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

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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

Photo: Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

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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

Eartha Kitt, Santa Clause

Eartha Kitt & Santa Claus

Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

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Poll: What's Your Favorite Holiday Song?

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Holiday favorites contend, with appeal from metal through rap to some obvious choices — each one sparkles in its own way
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 24, 2018 - 8:04 am

As 2018 draws to a close and holiday spirits bring merriment, we invite you to weigh in on a selection of popular holiday songs: Which one do you like best?

Note: The determination of this year's eight selections included a rule not to include tracks from 2017's left-of-center holiday faves. (One exceptional song and another exceptional artist snuck in, anyway.)

While there were plenty of chestnuts we wanted to add, we ultimately chose a mix of classic and genre-diverse tunes that can appeal to every age and background. We hope you enjoy them all!

Polls

What's Your Favorite Holiday Song?

"All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas In Harlem" by Kanye West featuring Cyhi Da Prynce & Teyana Taylor

"I Won't Be Home For Christmas" by Blink-182

"Last Christmas" by Wham!

"Oh Come All Ye Faithful" by Twisted Sister

"Oi To The World" by No Doubt

"Run Rudolph Run" by Chuck Berry

"Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt

Cyndi Lauper, Snoop Dogg, The Vandals: 11 Left-Of-Center Christmas Songs

B2K_122118

B2K

Photo by: Scott Gries/Getty Images

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R&B Hitmakers B2K Are Set To Reunite in 2019

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The quartet will embark on the Millennium Tour with fellow '00s chartoppers Mario, Ying Yang Twins, Lloyd, Pretty Ricky and Chingy
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 21, 2018 - 4:59 pm

The boys of the new millennium are back! 

'00s R&B-pop troupe B2K are set to reunite for the first time in years, with Omarion announcing via Billboard that he's returning with Lil' Fizz (now just Fizz), J-Boog (now just Boog) and Raz B (no hyphen). The last album the guys released was You Got Served in 2003.

Tour dates for the Millennium Tour will be revealed on New Year's Eve. 

Back in 2002 and 2003 the quartet broke onto Billboard's Top 40 with "Bump, Bump, Bump" featuring P Diddy, as well as "Girlfriend," "Gots Ta Be" and "Uh Huh." 

 

 

Supporting artists announced for the Millennium Tour are Bobby V, Chingy, Lloyd, Mario, Pretty Ricky and Ying Yang Twins.

"While admiring their solo successes, the fans have consistently demanded a B2K reunion," said Omarion Worldwide COO Michelle Le Fleur. "With the determination of an incredibly talented team, that dream is now a reality."

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