Superstar Whitney Houston Dies In Los Angeles

Pop superstar Whitney Houston passed away at the Beverly Hilton hotel on Saturday, Feb. 11. She was 48 years old. Cause of death has not yet been determined.

One of the greatest singers to step in front of a microphone, Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born in 1963 to a musical family that included her gospel singer mother Cissy Houston, cousins Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, and godmother Aretha Franklin. She was discovered by Arista Records head Clive Davis in New York City, who helped propel her on to stardom.

Over the course of her career, she released seven studio albums and three movie soundtracks, all of which have Gold or higher sales certifications. Her numerous accomplishments include earning six Grammys, two Emmy Awards, and many other awards. Houston’s run of seven consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100—”Saving All My Love For You,” “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” “So Emotional,” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”—is still unmatched.

Houston landed her first acting role as the star of The Bodyguard (1992). Her version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” featured on the blockbuster soundtrack, went on to become the best-selling single of all time. The soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

“Mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston,” commented Dolly Parton. “I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.”

Houston’s work also intersected with Nashville’s gospel community on The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack, one of the best-selling gospel albums in history. Houston starred in the film and performed songs on the soundtrack that were penned by Kirk Franklin and Dottie Rambo, among others.

She married R&B singer Bobby Brown in 1992, and gave birth to her only child Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown in 1993. Their tumultuous relationship was beset by rumors of drug use, and the couple divorced in 2007. Houston mounted a comeback in 2009 with singles “I Look To You” and “Million Dollar Bill,” coming clean about her past drug use in an interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Houston had performed at Grammy nomination party in Los Angeles for R&B singer Kelly Price on Thursday (Feb. 9), and was slated to attend a pre-Grammy party Saturday thrown by Clive Davis in the hotel where she died. Bobby Brown was scheduled to perform with his group New Edition in Nashville Sunday night (Feb. 12), but pulled out of the show last minute to join his daughter in Los Angeles.

No funeral arrangements have been announced.

Beats Audio Distinguishes Verizon Rezound Handset

The premise sounds strong. Get a Verizon 4G LTE Android Gingerbread phone with front and rear facing cameras, an ultra sharp HD 720p display, a 1.5 Ghz dual-core processor and a pair of Beats Headphones by Dr. Dre. The HTC Rezound also promises, “Beats Audio technology for studio sound.” When the package arrived I wasted no time ripping it open to get my eyes and ears all over this baby.

My initial reaction unfortunately, was akin to the disappointment one might feel getting home from a blind date that didn’t match expectations. However, as the Rezound and I got better acquainted, I grew to respect its personality even if I wasn’t awed by its flash and sparkle. I couldn’t help thinking that if this phone had come into my life a year ago I would have fallen in love with its abilities. But ahhh, what a difference a year can make.

The Rezound’s physical characteristics made the first impression. The ultra high resolution 4.3 inch screen simply seemed small to me. I’ve been using a 4.5 inch screen and recently reviewed Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus with its 4.65 high-def window. In fairness, the Rezound’s screen is clear and sharp, but it didn’t impact my eyes the way the Samsung super amoled displays do. I never felt the WOW! factor.

I began setting up the phone to work with my Google accounts and social networks. The HTC Sense software which rides on top of the Android Gingerbread system operates easily, but to me it represents an unnecessary layer of complication. It does work smoothly, however, and I notice a few expert reviewers really seem to love it. My only setup problem was pushing the volume rocker and power/lock buttons. Clearly the designers were going for a smooth minimalist effect, but the switches are recessed deeply into the top edge and right-hand side of the phone making it difficult for my fingers to operate them. This 6.1 ounce phone sits nicely in your hand, but feels heavy. The Galaxy Nexus, even with its much bigger screen only weighs 5.1 ounces by comparison.

OK, so I wasn’t falling in love, yet…but it was the music that really attracted me to this device in the first place, so I was still filled with anticipation as I carefully unwrapped the red Dr. Dre Beats earbuds. Engadget’s Sharif Sakr enlisted the help of North London’s AMS Acoustics to scientifically measure the Beats performance. Sakr’s article sums, “The Beats Audio software isn’t complete marketing vapor, but it’s still inherently gimmicky… you could achieve a better result… simply by downloading a third-party music player that lets you play with the EQ settings yourself.”

Clearly they weren’t over the moon, but I listen to music for a living, believe I have great ears, and determined, “I’ll decide this for myself, thank you very much.” Lot’s of bravado, but ultimately, I had to agree with Mr. Sakr.

I listened to a wide variety of music with the Beats earbuds and compared the sound against my Subjekt TNT low profile headphopnes ($49.99) that fit over the ear. I listened to music recorded in analog like Steve Miller’s classic “Children Of The Future” and various Beatles tracks; then tried edgy country music like Brad Paisley’s “American Saturday Night,” and Colt Ford’s “Chicken & Biscuits.” Next I played alternative rock from The Black Keys new album El Camino. Throughout I did A/B tests comparing the Beats with the TNTs. As long as I was careful to keep the Beats tightly inserted in my ears they slightly edged out the headphones. I was using the Google music player which with Android/Gingerbread does not allow EQ adjustments. The Beats have a preset U-shape sonic curve boosting the bass and the treble. Had I been able to adjust the EQ, I feel certain that the TNTs would have equalled or surpassed Dr. Dre. And, in real world situations like running or walking, lightweight headphones remain in place over your ears while earbuds tend to slide.

Now for some of that personality which I “grew to respect.” This phone operates on Verizon’s incredible 4G LTE network which means you enjoy lightning fast data transfers and rock solid phone connections and the dual core processor in this unit drives it relentlessly fast. You’ll find it impossible to make it shudder or bog down. A year ago these specs would have placed Rezound at the top of the pile. But today, with the Galaxy Nexus offering 4G LTE and Android version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), one has to wonder if the Rezound is still a compelling alternative. Amazon currently offers the Galaxy Nexus for $99.99 or the Rezound for $79.99 with 2-year contracts. HTC says the Rezound will get a 4.0 update, perhaps as early as March… that should make Rezound owners very happy.

Nashville Stars Fill in for Blair Garner This Week

Kellie Pickler

Nashville celebrities will take turns guest hosting After MidNite radio show this week while host Blair Garner steps out for vacation. Josh Turner, Kellie Pickler, Hunter Hayes, Chris Harrison (host of The Bachelor); and Actress Melissa Peterman will be among the guest hosts hitting the airwaves.

Peterman will begin subbing duties starting tonight, Feb. 13, ushering a week of various guests until Garner’s return to the air on Tues., Feb. 21.

In addition, Garner’s online video feature where he comments on the latest celebrity news called Backstage Pass, will be hosted by Turner, Hayes and Pickler.

After MidNite is heard by 2.7 million weekly listeners.

Concert Series Debuts With Ronnie Milsap, Phil Keaggy

Ronnie Milsap

Ronnie Milsap and Phil Keaggy will kick-off a new concert series to benefit Gilda’s Club Nashville, which offers cancer support services.

The Rock The Red Door series at the Hard Rock Café Nashville launches on Leap Day, Wed., Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Milsap and Keaggy will be backed by the Rob Galbraith All-Star Band: Rob Galbraith (record producer/publisher/performer), Chester Thompson (drums – Genesis/Phil Collins), Brad Cole (keyboards – Phil Collins), David LaBruyere (bass – John Mayer), Bruce Dees (session guitarist/performer), Max Abrams (session saxophone player), along with appearances by Sam Hunter, Maureen Murphy, and Donica Knight.

Tickets are on sale at ticketalternative.com or via phone at 1-877-725-8849, starting at $20.

Gilda’s Club Nashville is an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community and opened its doors on Music Row in 1998 to offer free services including workshops, support groups and social activities in a non-residential, homelike setting. Gilda’s Club Nashville is a 501(c)(3) corporation and is located at 1707 Division Street.

Phil Keaggy

A Little Help From My Friends: A Benefit for Elliott Stockard

Rodney Crowell, John Cowan, Danny Flowers, Bill Lloyd, Pat McLaughlin, and more are on the line-up for A Little Help From My Friends: A Benefit for Elliott Stockard. The event will be Thursday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley Bar and Grill in Nashville.

Stockard, who has spent his life helping members of Nashville’s recovery community, is battling health issues.

Also set to perform are Ashley Cleveland, Wendy Waldman, Michael Rhodes, Reese Wynans, Pat Buchanan, Mike Brignardello, and Larry Atamanuik. There will also be a live auction items featuring a guitar autographed by the Doobie Brothers.

Said Cowan, former lead singer for New Grass Revival and current bass player for The Doobie Brothers, “What I have witnessed in the 22 or so years I have known Elliott, is his tireless commitment to helping other people in and out of the recovery community…I’ve always said Elliott is the guy I wanted to be when I grow up.”

Added Flowers, “I’m doing this because he needs it, but more so because I need it. Elliott has held up the mirror of self-analysis for me time and time again when I was not able to do it for myself.”

Tickets are available in advance at www.thirdandlindsley.com, or at the door. All ticket sales and donations will go to a charitable trust exclusively for Stockard’s medical bills. Go to www.alittlehelpbenefit.com for more information.

2012 Grammy Winners: Country and More

Lady Antebellum backstage. Photo: Grammy.com, Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars, and Alison Krauss and Union Station’s Paper Airplane earned two awards each last night in Los Angeles. Lady Antebellum won Best Country Album for the second year in a row.

Adele dominated the overall categories. She was honored with six Grammys, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year, tying the record held by Beyoncé for most Grammy Awards won by a female artist in a single year.

During the live telecast from the Staples Center, Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson sang their hit duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” and Swift offered her Grammy winning smash, “Mean.” Other Country acts who took the stage included Carrie Underwood with Tony Bennett, and Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton.

Swift arrives at the Grammys. Photo from Grammy.com/Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

Record Of The Year
“Rolling In The Deep”
Adele
Paul Epworth, producer; Tom Elmhirst & Mark Rankin, engineers/mixers
Track from: 21
[XL Recordings/Columbia Records]

Album Of The Year
21
Adele
Jim Abbiss, Adele, Paul Epworth, Rick Rubin, Fraser T. Smith, Ryan Tedder & Dan Wilson, producers; Jim Abbiss, Philip Allen, Beatriz Artola, Ian Dowling, Tom Elmhirst, Greg Fidelman, Dan Parry, Steve Price, Mark Rankin, Andrew Scheps, Fraser T. Smith & Ryan Tedder, engineers/mixers; Tom Coyne, mastering engineer
[XL Recordings/Columbia Records]

Song Of The Year
“Rolling In The Deep”
Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters (Adele)
Track from: 21
[XL Recordings/Columbia Records; Publishers: Universal-Songs of Polygram/EMI Music Publishing]

Best New Artist
Bon Iver

Best Country Album
Own The Night
Lady Antebellum
[Capitol Records Nashville]

The Civil Wars on the red carpet. Photo: Grammy.com, Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Best Country Solo Performance
“Mean,” Taylor Swift, Track from: Speak Now

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“Barton Hollow,” The Civil Wars, Track from: Barton Hollow

Best Country Song
“Mean,”
Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)
Track from: Speak Now
[Big Machine Records; Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, Taylor Swift Music]

Best Americana Album
Ramble At The Ryman
Levon Helm
[Vanguard/Dirt Farmer Music]

Best Bluegrass Album
Paper Airplane
Alison Krauss & Union Station
[Rounder]

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
Paper Airplane
Neal Cappellino & Mike Shipley, engineers; Brad Blackwood, mastering engineer (Alison Krauss & Union Station)
[Rounder]

Best Folk Album
Barton Hollow
The Civil Wars
[Sensibility Music LLC]

Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance
“Jesus,” Le’Andria Johnson
Track from: The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson
[Music World Gospel]

Best Gospel Song
“Hello Fear”
Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)
Track from: Hello Fear
[Verity Gospel Music Group/Fo Yo Soul Ent.; Publisher: Aunt Gertrude Music]

Best Contemporary Christian Music Song
“Blessings”
Laura Story, songwriter (Laura Story)
Track from: Blessings
[Fair Trade Services; Publishers: New Spring/Gleaning Publishing]

Best Gospel Album
Hello Fear, Kirk Franklin
[Verity Gospel Music Group/ Fo Yo Soul Ent.]

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
And If Our God Is For Us…
Chris Tomlin
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

Best Classical Instrumental Solo
Schwantner: Concerto For Percussion & Orchestra
Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor; Christopher Lamb (Nashville Symphony)
Track from: Schwantner: Chasing Light…
[Naxos]

See the complete winners list here.

Alison Krauss & Union Station backstage. Photo: Grammy.com, Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Industry Ink (2/10/12)

The Songwriter Agency has announced the signing of legendary tunesmith Dean Dillon to its roster for live bookings. Dillon has over 90 charted songs to his credit, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

“Dean Dillon has been one of the most prolific songwriters in Nashville for over 30 years, and he’s also one of the most entertaining artists on the road,” said Songwriter Agency president/co-founder Paul Compton. “The list of cuts he has had with some of the biggest names in the business is amazing.”

• • • •

Longtime Gospel music executive Eric Melton has departed his position as Director of Media Relations for Homeland Inspiration Group and launched his own Promotion and PR firm Choice Promotions.

“After spending over 17 years in the Nashville music industry plus a number of years in broadcasting in local radio and in national satellite and syndicated radio, now has come the time that I must begin a new endeavor,” says Melton. “God takes us through many phases of our lives I am thankful that a new day is on the horizon.”

Reach Melton by email here.

• • • •

Brittany Pellegrino has been added to the promotion staff at Cold River Records for an unspecified regional position. She was previously a promotions staffer at WKDF/Nashville, and interned with Warner Bros. and Big Machine. Reach her here.

CMA Songwriters Series Marks 8 Years in NYC

CMA Songwriters Series will return to Joe’s Pub in NYC for its eighth year on Thurs., March 22. The evening will include songwriters Lee Thomas Miller, Jim Photoglo, and Victoria Shaw. Bob DiPiero will again return as the host and performer.

“The people of New York have proven time and time again how much they appreciate great Country Music,” said CMA CEO Steve Moore. “Due to the popularity of this series that began at Joe’s Pub, we have taken the CMA Songwriters Series to other cities, not only in the U.S., but to the United Kingdom as well.”

“With the reputation of the CMA behind our programming we have been able to grow the Country Music audience and bring artists and fans together in a way that rarely happens in this region,” said Kevin Abbott, Managing Director of Joe’s Pub.

Tickets for the March 22 CMA Songwriters Series are on sale now for $25 and $30. ASCAP and BMI are the official sponsors of the Series.

Grammy Awards: New Performers and Presenters Announced

The Civil Wars

More performers and presenters have been added to the 54th Annual Grammy Awards telecast Sunday, Feb. 12, and Nashville artists are well-represented among those appearing. Additionally, pre-telecast ceremony performers have been named.

The latest musical addition to the live Grammy show is a reunited Beach Boys, who will share the stage with Foster The People and Maroon 5 for a special collaboration. Also recently added to the performance lineup are The Civil Wars, Diana Krall, Maceo Parker, and Joe Walsh. They join previously announced performers Adele (in her first live appearance since vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood; Chris Brown; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; deadmau5; Foo Fighters; David Guetta; Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt; Lil Wayne; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band; and Taylor Swift.

Joining the list of award presenters are Reba, Diana Ross, Common, and Taraji P. Henson. Previously announced presenters include Marc Anthony, Dierks Bentley, Jack Black, Drake, Fergie, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan Seacrest, Ringo Starr, and Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson.

Additionally, performers have been announced for the pre telecast ceremony that will stream live on grammy.com/live starting at 3 PM/CT Feb. 12. The event will be co-hosted by saxophonist Dave Koz and Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter President/rapper MC Lyte. Performers include Steve Earle, Rebirth Brass Band, mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, and a “Ladies of Gospel” segment featuring Kim Burrell, Le’Andria Johnson, Kelly Price and Trin-I-Tee 5:7.

The live broadcast of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, hosted by LL Cool J, airs at 7 PM/CT. Check back with musicrow.com for an update on Grammy winners.

RIAA Gold and Platinum Certifications

The RIAA has released its latest batch of certifications, and a handful of Nashville artists are among those earning a little metal.

Among Music City’s RIAA-certified talents is Taylor Swift, with Speak Now (Big Machine) at 4x Platinum. Scotty McCreery’s debut, Clear as Day (19 Recordings/Mercury) has achieved Platinum status. Nashville rockers The Black KeysEl Camino (Nonesuch) release comes in for Gold status. At the top of the stack is Adele’s 21 (Columbia/XL Recordings), which soared to the tune of 6x Platinum.

Also making a large sales impact were Digital singles. Gavin DeGraw’s “Not Over You” climbed to Platinum status, plus The Band Perry’s “All Your Life” and Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” were both recognized with Gold certs.

The RIAA certified 112 multi-Platinum digital singles for the year in 2011, compared to only certifying 66 in 2010.

“It’s exciting to award more download certifications than ever before and another sign that digital music has gone completely mainstream,” said Cary Sherman, Chairman and CEO. “The RIAA’s historic Gold and Platinum program continues to evolve and reflect the way fans access and enjoy music.”