Category: music artists

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Coco Jones & Ella Mai are the Hot New R&B Sounds

Coco Jones & Ella Mai Are the Hot New R&B Sounds

What’s hot? What’s new? Cut off CNN and Fox News, you can find out what’s going on by listening to music. All around the world, music is used as a means of transformation. Who’s excited about Coachella? This year we’ll see Puerto Rico and South Korea come together in California.

This blog post will discuss what’s hot and new in R&B music. I feel R&B doesn’t get enough coverage. Did you miss Coco Jones and Ella Mai’s arrivals on the red carpet at the 2023 Grammys? They were stunning and dazzling in their gorgeous dresses. Besides dressing for the part, these stars lit up the room that night with their smiles. With the Oscars right around the corner, you can relive the Grammys here.

Listening Experience

I believe music is all about coming away with an experience. Listening to Coco Jones and Ella Mai is just not enough for a fan. You have to experience them. Like I wrote in a recent post, to truly get it we have to feel it. But how can you do this when it seems like everything is digitized and virtual? There was a time when music was physical.  

Do you think the R&B genre could receive more respect? Nowadays, it seems pop music has taken over the air waves. But that’s alright.

Music reflects the good or bad times. And we’ll get through the toughness with the smoothness. Coco Jones’s voice is so smooth. And Ella Mai is slick with her sound.

LOS ANGELES – MARCH 14: Singer/Songwriter Ella Mai arrives for the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Glenn Francis/Pacific Pro Digital Photography)

Success

Coco Jones Photo By: Sidewalks Entertainment

It’s only a matter of time before they do a big duet together. Could Jones and Mai do something similar to Beyoncé and Alicia Keys’ Put It in a Love Song or Jazmine Sullivan and H.E.R.’s Girl Like Me? Is this the new R&B sound? With the help of Babyface, these young ladies have recognized their true potential. Coco Jones is experienced as a Disney singer/actress, She was born in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. Her success was by design.

Of course, Ella Mai is an R&B superstar in her own right. She was born in London, England, UK. Both singers have something extraordinary to give to this world. Their music is the new R & B sound but they are not newbies. I firmly believe you can tell a lot about a musician by their music. Music is art.

ELLA MAI

The singer has released 2 studio albums called “Ella Mai” and “Heart On My Sleeve” to date. The “Ella Mai” album peaked at number 1 (U.S. R & B). Heart On My Sleeve was released last year and sits in the second spot on the charts. Her sound is that hot and new which inspires other artists. Have you heard the song she recorded with Latto?

COCO JONES

Also, Coco Jones is hot and new. She’s so hot and new she doesn’t have an album yet. However, she has 16 singles and multiple extended plays. Come to expect a groundbreaking album from her in the future. If she seizes the opportunity she can go far in the music business. I believe she has a lot going for her because she’s an actress and can build off her brand name recognition. Bel-Air is a top TV show on  Peacock. What is more, she is exactly the kind of R&B singer the industry needs.

COCO JONES & ELLA MAI

I’m not comparing the two celebrities. They are both experts who deserve appreciation. This blog post recognizes two of my favorite R&B singers. They’re both stars who I hope shine for a long time. Let’s give them their props.

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What’s Happening Now: Could Old School Music Be a Trend?

John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA

What’s Happening Now?

This might not be a trending blog post but that’s alright. Sometimes, I don’t choose what to write, it chooses me. It’s kind of like that old school song by Willie Hutch “I Choose You.” from the Mack movie soundtrack.

Lately, I’ve chosen to listen to a lot of old school music. I’m in the mood for those kinds of sounds right now. Now, I’m not saying this new music out here is garbage like others are saying. All I’m saying is we’ve got to give peace a chance. Like that song “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon, music must drive a better narrative. In other words, old school music has a different harmony.

Nowadays, music is more explicit and that is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, there’s no need for interpretation. On the other hand, there’s no more mystery. No more, what did she mean with the lyric. Rap music has got a bad reputation for this.

Could Old School Music Be a Trend?

Do the singers live the lifestyle they sing about in their songs? Of course, some don’t. I would say most don’t. Old school music takes us back to a time like the 60s, 70s and 80s. What if you could go back to Woodstock?

How does Coachella compare to Woodstock? Did you know Bad Bunny and Black Pink are headliners for the festival? It’s coming up in April. Are you excited?

How far back do you want to go? For the purposes of this blog post I’m discussing the 60s to the 90s. To me, I consider that old school. There are so many ways to go with this topic. We can talk about the singers and the bands. The Beatles were big. Then, the Jackson 5 had their time in the spotlight. One thing I noticed is that old school had more bands.

The Best/Your Favorite Era

What is the best or your favorite era of old school music? 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s. When I reflect on these songs, I think about timeless pieces. I would argue some artists we will never forget. Then again, with so much sampling and resampling, mixing, and remixing we forget the source sometimes. But I believe nothing beats originality in the long game.

Photo By: hiabba

I want to discuss old school music as a commodity. Music has many brands, from record labels to music artists and promoters. Despite the odds of succeeding diminishing, there is so much talent flooding into the music industry. In the end, why someone chooses to enter the entertainment market depends on their drive and what narrative they subscribed to. Celebrities must have thick skin. Look at Selena Gomez as a prime example. She didn’t become the most followed woman on Instagram by accident and she’s dealt with all sorts of comments along the way. 

We can learn something valuable from the 2023 Grammys Watch and Recap. At the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party, he hosted legends and new stars. In his career, he’s made stars into legends as a record executive. Today, his impact in music is universal. Do you agree that Mariah Carey is one of the greatest female music artists of the 90s?

Old School Music Options

We’ve got “Just the Two of Us,” “Love and Happiness,” and “Your Song” among others that are great options. No, Meghan Trainor music is not all about the bass. We need lyrics combined with rhythm.

My aim is to write this blog post in a way that you can hear the music I’ve listened to this fine Saturday. I’m not going to tell you every song that I’ve listened to, but you can guess. Don’t just read. While on my music journey, I’ve discovered and rediscovered songs.

Listen to Don McClean’s American Pie. Then, feel it.

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Why Soulful Chris Stapleton Is Country Music’s Chief Storyteller

Chris Stapleton Photo

Music School

You learn a great deal about musicians through their music. Every singer has at least one song that gives you goosebumps. Which Chris Stapleton song is it? Lately, Stapleton songs have made my playlist. Hearing him sing sounds like thunder. I believe Kane Brown can learn from this music artist. I bet he’s willing to share some of his secrets. 

The last time I wrote about the music artist was at the 2023 Grammys. Who in their wildest imagination would dream of a Stevie Wonder and Chris Stapleton collaboration on live television? If you didn’t watch the Higher Ground performance, you missed out. Talk about a man stringing the guitar like a fiddle on a horse.

He should trend for the next week or so on social media and the Internet. Now, I’m unable to rewrite the future but I can write the present. Living in the moment is life’s greatest joy. Like Stapleton, born and raised in the United States, I’m proud to be an American. I’m just jealous I can’t sing the National Anthem like him.

Who Is Chris Stapleton?

Chris Stapleton is a country music singer you can listen to for hours because of his dynamic sound. What is country music without Chris Stapleton? In the past, I asked a similar question about other singers. In the past, I wrote about Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris and others. Overall, I feel country music as a genre deserves more recognition.

So why is the soulful singer Country Music’s chief storyteller? Because he is a spectacular songwriter and record producer. Like most great songs in the genre, his songs tell a story. Let the record speak for itself. As a singer/ songwriter/ producer Stapleton’s built a durable brand and long career. That’s why today when the tickets went on sale, fans reacted with enthusiasm. Staying relevant since 2001, required hard work and dedication. Just think, he dropped out of engineering school to become a full-time musician is a story all by itself. 

In Conclusion

Neil Gaiman teaches a Masterclass called The Art of Storytelling. He is a brilliant fantasy novelist. But you don’t have to write a novel to master the art of telling a story. Like Stapleton, you can compose your lyrics and/or sing it. There are many ways to publish music just like novels now. I like the celebrity Chris Stapleton because he seems genuine. You’re not going to shave his beard. No mam, you won’t. Plus, he’ll wear his cowboy hat all night long. 

This celebrity from Lexington, Kentucky knows where he came from and where he’s going. I believe he’s not only one of the best country music singers, but overall, he’s one of the best singers in the industry. The Tennessee Whiskey song released seven years ago might be old but it’s still potent. By last count, it had 673 million views on YouTube. Stapleton knows what the fans want and gives it to them. And let’s face the music, sometimes the fans have no clue what they want.

I admire that he appears to be a family man. He married his wife Morgane Stapleton in 2007. Also, it seems every time he accepts an award, he’s gracious and mentions his family. When everything is said and done, the music stops playing but family is a constant. Country music singers/ songwriters are some of the best storytellers around in the galaxy. NASA has yet to confirm aliens. But one thing is for sure, Chris Stapleton is 100 percent down to earth. 

On this Pale Blue Dot in space, this star is a cool person. I like cool people.

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Why Anitta Should Win Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammys

Anitta Photo By: Wikimedia Commons https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/COMBATCHY_-_Espa%C3%A7o_das_Am%C3%A9ricas_%2837663558155%29.jpg

Why Anitta Should Win Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammys

There are ten contenders, Anitta is one of them, for best new artist at the 2023 Grammys. Who will win the prestigious award is anybody’s guess? Who should win the accolade is another matter entirely? Anitta is at the very top of the list. The 29-year-old singer is only beginning to show the world her many gifts and talents. What is more, she is ready to receive what is hers.

You just never know how these nominations will play out. All you really know is that there are winners and losers. Someone must win. Others must lose. But if Anitta loses this will upset a huge fan base. Let’s talk more about her fanbase. She has 18.9 million Twitter followers and counting, including me. And on Instagram, she’s followed by 63.6 million accounts. 

What’s the Why?

Why write this story? The story writes itself. I’ve been blogging since 2014 and can remember the success and failures of celebrities and entertainers. I’ve learned anybody can be called an entertainer, but it takes something more to be a celebrity. There’s a special sauce and you must have the right ingredients to succeed in the industry. Anitta is a celebrity who has distinguished herself in entertainment from other contenders. 

Anitta should win best new artist because she’s the new hot sound of Brazil everybody wants to hear. Every track she laid has been magical so far. Her future is bright. She’s a star who could reach Beyoncé level in due time. If she plays her cards right, anything is possible. Really, in the entertainment world nothing is impossible. What are your favorite songs and music videos by this musician? 

Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

More Information

Did you know she has 5 studio albums, 1 live album, 76 music videos, 2 Extended Plays, and  47 singles according to Wikipedia. Browsing through her catalog you will find gold and diamonds. Warner Music Brazil signed her to a record deal in 2013 and that’s only the beginning.

The musician’s third studio album, Bang!, has sold the most copies to date. With 300,000 copies sold it went gold in pre-order sales with 40,000 sold.

It would mean the world if the Brazilian singer takes home the Best New Artist. She wants it and so do her fans. I don’t know. Has a Portuguese language singer ever won best new artist? Enjoy this post at your leisure. The post explains some of Anitta’s feelings about the award.

With Bad Bunny as a performer, the Latin element will be well represented as it should be this year at the Grammys. I’m interested in seeing Anitta earn the award and seeing her shine beyond the night. Maybe, we could check out photos and videos from the afterparties.

This music artist is here to stay. Her songs and music videos are top notch. Fans love high quality material, and the star delivers the finest art. Here’s more information. Her five albums are entitled in order of first to last are:

1. Anitta

2. Ritmo Perfeito

3. Bang!

4. Kisses

5. Versions of Me

I believe Versions of Me should get more credit. This album is in four different languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. How do you top that? For producers to pull off such a feat is incredible. Anitta has a lot of songs on the album that appeal to a large audience. That’s why her fanbase is huge. I look forward to engaging and interacting with her fans in the foreseeable future. Follow Guru Jay Entertainment @IamGuruJay on Twitter and @TheGuruJay on Instagram. Thank you for reading and visiting. Peace.

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Launching into the Future with Bastille

Photo by: Wikimedia Commons

Let’s make a band. Okay, well, let’s talk about bands. What is it that gets you going? 

Music makes my world go round. Listening to tracks and making jams are two things I love to do. You have to start somewhere.

Do you have a favorite musician or band? Aren’t bands underrated, especially those that stick together through thick and thin? Bands are the cornerstones that hold up the pillars of music. Now, everybody can’t do a jam session like Bastille. However, something about brotherhood, sisterhood, and unity is more profound than a soundtrack.

Bastille does more than make music and perform at concerts. Their latest album title explains it all. Give Me the Future is about making a way and putting on a performance called life. Living through 2022, you could say the future is now. Can we make any more technological advancements and progress?

Originating out of London, the Bastille band launched in 2010. They haven’t looked back since debuting on top. Is Dan Smith the ideal lead vocalist or what? Also, Kyle Simmons is a great keyboardist. Plus, we have Will Farquarson playing the guitar like Jimi Hendrix. And to top it off, Chris Wood fuels the band with energy on drums. Let’s call them the Fantastic Four.

The Fantastic Four has four studio albums: Bad Blood, Wild World, Doom Days, and Give Me the Future. So what do you think is their best album? I believe Bad Blood puts them in a good space. Still, they started with an impressive debut but have fine-tuned their skills. So Give Me the Future is the best album, in my opinion. 

I follow TMZ on Twitter and saw a tweet about BTS they did recently. BTS might take a break, and TMZ thinks the band has not had enough time to mature. After twelve years in the music game, Bastille is mature like fine wine.

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The Soft and Sweet Sounds of Corinne Bailey Rae

BY: GURU JAY 

Here’s the best way to explain Corinne Bailey Rae’s music. Her voice is a clarinet. She mixes up her range and controls the pitch like a pro. Plus she brings us joy every time she sings Put Your Records On and Like A Star.
You see she knows what to do. And she looks good doing it. Right now her new songs from The Heart Speaks In Whispers- Green Aphrodisiac and Been To Moon specifically- are on my playlist. As always her lyrics are amazing and that voice is incredible.
It’s hard to stop listening after you press play. Are you hooked yet? What more could we want?
The soft and sweet sounds of Corinne Bailey Rae relieve the pressure. In a world with so much stress and worries, you need someone like Corinne. What is more, she’s true to her message. Her words delve deep into the meaning of life. Rae shines like a sunray. No wonder she received that name. 
Photos By: Wikimedia Commons
The British songstress could have been a princess in another lifetime. Musical notes are her subjects. She creates moods and expressions with her melodies.
Like Lena Horne, the star ‘got’ rhythm. Give her a guitar and watch her string magical harmonies with the bands. Oh yeah, she’ll sing until kings and queens come off their thrones. 
I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Enchantment by Bailey. What is better than watching this music artist perform in concert? She could be the English version of Alicia Keys. The only difference is a guitar, keyboard, an accent, and a few seas. Moreover, executives respect Rae for brand managing.   
Yes, Corinne Bailey Rae took a break. But while on her hiatus, she became better in every facet. “Don’t you know that, that patience is a virtue (yes it is), and life is a waiting game…don’t you know that, peace must be nurtured…” In other words, seasons change.  
 
I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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Top 20 Highest Paid Solo Music Artists REVEALED + VIDEO

BY: GURU JAY

Top 20 Highest Paid Solo Music Artists REVEALED

Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

I listen to music everyday. My music taste is very flavorful. Music means everything to me.

Do you like a nice variety of songs? Or do you only listen to Country or Heavy Metal exclusively? Leave a comment.

Besides being universal, music is also lucrative. This article will shed some light on the state of music. You’ll clearly see how popularity is not profitability.

Country Music artists get paid a premium. Do you know why? It’s because Country has less competition.

So it isn’t surprising that the highest paid musicians belong to the Country genre. Think about it. Although Pop appeals to the masses, Country follows the money.

Taylor Swift wasn’t a high school cheerleader but she is cheerful. She sings with a perfect pitch and a clear tone. But does she deserve the most dollars?

My initial thought was that Katy Perry was #1. To my surprise, she didn’t even make the list. Neither did Lady Gaga. Back to my point, popularity is not profitability.

If you want to cash in on your fame, don’t follow the accolades. Follow the money. Look at John Mayer.

John Mayer is not as famous as Drake or Nicki Minaj. But, John Boy makes $10 million per year.  Where do Drake and Nicki rank on the money list? They don’t.

The moral of the story is that numbers can be misleading. The only real numbers that matter are the ones after a ($) dollar sign.

Kenny Chesney has 2 million Twitter followers. Jennifer Lopez (JLo) has 29 million followers. Guess what? Chesney is the second highest paid music artist. What does that tell you?

I don’t sugarcoat. And, I don’t pander celebrities. I’m not a lawyer. I am an accountant.

Dollars don’t lie. Kenny Chesney makes $33 million per year. JLo earns less than $9 million as a musician.

I wrote an article comparing Justin Timberlake and JLo. I found out that my followers love Justin to death. Well, wouldn’t you know JT earns $31 million annually?

Timberlake is third on the highest paid musician list. Beyoncé follows him at #4.
Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

Longevity pays dividends. #20 Elton John and #19 Jimmy Buffett show you why. They are from the ‘show me’ state.

You must think in terms of the long run. Sticking around is good. Don’t make the mistake of retiring too soon.

Celine Dion is still relevant at #15. Her greatest hit ‘My Heart Will Go On’ is top 10 all time. Beautiful music is internationally recognized. There is no need for translation.

You have to love making music. The highest paid artists are the most productive. I identify with Justin Timberlake because he seems to understand the way the entertainment world works.

Most musicians have a lopsided view of the industry. Show business is cutthroat because so many artists are sticking their necks out for an unclean shave. You should look in the mirror to shave, or just grow a full beard.
Photo By: Wikimedia Commons
The former Destiny’s Child lead singer is irreplaceable as a solo music artist. She makes over $24 million. Beyoncé is on demand.

There’s been so much speculation about her marriage to Jay Z. Will they divorce? I think it’s imminent.

The majority of divorces end due to financial reasons. Jay Z is the 11th highest paid solo artist. There’s likely some jealously considering the competitive nature of both Rap and Hip-Hop.

His protégé Rihanna is the 13thhighest paid singer. The Barbados babe is prolific but she is not very productive.

Even though she is my third favorite pop star. I feel she has room for improvement. Rihanna Vevo is the #1 YouTube channel. And yet, she isn’t a top 10 earner.

If Rihanna is smart she’ll realize that singing less can make her more money. Of all the artists, Rihanna has the most potential. Plus she is already a superstar!

Pink is the 6th highest earning solo music artist. Why is Pink so high on the list? It’s because she is unique.

It’s not a big secret that eccentric stars earn the big bucks. Elton John has played this game for years. Just like there’s only one Elton, there is only one Pink.

Michael Bublé  is successful because he has a monopoly on Christmas music. He saw an opportunity and went in headfirst. Now his name is synonymous with XMAS carols.

The key to the entertainment business is to find your niche. It’s that simple. If you’re the best, you don’t have to worry. Just wait for the paycheck to arrive.

Paul McCartney is #14; and, Kenny Chesney is second.  Both gentlemen are living legends. Paul is to Rock and Roll what Kenny is to Country Music.

If you really want to hear true genius, you might have to play an old record. The best music periods are the ‘60s and ‘70s. The ‘80s were also a great time in music.

State of Music

The state of music is fragile. On the one hand, the singing is top notch. On the other hand, the lyrics are crappy.

Today’s music lacks a message. In the words of Paul McCartney, I believe in Yesterday. The corporatization of music is in full effect.

I support Vevo because it delivers excellent content. But, Vevo is a prime example of corporate culture. And so, there’s a tradeoff.

I blame the singers/songwriters. It’s the new normal for many musicians to write their own songs. In the past, this was very rare.

Nothing will change until the songwriters take back their craft. It’s cheaper to have singers write their own songs. And, that’s why the songs sound cheap. It’s easy to reverse this course.

I’m not saying don’t let singers write. All I am saying is to let the songwriters do their jobs. The best songwriters can’t sing a lick.

As you can see, technology has drastically changed the way music is heard. Despite the initial concerns, music artists are living the good life. You can make a fortune if you are gifted and talented.

You can really do well with Country. Two words: Taylor Swift!


I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1! 

Source: Billboard
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