Classic Soul – Gwen McCrae
Gwen McCrae Update
GWEN McCRAE and HER BAND APPEARS AT JOE’S PUB TUESDAY, NOV 25, 2003
DOORS AT 9:00PM, SHOWTIME 9:30pm ONE NIGHT ONLY!!!
CALL 212-539-8717 for ticket info
For over three decades, Gwen McCrae has won worldwide acclaim for her sensuous, classy brand of modern soul music. Gwen was a pioneering figure in Miami’s growth as a center of R&B music in the 70’s at the influential TK Records and became an international star in 1975 with the chart-topping, million-selling success of the Grammy-nominated "Rockin’ Chair". Her self-titled 1981 Atlantic album graced the upper reaches of national R&B and pop charts and yielded the smash single "Funky Sensation". Most importantly, it reintroduced this gifted vocalist to the public at large with a set of tunes which spanned ballads as well as upbeat funk. McCrae has performed with a who’s who of funk, soul, r&b and pop artists is currently touring with The Miami All-Stars which includes Betty Wright, Lattimore, and Timmy Thomas, along with new soul sensation, Joss Stone.
This event is presented in association with
Sista Factory – www.sistafactory.com
Menagerie Talent – www.menagerietalent.com
September 28, 2003
Current Gwen McCrae Bio:
Ms. Gwen McCrae, Soul Diva, pop icon, and former Grammy nominee, has once again taken her show on the road.
Currently she is traveling and performing with the "Miami All-Stars." The Miami All-Stars is a well rounded soul troop of Rhythm and Blues artists consisting of the great soul R&B icon Betty Wright, "Clean-up Woman", Lattimore, "Let’s Straighten It Out", the remarkable Timmy Thomas, "Why Can’t We Live Together", and Ms. Gwen McCrae herself "Rockin Chair". These four great artists were chosen to compliment a new and extremely talented R&B pop newcomer, 16 year-old Joss Stone. Promoting her new S-Curve Records/EMI Music release, titled "The Soul Sessions," it is truly a warm, vocally excellent presentation of these individual artist hit records with some great surprises.
This wasn’t supposed to be the world’s first taste of Joss Stone. As Joss was preparing to record what was supposed to be her debut album, she was introduced to some of the legends whose classic records she loved: Joss put her own album on hold in favor of spending some time in the studio with the architects of the Miami Soul sound. The Soul Sessions is a collection of classics and little known soul gems alongside some contemporary tracks re-interpreted by Joss and her titanic band of accomplices.
The Miami All-Stars recently (Sept 16,2003) appeared on the Conan O’brien Show in New York City, with a record release concert at Joe’s Pub (Public Theatre) in NYC. There are planned appearances at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and a west coast swing in late October 2003. So watch for this fantastic performance
Gwen McCrae’s Bio
For over three decades, Gwen McCrae has been winning worldwide acclaim for her sensuous, classy brand of modern soul music# Born in Pensacola, Florida on December 21st, Gwen is the youngest of five children. Raised in a religious atmosphere, her earliest musical influence was gospel. Gwen sang in cbufcband later joined sever-algroups, while her firsts idols were such artist as the Mighty Clouds of Joy, and James Cleveland and The Caravans. Later, she was strongly influenced by the music of Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Atetha, amf Elvis.
Although Gwen exhibited obvious musical talent at an early age, and even sang in local clubs while still in high school, it wasn’t until after she had embarked on a nursing career that show business became a truly serious part of her life. Returning to Pensacola after a few years out in the world, Gwen joined a group called The Jivin’ Jets and moved-south to work the small clubs in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. It was there that she was recruited by Miami based TK Records.. The first single, "Three Hearts In A Triangle," was a regional hit, initiating a remarkable string of successes.
In 1969, Gwen broke out nationally with "Lead Me On," followed by such other hits as "Ain’t Nothing You Can Do," "He’s Not You," "Leave The Driving To Us," "Keep Something Groovy Going On," "For Your Love," and "It’s Worth The Hurt," Gwen became a pioneering figure in Miami’s growth as a center R&B music in the 70’s.
In 1975, Gwen became an international star with the gold-winning, million-selling success of "Roc kin’ Chair," which topped charts in the U.S. and around the world. The song garnered Gwen a Grammy nomination and earned her the year’s #1 honors from Billboard, Cash Box, and Record World. She subsequently toured four continents, while also appearing on a host of national television shows. Meanwhile, the hits kept coming, songs like "Cradle of Love," "Love Insurance," "Damn Right It’s Good," "Tonight Is The Night," and others.
In 1980, Atlantic Records Chairman Ahmet Ertegun brought Gwen to the label, beginning a whole new phase-of her career. Her first Atlantic recording, simply entitled "Gwen McCrae" was released in September 1981. The album graced the upper reaches of national R&B charts, rode the pop listings and yielded the top-charted single "Funky Sensation.’" Most importantly, it reintroduced this gifted vocalist to the public at large with a set of tunes, which spanned ballads as well as upbeat funk.
