Featuring special guests including Tems, Killer Mike & Lil Wayne, Simi and Black Thought, Get Lifted (20th Anniversary) Expands Original Album with 11 Bonus Tracks including Brand New Remixes, B-Side Rarities and 2 Previously Unreleased Studio Performances

NEW YORK – (November 22, 2024) – Multi-platinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend today unveiled Get Lifted (20th Anniversary Edition), a deluxe digital edition of his extraordinary debut album, out now via Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment.  Featuring new contributions from guest artists including Tems, Killer Mike, Lil Wayne, Simi and Black Thought, the celebratory release expands the original album with 11 bonus tracks, including eight brand-new remixes, rare B-sides, and two previously unreleased studio performances recorded during the original Get Lifted sessions. Stream/download Get Lifted (20th Anniversary Edition) HERE.

The Get Lifted (20th Anniversary) album will be pressed and packaged in a deluxe 3LP 12″ vinyl edition, offered exclusively here, with all copies signed by Legend; the 3LP edition will be available on March 7, 2025. In addition, a special 2LP 12″vinyl edition of Get Lifted, combining the original album with the bonus track “So High”[Cloud 9 Remix] featuring Lauryn Hill (currently available on DSPs), will be available on Friday, December 20. The deluxe 3LP signed edition of Get Lifted (20th Anniversary) and the new 2LP vinyl repressing of Get Lifted (with bonus track) are available for pre-order now HERE.

The deluxe digital and upcoming 3LP editions of Get Lifted (20th Anniversary) include the original 14-track album plus bonus remixes: “So High”[Cloud 9 Mix] featuring Lauryn Hill (as included on the Get Lifted digital album); “Used To Love U [9th Wonder Playmates Imagining Remix] featuring Black Thought; “Number One”[Obi Remix]; “Let’s Get Lifted Again”[Man-Man Remix] featuring Killer Mike & Lil Wayne; “Ordinary People”[Man-Man Remix] featuring Tems; “Refuge (When It’s Cold Outside)”[Man-Man/The Imports Remix] featuring Simi; “She Don’t Have to Know”[Man-Man Remix]; and “It Don’t Have to Change”[Man-Man Remix] featuring The Stephens Family.

“I’m so thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of the album that introduced me to the world,” said Legend. “Get Lifted has always meant so much to me and to so many of my fans and supporters. I’m so grateful for the career that this album launched. These last 20 years have taken me far beyond my wildest dreams.”

He continued, “Revisiting the original album and some of the unreleased songs from that era has been such a meaningful experience. Reinvigorating the music with fresh remixes and collaborations featuring some of my favorite artists makes this celebration even more special.”

As a special treat for Legend’s fans, Get Lifted (20th Anniversary) offers four early rarities from the Get Lifted era including two previously unreleased studio performances (“Do What I Gotta Do” and “Just In Time”), revealing fresh insight into the young artist’s vision for a career that would span decades while steering the course of hip-hop and popular music. These early revelatory, now essential John Legend songs lay down the grooves and vision for Legend’s groundbreaking musical path in the 21st century. “Do What I Gotta Do” and “Just In Time” are previously unreleased while “Money Blown” and “Johnny’s Gotta Go” are B-side/CD single rarities remastered for this edition.

Recorded in a variety of studios across the U.S from 2001-2004, Get Lifted was originally released in the United States through GOOD Music, Sony Urban Music and Columbia Records on December 28, 2004 (Legend’s 26th birthday). The album’s uncanny melodic blend of R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop, cosmopolitan sophistication and sly street smarts signaled the arrival of a new major artist with deep musical roots, an affinity for pop music and a plan for the future.

With all songs written or co-written by Legend, who also served as co-producer on much of the album, Get Lifted introduced him to the world as a top-tier tunesmith with a lyrical sensibility that captured the full spectrum and emotional reality of human affairs, from the raunchy to the sublime. Get Lifted spawned four singles: “Used to Love U,”a moderate success peaking at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100; the Grammy-winning “Ordinary People,” Legend’s breakout hit and first to crack the Billboard Top 40 (#24), the track hit #1 on the UK R&B Singles chart & #4 on the UK Singles chart; “Number One” and “So High.”

A prodigious musical talent, singer/songwriter/pianist Legend had already appeared on hit records before writing and recording Get Lifted. A sought-after behind-the-scenes talent, Legend played piano on Lauryn Hill’s “Everything Is Everything”and sang backup vocals for Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. The first artist to sign with Kanye West’s GOOD Music, he broke into the Billboard 200 Top 10 (#4) with Get Lifted, which hit #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.  Legend didn’t just crossover from R&B/hip-hop to pop, he both bridged and defied the genres.

Legend’s debut album earned eight nominations at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, with the artist taking home three: “Ordinary People” won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, Get Lifted won Best R&B Album and Legend was named the year’s Best New Artist.

Get Lifted entered the Billboard 200 at #7, selling 116,000 copies its first week, Legend’s first Top 10 debut. The Recording Industry Association of American (RIAA) has certified Get Lifted as a Double Platinum Album and “Ordinary People”as a Double Platinum Single.

Get Lifted (20th Anniversary) follows the release of My Favorite Dream, an album of sing-alongs and lullabies for children and families, largely inspired by Legend’s own experiences as a father to four children. Produced by singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, the album features nine original tracks penned by Legend. My Favorite Dream is nominated for two 2025 Grammy Awards: Best Children’s Music Album and Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals for the heartfelt track “Always Come Back.” Additionally, Legend received a separate Grammy nomination for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for his collaboration on “Bridge Over Troubled Water” with Jacob Collier and Tori Kelly.

Legend is also gearing up for “A John Legend Christmas” tour, which he’ll bring to select venues across the U.S. this December. Kicking off on December 2 in Highland, CA, the 12-date tour will include stops in Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Atlanta, and Atlantic City, before wrapping up in Hanover, MD on December 21. Accompanied by a four-piece band, Legend will perform holiday classics from his hit album, A Legendary Christmas, including “This Christmas,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Silver Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire).” The shows will also feature intimate storytelling moments, during which Legend will reflect on his career, family, and the stories behind the music.  For more information and tickets, please visit johnlegend.com.

Get Lifted (20th Anniversary) Track listing:

1. Prelude – John Legend
2. Lets Get Lifted – John Legend
3. Used to Love U – John Legend
4. Alright – John Legend
5. She Don’t Have to Know – John Legend
6. Number One – John Legend featuring Kanye West
7. I Can Change – John Legend featuring Snoop Dogg
8. Ordinary People – John Legend
9. Stay With You – John Legend
10. Lets Get Lifted Again – John Legend
11. So High [Single Version] – John Legend
12. Refuge (When It’s Cold Outside) – John Legend
13. It Don’t Have to Change – John Legend featuring The Stephens Family
14. Live It Up – John Legend & Miri Ben-Ari
15. So High [Cloud 9 Remix] – John Legend featuring Lauryn Hill

Bonus Tracks

16. Used To Love U [9th Wonder Playmates Imagining Remix] – John Legend featuring Black Thought                 
17. Number One [Obi Remix] – John Legend
18. Let’s Get Lifted Again [Man-Man Remix] – John Legend featuring Killer Mike & Lil Wayne
19. Ordinary People [Man-Man Remix] – John Legend featuring Tems
20. Refuge (When It’s Cold Outside) [Man-Man/The Imports Remix] – John Legend featuring Simi             
21. Do What I Gotta Do – John Legend
22. She Don’t Have to Know [Man-Man Remix] – John Legend
23. Money Blown – John Legend
24. Johnnys Gotta Go – John Legend
25. It Don’t Have to Change [Man-Man Remix] – John Legend featuring The Stephens Family
26. Just In Time – John Legend

This ultra-rare discovery, Dean Martin’s earliest known holiday recording, is officially available for the first time this year

Los Angeles, CA (November 14, 2024) – The heartwarming surprises for fans of the legendary Dean Martin continue. After the official global release of his ultra-rare holiday song, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” on October 11th, a video of the song premieres today, November 14^th.

This enchanting discovery, recorded during a 1952 radio broadcast in Hollywood, Calif., marks Dean’s earliest known holiday recording and his only recorded performance of this cherished Christmas classic. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” transports listeners back to a simpler era, offering a timeless addition to any holiday playlist. Click HERE to view the video now.

The stop-motion, papier-mâché video allows fans to visually experience the magic of Dean’s smooth vocals and a beautiful arrangement that captures the essence of the “King of Cool.” Directed by Stefano Bertelli at Seen Film, the video transports viewers to a snow-filled village for a story of a stray cat and dog finding a home for the holidays.

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is available on streaming platforms from Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, in association with Iconic Artists Group. The Dean Martin legacy is owned and managed by Iconic Artists Group in partnership with the Dean Martin Family Trust.

Dean Martin was the consummate entertainer. His easy-going charm and charisma, smooth vocals, and comedic timing made him a star of radio, television, film, and stage who has captivated audiences for decades. Dean’s music continues to resonate across generations, and his legacy as a holiday music icon is undeniable.

His global streaming numbers continue to rise, and his music continues to captivate new generations. In 2023, his version of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” reached the No. 7 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, further solidifying his status as a holiday music favorite. Additionally, Dean holds the most-streamed versions of five beloved holiday songs, a testament to his enduring appeal.

Full-Length Concert Available for Streaming With PBS Passport

PBS and Sony Music Entertainment in Partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music Present the Fully Remastered Never-Before-Televised Concert in Celebration of the 30^th Anniversary of Whitney’s Historic Visit To South Africa

(ARLINGTON, VA – November 13, 2024) – PBS, Sony Music Vision, and Legacy Recordings, in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, today announced the broadcast of a special edition of The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban), celebrating the 30th anniversary of Whitney Houston’s historic South Africa concert with a fully-remastered release on PBS stations beginning December 1, 2024 (check local listings). The never-before-televised concert from Durban, South Africa, has been beautifully remastered in 4K with remastered audio. The entire original concert film — recently released worldwide in nearly 1,000 theaters in more than 30 countries in October — will also be available for streaming with PBS Passport on December 1, 2024.

In 1994, Whitney Houston took the stage for a series of three concerts in South Africa, including Durban at Kings Park Stadium on November 8, Johannesburg (November 12), and Cape Town (November 19), making her the first major Western recording artist to perform in the newly unified, post-apartheid nation following President Nelson Mandela’s historic election win. The three performances included a combined 200,000 plus attendees and were more than concerts: they were a celebration of freedom, hope, and unity. Whitney’s powerhouse voice and emotional delivery brought joy and inspiration to a newly liberated country. Additionally, portions of the proceeds from her concerts benefited numerous local South African children’s charities through her foundation.

THE CONCERT FOR A NEW SOUTH AFRICA (DURBAN) captures every note, every cheer, every tear, immortalizing a night that transcended music and became a beacon of change and celebration.

“Since the recent release of this concert film in theaters worldwide, there has been a growing demand to see the concert,” says Pat Houston, the executive producer of ‘The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)’ and executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. “Thirty years ago, Whitney, along with director Marty Callner and her longtime music director Rickey Minor helped to create a magical once-in-a-lifetime event. With the holiday season upon us, we join PBS and its audience in sharing this unique concert experience in their homes.”

WHITNEY HOUSTON – THE CONCERT FOR A NEW SOUTH AFRICA (DURBAN) is produced and directed by Marty Callner. It is a production of Cream Cheese Films. The executive producer is Pat Houston. Sony Music Vision is facilitating sales.

With more than 220 million combined albums, singles and videos sold worldwide during her career, Whitney Houston has established a benchmark for superstardom. She is the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, has eight multi-platinum albums and was the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 1. She is also the first Black recording artist to receive three RIAA Diamond-certified albums (by a female, male or group).

Additionally, Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, recently released Houston’s first live concert album, The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban). The new live album features music from the unprecedented concert event including Whitney’s greatest hits, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” “Greatest Love of All,” “I Will Always Love You,” and other landmark classics including “Amazing Grace” and her rendition of Charlie Smalls’ “Home” from the Broadway musical, The Wiz.

The collection features three configurations with slightly different track listings on CD,vinyl, and digital for the first time. Also included in the CD and digital collection is the first-ever release of the studio single, “Love Is.” Written by Carvin Winans and produced by Nat Adderley and Whitney Houston, “Love Is” is the only new studio song on the album. Winans and Tommy Sims also produced the “Love Is (Carvin Winans Remix),” which is featured as a bonus track on the digital album.

“Love Is” Set to Premiere on SiriusXM’s Heart & Soul Today, Thursday, November 7

(November 7, 2024 – New York, NY) – Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music will release Houston’s new studio single, “Love Is,” from her first-ever live concert album, Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South African (Durban) on Friday, November 8, in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of her historical visit to South Africa.

Written by Carvin Winans and produced by Nat Adderley and Whitney Houston, “Love Is” is the only new studio song on the album performed by Houston, which is set to make its premiere on SiriusXM’s Heart & Soul (Channel 47) at 9:00 a.m. ET today, Thursday, November 7, and will rebroadcast at 12:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Additionally, Winans and Tommy Sims produced the “Love Is (Carvin Winans Remix),” which is featured as a bonus track on the digital album.

“Whitney is undeniably ‘The Voice’ of her generation,” says Dion Summers, Vice President of Music Programming at SiriusXM, who first heard the song 30 years ago. “Her songs continue to inspire, and SiriusXM is honored to continue celebrating her legacy with the exclusive United States premiere of ‘Love Is.’ Through her extraordinary music and amazing spirit, Whitney Houston will always be with us.”

The Houston family and The Winans family have had a tight bond and close relationship through the years. Carvin was the first member of the Winans family to meet Whitney. In August 1986, Whitney performed at Pine Knob Music Theatre near the Detroit Metropolitan area, and she planned to sing “Tomorrow,” a classic hit song that Carvin wrote for him and his brothers, The Winans, a multiple award-winning gospel group. Whitney loved The Winans and the song so much that she wanted to meet Carvin, so he went to the show and was blown away by her performance. When they met backstage, Carvin recalls how much Whitney said she loved the song and the moment marked the start of their long-term professional and family friendship, a moment he said he would cherish forever.

During that same year, Carvin woke up in the wee hours one morning with a soul-stirring melody that he could not get out of his head, so he went over to his piano and began to write the song. A few weeks later, he went into the studio to produce the demo and later sent it to his music publisher.

The following year, he received a surprise visit to his home from Whitney, and that’s where she first heard, “Love Is.” According to Carvin, she instantly fell in love with the song and asked him to hold the song for her because she wanted to record it. As promised, he held the song, and Whitney recorded it three years later (September 1990).

After Whitney’s passing, several years later, Sony Music reached out to Carvin to create a remix of the original song. “Love Is (Carvin Winans Remix)” is included on Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) music project, where she performed the song in 1994.

Carvin says, “‘Love Is’ talks about how strong love can be if we put it into action, and no one brings that message across more convincingly than the greatest female singer to ever live, Whitney Houston.”

“Whitney said that Carvin was one of the most talented songwriters she had ever met, and she was happy that she had an opportunity to collaborate with him on this song,” says Pat Houston, the executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. “This is a classic and soulful R&B song, with a simple message straight from the heart. She would be pleased to know this song was finally released to the world.”

The live concert album features music from the unprecedented concert event, including Whitney’s greatest hits, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” “Greatest Love of All,” “I Will Always Love You,” and other landmark classics including “Amazing Grace,” and her rendition of Charlie Smalls’ “Home” from the Broadway musical, The Wiz. The collection features three configurations with slightly different track listings on CD, vinyl, and digital for the first time. Last month, the never-before released concert film was featured in select cinemas worldwide in more than 30 countries on October 23rd and 27th.

This Christmas, in celebration of its 40^th anniversary, BBC Two and BBC Music presents WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped – an hour-long celebration from Blink Films and Sony Music Entertainment, in association with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael Entertainment, of a latter-day Christmas classic, telling the story of how George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s WHAM! turned one song into a cultural phenomenon.

WHAM!’s Last Christmas is one of the all-time great festive songs, gaining four billion audio streams, one billion video views, reaching six times Platinum sales in the UK and USA, and the Number One chart position in 16 countries.

A nostalgic film brimming with memories, this special, to be broadcast on BBC TWO and BBC iPlayer in December, reunites a cast of characters from the song’s illustrious history. Featuring prominent artists, music producers and industry experts, the Christmas TV special delves into the compelling inside story of Last Christmas’ creation and its enduring appeal.

From George Michael’s creative brilliance to the long-held secrets behind the much-loved magical music video, Last Christmas explores what these achievements meant to George and Andrew during this pivotal year for WHAM! Pop fans will see new interviews from Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi DeMacque-Crockett and Shirlie Kemp, and we hear from George, who passed away on Christmas Day in 2016, via archive radio and video footage.

The charming film features a once in a lifetime reunion with some of the genuine group of close friends from the original music video, set against the stunning snow-covered backdrop of Saas-Fee in Switzerland.  We’ll see Andrew, Pepsi, Shirlie, and friends revisit the video locations (including the ski lift and instantly recognisable alpine chalet), revealing exclusive, never-before-heard stories from the video that have remained a group secret – until now. We hear from the Mayor of Saas-Fee, who 40 years ago, was the band’s driver during the shoot and discover what happened to the iconic diamanté brooch which featured in the video. 

Pop fans will delight in a musical and lyrical analysis of Last Christmas, as well as new interviews with WHAM! fans and friends, including Mary J Blige, Sir Bob Geldof, Neil Tennant and Sam Smith, who give their views on the song’s themes of unrequited love and loss.  

The show includes rare and exclusive archive footage, including a world exclusive first broadcast of George Michael performing Last Christmas at Wembley Arena in December 2006, never seen before outtakes from the original 35mm music video footage, and George and Andrew’s personal photographs.

Andrew Ridgeley says: “It’s a privilege, 40 years on, to be able to have this opportunity to celebrate WHAM!’s wonderful and enduring musical homage to Christmas and I’m absolutely thrilled that WHAM! in partnership with The BBC will present this joyful and touching tribute to the nation this Christmas. Christmas was a special time of year for George and Christmas songs were a special type of song for him too and that was why he considered writing a Christmas classic one of the great achievements of his career. Only he will ever know quite what inspired him to such dizzying heights, but his songwriting genius led him to distil the quintessential essence of Christmas into a song whose breadth of appeal spans the generations. Revisiting Saas Fee, four decades on, with some of the closest friends of my youth was a very special experience and one which I know Yog would have loved to have shared in.”

George Michael Entertainment says: “Last Christmas” remains as iconic today as it was 40 years ago, continuing to capture the essence of Christmas with the same magic and emotion. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the song, a true testament to George Michael’s songwriting brilliance. A timeless holiday classic, it holds a place among the greatest Christmas songs ever written, resonating with listeners of all ages and inspiring new generations today as it did 40 years ago. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we are proud to be involved in this heartfelt tribute to the song, the video, and those involved. It offers fans the chance to relive the magic and gain fresh insight into the making of this beloved masterpiece, allowing us to share its enduring legacy with the public and fans around the world.”

Jonathan Rothery, Head of Commissioning, Pop Music TV says: “Last Christmas is a flawless festive song that has stood the test of time. I’m delighted that the BBC is celebrating its 40^th anniversary, who doesn’t want to spend an hour in the winter wonderland of WHAM! with George, Andrew, Pepsi and Shirlie?”

The documentary chronicles the song’s phenomenal journey to success from its conception and composition by George in early 1984, through its production and recording, wherein he played all the instruments, its famous video shoot in one of the few mountain resorts with early season snow and its crowning glory as a Christmas Number 1. Last Christmas was released on 3^rd December 1984 as a double A side with Everything She Wants and reached the UK Christmas Number Two position in 1984, being held off the top spot by Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’, which also featured George Michael on vocals. Last Christmas finally topped the UK charts on 1^st January 2021, 36 years after its 1984 release. Two years later, it became the official UK Christmas Number One, whilst being the sixth occasion it had topped the Official UK Chart, it was the first upon which WHAM!’s decades old ambition was fulfilled and it claimed the Christmas Number 1 spot during the coveted Christmas week. In doing so, it became the third highest selling single in the UK of all time and went on to hold the number one spot in the UK for a further week, marking the seventh time it has topped the official UK chart to date.

WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped is presented by Sony Music Entertainment UK and produced by Blink Films in partnership with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael Entertainment. Directed by the BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated Nigel Cole (Calendar Girls, Made in Dagenham), this special promises to be an unforgettable tribute to both the song, as well as the iconic video.

In partnership with Sony Music Vision and Sony Music Entertainment UK, the feature documentary was acquired by Jonathan Rothery, Head of Commissioning, Pop Music TV, BBC. It is produced by Blink Films with Justine Kershaw and Laura Jones serving as Producers, with Nigel Cole directing. 

Sony Pictures Entertainment handles distribution outside of the UK.

Willie’s Rendition of Beck’s “Lost Cause” – Available on All DSPs Today

NEW YORK – October 25, 2024 – Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, today released the third track from Willie Nelson’s anticipated new studio album Last Leaf on the Tree. His 76th solo studio album and 153rd album overall, the album was produced by his son Micah and finds Nelson covering an eclectic collection of songs by rock legends, idiosyncratic singer songwriters, alt-rock heroes, and indie folk artists, as well as a new recording of Willie’s 1967 song, “The Ghost,” and a new composition by Willie and Micah Nelson.

The album’s third spotlight track – Willie’s rendition of Beck’s “Lost Cause” – is available on all DSPs today (Friday, October 25). Listen HERE

Taken from the Grammy-winning musician’s 2002 album Sea Change, the song was one of several Beck tunes they considered. “This one’s really like a country song in a way,” Micah says. “It’s this relationship gone south, and just reconciling with all that. It’s a very clear narrative country song, but it’s kind of psychedelic, too.” Upon hearing this new cover of his song, Beck remarked that “Willie’s songs have been my companions for most of my life. I’ve been lucky to get to hang out and sing with him on several occasions over the years,” adding, “There’s no one like him in music and it’s the greatest honor to have him record this song.”

The album has already garnered fantastic reviews. Uncut states that the “legend revels in his seniority on superb covers album,” writing that the “covers fit him like a glove. Tom Waits’ ‘Last Leaf’ becomes both poignant and defiant,” referring to the album’s first single. Meanwhile

Texas Monthly’s headline shouts praise when referring the album’s second single: “Willie Nelson’s Take On The Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize???” Is A Masterpiece.”

On November 1, Willie Nelson’s Last Leaf on the Tree will be available digitally, on CD and amber swirl double LP vinyl. All versions are available for pre-order HERE.

Read Peter Blackstock’s in-depth essay on the making of The Last Leaf on the TreeHERE

In addition to producing, Micah Nelson played many of the instruments, designed the album cover, and helped create animation for the video of the album’s first single, a cover of Tom Waits’ “Last Leaf” alongside his wife, Alexandra Dascalu Nelson. Willie plays his trusty guitar Trigger throughout and the two are joined by a host of celebrated musicians plus guest spots from legendary producer and musician Daniel Lanois, John Densmore of The Doors, Senegalese musician Magatte Sow on percussion and harmonica master Mickey Raphael, who has played alongside Willie for more than 50 years.

Willie just finished a series of live dates in Texas, including guest performances at the Austin City Limits Festival with Chris Stapleton and Orville Peck. And then this past week, he headlined the 50^th anniversary celebration of the Austin City Limits TV show fifty years to the day after performing on the inaugural episode. On November 12, Willie and his wife, Annie Nelson, will release a cookbook: Willie and Annie Nelson’s Cannabis Cookbook: Mouthwatering Recipes and the High-Flying Stories Behind Them.  In this groundbreaking cookbook, Willie and Annie share their favorite recipes infused with cannabis. Drawn from meals enjoyed on nationwide tours, at their ranch, at home, and in their favorite cities, the recipes in this cookbook are accompanied by Willie’s personal food-related stories. More info HERE

Meanwhile, Particle Kid, a.k.a., Micah Nelson, is bringing his experimental, psychedelic, future-folk music on an OctoberQuest. Headlining dates on the West Coast, the shows feature songs from his six-album catalog, specially created visual presentation to accompany the performance, and exclusive merch (Nelson designed different poster art for each show). 

Here are the remaining dates:

October 26 – Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley
October 27 – Albany, CA – Ivy Room
October 28 – San Francisco, CA – Kilowatt Bar
October 29 – Sacramento, CA – The Starlet Room
October 31 – Ferndale, CA – Ferndale Music Company & The Old Steeple

Willie Nelson – Last Leaf on the Tree

1. Last Leaf (written by Tom Waits & Kathleen Brennan)
2. If It Wasn’t Broken (written by Sydney Lyndella Ward)
3. Lost Cause (written by Beck David Hansen)
4. Come Ye (written by Nina Simone)
5. Keep Me In Your Heart (written by Warren Zevon & Jorge Calderon)
6. Robbed Blind (written by Keith Richards)
7. House Where Nobody Lives (written by Tom Waits)
8. Are You Ready For The Country? (written by Neil Young)
9. Do You Realize?? (written by Wayne Coyne/Steven Drozd/Michael Ivins/David Fridmann)
10. Wheels (written by Micah Nelson)
11. Broken Arrow (written by Neil Young)
12. Color Of Sound (written by Willie Nelson & Micah Nelson)
13. The Ghost (written by Willie Nelson)

LUTHER VANDROSS NEVER TOO MUCH: GREATEST HITS ALBUM SET FOR DECEMBER 13 RELEASE

AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER ON VINYL, CD AND DIGITAL

[New York, NY – October 25, 2024] – As excitement continues to build for Giant Pictures’ theatrical premiere of the documentary feature Luther: Never Too Much beginning November 1, today Epic Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music, announce the release of Luther’s never-before-heard soulful rendition of The Beatles’ “Michelle.” The song will be one of many included on Never Too Much: Greatest Hits, a new compilation of music by the incomparable Luther Vandross, out December 13. Click here to listen/download “Michelle,” pre-order the album on vinyl, CD, and pre-save at digital service providers.

Details surrounding Luther’s recording of “Michelle” remain a mystery. Amidst a vast collection of Vandross’ music recordings and videos, Luther’s longtime friend and background vocalist, Fonzi Thornton, discovered the cassette simply labeled “Luther Vandross Michelle 6/1/89.” No additional information regarding the recording, including location or session players, has been uncovered to date.

Yet, Luther’s distinctive and instantly recognizable voice is far from a mystery. Since the release of his 1981 debut solo studio album Never Too Much, Luther Vandross has won eight Grammy Awards (nominated 31 times), eight American Music Awards and five Soul Train Music Awards, including the Quincy Jones Award for Career Achievement in 1999. With eleven consecutive platinum/double platinum albums (13 overall) he achieved crossover status with eight Billboard Top 10 albums and several #1 chart-topping singles, resulting in a legacy that has influenced generations of singers and impacted a legion of loyal fans worldwide.

Never Too Much: Greatest Hits is indeed a celebration of his illustrious career and serves as a companion record to the first full-length documentary of Luther Vandross, directed by award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter. From his penned and produced classics “Never Too Much” and “So Amazing,” to his signature style on covers of “A House Is Not A Home” and “The Closer I Get To You” duet with Beyoncé Knowles, this compilation will also include previously unreleased track “Speak Your Love,” written and produced by Vandross and Fonzi Thornton. Rounding out the set are remixes of “Never Too Much” by Lost Frequencies and “Get Myself Together” by Louie Vega.

Stay tuned for more information and be prepared to rediscover the musical greatness that can be defined by one name – Luther!

NEVER TOO MUCH: GREATEST HITS TRACKLIST (Digital and CD):

1. Never Too Much
2. Power of Love / Love Power
3. Give Me the Reason
4. Stop to Love
5. Take You Out
6. Any Love
7. Michelle*
8. Here and Now
9. I’d Rather
10. So Amazing
11. Heaven Knows (Classic Radio Mix)
12. Dance With My Father
13. Speak Your Love*
14. The Closer I Get to You
15. Endless Love
16. Always and Forever
17. A House Is Not a Home
18. Superstar / Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)
19. Never Too Much (Lost Frequencies Edit)*
20. Get Myself Together (Louie Vega Radio Remix)*
21. Michelle (Radio Edit)*
    *previously unreleased

ANNOUNCING THE COMMEMORATIVE 40^TH ANNIVERSARY EP INCLUDING A PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED LIVE PERFORMANCE BY GEORGE MICHAEL, RELEASED ON LIMITED EDITION VINYL, CD AND DIGITAL ON DECEMBER 13TH – PRE-ORDER HERE

Ahead of the 40^th anniversary of one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time, WHAM!, George Michael Entertainment and Sony Music announce the release of the Last Christmas 40th Anniversary EP . The EP will feature all the original 7” and 12” versions plus George Michael’s 2006 performance of Last Christmas at London’s Wembley Arena.  The EP will be available on limited edition 12” Snowflake white vinyl, 12” picture disc, 12” zoetrope picture disc, plus CD and digital on December 13^th –pre-order HERE.

Originally released by WHAM! back in December 1984, the six-time multi-platinum classic peaked at Number One in 16 countries upon it’s release and is officially the third highest-selling single of all time in the UK. The song has claimed the Number 1 spot multiple times over the last 4 decades and has amassed an impressive 5 billion combined streams. Now, 40 years on, the song has woven itself into the very fabric of Christmas.  The Last Christmas 40^th Anniversary EP – out December 13^th via Sony Music. Pre-order HERE.

VINYL FORMATS

Side A Track

1. Last Christmas
2. Last Christmas (Pudding Mix)

Side B

1. Last Christmas (Live at Wembley Arena, December 2006)
2. Last Christmas (Instrumental)

DIGITAL/CD

1. Last Christmas
2. Last Christmas (Pudding Mix)
3. Last Christmas (Live at Wembley Arena, December 2006)
4. Last Christmas (Instrumental)

New Live Album Features First-Ever Release of Studio Recording “Love Is,” Pre-Order Available Today

The Fully Remastered Never-Before-Seen Concert Film of The Same Title Celebrates the 30^th Anniversary of Whitney’s Historical Visit To South Africa Coming To Cinemas Worldwide on October 23 and 27

(October 15, 2024 — New York, NY) – Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music will release Houston’s first live concert album, Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) on Friday, November 8, in celebration of the 30^th Anniversary of her historical visit to South Africa. The new live album features music from the unprecedented concert event including Whitney’s greatest hits, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” “Greatest Love of All,” “I Will Always Love You,” and other landmark classics including “Amazing Grace,” and her rendition of Charlie Smalls’ “Home” from the Broadway musical, The Wiz.

The collection features three configurations with slightly different track listings on CD, vinyl, and digital for the first time. Also included in the CD and digital collection is the first-ever release of the studio recording, “Love Is.” To pre-order, click here. Check out a video performance of “I Have Nothing,” from the concert film.

Early reactions of the live recordings start with Sony Music Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer, Clive Davis, who signed Whitney to Arista Records when she was 19 years old. Davis says, “If you want to experience the greatest female contemporary voice of all time, you must see Whitney Houston’s South Africa Durban concert film and own the album. There will never be another Whitney Houston.”

“When Sony sent me the remastered version of the music, I was floored by the quality of the sound and purity of her voice,” says Pat Houston, the executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. “This album will remind, not just her core fans, but music lovers worldwide of Whitney’s virtuosity as a recording artist. I’m sure her fans will love and appreciate the live iteration of her hit classics. The fans have been waiting on this project for more than a decade and they certainly have expressed and made their sentiments known.”   

With more than 220 million combined albums, singles and videos sold worldwide during her career, Whitney Houston has established a benchmark for superstardom. She is the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, has eight multi-platinum albums and was the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 1. She is also the first Black recording artist to receive three RIAA Diamond-certified albums (by a female, male or group).

Trafalgar Releasing and Sony Music Entertainment in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and Primary Wave Music will release the concert film in select cinemas worldwide on October 23^rd and 27^th, featuring the never-before released concert from Durban, South Africa, which has been beautifully remastered in 4K with remastered audio. The screenings will take place in nearly 1,000 cinemas worldwide in more than 30 countries. In addition to the United States, the concert film will open in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Morocco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zambia. Tickets for the theatrical screenings are on sale now, click here for further details.

In 1994, Whitney Houston took the stage for a series of three concerts in South Africa including Durban at Kings Park Stadium on November 8, Johannesburg (November 12), and Cape Town (November 19), which made her the first major Western recording artists to perform in the newly unified, post-apartheid nation following President Nelson Mandela’s historic election win. The three performances included a combined 200,000 plus attendees and were more than concerts; they were a celebration of freedom, hope, and unity. Whitney’s powerhouse voice and emotional delivery brought joy and inspiration to a country newly liberated. Additionally, portions of the proceeds from her concerts benefited numerous local South African children’s charities through her foundation. The concert film, Whitney Houston – The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) is a film produced and directed by Marty Callner. It is a production of Cream Cheese Films. The Executive producer is Pat Houston. Sony Music Vision is the distributor.

Global Icon Captured Hearts at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with Her Unforgettable Performance of Edith Piaf’s Classic “Hymne à l’amour” – Released Today on the 61^st Anniversary of Piaf’s death

Toronto, ON [October 10, 2024] – Today, Céline Dion officially releases her breathtaking live performance of “Hymne à l’amour (Live aux Jeux Olympiques de Paris 2024 / Live from the Olympic Games Paris 2024)”.

On July 26^th, Dion stepped out onto the balcony of the Eiffel Tower as the surprise final performer of the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Paris, with her emotional tribute to Edith Piaf’s masterpiece. This unforgettable performance marked her triumphant return to the stage, and her first public appearance since 2020. Its release today also commemorates the 61st anniversary of Piaf’s tragic passing.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, Céline’s performance was instantly iconic and deeply resonated with audiences around the world. With the recent release of her documentary, I AM: CELINE DION, viewers understood how challenging this was from the devastating effects of Stiff Person Syndrome. Céline’s moving return wasthe embodiment of the very spirit of the Olympics: perseverance, hope, love, and resilience. The tribute to Edith Piaf, one of France’s most beloved cultural figures, showcased Céline’s unmatched vocal talent and emotional depth, reaffirming her status as one of the greatest voices of our time. “Hymne à l’amour (Live aux Jeux Olympiques de Paris 2024 / Live from the Olympic Games Paris 2024)” is now available for streaming and download on all major platforms. Fans can also watch the full performance video on YouTube and Vevo.