iCast: Earth Wind & Fire

• 

  Aug 06, 02:56 PM

  Earth, Wind & Fire to Co-Headline Fall Tour with Michael McDonald

  EARTH, WIND & FIRE TO CO-HEADLINE FALL TOUR WITH MICHAEL McDONALD

  
  

   

  
  

  Legendary powerhouse Earth, Wind & Fire and recording artist Michael McDonald will launch a national fall tour beginning September 11 in Gilford, NH.
  
  The Grammy Award winners teamed up for four weeks of live concert performances. Earth, Wind & Fire fresh off a sold-out European and South American run of dates continues to energize fans with their explosive shows in North America
  
  As an added bonus to this exciting tour package we want to party and celebrate with you! We have teamed with I Love All Access, a premier fan experience company, to offer some exciting packages. Enjoy a first class concert experience with guaranteed great seats! Soundcheck! Meet and greets and photo ops! Exclusive gifts and more! 5 Star and 4 Star VIP packages are on sale now!
  
  
  ON SALE NOW:
  
  Sept 12 Providence, RI - Dunkin’ Donuts Center
  Sept 14 University Park, PA - Bryce Jordan Center
  Sept 16 Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theatre
  Sept 17 Reading, PA - Eagle Theatre
  Sept 20 Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre
  Sept 21 Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Center
  Sept 23 Denver, CO - Red Rocks
  Sept 24 Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Casino
  Sept 27 Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre
  Sept 28 Concord, CA - Sleep Train Pavillion
  Sept 30 Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theatre
  Oct 1 Tucson, AZ - Ava Valencia Amphitheatre
  
  
  Click here for exclusive VIP packages and enter the password "ewfmm".

  
  

   

  
  

  <

  
  

   

  
  

  Our guitarist Greg Moore is now online! Check him out at MoeSoul Records!

  
  

  MOESOUL RECORDS was created by Gregory David Moore who was born in Detroit, Michigan. By being influenced by the Motown era, quite naturally he was drawn to the strong melodies, lyrics and music. MOESOUL RECORDS was created to express strong soul music that has been lacking in the music industry for years.
  
  Enter our "I should meet Earth, Wind and Fire" contest!
  
  This year we gave out over 2000 backstage passes and over 3500 passes total since this fan site began in December 2004. That was nearly everyone who has submitted a personal story about Earth Wind and Fire and the impact it had on their life. It’s really simple to enter, just click on the forum tab and enter your story in the section that mentions the backstage passes giveaway. If you’re not registered you will need to sign up. Make sure to include the show you will be attending. Registration is always free. We look forward to reading your stories and honoring you with backstage passes to meet us backstage at an upcoming show! Anyone can enter so please send this to your friends who want to join you backstage as well. Our entire tour schedule is posted on this page and dates are being added all the time, so register to recieve the latest information as it occurs. As always thanks for being a fan/friend and we look forward to meeting you!
  
  -Earth Wind and Fire
• 

  Aug 06, 02:51 PM

  Earth, Wind & Fire to Co-Headline Fall Tour with Michael McDonald

  EARTH, WIND & FIRE TO CO-HEADLINE FALL TOUR WITH MICHAEL McDONALD

  
  

  

  
  

   Legendary powerhouse Earth, Wind & Fire and recording artist Michael McDonald will launch a national fall tour beginning September 11 in Gilford, NH.
  
  The Grammy Award winners teamed up for four weeks of live concert performances. Earth, Wind & Fire fresh off a sold-out European and South American run of dates continues to energize fans with their explosive shows in North America
  
  As an added bonus to this exciting tour package we want to party and celebrate with you! We have teamed with I Love All Access, a premier fan experience company, to offer some exciting packages. Enjoy a first class concert experience with guaranteed great seats! Soundcheck! Meet and greets and photo ops! Exclusive gifts and more! 5 Star and 4 Star VIP packages are on sale now!
  
  
  ON SALE NOW:
  
  Sept 12 Providence, RI - Dunkin' Donuts Center
  Sept 14 University Park, PA - Bryce Jordan Center
  Sept 16 Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theatre
  Sept 17 Reading, PA - Eagle Theatre
  Sept 20 Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre
  Sept 21 Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Center
  Sept 23 Denver, CO - Red Rocks
  Sept 24 Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Casino
  Sept 27 Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre
  Sept 28 Concord, CA - Sleep Train Pavillion
  Sept 30 Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theatre
  Oct 1 Tucson, AZ - Ava Valencia Amphitheatre
  
  
  Click here for exclusive VIP packages and enter the password "ewfmm".

  
  

  
  

  Our guitarist Greg Moore is now online! Check him out at MoeSoul Records!

  
  

  MOESOUL RECORDS was created by Gregory David Moore who was born in Detroit, Michigan. By being influenced by the Motown era, quite naturally he was drawn to the strong melodies, lyrics and music. MOESOUL RECORDS was created to express strong soul music that has been lacking in the music industry for years.
  
  Enter our "I should meet Earth, Wind and Fire" contest!
  
  This year we gave out over 2000 backstage passes and over 3500 passes total since this fan site began in December 2004. That was nearly everyone who has submitted a personal story about Earth Wind and Fire and the impact it had on their life. It’s really simple to enter, just click on the forum tab and enter your story in the section that mentions the backstage passes giveaway. If you’re not registered you will need to sign up. Make sure to include the show you will be attending. Registration is always free. We look forward to reading your stories and honoring you with backstage passes to meet us backstage at an upcoming show! Anyone can enter so please send this to your friends who want to join you backstage as well. Our entire tour schedule is posted on this page and dates are being added all the time, so register to recieve the latest information as it occurs. As always thanks for being a fan/friend and we look forward to meeting you!
  
  -Earth Wind and Fire

  
  
• 

  Aug 04, 10:53 AM

  Earth, Wind & Fire as good as ever

  http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/LIFESTYLE/808010319/1004/LIFESTYLE

  
  

  August 1, 2008

  
  

  Earth, Wind & Fire as good as ever

  
  

  By Barb Van Atta
  Press & Sun-Bulletin

  
  

  Is there a man -- or woman -- on the concert circuit today with a better set of pipes than Philip Bailey?

  
  

  Earth, Wind & Fire's lead singer dazzles equally with the rich, warm baritone he uses to start off ballads and the awe-inspiring falsetto he tosses off as easily at the end of a concert as at the beginning.

  
  

  Nothing compares to those stratospheric riffs, with which Bailey decorated such E,W&F classics as "Sing a Song," "Shining Star" and "Reasons" ... except, perhaps, the amazing instrumental solos woven throughout last night's sold-out concert at Binghamton University's Anderson Center.

  
  

  I've always been a sucker for a sax solo, and, in "Shining Star," saxophonist Gary Bias had high notes to rival Bailey's. His skill was matched on "Misery" by the muted trumpet of Bobby Burns Jr. and the proficient playing of keyboardist Myron McKinley.

  
  

  Trombonist Reggie Young was downright merry paired with guitarist Morris O'Connor; guitarist Greg Moore turned in a razor-sharp blues solo; John Paris was solid on drums.

  
  

  And as for Verdine White, bassist for the band since 1970, I've never seen anyone who has so much fun when in the solo spotlight. He was skipping and grinning and wagging his finger, all the while bringing amazing tone from his instrument during another crowd-pleasing hit, "Serpentine Fire."

  
  

  What am I saying? Everything pleased the crowd, which was announced to be the largest ever at an Anderson Center concert. These folks were on their feet when the band took the stage, and stood up again and again to boogie and wave and sing along.

  
  

  Audience participation was encouraged by Bailey, White and fellow core member Ralph Johnson. Both Johnson and David Whitworth have strong vocals and impressive percussion skills; Whitworth also is a perpetual motion machine and a bit of a prankster on stage.

  
  

  Concert-goers were treated to all of their favorites: the up-tempo "Fantasy," "September," "Got to Get You into My Life," "In the Stone" and, during the encore, "That's the Way of the World," and ballads such as "I'll Write a Song for You" and "After the Love is Gone."

  
  

  Audience members were a mix of middle-age (or more) contemporaries of the band -- Bailey, White and Johnson are in their mid- to late 50s --and a new generation of fans drawn to the band's unique blend of disco, R&B, funk, jazz and blues.

  
  

  Circuit City and its like better be well-stocked in Earth, Wind & Fire CDs; I predict high demand today.

  
  

   
• 

  Aug 04, 10:38 AM

  Earth, Wind & Fire as good as ever

  http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/LIFESTYLE/808010319/1004/LIFESTYLE

  
  

  August 1, 2008

  
  

  Earth, Wind & Fire as good as ever

  
  

  By Barb Van Atta
  Press & Sun-Bulletin

  
  

  Is there a man -- or woman -- on the concert circuit today with a better set of pipes than Philip Bailey?

  
  

  Earth, Wind & Fire's lead singer dazzles equally with the rich, warm baritone he uses to start off ballads and the awe-inspiring falsetto he tosses off as easily at the end of a concert as at the beginning.

  
  

  Nothing compares to those stratospheric riffs, with which Bailey decorated such E,W&F classics as "Sing a Song," "Shining Star" and "Reasons" ... except, perhaps, the amazing instrumental solos woven throughout last night's sold-out concert at Binghamton University's Anderson Center.

  
  

  I've always been a sucker for a sax solo, and, in "Shining Star," saxophonist Gary Bias had high notes to rival Bailey's. His skill was matched on "Misery" by the muted trumpet of Bobby Burns Jr. and the proficient playing of keyboardist Myron McKinley.

  
  

  Trombonist Reggie Young was downright merry paired with guitarist Morris O'Connor; guitarist Greg Moore turned in a razor-sharp blues solo; John Paris was solid on drums.

  
  

  And as for Verdine White, bassist for the band since 1970, I've never seen anyone who has so much fun when in the solo spotlight. He was skipping and grinning and wagging his finger, all the while bringing amazing tone from his instrument during another crowd-pleasing hit, "Serpentine Fire."

  
  

  What am I saying? Everything pleased the crowd, which was announced to be the largest ever at an Anderson Center concert. These folks were on their feet when the band took the stage, and stood up again and again to boogie and wave and sing along.

  
  

  Audience participation was encouraged by Bailey, White and fellow core member Ralph Johnson. Both Johnson and David Whitworth have strong vocals and impressive percussion skills; Whitworth also is a perpetual motion machine and a bit of a prankster on stage.

  
  

  Concert-goers were treated to all of their favorites: the up-tempo "Fantasy," "September," "Got to Get You into My Life," "In the Stone" and, during the encore, "That's the Way of the World," and ballads such as "I'll Write a Song for You" and "After the Love is Gone."

  
  

  Audience members were a mix of middle-age (or more) contemporaries of the band -- Bailey, White and Johnson are in their mid- to late 50s --and a new generation of fans drawn to the band's unique blend of disco, R&B, funk, jazz and blues.

  
  

  Circuit City and its like better be well-stocked in Earth, Wind & Fire CDs; I predict high demand today.

  
  

   
• 

  Jul 10, 12:30 PM

  Earth, Wind & Fire still generates sparks at Nokia

  Earth, Wind & Fire still generates sparks at Nokia

  
  

  http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-ewf_0710gl.ART.State.Edition2.4d744bb.html

  
  

  12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, July 10, 2008

  
  

  By MANUEL MENDOZA / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
  tvboymanny@yahoo.com

  
  

  
  BRANDON THIBODEAUX/Special Contributor
  Earth, Wind & Fire band members (from left) Verdine White, Ralph Johnson, David 'Tigger' Whitworth and Philip Bailey brought layered rhythms, punctuated by Mr. Bailey's trademark falsetto, to Nokia Theatre in Grand Prairie on Wednesday.

  
  

  GRAND PRAIRIE - PBS should've been taping Wednesday night's Earth, Wind & Fire concert at Nokia Theatre. It would make a great pledge-drive special.

  
  

  About 3,000 potential contributors swayed as the 11-piece band, including longtime members Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson, re-created the 1970s of soul, funk and fringe. Transporting of the audience back almost 40 years began as soon as the houselights went down, as the stage became bathed in warm purples and blues, and the group launched into "Boogie Wonderland."

  
  

  If cameras had been rolling, they would have been trained for much of the 90-minute show on bassist White, who rarely stopped pacing or bouncing around the stage. He was a ball of energy, shaking his finger and his backside at the crowd and flailing on the floor.

  
  

  "Oh, goodness gracious," singer and percussionist Bailey said somewhere during the transition from "Serpentine Fire" to "Evil." "We got a party going on here."

  
  

  The band didn't waste any time getting to the hits, following the stuttering Latin beat of "Boogie Wonderland" with the hit workouts "Sing a Song" and "Shining Star," the latter featuring the first of a series of tasty solos from the horn section and keyboardist-musical director Myron McKinley.

  
  

  These solos revealed Earth, Wind & Fire's roots in jazz. Founder Maurice White, who no longer performs with the group live, started as a jazz drummer. At times, the show turned into a jam with little delineation between the end of one song and the start of another. Fueling the grooves were saxophonist Gary Bias, trumpeter Bobby Burns Jr. and trombonist Reggie Young.

  
  

  Until Mr. Bailey took center stage midset and proved that his trademark falsetto was still in full working order, the vocals tended toward the underpowered. The group made up the difference with layered rhythms. It seemed like everyone was playing drums of one kind or another at one point or another.

  
  

  Mr. Bailey started to build his case with a couple of ballads, "I'll Write a Song for You" and "After the Love Is Gone," which had some women in the audience levitating out of their seats. But it was a moment near the end of "Reasons" that sealed the verdict.

  
  

  Mr. Bailey kept reaching for higher and higher notes until there appeared to be no more room on the musical scale. Then he took it just a little bit higher. A few times a night, it turns out, the most famous upper-register singer between the careers of Little Richard and Prince can still hit the stratosphere.

  
  

   
• 

  Jul 10, 12:26 PM

  Earth, Wind & Fire still generates sparks at Nokia

  Earth, Wind & Fire still generates sparks at Nokia

  
  

  http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-ewf_0710gl.ART.State.Edition2.4d744bb.html

  
  

  12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, July 10, 2008

  
  

  By MANUEL MENDOZA / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
  tvboymanny@yahoo.com

  
  

  
  BRANDON THIBODEAUX/Special Contributor
  Earth, Wind & Fire band members (from left) Verdine White, Ralph Johnson, David 'Tigger' Whitworth and Philip Bailey brought layered rhythms, punctuated by Mr. Bailey's trademark falsetto, to Nokia Theatre in Grand Prairie on Wednesday.

  
  

  GRAND PRAIRIE - PBS should've been taping Wednesday night's Earth, Wind & Fire concert at Nokia Theatre. It would make a great pledge-drive special.

  
  

  About 3,000 potential contributors swayed as the 11-piece band, including longtime members Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson, re-created the 1970s of soul, funk and fringe. Transporting of the audience back almost 40 years began as soon as the houselights went down, as the stage became bathed in warm purples and blues, and the group launched into "Boogie Wonderland."

  
  

  If cameras had been rolling, they would have been trained for much of the 90-minute show on bassist White, who rarely stopped pacing or bouncing around the stage. He was a ball of energy, shaking his finger and his backside at the crowd and flailing on the floor.

  
  

  "Oh, goodness gracious," singer and percussionist Bailey said somewhere during the transition from "Serpentine Fire" to "Evil." "We got a party going on here."

  
  

  The band didn't waste any time getting to the hits, following the stuttering Latin beat of "Boogie Wonderland" with the hit workouts "Sing a Song" and "Shining Star," the latter featuring the first of a series of tasty solos from the horn section and keyboardist-musical director Myron McKinley.

  
  

  These solos revealed Earth, Wind & Fire's roots in jazz. Founder Maurice White, who no longer performs with the group live, started as a jazz drummer. At times, the show turned into a jam with little delineation between the end of one song and the start of another. Fueling the grooves were saxophonist Gary Bias, trumpeter Bobby Burns Jr. and trombonist Reggie Young.

  
  

  Until Mr. Bailey took center stage midset and proved that his trademark falsetto was still in full working order, the vocals tended toward the underpowered. The group made up the difference with layered rhythms. It seemed like everyone was playing drums of one kind or another at one point or another.

  
  

  Mr. Bailey started to build his case with a couple of ballads, "I'll Write a Song for You" and "After the Love Is Gone," which had some women in the audience levitating out of their seats. But it was a moment near the end of "Reasons" that sealed the verdict.

  
  

  Mr. Bailey kept reaching for higher and higher notes until there appeared to be no more room on the musical scale. Then he took it just a little bit higher. A few times a night, it turns out, the most famous upper-register singer between the careers of Little Richard and Prince can still hit the stratosphere.

  
  

   
• 

  Jul 03, 09:50 PM

  ASCAP'S 21ST Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards Honor Top Songwriters and Publishers of 2007

  SOURCE: ASCAP
    
  Jun 24, 2008 07:00 ET

  
  

  ASCAP'S 21ST Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards Honor Top Songwriters and Publishers of 2007
  New Edition Receives ASCAP Golden Note Award

  
  

  LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - June 24, 2008) - Over 600 songwriters, recording artists and music industry leaders gathered at the 21st Annual ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards, held June 23 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, to salute the top songwriters and publishers behind the most popular music of 2007. Grammy Award-winning songwriter Johntá Austin hosted the all-star gathering, which included special guest presenters MC Lyte, Ne-Yo and T-Boz, plus live performances by some of today's hottest stars and emerging artists, including Marsha Ambrosius (Aftermath), Brutha (Def Jam), Raheem DeVaughn (Jive), The Dream (Def Jam), Flo-Rida (Poe Boy/Atlantic), J. Holiday (Capitol), Krave (Upfront/Interscope), Jacob Latimore (Crown World Entertainment), Karina Pasian (Def Jam), Shawty Lo (D4L/Asylum) and Tank (Blackground).

  
  

  Top awards were handed out to:

  
  

  --  Songwriter of the Year:  Timbaland
  --  Publisher of the Year:  EMI Music Publishing
  --  Ringtone of the Year:  "This is Why I'm Hot"
  --  R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year:  "Lost Without U"
  --  Rap Song of the Year:  "Make Me Better"
  --  Gospel Song of the Year:  "Blessed & Highly Favored"
      A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award to the six members of New Edition. Celebrating their 25th anniversary as recording artists, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Johnny Gill were honored in recognition of their innovative and enduring contributions to 'Rhythm & Soul' music, which have earned them an extraordinary place in American popular music. Following a video tribute highlighting the career of the platinum hit makers, writer/producer Maurice Starr and ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento presented awards to each member of the group. Previous recipients of the ASCAP Golden Note Award include Lionel Richie, Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, LL Cool J and Steve Miller.

  
  

  ASCAP's highly competitive and coveted Songwriter of the Year award went to Timbaland in recognition of the songs "Ice Box" (Omarion), "Make Me Better" (Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo), "My Love" (Justin Timberlake featuring T.I.) and "Until the End of Time" (Justin Timberlake with Beyoncé). This is the third time that Timbaland has won this award, and closely follows his Songwriter of the Year victory at this year's ASCAP Pop Music Awards for co-writing nine of the top ASCAP Pop songs of 2007.

  
  

  EMI Music Publishing was named Publisher of the Year for their 17 award-winning songs. This is the 14th consecutive win for EMI and the 16th time in the 21-year history of the awards show that they have received this honor.

  
  

  "This is Why I'm Hot" claimed the award for Ringtone of the Year, and was also recognized in both the R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap categories. The song was co-written by Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Havoc, Danny "Styles" Schofield, Thomas "Tommy Gunz" Simons, Winston "Blackout" Thomas and Charles "Keak Da Sneak" Williams. Performed by Mims, the single debuted at number one on Billboard's Hot Digital Songs chart, reached #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and took the #1 spot on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.

  
  

  The Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song was "Lost Without U." Co-written by Sean Hurley and Robin Thicke, and performed by Thicke, the song simultaneously topped Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Adult R&B Airplay charts.

  
  

  "Make Me Better," co-written by Timbaland and Fabolous, was named Top Rap Song and also earned an award in the R&B/Hip-Hop category. The song reached #1 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks chart and earned Timbaland a Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year.

  
  

  The Top Gospel Song was "Blessed & Highly Favored." The song earned writer Karen Clark-Sheard and performers The Clark Sisters two Grammys at this year's 50th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Song and Best Gospel Performance, respectively.

  
  

  Among the songwriters with multiple award-winning songs were: Timbaland with four; Keri Hilson with three; and Johntá Austin, Ivan Barias, Beyoncé, Jermaine "JD" Dupri, Mikkel Eriksen, Carvin Haggins, Tor Hermansen, Ronnie "Lil Ronnie" Jackson, The Dream and Justin Timberlake with two each.

  
  

  Honorees and notables in attendance included: New Edition, Maurice Starr, Johntá Austin, MC Lyte, Ne-Yo, T-Boz, Akon, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Karen Clark-Sheard, Drumma Boy, Torence "Lil Boosie" Hatch, Keri Hilson, Ronnie "Lil Ronnie" Jackson, Ludacris, Midi Mafia, Musiq Soulchild, Kelly Price, Stargate, Tricky Stewart, Tank, Webbie, Verdine White, Marsha Ambrosius, Brutha, Raheem DeVaughn, Flo-Rida, J. Holiday, Krave, Jacob Latimore, Karina Pasian, Shawty Lo, The Dream, Clarence Avant, Timothy "Attitude" Clayton, Crime Mob, Ron Fair, Fantasia, Kenny Lattimore, Lil' Kim, Kevin Liles, Chante Moore, Eddie Murphy, Polow Da Don, Sylvia Rhone, Rhymefest, Rick Rock, Jordin Sparks, Shakir Stewart, Al B. Sure, The Pussycat Dolls' Melody Thornton, Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker and Chaka Zulu, among others.

  
  

  The complete list of winners is available at www.ascap.com.

  
  

  About ASCAP

  
  

  Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 320,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with over 90 similar foreign organizations such that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com

  
  

   
• 

  Jul 03, 09:50 PM

  ASCAP'S 21ST Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards Honor Top Songwriters and Publishers of 2007

  SOURCE: ASCAP
    
  Jun 24, 2008 07:00 ET

  
  

  ASCAP'S 21ST Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards Honor Top Songwriters and Publishers of 2007
  New Edition Receives ASCAP Golden Note Award

  
  

  LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - June 24, 2008) - Over 600 songwriters, recording artists and music industry leaders gathered at the 21st Annual ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards, held June 23 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, to salute the top songwriters and publishers behind the most popular music of 2007. Grammy Award-winning songwriter Johntá Austin hosted the all-star gathering, which included special guest presenters MC Lyte, Ne-Yo and T-Boz, plus live performances by some of today's hottest stars and emerging artists, including Marsha Ambrosius (Aftermath), Brutha (Def Jam), Raheem DeVaughn (Jive), The Dream (Def Jam), Flo-Rida (Poe Boy/Atlantic), J. Holiday (Capitol), Krave (Upfront/Interscope), Jacob Latimore (Crown World Entertainment), Karina Pasian (Def Jam), Shawty Lo (D4L/Asylum) and Tank (Blackground).

  
  

  Top awards were handed out to:

  
  

  --  Songwriter of the Year:  Timbaland
  --  Publisher of the Year:  EMI Music Publishing
  --  Ringtone of the Year:  "This is Why I'm Hot"
  --  R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year:  "Lost Without U"
  --  Rap Song of the Year:  "Make Me Better"
  --  Gospel Song of the Year:  "Blessed & Highly Favored"
      A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award to the six members of New Edition. Celebrating their 25th anniversary as recording artists, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Johnny Gill were honored in recognition of their innovative and enduring contributions to 'Rhythm & Soul' music, which have earned them an extraordinary place in American popular music. Following a video tribute highlighting the career of the platinum hit makers, writer/producer Maurice Starr and ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento presented awards to each member of the group. Previous recipients of the ASCAP Golden Note Award include Lionel Richie, Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, LL Cool J and Steve Miller.

  
  

  ASCAP's highly competitive and coveted Songwriter of the Year award went to Timbaland in recognition of the songs "Ice Box" (Omarion), "Make Me Better" (Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo), "My Love" (Justin Timberlake featuring T.I.) and "Until the End of Time" (Justin Timberlake with Beyoncé). This is the third time that Timbaland has won this award, and closely follows his Songwriter of the Year victory at this year's ASCAP Pop Music Awards for co-writing nine of the top ASCAP Pop songs of 2007.

  
  

  EMI Music Publishing was named Publisher of the Year for their 17 award-winning songs. This is the 14th consecutive win for EMI and the 16th time in the 21-year history of the awards show that they have received this honor.

  
  

  "This is Why I'm Hot" claimed the award for Ringtone of the Year, and was also recognized in both the R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap categories. The song was co-written by Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Havoc, Danny "Styles" Schofield, Thomas "Tommy Gunz" Simons, Winston "Blackout" Thomas and Charles "Keak Da Sneak" Williams. Performed by Mims, the single debuted at number one on Billboard's Hot Digital Songs chart, reached #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and took the #1 spot on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.

  
  

  The Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song was "Lost Without U." Co-written by Sean Hurley and Robin Thicke, and performed by Thicke, the song simultaneously topped Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Adult R&B Airplay charts.

  
  

  "Make Me Better," co-written by Timbaland and Fabolous, was named Top Rap Song and also earned an award in the R&B/Hip-Hop category. The song reached #1 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks chart and earned Timbaland a Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year.

  
  

  The Top Gospel Song was "Blessed & Highly Favored." The song earned writer Karen Clark-Sheard and performers The Clark Sisters two Grammys at this year's 50th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Song and Best Gospel Performance, respectively.

  
  

  Among the songwriters with multiple award-winning songs were: Timbaland with four; Keri Hilson with three; and Johntá Austin, Ivan Barias, Beyoncé, Jermaine "JD" Dupri, Mikkel Eriksen, Carvin Haggins, Tor Hermansen, Ronnie "Lil Ronnie" Jackson, The Dream and Justin Timberlake with two each.

  
  

  Honorees and notables in attendance included: New Edition, Maurice Starr, Johntá Austin, MC Lyte, Ne-Yo, T-Boz, Akon, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Karen Clark-Sheard, Drumma Boy, Torence "Lil Boosie" Hatch, Keri Hilson, Ronnie "Lil Ronnie" Jackson, Ludacris, Midi Mafia, Musiq Soulchild, Kelly Price, Stargate, Tricky Stewart, Tank, Webbie, Verdine White, Marsha Ambrosius, Brutha, Raheem DeVaughn, Flo-Rida, J. Holiday, Krave, Jacob Latimore, Karina Pasian, Shawty Lo, The Dream, Clarence Avant, Timothy "Attitude" Clayton, Crime Mob, Ron Fair, Fantasia, Kenny Lattimore, Lil' Kim, Kevin Liles, Chante Moore, Eddie Murphy, Polow Da Don, Sylvia Rhone, Rhymefest, Rick Rock, Jordin Sparks, Shakir Stewart, Al B. Sure, The Pussycat Dolls' Melody Thornton, Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker and Chaka Zulu, among others.

  
  

  The complete list of winners is available at www.ascap.com.

  
  

  About ASCAP

  
  

  Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 320,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with over 90 similar foreign organizations such that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com

  
  

   
• 

  Jul 03, 06:26 PM

  It's an Earth, Wind & Fire-works Weekend!!

  IT’S AN EARTH, WIND AND FIRE-WORKS WEEKEND!!
  
  If you're in the Los Angeles area, listen all weekend to Movin' 93.9 for your chance to win tickets to see Earth, Wind and Fire at the Pacific Amphitheatre in the OC on September 27th! Tickets are on-sale now at all Ticketmaster locations!!
  
  Ralph Johnson's birthday is July 4th!
  Visit his MySpace page and show him some love!
  http://www.myspace.com/ralphjohnson
  
  EARTH, WIND & FIRE TO CO-HEADLINE FALL TOUR WITH MICHAEL McDONALD
  
  Legendary powerhouse Earth, Wind & Fire and recording artist Michael McDonald will launch a national fall tour beginning September 11 in Gilford, NH.
  
  The Grammy Award winners teamed up for four weeks of live concert performances. Earth, Wind & Fire fresh off a sold-out European and South American run of dates continues to energize fans with their explosive shows in North America
  
  As an added bonus to this exciting tour package we want to party and celebrate with you! We have teamed with I Love All Access, a premier fan experience company, to offer some exciting packages. Enjoy a first class concert experience with guaranteed great seats! Soundcheck! Meet and greets and photo ops! Exclusive gifts and more! 5 Star and 4 Star VIP packages are on sale now!
  
  ON SALE NOW:
  
  Sept 12 Providence, RI - Dunkin' Donuts Center Sept 14 University Park, PA - Bryce Jordan Center Sept 16 Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theatre Sept 17 Reading, PA - Eagle Theatre Sept 20 Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre Sept 21 Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Center Sept 23 Denver, CO - Red Rocks Sept 24 Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Casino Sept 27 Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre Sept 30 Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theatre Oct 1 Tucson, AZ - Ava Valencia Amphitheatre
  
  Click here for exclusive VIP packages and enter the password "ewfmm".
  
  Enter our "I should meet Earth, Wind and Fire" contest!
  
  This year we gave out over 2000 backstage passes and over 3500 passes total since this fan site began in December 2004. That was nearly everyone who has submitted a personal story about Earth Wind and Fire and the impact it had on their life. It's really simple to enter, just click on the forum tab and enter your story in the section that mentions the backstage passes giveaway. If you're not registered you will need to sign up. Make sure to include the show you will be attending. Registration is always free. We look forward to reading your stories and honoring you with backstage passes to meet us backstage at an upcoming show! Anyone can enter so please send this to your friends who want to join you backstage as well. Our entire tour schedule is posted on this page and dates are being added all the time, so register to recieve the latest information as it occurs. As always thanks for being a fan/friend and we look forward to meeting you!
  
  -Earth Wind and Fire
• 

  Jul 03, 06:25 PM

  It's an Earth, Wind & Fire-works Weekend!!

  IT’S AN EARTH, WIND AND FIRE-WORKS WEEKEND!!
  
  If you're in the Los Angeles area, listen all weekend to Movin' 93.9 for your chance to win tickets to see Earth, Wind and Fire at the Pacific Amphitheatre in the OC on September 27th! Tickets are on-sale now at all Ticketmaster locations!!
  
  Ralph Johnson's birthday is July 4th!
  Visit his MySpace page and show him some love!
  http://www.myspace.com/ralphjohnson
  
  EARTH, WIND & FIRE TO CO-HEADLINE FALL TOUR WITH MICHAEL McDONALD
  
  Legendary powerhouse Earth, Wind & Fire and recording artist Michael McDonald will launch a national fall tour beginning September 11 in Gilford, NH.
  
  The Grammy Award winners teamed up for four weeks of live concert performances. Earth, Wind & Fire fresh off a sold-out European and South American run of dates continues to energize fans with their explosive shows in North America
  
  As an added bonus to this exciting tour package we want to party and celebrate with you! We have teamed with I Love All Access, a premier fan experience company, to offer some exciting packages. Enjoy a first class concert experience with guaranteed great seats! Soundcheck! Meet and greets and photo ops! Exclusive gifts and more! 5 Star and 4 Star VIP packages are on sale now!
  
  ON SALE NOW:
  
  Sept 12 Providence, RI - Dunkin' Donuts Center Sept 14 University Park, PA - Bryce Jordan Center Sept 16 Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theatre Sept 17 Reading, PA - Eagle Theatre Sept 20 Kansas City, MO - Starlight Theatre Sept 21 Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Center Sept 23 Denver, CO - Red Rocks Sept 24 Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Casino Sept 27 Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheatre Sept 30 Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theatre Oct 1 Tucson, AZ - Ava Valencia Amphitheatre
  
  Click here for exclusive VIP packages and enter the password "ewfmm".
  
  Enter our "I should meet Earth, Wind and Fire" contest!
  
  This year we gave out over 2000 backstage passes and over 3500 passes total since this fan site began in December 2004. That was nearly everyone who has submitted a personal story about Earth Wind and Fire and the impact it had on their life. It's really simple to enter, just click on the forum tab and enter your story in the section that mentions the backstage passes giveaway. If you're not registered you will need to sign up. Make sure to include the show you will be attending. Registration is always free. We look forward to reading your stories and honoring you with backstage passes to meet us backstage at an upcoming show! Anyone can enter so please send this to your friends who want to join you backstage as well. Our entire tour schedule is posted on this page and dates are being added all the time, so register to recieve the latest information as it occurs. As always thanks for being a fan/friend and we look forward to meeting you!
  
  -Earth Wind and Fire