Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

Throughout 2021, the world has been celebrating the life and legacy of R&B pioneer Marvin Gaye to honor the 50th anniversary of the release of his groundbreaking record What’s Going On . After half a century, the wisdom behind R&B’s first seamless concept album, What’s Going On , continues to ring true: a poignant plea that we might organize to address often-overlooked issues of inequality and ecological distress. Closing out the year, Motown and UMe are continuing the celebration with the release of What’s Going On: 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition on December 3, 2021 . This premium vinyl release features direct-to-analog mastering from the original primary album tape reels by acclaimed engineer Kevin Gray , one of the first times this has been done since 1971, offering an undeniably authentic listening experience. What’s Going On: 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition bonus LP opens up the album’s writing and production palette. Featured are four rare cuts making their vinyl ...

In keeping with a promise made to the legendary artist/author and original and founding member of the Supremes, Mary Wilson, Motown/UMe release Mary Wilson: Expanded Edition , available now,  here . In time for what would have been Mary Wilson’s 77 th  Birthday, March 6, the project was announced to celebrate her birthday and honor her history and legacy with the first of her album projects. Ms. Wilson, who retained ownership of her solo recordings, wanted to make the album – and much more - available to her many fans around the world.  Mary Wilson: Expanded Edition  is a newly compiled version of her solo album, originally released by Motown in 1979, that will now be available on all digital platforms for the first time. Added to the album are eight incredible bonus tracks, four of them unreleased, including the legendary t...

Kelly Rowland is well and truly back and is kicking the summer off in style! Hot on the heels of Grammy award winning No.1 smash ‘When Love Takes Over’ Kelly has teamed up again with DJ supremo David Guetta and releases her fabulous brand new single “Commander” through Motown on 17th May. Kelly has amassed over 60 million record sales since being in Destiny’s Child , she’s has had two international No.1 hits with duets with Nelly ‘Dilema’ and David Guetta ‘ When Love Takes Over’ . ‘ Commander ’ is another smash which is not only produced by the legendary David Guetta but also written by Grammy award winner Rico Love (Beyonce - I Am…Sacha Fierce, Usher – Raymond vs Raymond). It has been an amazing year for Kelly who was signed personally by the President of Universal Motown records, Sylvia Rhone , for her new record. ‘Commander’ shows a different side to Kelly and for the video she plays a different role ‘the whole concept is very futuristic, very cool, it’s about me being the command...