today as with the affection and nostalgia surrounding Jackson five years after his passing. To young audiences, “Love Never Felt So Good” could have been a new Timberlake single. That’s ironic since Jackson has served as JT’s strongest influence since his days with N’Sync.
Ultimately, that circular relationship has served the Jackson legacy well. It makes the sound he pioneered back in the day seem like the cutting edge of pop today.
email:jfarber@nydailynews.com

TITO JACKSON TALKS ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON ON THE JEREMY KYLE

The Jeremy Kyle Show: Celebrity Specials - Jackson 5 legend Tito Jackson talks about the Death of Michael Jackson, the trial of Michael's Doctor, his children, how the family have coped and Michael's new album Xscape

Courtesy of http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/05/28/jeremy-kyle-celebrity-specials-michael-barrymore_n_5402956.html

Jeremy Kyle Celebrity Specials: Michael Barrymore And Tito Jackson Among Stars Appearing

The Huffington Post UK  |  Posted: 28/05/2014 13:16 BST  |  Updated: 28/05/2014 13:59 BST

Five Jeremy Kyle Celebrity Specials are set to air this summer with stars confirmed to appear including Michael Barrymore, Tito Jackson and ‘Coronation Street’ star Liz Dawn.
The Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder and former IT girl Tara Palmer Tomkinson will also feature on the daytime show.

Viewers will see each celebrity open up about an issue they’ve struggled to deal with, starting with Michael who will discuss his issues with drink and drugs, as well his struggles with his sexuality.
He will also give his account of the 2001 party which ended with the death of Stuart Lubbock.
Tara will open up about her struggle with cocaine addiction while Shaun is set to reveal the details of his time as lead singer of The Happy Mondays, while Tito will talk about the Jackson family’s fame and fortune.

Liz Dawn, who starred as Vera Duckworth in ‘Coronation Street' for over 30 years, will reflect on her time in the soap.
In 2013, Amy Winehouse's ex Blake Fielder-Civil appeared on a Jeremy Kyle Celebrity Special.
From 9 June, one episode will be shown each day on ITV1 at 2pm.
The full schedule is as follows:
9 June: Michael Barrymore
10 June: Tara Palmer Tomkinson
11 June: Tito Jackson
12 June: Liz Dawn
13 June : Shaun Ryder
 

10 NEW RULES OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY - HOW TO SUCCEED IN MUSIC

10 New Rules of the Music Industry

Courtesy By Kathy Iandoli  10 New Rules of the Music Industry | http://theboombox.com/10-new-rules-of-the-music-industry/?trackback=tsmclip

On a Tribe Called Quest’s 1991 song ‘Check the Rhime,’ Q-Tip provides one rule: “Industry Rule #4080: Record company people are shady,” he says. Years later, Notorious B.I.G. would equate the rap game with the crack game on ‘Ten Crack Commandments,’ declaring, “I been in this game for years, it made me an animal / There’s rules to this s—, I wrote me a manual.” Bottom line: sometimes we need rules, and in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, perhaps a little guidance would be helpful.

Forget everything you thought you knew about the music industry before 2012. It’s gone. Dead. Wiped out of memory like a PC’s hard drive after clicking an email that said “Check out my pics from vacation.exe.” The results is an environment where the higher ups are no longer as high as we think and our favorite artists are within reach — or tweet. It’s a new day, and with a new day comes a brand new set of rules.

If you’re looking to embark on a career in the proverbial “game,” this is a little blueprint to get you started. Artists, this speaks directly to your lives right now. For everyone else, this is just a simple guide about what’s really happening in the careers of those rappers and singers you fancy. You can print this out, and like Drake says “have a f—in’ read-along.” Here are 10 New Rules of the Music Industry.

 

1 Albums Drop With No Warning

Where were you on Fri., Dec. 13, 2013 at midnight? Don't say sleeping, because you're lying. You were posted up in front of your computer on iTunes purchasing Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter's self-titled opus and you know it. King Bey dropped 'Beyonce' and not a single member of the Bey Hive knew beforehand. It was perhaps the boldest, Beyonce-est move in music history, as the songstress delivered a sexually-charged independent release as a middle finger to her label for not supporting her new musical pursuits.
While some artists in a lesser tax bracket may randomly drop "free albums" (we call them mixtapes, right?) at random, no one has done what Beyonce did when she delivered a surprise album without a gigantic promotional vehicle. This new rule that albums will unexpectedly fall from the sky is reserved for the Kings who know they'll still profit, despite what Beyonce said on 'Ghost' with, "Soul not for sale / Probably won't make no money off this, oh well." You know what that means: Azealia Banks, don't try this at home.
 

2. Tweets Can and Will Be Held Against You

Many years ago, the worst nightmare for an artist would be the release of a sex tape, a nude photo or some sort of past endeavor that they did for money and wished they hadn't. Nowadays, it's unearthing past tweets. Even present ones for that matter. If you put it out on Twitter, consider it etched in stone. Know why? Because someone out there is randomly taking screenshots of that tweet to use at a later time, regardless of whether or not you delete what you wrote.
Take Macklemore, who just swept the 2014 Grammy Awards and won the hearts of Americans through the song 'Same Love,' which came equipped with same sex marriages (officiated by Queen Latifah) when he performed the song live at the ceremony. However, a 2009 tweet from the indie powerhouse showed his overzealous usage of "no homo," which had the LGBT community in an uproar. Your thoughts and ideals can change. Sure. But be careful what you tweet when you tweet it, because five years later, you may be reminded of the skeletons in your cyber closet.

 

3. Instagram Is Your New Getty Images

Hey websites, ever been sued over a photo? Not pretty right? Not cheap either. Photo copyright infringement is almost as "dangerous" as sampling a song without clearance. Major professional photo banks like Getty Images were (and still are) a viable means of obtaining press photos of celebrities, in addition to photos from the celeb's publicist or managament. Not anymore. With artists and actors taking photos of everything from their faces to their food on Instagram, a whole well of flicks are at our disposal. Some people use Instagram more than others. Singers like Rihanna and Beyonce always have a steady stream of photos to check out, along with Miley Cyrus (and her tongue). On the rap front, Rick Ross always has some lovely photos to offer, as does French Montana (he even shared an Instagram photo of himself getting arrested). If you need Kanye West photos, though, head over to Kim Kardashian's Instagram page.

 

 

4. Mixtapes Are No Longer Viable Promotion

There was a time when label delays led rappers to drop mixtapes to sate their fans in between album releases. It used to be a great idea. Used to be. That was until the mixtape completely replaced albums for a while, often being called "free albums" or "free EPs." You know what you don't make from free mixtapes? Money. And after a while, the effort put into mixtapes was on the decline after things like production and studio time came with no clear indication of a recoup. Projects like Lil Wayne's 'Dedication 5' and Meek Mill's 'Dreamchasers 3' are prime examples of mixtapes that would have garnered more praise in say, 2010, than they did in 2013. It's time for a change. Release albums, artists. Get studio time, grab beats from producers, record the album, sell it. You don't even have to promote it. Refer to Rule No. 1 for more information.

 

5. Sponsors Can Giveth and Taketh Away

Beware of your lyrics, your public behavior, anything and everything you do once you land a coveted sponsorship deal. You will in fact be monitored, and you can lose that deal as fast as you received it. Back in 2009, when Chris Brown and Rihanna got into their fateful altercation en route to the Grammys, the photos that circulated of RiRi following the event led to Wrigley's pulling Brown from their campaign, even though 'Forever' was the new Doublemint anthem.

Reebok is another stickler. Last year, when Rick Ross uttered some sketchy bars on Rocko's 'U.O.E.N.O.' that suggested he was condoning rape, Reebok pulled his sponsorship right from under his large frame. Lil Wayne's Emmett Till line in Future's 'Karate Chop' remix left him without any more free Mountain Dew to drink. So you see, sponsors watch you like a potential employer does your Facebook page. Keep your brand squeaky clean, especially when you're paid to represent another one.

6. Hip-Hop Is Ageless

This one goes without saying, but it's a lesson we're all still learning. Hip-hop is a relatively younger art form compared to the extensive history of other genres. Since it's always been referred to as a "young man's game," the question of "What happens when the man is no longer young?" has been the elephant in the room for quite a while. Thank 44-year-old Jay Z for diminishing the boundaries of age set forth long ago in the rap game. It always feels like Jay is just getting started, so who knows? He may be rhyming at 60. And why not? Rock stars do it all the time. On the other side of the spectrum, we had a young Earl Sweatshirt of Odd Future who was geared to be the next Nas at the tender young age of 16. Teenagers being compared to legends (by the way, Nas is 40)? The age minimum and maximum are nonexistent. Age ain't nothing but a number.

 

7.When Album Sales Fail, Make a Reality Show

Showing up on a reality TV show in place of an album (or in tandem with a release) isn't all that new. In 2005, Run-DMC's Reverend Run brought 'Run's House' to MTV, highlighting his family, career and love life. In 2008, conveniently around Valentine's Day, Public Enemy's own Flavor Flav debuted his romantically-challenged reality show 'Flavor of Love' on VH1. Love seems to be the common theme when it boils down rappers' careers hitting the reality TV circuit. 'T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle' and 'Marrying the Game' are both examples of shows centered around one rapper (continuing Run and Flav's legacy).

However, since the advent of 'Love & Hip Hop,' it's been a revolving door for rappers. Joe Budden, Jim Jones, Consequence, Saigon, Peter Gunz and the list goes on and on of rappers who have either made a cameo or starred in 'Love & Hip Hop' in their respective city. It seems to be the easiest way for artists to stay relevant without creating music these days.

8. Indie Is King

If Macklemore and Ryan Lewis taught you anything over the last few years, it's that major labels are the furthest thing from a necessity when it comes to fostering a successful career. It's not like they're completely irrelevant. It's just that the tables have turned, and an independent deal or DIY is the preferred means of moving units. They earned Grammy Awards and sold millions of singles and made an impact with their album 'The Heist' all on their own.

Financially it makes sense, and the internet has become an artist's greatest ally (and sometimes his worst enemy), but check the careers of acts like A$AP Rocky, Joey Bada$$ and Odd Future. While indie and imprint deals were struck for some in the middle of the buzz, artists are given more options to no longer be tethered to binding gigantic contracts that restrict any upward mobility. Sure some artists still prefer this means of management, but for many it's not necessary. Guess that dreaded 360 Deal is approaching obscurity as well.

9.Social Media Serves as a Press Release

For the 2014 publicist, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as a social media vehicle is perfect for their artists. However, ever since they learned how to press "send" on a tweet or status, it's been game over. From ranting about their label woes (we see you Lupe Fiasco and Azealia Banks) to just complaining about everything and everyone around them (hi, Gucci Mane!) and making public apologies (Oh, Kanye.), rappers in particular love a good rant, especially on Twitter.

That's the bad side of it. The good side involves announcing album releases, tweeting at other artists and producers to reveal potential collaborations and announcing tour dates. Sure, it completely replaces a press release, but who references those anymore? Read any website and the "proof" of anything is usually a screen shot of a tweet, Instagram post or Facebook status. So there you go. A word of advice for artists: still use Twitter; just don't abuse it.

10. Rappers and Singers Are Ambiguous

When Lauryn Hill delivered 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 'back in 1998, and then swept the Grammys the following year -- including a win for the Best Rap Album, hip-hop purists were a bit concerned. Sure, Lauryn knew how to rap seamlessly, but she also knew how to sing just as well, and an album that was arguably primarily singing earned a rap-related honor. Was she the gateway drug to this ambiguity? Probably.

And while artists like Drake and more recently Childish Gambino have proven they too can both rap and sing, the grey area is where confusion (and dissension) lies. Since T-Pain retaught the masses how to use Auto-Tune, guys like Future have followed suit and the result is sing-songy rap. So is it singing? Is it rapping? Well, it's both, which is a tough pill to swallow, but that's what it is. Welcome to the new world. These are the new rules after all.

 

 

 

MICHAEL JACKSON HOLOGRAM PERFORMS FROM MGM GRAND - BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS 2014

Michael Jackson hologram performs Slave To The Rhythm... and gets standing ovation at Billboard Music Awards

Courtesy of http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2632334/Michael-Jackson-hologram-performs-Slave-To-The-Rhythm-gets-standing-ovation-Billboard-Music-Awards.html#ixzz32AaDyRzG

VIDEO http://youtu.be/jDRTghGZ7XU

He died in June 2009 but Michael Jackson's music is still having audiences everywhere on their feet.
And on Sunday night a hologram of the late King Of Pop rocked the Billboard Music Awards.
The hologram, which was amazingly realistic, performed Slave To The Rhythm and even moonwalked across the stage.


The track is off Jackson's new posthumous album Xscape and was introduced by Ludacris, alongside his Rising Star co-hosts Kesha and Brad Paisley.
The hologram danced around the stage in a golden jacket and red trousers with fire shooting all around him, before appearing alongside several dancers, and began with Michael on a throne.

The onstage resurrection garnered a standing ovation by the massive star-studded audience, who were clearly moved by the performance nearly five years after his death - but it might not have happened.
Only on Friday did a federal judge rule that the Billboard Music Awards could use the hologram, rejecting efforts from tech companies seeking to block the digital performance.




Judge Kent Dawson said there wasn't enough evidence to show the planned 3-D image would violate patents held by Hologram USA Inc. and Musion Das Hologram Ltd.
The companies own rights to technology known for digitally resurrecting deceased rapper Tupac Shakur at the 2012 Coachella music festival.

'The court's decision is not surprising,' attorney Howard Weitzman, who represented Jackson's estate and dick clark productions, wrote in an email. 'The request to stop this extraordinary Michael Jackson event was ludicrous.'
Plans to use the hologram during the show Sunday emerged with the lawsuit, but weren't confirmed until the hearing Friday afternoon. Show producers had been promoting only a 'history-making performance' at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena that would promote Xscape.




Hologram USA and Musion said in their emergency lawsuit on Thursday that one of their products was being used without authorisation by a competitor to create a segment that depicts Jackson performing Slave to the Rhythm.
Attorney Michael Feder, representing the show and Jackson estate, filed a response on Friday, saying the holographic performance had been planned for months and was discussed with Alki David, who owns the rights to the technology that creates and projects lifelike images to appear alongside live performers through Hologram USA and Musion.




Plaintiff's attorney Ryan G. Baker said his clients were disappointed with the ruling, but the lawsuit will continue.
'It's only the very beginning of a case that will continue to be prosecuted by my clients, and ultimately they are confident that they will prevail and will recover all available damages for the defendants' infringing conduct,' Baker said.




Hologram USA obtained the rights to the patents after the bankruptcy of Florida effects house Digital Domain, which created the Shakur image to wide acclaim two years ago.
The lawsuit also named John C. Textor, the chairman of Florida-based Pulse Entertainment Corp. who was the former head of Digital Domain. Pulse is accused of using the hologram techniques without a proper license. A phone message left for Textor was not immediately returned.
The lawsuit names Atlanta-based Pulse Entertainment Inc. as a defendant. Spokesman Ken S. Johnson said the company was listed incorrectly because it had no connection the Billboard Music Awards.
In March, Hologram USA sued Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International over its show, Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. The show features a performance by a digital rendition of Jackson, which the company also contends is an unlicensed use of its technology.
The case is being handled in a Los Angeles federal court and Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts have been granted an extension until May 23 to respond to the lawsuit.



 

MICHAEL JACKSON DANCES WITH JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

"LOVE NEVER FELT SO GOOD" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERED WORLDWIDE

http://youtu.be/oG08ukJPtR8

The official music video for "Love Never Felt So Good" has just premiered worldwide! Join the dance party and celebrate with Michael and Justin Timberlake. Watch now! ‪#‎MJXSCAPE‬ ‪#‎MJandJT‬ http://smarturl.it/LNFSGvideo


Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake - Love Never Felt So Good
Download Xscape on iTunes Now: http://smarturl.it/xscape?IQid=youtube
Download Xscape on Amazon Now: http://smarturl.it/xscape-amazonmp3
Audio stream also available now at Music Unlimited: https://music.sonyentertainmentnetwor...

XSCAPE is an album of previously unreleased Michael Jackson songs. The album is produced and curated by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson's essence and integrity. It's a process Reid calls "contemporizing." The list of producers include global hitmakers Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, and John McClain.

For more information on the album, go to www.michaeljackson.com.

Facebook.com/MichaelJackson
Twitter: @MichaelJackson
Instagram: @MichaelJackson
Google+: +MichaelJackson

MICHAEL JACKSON STATUE - EX OWNER MOHAMED AL FAYED CLAIMS FULHAM RELEGATED BECAUSE OF REMOVAL OF STATUE!

 

 

Fulham relegated due to removal of 'lucky' Michael Jackson statue, claims ex-owner Mohamed Al Fayed

Courtesy of - By Neil McLeman http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-relegation-michael-jackson-statue-3504171#ixzz318F7SEL9

New owner Shahid Khan "has paid the price because the club has been relegated", according to the man who erected the statue

Mohamed Al Fayed has claimed Fulham are Premier League HIStory because they removed Michael Jackson’s statue from Craven Cottage.
The club’s former owner unveiled the controversial tribute to the King of Pop in April 2011.
But new chairman Shahid Khan ordered its removal in September - and Fulham went down at the weekend after 13 seasons in the Premier League.
Al Fayed today presented the 7ft 6in Jackson sculpture to the National Football Museum in Manchester.

The Cottagers had three different managers this season - and allowed Rene Meulensteen to spend in the January transfer window just before sacking him.
But the former Harrods owner, now 85, claimed Fulham would still be in the top flight if his Jackson tribute was still by the banks of the Thames.

“This statue was a charm and we removed the luck from the club and now we have to pay the price,” said the Egyptian.
“When (Khan) asked me to move it I said: ‘You must be crazy’. This is such a fantastic statue which the fans are crying out for.
“But now he has paid the price because the club has been relegated. He called me because he told me he wanted Michael to return. I told him: ‘No way’.
“It’s really upsetting. This was a lucky place. Fulham never go down. Now they are relegated. Now he’s crying.
"Michael Jackson had a charm, had a touch.”

Al Fayed was a friend of Jackson and the singer visited Craven Cottage to watch Fulham play Wigan in 1999.
The Egyptian’s 16-year reign saw the Cottagers go from the third tier back to the top flight and reach the Europa League final under Roy Hodgson in 2010.
Al Fayed claimed Magath should now be removed as coach - and offered to buy back the club for half the £150m he received last summer.


Magath today issued an open letter to fans apologising to fans for Fulham’s performance in the defeat to Stoke - and promised a summer clearout.
“During the summer months there most certainly will be many changes within the club,” said the German.
“We obviously need to improve and redefine our playing staff. We have in our academy team, talented, young and hungry players.
“I have experienced on many occasions, through working and developing youth team players, that they have the possibility to become top professionals.
"I name for example Philipp Lahm from Bayern Munich. Bearing this in mind and making additions to our squad, I feel very optimistic for the future.”


   

 

SUMMERTIME BALL FULL LINE UP HAS BEEN REVEALED

Pharrell, Cheryl, Ellie Goulding, Ed Sheeran for Capital FM Summertime Ball

Courtesy of - By Amy Davidson http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a569485/pharrell-cheryl-ellie-goulding-ed-sheeran-for-capital-summertime-ball.html#~oDGcwP93osWsEn#ixzz318E9C0cm

The full line-up for Capital FM's Summertime Ball has been revealed.

Pharrell Williams, Rita Ora, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Cheryl Cole, Jessie J, Union J, Ellie Goulding, Enrique Iglesias, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Duke Dumont, 5 Seconds of Summer, Clean Bandit, The Vamps and Little Mix will join the previously-announced Miley Cyrus on the line-up.

Pharrell said of the show: "I dress a little different. I love the girls and I enjoy coming to England. The Summertime Ball... I mean, come on, it's going to be unreal!"

The Summertime Ball will take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, June 21 - the longest day of the year.

Dave Berry and Lisa Snowdon made the new announcements for the event live on air this morning on Capital FM London's Breakfast Show.

Read more: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a569485/pharrell-cheryl-ellie-goulding-ed-sheeran-for-capital-summertime-ball.html#~oDGcwP93osWsEn#ixzz318ElSfXL
Follow us: @digitalspy on Twitter | digitalspyuk on Facebook

PINK EXERCISE BIKES IN TOWN CENTRE WITH LIGHT SHOW & MUSIC

CONTREX COMMERICIAL - EXERCISE BIKES IN TOWN CENTRE

Contrexperience

Courtesy of Join us on Facebook : http://facebook.com/contrex

MOTIVATION - Women will love exercise on these exercise bikes with a light show and music pumping!

Other links of same video
http://youtu.be/cO7iCbtlcIc

http://youtu.be/bGJSEEx2pXc

http://youtu.be/Rjs3lRy0t6c

http://youtu.be/GBjCfISUO6Q

 

14 HITS THAT WERE ALMOST SUNG BY SOMEONE ELSE

14 Hits That Were Almost Sung By Someone Else

Just try to imagine a world in which “…Baby One More Time” is a TLC song.

 

Courtesy of posted on June 6, 2013 at 12:56pm EDT Matthew Perpetua BuzzFeed Staff  http://www.buzzfeed.com/perpetua/hits-that-were-almost-sung-by-someone-else 

1. Lady Gaga wrote “Telephone” for Britney Spears, but Britney rejected it. Gaga later recorded it with Beyoncé and it was a huge hit.

2. Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” was originally intended for Janet Jackson.

3. Most people assume Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body” was just a homage to classic Michael Jackson, but The Neptunes actually wrote the music for Jackson’s final album, Invincible.

4. Giorgio Moroder originally wanted “Call Me” to be a collaboration with Stevie Nicks, but when she was not available, he instead finished the song with Blondie, and it became a No. 1 hit.

5. “…Baby One More Time” was rejected by TLC, but Max Martin ended up giving the song to Britney Spears.

6. Leona Lewis was originally intended to sing “We Found Love” and recorded a demo, but the song ended up going to Rihanna instead.

7. David Bowie gave “Golden Years” to Elvis Presley, but since Presley declined to record it, it ended up on Bowie’s 1976 classic Station to Station.

8. Rihanna’s “Umbrella” was written by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart with Britney Spears in mind, but her label rejected it.

9. Bruce Springsteen wrote “Hungry Heart” for The Ramones, but his producer and manager Jon Landeau convinced him to keep it for himself. It ended up becoming Springsteen’s first major chart hit.

10. “Toxic” was originally offered to Kylie Minogue, but it eventually became a big hit for Britney Spears instead.

11. Paul McCartney wanted Tom Jones to record “The Long and Winding Road” as a single in 1968, but that didn’t work out, and he recorded it with The Beatles instead.

12. Chris Brown co-wrote and recorded “Disturbia,” but ended up deciding the song was better for a female singer and passed it on to Rihanna.

13. The Neptunes originally developed the beat for “I’m A Slave 4 U” for Janet Jackson, but after she rejected it, it went to Britney Spears instead.

14. Donna Summer wrote “Dim All the Lights” for Rod Stewart, but she ultimately decided to keep the song for herself, and it became one of her signature hits.

To see more 'hits almost sung by someone else' http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/1550426/20-hit-songs-meant-for-other-singers

 

MICHAEL JACKSON - LOVE NEVER FELT SO GOOD (AUDIO)

The wait is over everyone! “Love Never Felt So Good,” the first single from Xscape is on iTunes now! ---> http://smarturl.it/lnfsg?IQid=facebook

Originally recorded in 1983 with Paul Anka and contemporized by Estate co-executor John McClain for XSCAPE,the result is ""a magic combination of the new and the original production” that retains the track’s analog, early-80s feel, while also sounding right at home with the disco-soul inflected music of today. ‪#‎MJXSCAPE‬

Pre-order Xscape on iTunes Now: http://smarturl.it/xscape?IQid=youtube
Pre-order Xscape on Amazon Now: http://smarturl.it/xscape-amazonmp3
Audio stream also available now at Music Unlimited

XSCAPE is an album of previously unreleased Michael Jackson songs. The album is produced and curated by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson's essence and integrity. It's a process Reid calls "contemporizing." The list of producers include global hitmakers Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, and John McClain.

For more information on the album, go to www.michaeljackson.com.

Facebook.com/MichaelJackson
Twitter: @MichaelJackson
Instagram: @MichaelJackson
Google+: +MichaelJackson

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SOUL DIVA NATALIE COLE DELIVERS A STOMPING PERFORMANCE AT BLUESFEST

Natalie Cole headlines at the BluesFest, The Royal Albert Hall, London

After a stirring performance by soul legend Gregory Porter on Wed 30th October at BluesFest we witnessed why Natalie Cole is still an enduring soul diva. Natalie Cole entered the stage, a whisp of a thing adorned in sparkly accessories to match her equally stunning dress, the diva treated as with an introduction full of her classics.

I sat adoringly on 3rd row middle seats listening to all her classics and those of her legendary father Nat King Cole. As I had hoped Miss Cole sang 2 duets with Nat King Cole, with her dad projected on the screen. Irreplacable was sang in sweet dulcet tones that took us back to the good old days of jazz and rhythm and blues. Then we were in from something different, Miss Cole sang her songs in Espanol which included some well known Spanish songs including the 2nd duet with her father based on his album of Spanish songs. It was a sizzling latin experience.

Never one to miss a comedic moment, Miss Cole gave us a little snippet of how they rhythm styling of good old classics was so similar that you could put in a rift from musical Oklahoma! or the Shirley Temple classic the Good Ship Lollipop.

The best ofcourse was left for last! In tribute to all the artistes from Soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, disco and pop that had passed since 2009 Natalie Cole sang a tribute. The tribute set included Miss Cole's favourite songs from Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan and Donna Summer.

A consumate professional Ms Cole continued to entertain the crowd well past her set time, with the crowds screaming "more" and waving enthusiastically at her. Thank you Natalie Cole.