Billy Idol to team with NHL to honor U.S. Armed Forces in January 2015

Billy Idol's 2014 resurgence continues with this year-end update...I really recommend that rock fans not only listen to his "Kings & Queens of the Underground," but also read his 2014 autobiography "Dancing With Myself."

BILLY IDOLTEAMS WITH THE NHL TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCESAND THE NATION’S CAPITAL DURING PRE-GAME FESTIVITIES AT THE2015 BRIDGESTONE NHL WINTER CLASSIC® TELEVISED LIVE AT 1 P.M. ET ON NBC-TV 

IDOL’S “KINGS & QUEENS OF THE UNDERGROUND LIVE” WINTER NORTH AMERICAN MONTH-LONG TOUR TO KICK OFF JANUARY 21 IN NEW ORLEANS, LA 

DATES ARE IN SUPPORT OF IDOL’S CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED2014 ‘KINGS & QUEENS OF THE UNDERGROUND’ ALBUM

  

BILLY IDOL will kick off the new year with a performance at the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®--the New Year’s Day outdoor game between the Chicago Blackhawks® and the Washington Capitals®--at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.. which will be televised live at 1 p.m. ET on NBC (along with CBC and TVA).  This performance will come as IDOL prepares for his 2015 tour in support of his critically acclaimed 2014 album KINGS & QUEENS OF THE UNDERGROUND which features the anthemic lead single “Can’t Break Me Down” and its evocative video.

IDOL’s pre-game performance from the main stage at home plate before puck drop will pay tribute to the United States Armed Forces during the pre-game and in-game festivities on January 1.  Following his performance, IDOL will be joined near the stage by more than 150 members of all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, who will be attending the game as honored guests of the NHL, for a special salute. 

IDOL’s 2015 theatre tour of the U.S. and Canada throughout January and February is the latest leg of IDOL’s “Kings & Queens Of The Underground Live” world tour which included a run of European shows this past in November.  Tickets for almost all of the North American shows (see full itinerary below) are sold out.

KINGS & QUEENS OF THE UNDERGROUND--IDOL’s first studio album in almost a decade--was released in October on BFI Records via Kobalt Label Services.  The album was primarily produced by Trevor Horn, with Greg Kurstin also contributing as producer to two songs, including “Can’t Break Me Down.” Upon the album’s release, USA Today named “Can’t Break Me Down” their song of the week, declaring “with its punkish drive, sneering vocals and roaring Steve Stevens guitar, Can't Break Me Down could have made a great follow-up to latter-day Idol hits.” 

BILLY IDOL WINTER 2015 U.S TOUR DATES

January 21: House Of Blues, New Orleans, LAJanuary 22: The Tabernacle, Atlanta, GAJanuary 24: Tower Theatre, Upper Darby, PAJanuary 25: Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DCJanuary 28: Beacon Theatre, New York, NYJanuary 29: Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ  January 31: Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MAFebruary 3: Metropolis, Montreal, QCFebruary 4: Massey Hall, Toronto, ONFebruary 6: The Fillmore, Detroit, MI      February 7: Riviera Theatre, Chicago, ILFebruary 9: Paramount Theatre, Denver, COFebruary 12: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BCFebruary 13: Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WAFebruary 15: The Fox Theatre, Oakland, CAFebruary 18: The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CAFebruary 19: The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CAFebruary 21: The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, NVFebruary 22: The Observatory, Santa Ana, CA

###

About Billy Idol:From punk pioneer to global superstar, William Michael Albert Broad, aka BILLY IDOL, has left an indelible mark in popular music and remained a household name for over three decades. IDOL is currently set to kick off a North American tour in January 2015 following the successful October 21 release of Kings & Queens of the Underground, his first album of new material in nearly a decade. IDOL’s autobiography DANCING WITH MYSELF (also released in October) entered the New York Times bestseller list at #13.His style, music, and attitude have transcended time and trend.  Born in 1955 in Stanmore, North London, IDOL spent several formative years living on Long Island, NY as a child before returning to the UK and emerging as a central figure of the British punk movement.  As part of the infamous Bromley Contingent and a fan of the Sex Pistols, IDOL was inspired to front the pioneering British punk band Generation X from 1976 until the band’s split in 1981. Determined to break through in America, IDOL hooked up with guitar genius Steve Stevens and a crucial musical partnership was forged. IDOL created some of rock’s most enduring anthems including “White Wedding,” “Dancing With Myself,” “Flesh For Fantasy,” “Hot In the City,” “Eyes Without A Face,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Cradle of Love,” among others.  BILLY IDOL is the original punk rocker who found a way to take that sneering punk attitude into the pop and rock mainstream, carving out songs that have lasted a lifetime.  For all the latest BILLY IDOL updates and information, visit BillyIdol.net.

My favorite albums of 2014

You knew it was coming, right? I may very well be the last music writer to finally get around to posting their favorite albums of 2014, but better late than never. I have listed my favorite 20 albums of the year in alphabetical order. I also included several "Honorable Mentions" that are terrific and could easily have made my top 20 depending on the day... 

1. Rock or Bust, AC/DC

2. Everyday Robots, Damon Albarn

3. Common Ground, Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin

4. The Both, The Both

5. Sweet Freaks, The Brand New Heavies

6. Ghost Stories, Coldplay

7. The River & The Thread, Rosanne Cash

8. The Take Off and Landing of Everything, Elbow

9. Built to Break, Ronnie Fauss

10. Stay Gold, First Aid Kit

11. Terms of My Surrender, John Hiatt

12. Diamonds, Johnnyswim

13. Counterfeit Blues, Corb Lund

14. Playland, Johnny Marr

15. Good Luck Charm, The Mastersons

16. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

17. Bluesamericana, Keb' Mo'

18. Most Messed Up, Old 97's

19. Trigger Hippy, Trigger Hippy

20. Storytone, Neil Young

Honorable Mentions = great listening

Carter Girl, Carlene Carter

Way Out West, The Fallen Stars

Sundown Heaven Town, Tim McGraw

No Fools, No Fun, Puss n Boots

Classics, She & Him

Goin' Home, Kenny Wayne Shepherd

The Blues Came Callin', Walter Trout

New online music series 'Skyville Live' to launch January 14, 2015

Have a Merry Christmas. I hope everybody has a wonderful and safe holiday! Here is a release that seems in tune with the season of giving...

New groundbreaking online music series 'Skyville Live' to launch on January 14, 2015

  

Premiere Episode Featuring Martina McBride, Gladys Knight and Special Guest Estelle

To Stream Live from Nashville, Tennessee at 8pm/ET via SkyvilleLive.com

Music City's reputation for taking some of the world's greatest music directly to fans is about to take another step forward. Beginning in January 2015, SKYVILLE LIVE will provide music lovers with an unprecedented new online music series, bringing together today's hottest stars and emerging new artists in a unique and interactive way.SKYVILLE LIVE's first episode will air live from Nashville on Wednesday, January 14 at 8:00PM ET via skyvillelive.com. It will feature performances from three of the world's most powerful voices -- country superstar Martina McBride,  the "Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight, and Grammy Award-winning British pop and R&B songstress Estelle.
 

"SKYVILLE LIVE is one of those ideas that kind of grows itself, like the mountain stream that eventually becomes the Mississippi," says Wally Wilson, the show's creator and Executive Producer. "Luck and timing are essential in show biz, and it appears that SKYVILLE LIVE has both. There have been many great concerts streamed on the net, but to my knowledge, there has never been a network-quality program featuring major artists that has appeared on the Internet first. Now, at the dawn of the era of 'smart TV,'  SKYVILLE LIVE has come along to change that."

All episodes of SKYVILLE LIVE will feature major national and international stars and up-and-coming artists from every genre of music, performing songs that made them famous, sharing the vocals and sharing personal stories behind the music, and interacting with the live audience around the world. SKYVILLE LIVE will have no musical boundaries, crossing all musical styles from country to hip-hop to pop and all stops in between.  In addition to the musical magic being made in the intimate setting, the show will also allow people from around the world to communicate directly with the artists being featured in each unique streaming event.

SKYVILLE LIVE takes pride in presenting the past, the present and the future of music. It is a place where some of the world's most popular artists can sit in with icons of music, their musical mentors and fulfill a dream.

No stranger to the stage, Martina McBride is a four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and three-time ACM Female Vocalist of the Year while selling more than 18 million albums. Her latest project, Everlasting, features iconic sounds of the 50s and 60s.

As a tireless performer who has won countless awards and still wows audiences around the world, Gladys Knight has enjoyed record-breaking success in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has also triumphed in film, television and live performance. Gladys Knight & The Pips were inducted into the Rock 'N'Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Her latest project, Where My Heart Belongs, is a new inspiration gospel album that was released earlier this year.

Estelle is one of our most celebrated pop and R&B acts, with a string of chart-topping hits and platinum-selling albums. Hailing from the U.K., she is a Grammy Award winner who has collaborated with many of the world's most famous artists, including John Legend, will.i.am and Kanye West. Her fourth studio album, True Romance, which includes the radio hit "Conqueror," is slated for release February 17, 2015.

  

Executive producers for SKYVILLE LIVE are Wally Wilson, Dan Bean and Tisha Fein. Wilson is a successful music publisher, songwriter and producer. He owns Skyline Music Publishing with his partner Paul Worley. As one of Nashville's premier songwriters, he has written hits for artists in every genre, including Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Aaron Neville, Joe Cocker, Linda Ronstadt, and many more. He is also an award-winning producer of platinum acts including Lonestar and Joan Baez.  Bean has 40 years of marketing and branding experience under his belt after having produced and promoted thousands of live entertainment shows during his career. He has worked with numerous artists, including the Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Metallica, Jimmy Buffett, Moody Blues and Aerosmith. Bean also has over 12 years of video and placement in the entertainment and travel industries, and was one of the first producers to sell sponsorships for the concert and theater business. Fein has been a producer and talent executive for the Grammy Awards for over thirty years and has produced and secured talent for numerous television specials including the HBO Sessions, the Wembley Stadium Concert for Nelson Mandela, the John Lennon All Star Tribute from Liverpool, PBS' Annual Memorial Day and July 4th Concerts, The Muhammad Ali Special, the Billboard Music Awards (2011-2014) and most recently,Fashion Rocks, which aired on CBS in September.

For more information, visit skyvillelive.com

Gretchen Menn to Lead House Band for the 2015 She Rocks Awards

With Christmas days away, you have to know that NAMM can't be far away. Here is an update on the 2015 She Rocks Awards, which will be held during the highly-anticipated show...

The Women’s International Music Network announced that the house band for the 2015 She Rocks Awards will be led by acclaimed guitarist Gretchen Menn, and include Zepparella members Angeline Saris on bass, Clementine on drums, and guest keyboardist Jenna Paone. The House band will back some of the guest performers and provide interstitial music for the award ceremony, held on Jan. 23, 2015, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel during the NAMM Show. 

“I am beyond thrilled to have this amazing group of performers as our house band for the 2015 She Rocks Awards,” said WiMN founder and awards co-host Laura B. Whitmore. “These powerhouse players will bring incredible energy to the event and serve our other guest performers well.” 

Guitarist Gretchen Menn is a fabulously flexible and talented guitar force. She heads her own Gretchen Menn Trio, handles lead guitar duties for the all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band Zepparella, and is currently working on a new solo album. Her prior release, Hale Souls, features bassist Stu Hamm. Menn also recently graced the cover of Guitar Player magazine’s Buyers Guide.

Bass player Angeline Saris’ résumé includes work in an amazing array of styles, including jazz, rock, fusion, funk, R&B, pop, hip hop, and even flamenco/speed metal. She recently toured with Narada Michael Walden, and has joined forces with reggae and ska legend Ernest Ranglin. She’s played on numerous albums and recorded a series of instructional DVDs for Hal Leonard.

In addition to handling drumming duties for Zepparella, Clementine has laid the groove for a variety of projects including the bands Bottom, AC/DShe and Stars Turn Me On. In 2014, Clementine releasedThe Collection, a compilation disc of various songwriting endeavors with guitarists Gretchen Menn, Jude Gold and Justin Caucutt.

Hailing from Boston, guest keyboardist Jenna Paone just released her debut solo album Hammers and Strings in October 2014. Paone boasts 25 years of training and education in classical and contemporary piano, voice, ballet, and theater. Paone recently was selected to perform in Nashville, Tenn., as part of the She Rocks Showcase at Summer NAMM.

The WiMN recently announced the 2015 She Rocks Awards honorees. Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum artist Colbie Caillat; Grammy award-nominated saxophone player and singer/songwriter Mindi Abair; iconic, platinum-selling all-female pop band The Bangles; as well as industry leaders Gayle Beacock, Debbie Cavalier, Amani Duncan, Katie Kailus, Paula Salvatore and Craigie Zildjian will be recognized at this year’s event. Americana band SHEL will open the show.

The 2015 She Rocks Awards will be co-hosted by platinum-selling guitarist and solo artist Orianthi and the Women’s International Music Network founder and writer/editor Laura B. Whitmore. Now in its third year, the event pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry, and has become a standard at the NAMM Show.

With featured performances, food and beverages, giveaways, a silent auction, networking opportunities and more, the She Rocks Awards brings together industry professionals, music icons, artists, fans, and media to celebrate women in music. A portion of the proceeds of the event will go to benefit the Girls Rock Camp Alliance.

This event has sold out for the past two years and does not require a NAMM badge to attend. The She Rocks Awards will take place on Jan. 23, 2015, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel.

The She Rocks Awards is sponsored by The Gretsch Company, Guitar Center, Seymour Duncan, The Avedis Zildjian Company, C.F. Martin & Co, Weber Mandolins, Fishman, 108 Rock Star Guitars, Casio, PRS Guitars, Yamaha, Berklee Online, Roland, Kind, LAWIM, International Musician, Making Music Magazine, 95.5 KLOS, OC Weekly, as well as NewBay Media, and their publications Guitar World,Guitar Player, Acoustic Nation, Bass Player, Electronic Musician and Keyboard Magazine.

Purchase tickets and find out more about the She Rocks Awards at www.sherocksawards.com.

# # #

About The Women’s International Music Network (The WiMN)

Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries. With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing. The Women’s International Music Network produces events such as the Women's Music Summit, the WiMN She Rocks Showcases, and the She Rocks Awards, and is founded by music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore. For more information, visit www.TheWiMN.com.

My favorite reissues of 2014: Old 97's, The Jayhawks, Paul McCartney & Wings, Big Star

As 2014 rapidly draws to a close, I am taking a welcome look back at 2014 in anticipation of compiling my list of top 10 (20? Who knows…) albums. But this has been such a rich year in terms of reissues, I couldn't help but shine a light on these masterful collections on a list filled with rediscovered riches...

Artist: Old 97's
Title: Hitchhike to Rhome (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Jayhawks, Wilco, the Bottle Rockets
Tell me more: As great as Hitchhike to Rhome was upon its initial release way back in 1994, the 2-disc 20th anniversary reissue of the seminal Old 97's debut is even better. One of alternative country's most prolific and consistent artists over the past two decades, the Dallas, Texas-spawned outfit gets it right on every track on the album, which was recorded over a mere three days. Now masterfully remixed by Rip Rowan, Hitchhike to Rhome boasts nuanced tracks ("St. Ignatius," "Wish the Worst"), flat-out barn burners ("504," "4 Leaf Clover") and groundbreaking songs that masterfully blend bluegrass or honky tonk with indie rock stylings (the mandolin-anchored "Doreen" and "If My Heart Was a Car") and rousing covers (including a killer take on Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried"). The plethora of bonus tracks and demos that fill the second disc provides loads of icing on the sonic cake. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Purchase 'Hitchhike To Rhome (2-CD Set)' here


Artist: The Jayhawks
Titles: Sound of Lies (pictured), Smile, Rainy Day Music (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons, Ryan Adams, Big Star
Tell me more: Formed in Minneapolis back in 1985, the Jayhawks have issued eight studio LPs dating back to their eponymous debut released in 1986. But 2014 was a particularly great year for fans of the Jayhawks thanks to the release of deluxe editions of three of their most beloved albums (1997's Sound of Lies, 2000's Smile and 2003's Rainy Day Music). For those who love authentic power-pop (think Big Star), tuneful alternative country (the Flying Burrito Brothers come to mind) and folk rock (classic is-their-any-other-kind Buffalo Springfield), the Jayhawks explored a vast region of Americana across six-year span and created some of the best songs in memory along the way. A myriad of bonus and previously-unreleased tracks filled all three expanded releases (released on audio CD in July and two-LP vinyl sets in September). Southern California audiences can catch the Gary Louris-led Jayhawks when they perform in Los Angeles (Jan. 10), Solana Beach (Jan. 11) or at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano (Jan. 12). Information: JayhawksOfficial.com.
Buy 'Rainy Day Music' on CD here

Buy 'Smile' on audio CD here

Purchase 'Sound of Lies' on Vinyl here



Artist: Paul McCartney and Wings
Titles: Venus and Mars, Wings at the Speed of Sound (Hear Music)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Paul McCartney and Wings
Tell me more: While it is often a tough pill to swallow purchasing the same album twice, fans of Paul McCartney and Wings' classics Venus and Mars (1975) and Wings at the Speed of Sound (1976) can't go wrong with the terrific sounding remastered versions of those essential albums. Among the gems on Venus and Mars is the rocker "Letting Go" that really benefits from the enhanced remastering, and the buoyant "Listen to What the Man Said." While everybody knows Wings at the Speed of Sound's hits ("Silly Love Songs," "Let 'Em In"), the re-release is a great excuse to get to re-listen to the original album (love "Wino Junko") and hear bonus tracks such as an alternate take of the rocker "Beware My Love" featuring the late John Bonham on drums. Information: PaulMcCartney.com.  
Purchase 'Wings at the Speed of Sound' on audio CD

Buy 'Venus and Mars' on audio CD


Artist: Big Star
Titles: #1 Record (pictured) / Radio City (Stax Records / Concord Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, The Replacements, R.E.M.
Tell me more: Big Star is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential bands of all time, having enjoyed a short run in the early 1970s that met with universal critical praise but limited commercial success due to the failure of the Memphis, Tennessee outfit's label to successfully market and distribute their albums. Time has nonetheless been kind to Big Star's legacy, with the Replacements, R.E.M., the Bangles and Wilco all citing the influence of the band. Earlier this year, Stax Records reissued Big Star's first two albums, with both the debut #1 Record and sophomore effort Radio City boasting a mix of rousing rockers and reflective ballads adding up to a sonic brew often credited as the birth of power pop. Highlights abound on each of the albums, with the introspective “The Ballad of El Goodo,” bewitching “Thirteen” and joyful “My Life Is Right” among the great tracks on #1 while the shimmering “September Gurls” and melodic “Way Out West” are among the standouts on “Radio City.” The informative liner notes on the reissues were penned by R.E.M.’s Mike Mills.

Information: Concordmusicgroup.com.

Buy '#1 Record' here
Buy 'Radio City' CD here

Robert Kinsler

Gary Hoey gets everybody into holiday spirit at festive concert

Gary Hoey

What: Ho Ho Hoey Rockin' Holiday Tour
Who: Gary Hoey, RDG, Full Blown Karma
Where: The Coach House
When: Friday, Dec. 19, 2014

Fans of virtuoso electric guitar and holiday music both had reason to celebrate at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday night, Dec. 19, 2014.

Gary Hoey brought his 19th annual Ho Ho Hoey Rockin' Holiday Tour to the venerable and brightly-decorated concert venue, delivering a fun-filled night filled with sterling versions of Christmas classics and a number of his own original gems. For more than 90 minutes, the New England-based singer-guitarist and his mighty two-man rhythm section provided the ultimate early Christmas gift for a capacity crowd that included a mix of generations. 

Opening with an instrumental, hard rock-styled version of "Twelve Days of Christmas," the trio proceeded to mix things up throughout the rest of the fast-moving show. Never one to deliver the tunes by-the-numbers, an early highlight at Hoey's concert showcased surefire drummer Matt Scurfield during a well-timed and explosive break that allowed him to solo while the song continued its natural arc. 

Not long after, "Deck the Halls" was bolstered by a heavy opening but proved to be more nuanced and morphed into "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" that reached a soaring finale. 

Throughout the night, Hoey also featured songs from his most recent disc, 2013's "Deja Blues." The title track from that LP allowed Hoey to open with an extended opening solo showcasing his expect touch on his instrument, while later the playful and heavy blues rocker "Boss You Around" allowed him to display his power as a vocalist. "Stranger," another song off the album, was among the night's highlights with its mournful melody. He was gracious, thanked the crowd and shared heartwarming stories, and made sure to throw out guitar picks throughout the show.

Hoey brought Christmas cheer
to The Coach House

Hoey wasn't kidding when he introduced "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" as one of his favorite Christmas songs. From the jazzy intro to the rocking verses and choruses, it was clear Hoey was in the holiday spirit. The sophisticated arrangement also incorporated a beautiful bit of "Welcome Christmas" into the sonic mix.  

The night ended with a rousing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," Hoey and his band now wearing their Santa hats and the crowd fully engulfed in the holiday spirit. 

Raymond DiGiorgio

A couple of solid area opening acts made for an even richer night. Mixing old school punk and rock 'n' roll, Full Blown Karma kicked the night off in high gear, recalling a mix of Social Distortion and the Ramones via epic material such as "Fight Back," and the psychedelic-laced "Lies."  Next up was a 35-minute set of instrumental rock from RDG centered around guitarist Raymond DiGiorgio's emotive and atmospheric work on the fretboard.

Review: Robert Kinsler

Photos courtesy of Bob Steshetz

2015 Doheny Blues Fest: Paul Rodgers, Bonnie Raitt, The Mavericks, Boz Scaggs, Dave & Phil Alvin, Beth Hart

The holiday season isn't the only joy in full swing. Hardly a day goes by without more good news as it relates to the next Doheny Blues Festival and who is set to perform in Dana Point, California on May 15 and 16, 2015.

The latest announcement that Bonnie Raitt and Boz Scaggs will be joining an already-strong field that includes Paul Rodgers (Bad Company, The Firm, Queen), Beth Hart, The Mavericks, and Dave and Phil Alvin (of The Blasters) will surely please fans of blues-rock and Americana.

Rodgers will be performing in support of his terrific 2014 release The Royal Sessions, a disc he recorded at Memphis' Royal Studios.

Raitt, Hart, The Mavericks and the Alvin Brothers have also released strong albums over the past few years so the sets should all provide for a good mix of classics and new material. Can't wait!

Be sure to get your tickets now via the official Doheny Blues Festival Web site: http://www.dohenybluesfestival.com/

The Bee Gees, Buddy Guy, George Harrison, Louvin Brothers and more to be honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Buddy Guy in action at The Coach
House on Nov. 7, 2013.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Nice news for a Thursday morning...You have to love it when there is a holiday-time announcement that the celebrated likes of George Harrison, the Bee Gees and guitar great Buddy Guy are set to be honored...

The Bee Gees, Pierre Boulez, Buddy Guy, George Harrison, Flaco Jimenez, Louvin Brothers and Wayne Shorter to be honored with the Recording Academy^® 
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

in early 2015

Richard Perry, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil and George Wein to be honored with Trustees Award

Ray Kurzweil to receive Technical Grammy^® Award

 SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2014) —The Recording Academy^®  announced its Special Merit Awards recipients today, and this year's honorees are: the Bee Gees, Pierre Boulez, Buddy Guy, George Harrison, Flaco Jiménez, Louvin Brothers, and Wayne Shorter as Lifetime Achievement Award recipients; Richard Perry, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, and George Wein as Trustees Award honorees; and Ray Kurzweil as theTechnical GRAMMY^® Award recipient. A special invitation-only ceremony will be held during GRAMMY Week on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, and a formal acknowledgment will be made during the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® telecast, which will be held at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 and broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on theCBS Television Network. For GRAMMY^® coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook.
 
"This year we pay tribute to exceptional creators who have made prolific contributions to our culture and history," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "It is an honor and a privilege to recognize such a diverse group of talented trailblazers, whose incomparable bodies of work and timeless legacies will continue to be celebrated for generations to come."
 
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors performers who have made contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording, while the Trustees Award recognizes such contributions in areas other than performance. Both awards are determined by vote of The Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees. Technical GRAMMY Award recipients are determined by vote of The Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing^® Advisory Council and Chapter Committees, as well as The Academy's Trustees. The award is presented to individuals and companies who have made contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field.
 
About the Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees:
The Bee Gees, comprising of brothers Barry, Maurice* and Robin Gibb*, were one of the most successful groups in pop history with hits such as "Stayin' Alive," "How Can You Heal A Broken Heart" and "How Deep Is Your Love." The trio's contributions to the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack made it one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time, selling more than 15 million copies in the United States and garnering the group four GRAMMYs, including Album Of The Year and Producer Of The Year.
 
French composer Pierre Boulez is internationally renowned having conducted the Südwestfunk Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra. He served as musical director of the New York Philharmonic from 1971-1977. The 26-time GRAMMY winner continues to be one of the most influential music creators within the classical genre.
 
Six-time GRAMMY winner Buddy Guy is one of the most celebrated blues guitarists of all time. Throughout his more than 50-year career, Guy has influenced generations of guitar players with his unique sound and style. Guy released his most recent album, Rhythm & Bluesin 2013, and continues to tour.
 
Multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter George Harrison* achieved international fame as a member of the Beatles, one of the most influential groups of all time. The 12-time GRAMMY winner's embrace of Indian music is often credited with helping introduce world music to the West. As a solo artist, Harrison achieved success with projects such as his GRAMMY Hall Of Fame^® inducted album All Things Must Pass and The Concert For Bangladesh, the latter of which garnered an Album Of The Year GRAMMY.
 
Five-time GRAMMY winner Flaco Jiménez has enjoyed a career that has spanned more than six decades, throughout which, he has collaborated with artists such as Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, Doug Sahm, and Carlos Santana among others. Jiménez has maintained a huge influence on the Tex-Mex genre by continuing to record and tour, as he upholds his status as the definitive Tex-Mex accordionist.
 
Ira and Charlie Loudermilk, better known as the Louvin Brothers*, rank among the top duos in country music history. Originally beginning their careers in gospel music, and eventually incorporating secular pop songs, they landed a record deal with Capitol Records and quickly became household names in the 1950's. Eventually the brothers launched solo careers, continuing to set a blueprint for future generations of country and rock musicians.
 
Saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter began his jazz career at the tender age of 16. With a successful solo career, his tenure with Weather Report and his milestone collaborations with Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Shorter has distinguished himself as a leading figure in jazz. As a composer, the 10-time GRAMMY winner is best known for jazz standards such as "Footprints" and "JuJu," among others.
 
About the Trustees Award Honorees:
Richard Perry is one of the most successful producers in pop music history with a career spanning more than four decades. He has produced classic recordings for such legendary artists as Ray Charles, Neil Diamond, Carly Simon, Ringo Starr, and Barbra Streisand among others. In 1978 Perry launched Planet Records, an independent label that produced many successful hits for artists including the multi-GRAMMY-winning group the Pointer Sisters. Perry continues to work as an independent producer.
 
The two-time GRAMMY-winning songwriting duo of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil has created such an impressive body of work within the past four decades that their compositions have been described as "a soundtrack of our lives." This husband-and-wife team has written hit songs such as "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" (with Phil Spector), "On Broadway" (with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller), "Here You Come Again," "Never Gonna Let You Go," "Just Once," and "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" among others. Mann and Weil have also composed scores for several film and theatre projects and they continue to explore new creative avenues.
 
American jazz promoter and producer George Wein is recognized as the founder of the Newport Jazz Festival, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in August 2014. Wein's pioneering spirit includes incorporating sponsor association along with partnering the original concept of an outdoor music event that would later serve as the impetus for festivals: Monterey Jazz Festival, Woodstock, Lollapalooza, Coachella, and Bonnaroo. Through his production company Festival Productions, he would go on to produce the Newport Folk Festival, which he created with folk icon Pete Seeger in 1959, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which he founded in 1970. Wein celebrated his 90th birthday in October 2014 and continues to creatively influence and advance the concept of live music.
 
About the Technical GRAMMY Award Recipients:
Ray Kurzweil is an American author, computer scientist, inventor, and is the current director of engineering at Google. He is credited as the principal innovator of omni-front optical character recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, and speech recognition technology.
 
Kurzweil founded Kurzweil Music Systems and in 1984 introduced the Kurzweil K250, the first computer-based instrument that could realistically recreate the musical response of a grand piano and other orchestra instruments. PBS selected Kurzweil as one of its "They Made America" series.
 
*Denotes posthumous. 
 
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Google+,Instagram, Tumblr and YouTube.