Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The Music Momma: It's never too late Mom's!!!

The Music Momma: It's never too late Mom's!!!: "Winter Break - Are they kidding? Any time the kids are here 24/7 it's definitely NOT a break for Mom. Am I right? :) OK - so maybe you'r..."

Earl "Fatha" Hines Known as the Piano Man - Born Today!!

Hines, Earl Kenneth (“Fatha”)
Born: December 28, 1903, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania
Died: April 22, 1983, in Oakland, California
Vocations: Musician, Jazz Pianist, Bandleader
Geographic Connection to Pennsylvania: Duquesne, Allegheny County

Keywords: Louis Armstrong; Lois Deppe; Esquire Silver Award; Jazz Hall of Fame

Abstract: Born on December 28, 1903, in Earl “Fatha” Hines grew up in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. Hines studied to become a jazz musician in high school, and by the time he was 18, his musical career had begun with singer and bandleader Lois Deppe. In 1924 Hines moved to Chicago, where he met many famous jazz musicians including one of his recording partners Louis Armstrong. Most famous for his unique piano-playing style, Hines led several bands, went on many tours, and recorded a large amount of music over the course of his career. Hines died in 1983 from a heart attack. He is fondly remembered as a legend in the jazz music scene.

Biography:

Earl Kenneth “Fatha” Hines was born on December 28, 1903, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hines. His mother died when he was only three-years-old. Hines was raised by his father and stepmother, Mary. His father worked as a foreman at the coal docks, played the cornet, and led the Eureka Brass Band. His stepmother worked as a church organist. He lived with his extended family consisting of his half-sister, half-brother, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, many of whom were musically inclined. Hines was briefly married to singer Laura Badge in the early 1920s and then had a common-law wife, singer Kathryn Perry, for many years after. He never had any children from either of them. In 1947 Hines married Janie Moses and had two daughters, Tosca and Janear. They later divorced in 1980.

First wanting to follow in the footsteps of his father the cornetist, Hines changed his focus to the piano instead when he realized that playing the cornet hurt his ears from blowing air into the instrument. His stepmother gave him his first piano lessons, and he learned to read music really well. When he was 14, Hines moved to Pittsburgh to live with his opera-singing aunt and attend Schenley High School in pursuit of majoring in music with the hope of becoming a classical pianist. Here he was exposed to a greater variety of music, including jazz which instantly became his new love. Hines shifted his focus from classical piano to jazz piano. He took private lessons from several teachers who were unable to keep up with his inherent ability to read and play music. At age 15, he created a musical trio with a violinist and a drummer. They played at many school functions, nightclubs, and church socials. His schedule became so busy by the age of 16 that his teachers advised him to drop out of school to better pursue his musical career.

In 1922, at the start of his career, Earl Hines joined the band of Lois B. Deppe, a prominent singer and bandleader in the Pittsburgh area, in his first steady job, earning $15 per week. They were the first black orchestra to have their music played on the radio. While playing with this band, Hines developed his trademark “trumpet-style” piano playing technique. He said the major influence behind his innovative style was trumpeter Joe Smith, a popular musician of the time. Hines’ unique and unmatchable style permitted him to have a long, successful career. This extensive career began when he was only 17 where he made his first recordings with Deppe, which included one original composition. At age 18, Hines left Deppe and created his own band with Benny Carter, a saxophonist. During this year, a well-known pianist of the time, Eubie Blake, encouraged Hines to move to Chicago, which was the hot-spot for jazz talent.

Earl Hines took Blake’s advice, and in 1924, he packed his belongings and moved to Chicago, Illinois. There he began playing in Carroll Dickerson’s orchestra at the Entertainer’s Club in 1925. After touring for nine months with Dickerson’s ensemble, he returned to Chicago. Teaming up with famed trumpeter Louis Armstrong and drummer Zutty Singleton, he formed a musical trio which played regularly at the Cafe Sunset, a club frequented by gangsters. Unfortunately the club closed, the trio broke up and Hines joined clarinetist Jimmy Noone’s band at the Apex Club. In 1928, he made records with Noone’s band, solo recordings, and tracks with Louis Armstrong. Armstrong and Hines created some of the most renowned records in jazz, including the famous trumpet and piano duet, “Weather Bird.” Hines’ best solo recording was his original “A Monday Date.”

Later in the year on his birthday, he began to lead his own band at the prestigious Grand Terrace Ballroom in Chicago.He and his band worked seven days a week, performing three shows a night and eventually began touring two to three months of the year. They were one of the first African-American bands to tour the South during the 1930s. While touring with this band, Hines received his nickname of “Fatha.” Hines offered a drunken announcer some “fatherly” advice about limiting his excessive drinking. The announcer retaliated by introducing him as “Fatha” Hines, and the nickname just stuck with him. The band left the club in 1940 and began making hit recordings together—“Jelly Jelly,” “Boogie-Woogie on the St. Louis Blues,” and “Stormy Monday Blues.” Hines is credited with fostering the careers of many other famous musicians in his band such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Billy Eckstine, to name a few. Hines received Esquire Magazine’s Silver Award in 1944.

In 1946, Hines was injured in an automobile accident and he could not longer tour with his band. Hines’ band split up in 1948 as the interest in big band entertainment was dwindling. Hines reconnected with Louis Armstrong once again, and toured Europe with the Louis Armstrong All-Stars. He left this group in 1951 and led his own band until 1955. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Hines worked a regular job at the Hangover Club in San Francisco, California. After fading from the limelight, Hines was invited to play three solo concerts at the Little Theatre in New York. A rebirth of interest ensued, and Hines’ created more recordings and starred in several international tours. Hines received the great honor of being inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame in 1965.

Throughout the course of his career, Earl Hines strived to improve his already impeccable piano-playing ability. In the later years of his life, he suffered from heart problems and arthritis. Hines played his last show in San Francisco. One week later, Earl Hines died in Oakland, California on April 22, 1983, from a heart attack. Several albums of early recordings and his most popular tracks have been released in his memory since his death. His legacy remains as one of the greatest jazz musicians in history.

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Monday, December 27, 2010

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Joni Mitchell in Woodstock!

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American Jazz Trombonist Born TODAY Booty Wood! - Played with Duke Ellington


Mitchell W. Wood, better known as Booty Wood (December 27, 1919, Dayton, Ohio - June 10, 1987, Dayton) was an American jazz trombonist.

Wood played professionally on trombone from the late 1930s. He worked with Tiny Bradshaw and Lionel Hampton in the 1940s before joining the Navy during World War II. While there he played in a band with Clark Terry, Willie Smith, and Gerald Wilson. After his service ended he returned to play with Hampton, then worked with Arnett Cobb (1947-48), Erskine Hawkins (1948-50), and Count Basie (1951).

He spent a few years outside of music, then played with Duke Ellington in 1959-60 and again in 1963; he returned once more early in the 1970s. He again played with the Count Basie Orchestra from 1979 into the middle of the following decade.



Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Music Momma: My child is 2 and LOVES music. Can they take musi...

The Music Momma: My child is 2 and LOVES music. Can they take musi...: "More of your questions being answered: Yes! When kids are very young it's an optimal time for learning! Many people over look the enorm..."

Biggest Pop Hits of 2010

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Tik Tok Keisha Official Music Video

Tik Tok Keisha Official Music Video


The Music Momma: To Suzuki or NOT to Suzuki? That is the Question....

The Music Momma: To Suzuki or NOT to Suzuki? That is the Question....: "The Suzuki method of teaching music - The Suzuki method (スズキ・メソード, Suzuki mesōdo, (also called Talent Education, mother-tongue method, or ..."

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Lars Ulrich - Drummer for Metallica - Born Today



















Lars Ulrich (born December 26, 1963) is a Danish Heavy metal drummer, best known as one of the founding members of the American heavy metal band Metallica. He was born in Gentofte, Denmark to an upper-middle class family.[1] A tennis player in his youth, Ulrich moved to Los Angeles, California at age seventeen to pursue his training, but instead of playing tennis, he ended up as a drummer. After publishing an advertisement in a local Los Angeles newspaper called The Recycler, Ulrich met James Hetfield and formed Metallica. He won a prize[which?] for the best musician of the year in Denmark 2009.

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Saturday, December 25, 2010

The Music Momma: New Instruments for the Holidays?

The Music Momma: New Instruments for the Holidays?: "Did you get a wonderful new instrument for the holidays? Terrific! Now what? Right? :) Now you want to find a quality music instruction..."

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Musician Jimmy Buffett - Born Today!!!

























Click Here for Jimmy Buffett's Official Website



















































Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. A state of mind is now a state of being. But how did Margaritaville come into a "state of being?" Better yet, how did Margaritaville become a "state of mind?" How could some guy armed only with writers instruments; a pen and a legal pad, create all that is "Margaritaville?"

The answer is simple: Imagination.

Jimmy Buffett arrived in Nashville in 1969 prepared to embark on a recording career. Gerry Wood, an old JB associate and currently a writer for Billboard Magazine recalls that, "Barnaby Records signed the artist to a two-album contract--and Jimmy went into the studio to record Down to Earth."

"Unfortunately, the album didn't sell well. Undaunted, Jimmy went back into the studio to record his second album. Daunted, Barnaby Records "lost" the master tapes for this album titled High Cumberland Jubilee. A convenient excuse for a fledgling label that didn't want another no play/ no pay LP."

"In a miracle that makes Lourdes look like a carnival shell game, these "lost" Buffett tapes were "found" years later, after Jimmy had become a star, and released on Janus Records. These first two albums show all the potential and promise that was soon to be realized."

In a story told many times, Jimmy headed for Miami for an alleged booking date. However, when he got there, no job. Settling in at old friend Jerry Jeff Walker's house allowed him time to regroup. A weekend drive down the overseas highway (A1A) landed Jimmy in the town that would prove to be the biggest influence in his musical career, the town that would provide the catalyst for "Margaritaville," the town that continues to play a large role in his life, Key West.


The Encyclopedia of Rock, compiled by Nick Logan and Bob Woffinden, states that, "Buffett's talent was hardly the sort that could be straight-jacketed by Nashville's orthodox music establishment. After signing with ABC-Dunhill, he recorded his second debut album, ironically again in Nashville, though this time with greater artistic freedom. Released in 1973, A White Sport Coat and Pink Crustacean helped to establish him, and it was a reputation he was able to enhance with his next album, Living and Dying in 3/4 Time, which received good reviews, and contained the single "Come Monday".

Jimmy plunged from the frying pan of Nashville into the fire of Key West. Key West in the early 70's was much different than the Key West of today. Smugglers, servicemen, and shrimpers populated the island that had a reputation for harboring those seeking a lifestyle somewhat to the left of norm. Boarded store fronts dotted Duval St., and any dilapidated building that housed a business invariably served alcohol; over or under the counter. The proverbial end of the rainbow carried pot, but no gold. This was the cultural "melting pot" that was to inspire Jimmy to write "The Wino and I Know", "My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink, and I Don't Love Jesus", "Tin Cup Chalice", and "I Have Found Me A Home" among others. As Bob Anderson says about Jimmy in 1986 interview in High Times, "Every outlaw has a good story, and Buffett has an eye and ear for them."

CONTINUED



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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Monday, November 29, 2010

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Free Music - Britney Spears

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Britney Spears Biography
More than any other single artist, Britney Spears was the driving force behind the return of teen pop in the late '90s. The blockbuster success of the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys certainly paved the way for her own commercial breakthrough, but Spears didn't just become a star — she was a bona fide pop phenomenon. Not only did she sell millions of records, she was a media fixture regardless of what she was (or wasn't) doing; among female singers of the era (many of whom followed in her footsteps), her celebrity star power was rivaled only by Jennifer Lopez. From the outset, Spears' sex appeal was an important part of her image; the video for her debut single, "...Baby One More Time," outfitted her in full Catholic-school regalia, and sent her well on the way to becoming an international sex symbol. Yet Spears' handlers seemed to be trying to have it both ways — there was a definite tension between the wholesome innocence Spears tried to project for her female audience, and the titillating sexuality that enticed so many male fans. Those marketing tactics made Spears a somewhat controversial figure, the subject of endless debates concerning appropriate role models for teenage girls. Early on, Spears tried to defuse the controversy by preaching abstinence until marriage, and even denied that she was consciously cultivating such a sexualized image. Of course, the more provocative and revealing her on-stage wardrobe became, the less plausible that claim seemed. But apart from her ability to tiptoe the line between virginal coquette and brazen tart, Spears had a secret weapon in Swedish pop mastermind Max Martin, who had a hand in the vast majority of her hits as a writer and/or producer. With Martin crafting the sort of contemporary dance-pop and sentimental ballads that made stars of the Backstreet Boys, Spears kept on delivering the goods commercially, as her first three albums all topped the charts.

Britney Jean Spears was born December 2, 1982, in the small town of Kentwood, LA, and began performing as a singer and dancer at a young age. With a nationally televised appearance on Star Search already under her belt, Spears auditioned for the Disney Channel's The New Mickey Mouse Club at age eight. The producers turned her down as too young, but one of them took an interest and introduced her to an agent in New York. Spears spent the next three years studying at the Professional Performing Arts School, and also appeared in several television commercials and off-Broadway plays. At 11, she returned to The New Mickey Mouse Club for a second audition, and this time made the cut. Although her fellow Mouseketeers included an impressive array of future stars — *NSYNC's Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez, Christina Aguilera, and Felicity actress Keri Russell — the show was canceled after Spears' second season. She returned to New York at age 15 and set about auditioning for pop bands and recording demo tapes, one of which eventually landed her a deal with Jive Records.

Spears entered the studio with top writer/producers like Eric Foster White (Boyzone, Whitney Houston, Backstreet Boys) and Max Martin (Ace of Base, Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC). In late 1998, Jive released her debut single, the Martin-penned "...Baby One More Time." Powered by its video, in which Spears and a troupe of dancers were dressed as Catholic-school jailbait, the single shot to the top of the Billboard charts. When Spears' debut album of the same title was released in early 1999, it entered the charts at number one and stayed there for six weeks. Once the ubiquitous lead single died down, the album kept spinning off hits: the Top Ten "(You Drive Me) Crazy," the near-Top 20 ballad "Sometimes," and the Top 20 "From the Bottom of My Broken Heart." By the end of 1999, ...Baby One More Time had sold ten million copies, and went on to sell a good three million more on top of that. Its success touched off a wave of young pop divas that included Christina Aguilera, Pink, Jessica Simpson, and Mandy Moore. Spears was a superstar, drooled over in countless magazines, including a Rolling Stone cover that prompted immediate speculation about the still-17 year old having gotten breast implants.
















By the time ...Baby One More Time finally started to lose steam on the singles and album charts, Spears was ready to release her follow-up. Oops!...I Did It Again appeared in the spring of 2000, and the title track was an instant smash, racing into the Top Ten. The album entered the charts at number one and sold over a million copies in its first week of release, setting a new record for single-week sales by a female artist. Follow-up singles included "Lucky," the gold-selling "Stronger," and "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know," which was co-written by country diva Shania Twain and her producer Mutt Lange. A year after its release, Oops!...I Did It Again had sold over nine million copies. Rumors that Spears was dating *N Sync heartthrob (and fellow ex-Mouseketeer) Justin Timberlake were eventually confirmed, which only added to the media attention lavished on her.

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Musicians Born Today - 11/25 Trey Songz

Trey Songz Official Website


"While the words Passion, Pain and Pleasure immediately invoke sexual thoughts, for me they have become somewhat of a personal mantra because they so accurately describe this time in my life,” says Trey Songz. "The passion I have for my art fuels my drive and work ethic, while the sacrifice of my personal life to benefit my career will always be a source of pain. The pleasure that I derive from my work and my accomplishments make everything worth it. When I began conceptualizing the new album, these three words stuck in my head. They completely infiltrated my creative process, so it was inevitable that they became the album title."

"PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE" is Songz’ hugely anticipated follow-up to 2009’s RIAA gold-certified smash, "READY.” From the bouncy first single, "Bottoms Up (Feat. Nicki Minaj)” to the driving, rock-infused "Blind,” the new album sees the Virginia-based R&B superstar energized and evolving as he continues to refine his mastery of of sultry, soulful songcraft.

"This album is a step closer to me recording without inhibitions,” says Songz. "It embodies the best parts of 'READY’ with the heart of 'ANTICIPATION’ and the originality of 'I GOTTA MAKE IT.’”

Songz enlisted a company of gifted producers to accompany him on his artistic journey, including Bei Maejor, Tha Bizness, Mario Winans, Mark Jackson, Kane Beatz and, of course, his longtime production partner, Songbook Entertainment founder Troy Taylor. As ever, Trey displays effortless vocal dexterity while simultaneously relaying complex emotional depth and power. The throbbing, minimalist "Can’t Be Friends” and the classic R&B romance of "Please Return My Call” reveal reflective and introspective themes of love and human relations, stressing the sensual above the overtly sexual.

"This is the album where I talk to the people who think all I can sing about is sex,” says Songz. "I take a step further out of that realm, although I do keep one foot in.”

"PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE” marks Songz’ first new release since making the transition from rapidly rising young artist to bonafide R&B superstar. "READY” was a true breakthrough, giving Trey his first-ever Billboard 200 Top Ten debut on its way to RIAA gold certification. Fueled by an infinite streak of hit singles – including "I Need A Girl,” "LOL :-) (Feat. Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy Tell 'Em),” "Successful (Drake & Trey Songz),” "I Invented Sex,” "Neighbors Know My Name,” and "Say Aah” – "READY” received a Grammy Award nomination for "Best Contemporary R&B Album.”

An assortment of major awards followed, including the prestigious title of "Best Male R&B Artist” at the 2010 BET Awards. That triumph capped an extraordinary year that included touring as both headliner and special guest on Jay-Z’s massive "BP3 Tour 2010,” numerous TV appearances, and star-studded recording sessions like Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones’ new version of "We Are The World,” benefiting Haitian earthquake relief organizations. All that and more was documented in Trey’s hugely popular docu-series, My Moment. An unqualified ratings sensation, the 10-part BET documentary provided an exclusive window into Songz’ life and career, chronicling everything up to and including the making of the new album.

The late, great Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun once declared Trey to be "among the most promising R&B artists we have had on Atlantic since we started the company 60 years ago.” That promise long fulfilled, "PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE” now confidently confirms Trey Songz’ rightful place at the very forefront of contemporary urban music.

"I’ve had three albums before this, but only one was really a hit,” he says. "This album will show that I’m not going anywhere.”




The Music Momma: Your Questions Being Answered

The Music Momma: Your Questions Being Answered: "More of Your Questions being answered - 'We are going through a divorce and I am trying to cut down on expenses. My daughter currently ta..."

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2010 Music Performances


Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2010 Music Performances


The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition that dates back to 1924. And a major part of that tradition is the musical acts that perform each and every year.

Believe it or not, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was started because many of the immigrant workers at Macy's department store wanted to create a way to celebrate their new American heritage, namely the American holiday of Thanksgiving. In addition to the well-known balloons and floats, more than 44 million people tune in to their TV sets to watch live music and other performances by famous singers and bands, as well as college and high school marching bands, and the Radio City Rockettes. Not to mention the star of the parade, Santa Clause. So who is performing in the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature performances by Kanye West, Jessica Simpson, Gladys Knight, Kylie Minogue, India.Arie, Big Time Rush, Arlo Guthrie, Betty Buckley, Ann Hampton Callaway, Miranda Cosgrove, Gloriana, America's Got Talent winner Michael Grimm, Keri Hilson, Eric Hutchinson, Juanes, Victoria Justice, Mannheim Steamroller, Miss USA 2010 winner Rima Fakih, Power Rangers Samurai, Crystal Shawanda, Joan Rivers and Melissa Rivers. Returning from 2009 will be the cast of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street and the Big Apple Circus.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY




Monday, November 22, 2010

The Music Momma: Review - and Interview IMAX mov...

The Music Momma: Review - and Interview IMAX mov...: "NEW IMAX FILM GRAND CANYON ADVENTURE: RIVER AT RISK 3D WHERE: National Museum of Natural History Johnson IMAX Theater 10th and Constitutio..."

Thursday, November 18, 2010

HARRY POTTER - OPENS AT 12:01 AM TONIGHT!!!

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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Monday, November 15, 2010

Musicians Born Today - Petula Clark

Petula Clark - Born November 15

Official Petula Clark Website



Born November 15, with "a voice as sweet as chapel bells," Petula Clark first broke into the limelight during World War II when as a child she entertained the troops, both on radio and in concert. She is said to have performed in over 200 shows for the forces all over England before the age of nine and by war's end, Petula Clark--the British "Shirley Temple" who had come to represent childhood itself--was so popular in England she was asked to sing at a national victory celebration at Trafalgar Square. In 1944, Petula made her first movie and has since appeared in over 30 British and American films.

Throughout the forties and fifties Petula was a regular guest on a vast number of radio shows and became something of a television "pioneer" in England, first appearing on experimental TV in the forties and later as host of several of her own television series during the very early years of British programming, with Pet's Parlour being her longest running and most popular. Although she sang regularly in concert, on radio and TV all through the forties, it wasn't until 1949 that she recorded her first song Music, Music, Music and that pretty much sums up her very prolific recording career.


















She has never stopped recording — 50 plus years and over a 1,000 songs and still counting! Her first hits were children's songs like Where Did My Snowman Go (1952) and The Little Shoemaker (1954). To date, she has sold well in excess of 68 million records.


In answer to the rock-and-roll craze of the late fifties, Petula recorded Sailor, Romeo and My Friend The Sea and was back on the charts again. In 1957, she was invited to sing at the famed Olympia theatre in France. After one song the French crowd went wild, and an entirely new career was launched.

Asked to record in French, Petula declined at first but was quickly persuaded to do so by Frenchman Claude Wolff with whom she fell madly in love - they were married in June 1961. (They have three children, daughters Barbara and Catherine and son Patrick and a granddaughter and grandson.) By the early sixties, Petula found herself reinvented as a French chanteuse, even rivaling the legendary Piaf--during Piaf's own lifetime. (She is still classified as a "French" singer
















on the shelves in French and French-Canadian record stores.) In addition to her newfound French pop star status, Petula also began to enjoy success with the songs that she had begun to record in German and Italian. By the mid-sixties she'd established herself as superstar throughout Europe with Number One tunes sung in different languages in different countries all across the Continent. (Interesting to note, each of her early European hits were with entirely different songs--a feat not duplicated by any other singer since!)


Urged by her friends in Britain to record something in English, Petula allowed Tony Hatch to visit her in Paris where he presented his new song, Downtown. Petula recorded it and the rest is music history. Downtown skyrocketed to number 1 in the USA, launching Petula's American career and earning her a Grammy in 1964. She quickly followed with I Know A Place which went to number 3 and earned Petula her second Grammy in 1965. Numerous top 40 hits followed. All told, Pet has had 15 top 40 hits in the USA (two #1 hits). Internationally, Petula Clark has charted in the top 40 somewhere, sometime, with 159 recordings!


In the sixties, she starred in two Hollywood musicals (Finian's Rainbow and Goodbye Mr. Chips) opposite the likes of Fred Astaire and Peter O'Toole. Throughout the sixties she made numerous TV appearances both as a guest star and as the host of two popular variety series for British television, as well as three of her own American TV specials. She also continued a highly successful concert career, beginning with a sellout season at the Copacabana in 1966, at Caesar's Palace in Vegas and at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles before a star-studded audience that included Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra.
















By the seventies she'd been well established as a Vegas superstar--garnering critical acclaim by both critics and the American public. She gave a series of concerts in France and Canada, made appearances on European TV, hosted two more popular variety series in England (for which she was awarded "Most Popular TV Star" by the TV Times) and continued to be a much sought after guest star on American television.

In the eighties she found fame as a country recording star with her top-10 hit Natural Love, before reinventing herself as a highly successful stage star in London's West End, beginning with the role of Maria in The Sound of Music and continuing with the production of her own musical Someone Like You, for which she wrote the music.



In the nineties Petula made her Broadway debut, starring opposite David and Shaun Cassidy in the highly successful production of Blood Brothers followed by a well-received American tour of the same production. In 1998 Petula returned to England, where she was presented with a prestigious CBE by her Majesty the Queen of England, in honor of Petula's legendary career. As of September 2000, Petula's most recent appearance on the stage was in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard, in the starring role of Norma Desmond, a role she has now played more than any other actress to date. After appearing at the Adelphi Theatre in London's West End she embarked on a national tour of most major cities in the U.S. with the musical.








On October 28, 2000 Petula presented a new one-woman show — a concert highlighting her life and career— to tremendous acclaim. The show made its debut at the St. Denis Theatre in Montreal, Canada.

In May 2001 she was spotlighted in a 2-hour concert spectacular as the finale to the month-long Virginia Arts Festival. The show was taped by PBS and was broadcast nationwide as part of the PBS pledge drives in December 2001. A companion documentary by MPI Home Video, "Petula Clark: This Is My Song" was also broadcast on many PBS stations nationwide. Petula's extraordinary life is chronicled in this all-new biography featuring the stories behind her upbeat, ever-popular music, including her signature song, the Grammy Award-winning "Downtown." Petula's remembrances, taped in Norfolk, VA, at the time of the concert, offer a candid and insightful look into her long and fascinating life in show business.



Petula Clark, My Love - Vinyl LP
















Early 2002 saw Petula performing in concert in California at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts and also appearing in Los Angeles in March for a tribute show to legendary composer, Johnny Mercer. She then embarked on a 24-city tour of the UK to coincide with her newest UK album, "The Ultimate Collection," which charted in the Top 20.

In 2003, she was the recipient of the Grammy Hall of Fame Award for her timeless recording of "Downtown" and hit the Top 20 in French Canada - while preparing appearances in France to promote another new release, "Kaleidoscope." In September, her return to Paris in a performance at the legendary Olympia Theatre --after an absence of 38 years-- was a smashing success. . Petula rang out 2003 and welcomed in 2004 with two concert performances in Vevey, Switzerland.

In early March 2004 Petula headed to Australia and New Zealand for a sold-out 12-date tour of major cities. Early April saw her her on U.S. shores for a highly successful 5-night slate of performances at the Atlantic City Hilton Casinoo in New Jersey. On April 23 and 24 she reprised her role as Norma Desmond in Cork, Ireland with the world-renowned BBC Concert Orchestra for a radio broadcast concert performance of "Sunset Boulevard" opposite Michael Ball. July 12 saw her returning to North America with an evening of song at the Hummingbird Centre in Toronto, Canada then on to Los Angeles where she appeared at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl in a various artists tribute to the legendary Peggy Lee. San Diego received a visit on July 15 at Humphrey's By The Bay and Miss Clark will once again return to the U.S. in late September for a series of concerts in the cabaret theater at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Musicians Born Today - November 14 Yanni

Yanni's Official Website

1954-1972
"The Beginning - Greece"


In Kalamata, on the shores of the Mediterranean, Yanni was born November 14, 1954 to Sotiri and Felitsa Chryssomallis. The second of three children, Yanni has an older brother and a younger sister. Sharing a deep-rooted love of music, the family spent much of their time playing and singing together.

















Yanni's parents provided a typical Greek life for the young boy. He grew up fishing, swimming, and going to school like every other boy in his town, with one exception. Yanni was born to compose music. He began to play the piano at age six, but he refused formal piano lessons. As a child, Yanni heard music in his head and he simply wanted to hear it come out of the piano too, so he needed to learn how to play to make that happen. He felt a certain freedom with the keys that might have been crushed under the weight of structured learning.




Music was not Yanni's only talent. In 1969, at the age of 14, Yanni broke the Greek National swimming record for the men's 50-meter freestyle event. Although he could have pursued this skill, he chose to travel a different path; one which eventually led him to share his musical gift with the world.




His childhood in Greece and his love for his native country gave Yanni his inspiration to compose such songs as "Santorini," "Nostalgia," and "Acroyali."


1973-1976
"The Second Beginning - United States"

In 1972, with the encouragement of his parents, Yanni left his homeland to attend the University of Minnesota. Between his studies, he played in local rock and roll bands and began to develop his personal musical style using both piano and electronic keyboards to create new sounds.




Despite a new culture, a new climate, and a new language, Yanni graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. After graduation, he decided to give music 100% of his effort for one year. He needed to better understand the driving artistic forces that had been such a large part of his childhood years. It was during this year that he chose to make music his vocation.




1977-1984
"Rock and Roll - The Chameleon Days"

Yanni played keyboards for Chameleon, a rock and roll band that became well known in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Spurred by their success, Chameleon began to tour regionally - across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Chicago, Iowa, and the Dakotas. They also produced 2 albums independently during this time.

















By now Yanni knew his future would be in music, and he used his experience with electronic keyboards to begin creating his own compositions. "Optimystique," his first solo album, was independently released in 1980.

1985-1990
"Yanni - On His Own"

Yanni single-mindedly continued to pursue his passion for creating music. He explored the worlds of electronic music, new sounds and instruments, and composition. This was a very productive and busy time for Yanni. He released 2 albums and worked on a third before moving to Hollywood, the film industry capital, where he recorded 4 film scores and released 3 more albums. He also re-released "Optimystique."




In 1990, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra accompanied Yanni in concert, adding a new dimension to his unique style and a prelude of things to come.

1991-1993
"L.A. Times"

Yanni was constantly experimenting and composing - giving his growing number of fans new music every year. The album "In Celebration of Life," was released in 1991, "Dare to Dream" in 1992, and "In My Time" in 1993. And, as if that wasn't enough to keep him busy, Yanni went on tour each of these three years. He received Grammy nominations for "Dare to Dream" and "In My Time" in which the collection of serene piano-focused pieces went on to sell more than a million copies. Each year brought a more extensive tour, larger venues, and greater numbers of fans. Yanni hand-picked the band members who would accompany him on his tours, and eventually added an entire symphony orchestra.

1993-1995
"Full Circle - Yanni Live at the Acropolis"

Yanni toured internationally for the first time, presenting his music live in some world famous venues such as the Toji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, Royal Albert Hall in London, and at the Acropolis in his homeland of Greece.

Yanni, Live at the Acropolis was filmed on September 23, 1993 at the 2000 year old Herod Atticus Theater in Athens and marked a triumphant return to his homeland. The concert was subsequently broadcast in the United States on PBS, where Yanni has since become one of the top all-time fundraisers, and around the world, where it was seen in 65 countries by half a billion viewers. The album has sold more than 7 million copies, while the video has sold 1 million copies, making it one of the best-selling videos of all time. Yanni has continued to provide a great deal of support for PBS and has also appeared on several PBS Pledge Specials such as A Decade of Excellence, which included segments from Yanni Live at the Acropolis, Yanni Live at Royal Albert Hall and Tribute videos.

1996-1998
"A Global Journey - Tribute World Tour"

Yanni pursued the biggest challenge of his career - to become the first western artist to perform at both the Taj Mahal in India and the Forbidden City in China. Both venues presented unique and difficult obstacles, but once again, Yanni's persistence and patience paid off through the highly successful concerts. The "Tribute" album was released in the Fall of 1997, and much of the music was written with these two locations in mind. Yanni's third long format music video, also titled Tribute, was filmed during these two momentous events. The result was an outstanding combination of extraordinary musicians, inspiring sights, and an unchallenged movement of world peace and harmony, all brought together by a single artist's vision. The special was seen by a collective television audience of some 250 million people. In conjunction with his performance Yanni donated the proceeds from the show to help preserve the Taj Mahal.




In tandem with the release of "Tribute," Yanni embarked on his record-breaking 9-month, 100+ city tour. Beginning in Mexico City, Yanni became the first foreign artist to sell out five consecutive shows at the Auditorio Nacionale. The momentum continued from there as Yanni moved on to play 10 consecutive sold out shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York; the first time this had happened since 1993. The "Tribute" tour was the top selling tour during the first half of 1998, and was ranked #2 for the entire year.

















1998-2000
"If I Could Tell You"

His first studio album in 7 years, "If I Could Tell You," followed in 2000 after a two year sabbatical. It was a deeply personal and introspective work that stripped away some of the grandiose elements found on his previous albums. The change in direction was no less inspiring, but it did reflect changes in his personal life as well as a move to the East coast and a glimpse into Yanni's heart.


2000-2005
"Ethnicity"


In February, 2003, Yanni released Ethnicity, his 13th album. The album signaled another creative shift in direction and proved a harbinger of things to come. Yanni once again explored the powerful symphonic sounds that marked some of his earlier works but also incorporated more exotic textures. The album featured an array of different instruments, from an Australian didgeridoo, a Celtic violin, and an Armenian duduk to an Indian tabla, as well as a variety of human voices in the form of solo arias, group chants and even lyrics, a rare departure for the instrumentalist. The same year also saw the publication of his Miramax Books autobiography, "Yanni in Words," a New York Times best seller. It's a reflective look at the challenges, lessons, dreams and obstacles in Yanni's life.




Soon after the release of his book, Yanni undertook an unprecedented North American Tour in November, 2004. The tour kicked off at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas, NV. The commanding performance was recorded and filmed for what was to be Yanni's first live CD since Tribute, 2006's Yanni Live! The Concert Event. The mammoth tour included nearly 150 shows, with total attendance of more than 1 million fans, making it, according to Billboard magazine, among the largest grossing for three years running.


2006-2009
"Yanni Voices"

After a reflectve time, Yanni experimented with another direction. Yanni explains, "I will always do instrumental music, but now I'm just trying to expand my horizons and open the doors to some incredible talent that can give voice and lyrics to my work."




The multi-Grammy nominated performer is talking about Yanni-Wake Entertainment, his newly formed venture with fellow Grammy and Oscar winning producer/songwriter, Ric Wake. This exciting enterprise will not only continue to create superb music, but it will also develop talented new artists, compose music for films and be involved in movie and television production. Yanni Wake Entertainment has signed Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills.




His more recent tour, Yanni Voices: Live in Concert, in 2009 was a big success. Touring all over North America with sold out shows including Radio City Music Hall and full houses throughout Mexico. The tour was nominated for the prestigious Lunas del Auditorio award and was in support of Yanni's Mexican chart topping release: Yanni Voces (CD) and Yanni Voices (CD).




Yanni Voces reached #1 on the Mexican Pop Charts and #2 on the over all Mexican Music Charts. A recent DVD release of Yanni Voices: Live in Concert reached Amazon's number one best seller list within the first week of sales and was a fundraising success for PBS.




On his new direction, Yanni says, "I'm looking for the next stage of my evolution. Having dedicated so many years to this art, I feel an obligation to maintain it, or at least keep developing myself. There are no rules. It's so exciting. And we're going to surprise people. Just watch. To make things happen in life, you have to have faith and passion. Right now is the best time of my life."




In his long and remarkable career, Yanni has proven to have been blessed with both faith and passion in abundance.



Present Time

There are a lot of exciting things ahead for Yanni. Check back to www.Yanni.com for tour and new music updates. There are plans in the works for international (including the USA) appearances in 2010 and 2011 as well as new compositions from Yanni.

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