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Recent R&B News

BMI’s Catherine Brewton Honored by Law Organization

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The Black Women in Entertainment Law Foundation (BWEL), a non-profit organization that provides a support network for women of color in entertainment law, honored BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton on November 2 in Atlanta. The event, held at the Mason Murer Gallery, also served as BWEL’s 2nd annual scholarship fundraiser. Ms. Brewton, who directs all writer/publisher relations activities for BMI’s Urban Music Department, was feted…


From News, posted 11.09.09

NO ID: Godfather of Chicago R&B Still On Top

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He possesses what may be the most ironic name in contemporary pop. Over the course of a career spanning nearly 20 years, producer No I.D. has collaborated with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, including Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Jamie Foxx and more. Dubbed “The Godfather of Chicago R&B”—a reference to his pioneering early work with…


From MusicWorld, posted 11.09.09

La Coka Nostra Builds a Brand You Can Trust

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Since the rap group La Coka Nostra formed around 2006, it has become one of the most promising supergroups to emerge since the Wu Tang Clan. But even though they’re gaining the respect of critics and delivering knockout performances like those during the 2009 Rock the Bells tour, the whole group is something of an accident—right down to their name. “It started as inside joke,” says Slaine,…


From MusicWorld, posted 11.05.09

Grammy-Winning Producer Jerry ‘Wonda’ Duplessis Talks Hits

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Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis, a Haitian-born self-taught musician who plays bass, guitar, congas, and drums, participated in the BMI “Conversations” panel series, held at October 21 at Clinton Recording Studios. The intimate discussion, moderated by journalist and ParlourMagazine.com’s Hillary Crosely, focused on Jerry’s career achievements and the “who’s who” list of performers he’s worked with. Jerry, who is one of the most successful and musically adept producers to…


From News, posted 10.24.09

Pleasure P Fans, Meet Marcus Cooper

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In his past life, Marcus Cooper was better known as Pleasure P, lead singer of Pretty Ricky. Natives of Florida, the hybrid rap/R&B group’s libido-drenched shows made the Chippendales dancers look like Eagle Scouts. When Pleasure P left Pretty Ricky in 2007, he wasn’t leaving because the group wasn’t successful; with the foursome, Pleasure P helped such songs as “Grind with Me” hit the…


From MusicWorld, posted 10.22.09

Drake Delivers

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This is Drake’s year. Descending on the U.S. from Toronto, the singer-rapper offers more than stellar mixtapes: He just might be the poster boy for the changing face of the music business. Aubrey Drake Graham, 22, is the son of a drummer, Dennis; one of his uncles, Larry, is the founder of Graham Central Station. In 2001, Aubrey began starring on the teen drama Degrassi: The Next…


From MusicWorld, posted 10.20.09

BMI Honors George Clinton, T-Pain, Lil Wayne and Many More at Urban Awards in New York

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BMI saluted the world’s premier R&B, rap and hip-hop songwriters, producers and publishers Thursday, September 10 at its annual Urban Awards. BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Catherine Brewton, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Atlanta, hosted the ceremony at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, New York City. View the BMI Award-Winning Song List View…


From News, posted 9.10.09

BMI’s Byron Wright Talks Shop with RollingOut

BMI Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Byron Wright recently sat down with rolling out TV to discuss crucial industry topics, from how BMI distributes royalties and the best routes to establishing career-building relationships to his own favorite part of working for songwriters and producers at BMI.


From News, posted 8.04.09

George Clinton to Become BMI Icon at Urban Music Awards

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Ceremony Slated for Sept. 10 in New York Funk originator George Clinton will be named a BMI Icon at the organization’s annual Urban Awards ceremony Thursday, September 10. Staged at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, New York City, the event will also salute the world’s premier r&b, rap and hip-hop songwriters, producers and publishers by celebrating…


From News, posted 7.28.09

BMI Sets Stage for ACL Music Festival 2009

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The sounds scheduled to pour off of BMI’s shady stage at the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival slated for October 2-4 in Austin, Texas, promise grade-A sonic gumbo. Mirroring the acclaimed diversity of the festival itself, BMI has stacked a stage with rock-n-roll, soulsters, neo-folkies, and musical melting pots who adroitly glean from it all, from the prowling soul-pop of Matt Morris and the contemplative folk-pop of Sarah Siskind,…


From News, posted 7.14.09

Josh Charles Strives to Help New Orleans Heal

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The devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina prompted many individuals to wonder how they could help the New Orleans community rebuild. For BMI singer, composer, and pianist Josh Charles, the need to act was especially strong: A protégée of BMI legend and New Orleans icon Dr. John, Charles had moved to New Orleans only a week before the storm hit. Forced to relocate to Brooklyn, he decided…


From News, posted 7.07.09

BMI Mourns the Passing of Michael Jackson

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An artistic and cultural tour de force whose gifts demanded the spotlight, Michael Jackson was equally potent behind the scenes. He received numerous BMI Awards recognizing his prolific career as a songwriter, the raw power of which will continue to influence generations of music makers. “BMI mourns the passing of Michael Jackson. A BMI Icon, he was one of the greatest entertainers of our era. His songwriting…


From News, posted 6.25.09

Watch Interviews with Top Music Creators

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BMI's annual award shows honor the year's best in every genre, attracting and celebrating the world's preeminent songwriters, composers, and superstars. At each ceremony, BMI captures red carpet interviews, which are now available for viewing exclusively on bmi.com. To watch one-on-one chats with a-listers including Colbie Caillat, Taylor Swift, Michael Bublé, Estelle, Polow Da Don, and


From News, posted 5.29.09

BMI Pop Awards Go Coast-to-Coast on Premiere Radio Networks

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The BMI Pop Awards have received heavy media attention, including coast-to-coast coverage on Premiere Radio Network affiliates. Click here to listen.


From News, posted 5.26.09

Duffy Wins Big at 2009 BRIT Awards

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Welsh soul singer Duffy (PRS) virtually swept the 2009 BRIT Awards presented February 18 in London. In addition to taking home the trophy for best British breakthrough act, she earned best British female and the Mastercard best British album honors for her debut, Rockferry. Kings of Leon also enjoyed prestigious pats on the back, walking away with best international group and best international album honors for Only…


From News, posted 2.26.09

Anthony Hamilton Breaks Down ‘The Point of It All’

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Anthony Hamilton’s singing voice revealed itself early, making friends and turning ears from the first time he opened his mouth as a youngster at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. His songwriting “voice,” however, remains an instrument he constantly hones — and occasionally reshapes — as he emerges as one of music’s foremost r&b practitioners. Both voices are at their sharpest and loosest on The Point…


From MusicWorld, posted 2.20.09

Alison Krauss and Lil Wayne Win Big at 2009 Grammys

Ethereal BMI songwriter Alison Krauss enjoyed frequent trips to the Grammy stage during the Recording Academy’s 51st annual ceremony Sunday, February 8 in Los Angeles. In all, Krauss accepted five trophies for Raising Sand, her collaboration with rock legend Robert Plant. The pair, along with super producer and fellow BMI songwriter T-Bone Burnett, walked away with many of the night’s top honors, including album…


From News, posted 2.09.09

Kara DioGuardi Delivers with Start-to-Finish Finesse

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An ambitious practitioner of the old-fashioned art of matching song and artist, Kara DioGuardi wasn't sure if her agent had gotten hold of the right person a few months ago. But the news was indeed good: Already an amazingly successful songwriter who had come up in the record business the hard way, the New York-born DioGuardi learned she was on the short list to become the newest…


From MusicWorld, posted 2.07.09

Grammy Winners and Nominees to Discuss ‘How I Wrote That Song’ at Key Club in LA

BMI Panel Discussion will Feature will.i.am, T-Pain, Chad Hugo (Neptunes), Makeba Riddick, Keri Hilson and Surprise GuestsBMI will present its annual “How I Wrote That Song” panel Saturday, February 7, from 1 until 3 p.m. at the Key Club (9039 Sunset Blvd.) in Los Angeles. Led by BMI’s Catherine Brewton, the discussion will feature insight from Grammy Award-winning singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer will.i.am, Grammy Award-winning rapper, songwriter, and producer…


From News, posted 1.28.09

Recording Academy Announces 2009 Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Award Honorees

Elite BMI songwriters number prominently among the list of 2009 Special Merit Award recipients announced December 22 by the Recording Academy. The Blind Boys of Alabama, the Four Tops, and Brenda Lee will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards, while Elliott Carter and Allen Toussaint will each take home the Trustees Award. An invitation-only ceremony Saturday, February 7 in Los Angeles will salute…


From News, posted 1.06.09

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