Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean

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Cover Like No Other: Frank Ocean's "Moon River" Scores

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Tackling a classic, the GRAMMY winner shares his personal rendition of the timeless ballad
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Feb 15, 2018 - 11:35 am

On Feb. 15 multi-GRAMMY winner Frank Ocean released his original cover of the classic standard "Moon River" on Tumblr as something he had done "in the late night." Social media lit up with applause, including responses from Kacey Musgraves and Paramore's Hayley Williams. It's a timely reminder that the American songbook is loaded with raw material a great talent can make their own, sharing their unique musical takes on well-known compositions.

The 1961 film Breakfast At Tiffany's put its lead actress Audrey Hepburn on the spot to include a song in her performance, so maestro Henry Mancini and lyricist Johnny Mercer crafted one of the most singable and irresistible songs in the repertoire. Both men shared in its Song Of The Year GRAMMY at the 4th GRAMMY Awards. Mancini also won Record Of The Year and Best Arrangement for the single. The album won Best Performance By An Orchestra — For Other Than Dancing and Best Sound Track, as well as a nomination for Album Of The Year.

Ocean's fans and supporters are crossing their fingers that this late-night surprise bodes well for new tracks in 2018.

Getting The Latest Music News Just Got Easier. Introducing: GRAMMY Bot. Find it On KIK and Facebook Messenger

GRAMMYs

Wu-Tang Clan

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

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NYC Council Approves Wu-Tang Clan And Notorious B.I.G. Street Names

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NYC is honoring rap history by voting to rename two streets after the iconic rappers
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 28, 2018 - 2:05 pm

Notorious B.I.G. and the Wu-Tang Clan are steps closer to becoming a permanent part of New York City, their hometown and one of the birthplaces of hip-hop.

The New York City council has unanimously voted to have a Booklyn street become Christopher Wallace Way (after Biggie) and a Staten Island street become Wu-Tang Clan District. The measures are still pending Mayor Bill de Blasio's signature.

"As soon as you put a name on a street sign, you say something about the public importance of that individual," University of Tenn. Geography Professor Derek Alderman told NPR. "Hip-hop deserves that respect."

Brooklyn Community Board 2 first approved the re-naming petition 33-1 in November.

NYC resident LeRoy McCarthy, who led the naming initiatives for both streets, thinks naming a street after Biggie symbolizes something greater than the rapper. "It symbolizes a culture. It symbolizes a borough. It symbolizes a people, and hip-hop is worldwide,” he told Rolling Stone.

The council also voted to name a street after Woody Guthrie in Coney Island, where the iconic folk singer lived in the 1940s.

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The block expected to become Christopher Wallace Way is on St. James Place between Fulton Street and Gates Avenue where B.I.G. actually grew up. Wu-Tang Clan District will be centered on the intersection of Vanderbilt Avenue and Targee Street, the location of Sobel Court Park, according to Rolling Stone.

The news of the council passing the measures came shortly after Chuck D was announced as chairman of the celebrity board for the Universal Hip-Hop Museum to open in Brooklyn in 2022. 

Universal Hip-Hop Museum Names Chuck D Celebrity Board Chair

SoundCloud

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How New Artists Can Build A Following In 2019, According To SoundCloud

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The key to standing out is showing up as yourself and growing a network of fans
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 28, 2018 - 11:49 am

The artist and label services team at SoundCloud has some advice for artists hoping to grow their audiences in 2019: Be “YOUnique.”

Ledisi Has Three I's For Social Media

As summed up in a handy list on Hypebot, there are a few ways aspiring artists can build a following: Keep to a consistent schedule of uploads (Fridays are reportedly the best days to release new music), and stay inspired by listening to your fellow artists. You never know when you’ll discover a new friend and/or collaborator.

But above all, when marketing yourself, remember to be "YOUnique": after all, being real is part of what makes music compelling.

SoundCloud also advises artists to pay close attention to their fan network (yes, that means reading the comments section) and study the streaming analytics available with the service’s SoundCloud Pro package. It always helps to know what your listeners are gravitating toward the most, right?

Check out SoundCloud’s advice for aspiring artists over at HypeBot, and the best of luck to all of you creators in 2019.

SoundCloud And Instagram Launch Cross-App Link-Up

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ASCAP Makes Disaster Relief Donation To MusiCares

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Donation will help music community members most affected by the fires
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 27, 2018 - 11:59 am

Performing rights organization ASCAP announced on Dec. 18 that it is donating to MusiCares to support music's creators including those "affected by the recent wildfires in northern and southern California" needing help with food, shelter and replacement of instruments or equipment.

"We are truly grateful for the support and ongoing partnership of ASCAP," said Recording Academy and MusiCares President/CEO Neil Portnow. "Their work on behalf of music people is vital, and their generosity to the music community is equally strong. This donation demonstrates how the music industry works together to take care of their own."

"We have all been stunned by the devastation caused by the California fires and the heartache and loss suffered by our members who reside there," said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, winner of three GRAMMY awards as a songwriter. "ASCAP has always been an advocate for music creators, and faced with these terrible circumstances, we have their backs. We are pleased to work with MusiCares to get help to those who need it most."

Members may make disaster relief requests by contacting MusiCares toll-free at 1.800.687.4227.

For those wishing to donate, the "Gift Designation" choice at MusiCares' donation page offers "Disaster Relief" as a selection.

"The music community knows that it can turn to MusiCares in times of distress," said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. "They have the organization and the infrastructure necessary to respond to these horrible events and help members of the music community in times of need. We're glad to work with MusiCares once again to ensure that our funds reach the people most affected by the fires."

Learn Why "She Is The Music" & ASCAP's Female Songwriting Camp Felt "Essential"

Aretha Franklin_122718

Aretha Franklin

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All-Star Lineup To Pay Tribute At "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen of Soul"

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A historic CBS tribute to be broadcast in 2019 will tape at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. on Jan. 13, 2019 with performances by GRAMMY winners and 61st GRAMMY Award nominees
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 27, 2018 - 6:31 am

The Recording Academy's tradition of tribute specials continue with "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul," a one-of-a-kind tribute concert and passionate remembrance of Aretha Franklin. The special will be taped on Jan. 13 and aired sometime in 2019 on CBS with performances from outstanding GRAMMY winners and nominees.

Aretha Franklin's GRAMMY Highlights

GRAMMY winners celebrating her legendary repertoire include Yolanda Adams, Andra Day, Shirley Caesar, Alessia Cara, Kelly Clarkson, Common, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle, and BeBe Winans. They will be joined in song and tribute by artists nominated for the 61st GRAMMY Awards — coming soon on Feb. 10, 2019 — Brandi Carlile, Chloe X Halle, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, and SZA.

"For more than six decades, her extraordinary artistic achievements coupled with her passionate dedication to her philanthropic work — which ranged from children's and artists' issues to civil rights activism — served as a testament to her power, majesty, and genius," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "These gifts positioned her as a true cultural icon, and the Recording Academy is honored to celebrate her inspirational legacy"

The unforgettable night will be hosted by movie and television actor, writer, director, and producer Tyler Perry. "Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul" is presented together with AEG Ehrlich Ventures, CBS and Clive Davis.

"Aretha was more than the Queen of Soul; she was a national treasure," said Davis. "This unique concert — featuring many of today's greatest artists — will celebrate Aretha in a spectacular manner befitting her once-in-a-lifetime talent."

Presale tickets for this live concert at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium will go on sale Friday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. PST (use code "Aretha"), with general tickets going on sale Monday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. PST via AXS.com. Stay tuned for additional unique performance announcements as the special night approaches.

Aretha Franklin's GRAMMY History: Remembering The Queen Of Soul