HELLO HAPPINESS

Here is some news that has surprisingly fallen under the radar; Chaka Khan has released her first album of new music in twelve years with "Hello Happiness". When she first came on the scene in 1973 as a featured vocalist for the funk-rock group, Rufus, there was no one else out there like her. While most r&b acts at the time dressed to impress wearing sequined gowns and velvet tuxedos, the earthy Khan performed comfortably wearing denim, crop-tops and feathers. And her voice could effortlessly go from the easy swing of jazz to the fiery passion of soul.

This is the sixty-six year old singer's twelfth solo album (which was released in February) and manages to deliver an old-skool vibe while bringing her sound firmly in to the present. With British DJ, Switch on board as producer, Khan was involved in co-writing of these seven thrilling dance tracks. Here are a few of my favorites including the music video for the title track from "Hello Happiness":

NUMBER ONE FLASHBACK

Jennifer Lopez first got our attention as a back-up dancer on the television comedy series, "In Living Color" before moving on to the movies and impressing us with roles in "Selena", "Out of Sight" and "Anaconda".

But by 1999, Lopez decided she wanted to be a pop singer. She released her debut album, "On The 6" and her first single, "If You Had My Love" was the number one song during this week in the U.S. twenty years ago. The song was written by LaShawn Daniels, Cory Rooney, and producer, Rodney Jerkins with Michael Jackson originally showing interest in recording the tune but ultimately decided it should be sung by a female vocalist. That's how it landed with Lopez and "If You Had My Love" went on to reach the top-ten worldwide and selling over a million copies.

And this year, the ageless Lopez turns fifty in July. She is in the middle of a birthday celebration with a concert tour called, "It's My Party" which covers all of her hits from the last two decades with some inventive revisions.

LOVE YOURSELF

Just in time for LGBTQ Pride month, indie musician, Sufjan Stevens has released an EP that features two songs on the topic of love. "Love Yourself" was actually written by the singer over twenty years ago with the original demo included here as well as a brief instrumental reprise. The other track is "With My Whole Heart" which is Stevens' attempt to compose an upbeat and heartfelt love song. The EP is available on a limited edition 7" vinyl record. Stevens also designed a special pride t-shirt with a portion of the proceeds going to two organizations that offer assistance to homeless queer youth; the Ali Forney Center in New York City and the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, Michigan. For more information and to purchase, please click below:

Love Yourself