DARGAN, Md. (AP) — From John Brown’s raid to James Brown’s wail, a stream of hot-blooded American history runs through a 19th-century farmstead in the Appalachian foothills of western Maryland. The John Brown connection is well known. The restored log farmhouse near Dargan is where the abolitionist launched his ill-fated, 1859 seizure of a federal … Continue reading
by Kalin Wiggins Virginia is home to many influential music artists today. Some of these artists range from Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Pharrell and his pop group N.E.R.D., Chris Brown and many others. However, many of these artists have broken through into the music industry over a decade ago and it is time for a new … Continue reading
Coming on the heels of a divisive political election, the American Music Awards on Sunday night in Los Angeles became a platform for strong, and sometimes foul, political language. Here’s a look at some of the top moments from the American Music Awards show: NOT TRUMP’S NIGHT Less than two weeks after the presidential election, … Continue reading
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — With their red, white and blue tutus and Taylor Swift T-shirts, Rachel Emling and Mikala Crews were everything Formula One wanted at the U.S. Grand Prix: young fans who would travel across the country for a mix of pop stars and fast cars. Tens of thousands packed into the Circuit of … Continue reading
A spokeswoman says singer Toni Braxton is at home after spending several days in a Los Angeles hospital being treated for lupus. Braxton spokeswoman Maureen O’Connor said Monday that Braxton “is resting at home and is fine.” The R&B singer revealed in 2010 that she had been diagnosed with the autoimmune disease. O’Connor said Braxton … Continue reading
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The wait for Frank Ocean’s latest album is finally over. The singer’s 17-track album “Blonde” was released on Saturday on Apple Music , one day after the R&B singer released a 45-minute “visual album” on the streaming service. “Blonde” is Ocean’s second studio album and is his follow-up to his successful … Continue reading
ATLANTA (AP) — Grammy-winning singer Toni Braxton will be honored at the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta. Braxton will receive the BMI President’s Award on Thursday for her musical achievements. The private event salutes songwriters, producers and publishers of the past year’s top songs in the genres. Actor-comedian Chris Tucker will host the awards, which … Continue reading
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — R&B singer Jason Derulo has a lot to learn from country star Luke Bryan if he hopes to blend into the music scene in Nashville. The two teamed up for an episode of “CMT Crossroads” that combined each singer’s musical swagger and rump-shaking hits like Derulo’s “Want to Want Me” and … Continue reading
Justin Bieber, “Purpose” (Def Jam) Justin Bieber’s new album is peppered with songs full of apologies and redemption. The troubled star claims he’s changed. And maybe he has. Or not. But one thing’s for sure — his music has gotten better. So much better. “Purpose,” Bieber’s first album since 2013’s R&B-influenced “Journals,” finds the … Continue reading
NEW YORK (AP) — Beyonce is heading back to Jay Z’s Made in America festival this September. Organizers also announced Wednesday the pop diva and R&B singer The Weeknd will headline the Budweiser Made in America festival over Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia. The festival debuted in 2012, and Beyonce headlined in 2013. Last year … Continue reading
ATLANTA (AP) — Kanye West danced across the stage and knelt on his knees during a performance that left many in the audience repeating the words of his songs at one of Atlanta’s most popular hip-hop concerts. West capped a show filled with other hip-hop stars from Drake, Nicki Minaj and Future at Hot 107.9’s … Continue reading
NEW YORK (AP) — Don’t blame being at Bonnaroo for missing the NBA Finals or the season finale of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” The music festival, which launched Thursday, will also include several screenings, from TV shows to replays of cult favorite films, from “Mean Girls” to “The Goonies.” Here is a look at what’s … Continue reading
Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard makes a powerful political and musical statement with his new E-Collective quintet on “Breathless,” his first plunge as a bandleader into groove-based electric fusion music drawing on funk, R&B and the blues. The title track, inspired by the last words (“I can’t breathe”) of Eric Garner, who died … Continue reading
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nick Jonas may have become a sex symbol to female fans in the last year, but the singer says his new tour won’t cater just to the ladies. He’s thinking about his male fans, too. “I don’t think I’ll cater physically to the women so that it’s not polarizing to my … Continue reading
The odds were stacked against Eleanora Fagan, who was born to unwed teenage parents in Philadelphia on April 7, 1915. But she would become perhaps the most influential jazz singer ever, Billie Holiday, whose centennial is being celebrated with new albums honoring her legacy. Unlike Ella Fitzgerald, Holiday lacked the vocal technique that would … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 