Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
name	Jessie J
alt	f
background	solo_singer
birth name	Jessica Ellen Cornish
alias	Jessie J
birth date	March 27, 1988
birth place	Chadwell Heath, London, England
genre	R&B;, pop, hip hop, soul
years active	2006–present
label	Lava, Universal Republic, Island, Gut
website
notable instruments	}}

Jessica Ellen Cornish (born on 27 March 1988), better known by her stage name Jessie J, is an English singer-songwriter, currently signed to Island Records. She began her career as a songwriter for artists including Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus. Her debut single, "Do It Like a Dude", was released in November 2010 and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Charts. Follow-up single "Price Tag" reached number one in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland and New Zealand, and reached the top 10 in nineteen other countries. Her debut album, ''Who You Are'', was released in February 2011 and charted at number two on the UK Albums Chart. In February 2011 Jessie J won a BRIT Award, Critics' Choice. It was revealed in October 2011 that Jessie J will be a coach and a mentor on the television show, ''The Voice UK''.

Early life

Jessie J was born Jessica Ellen Cornish in Chadwell Heath, London and was educated at Mayfield High School in the London Borough of Redbridge. She attended Colin's Performing Arts School and as an eleven year old was cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End production of ''Whistle Down the Wind''. Jessie has two sisters, who are five and seven years older than her, who were both head girls at school.

Unlike her academic sisters, Cornish has stated she was "never really that good at anything". She said, "At school they were like 'oh, you're a Cornish girl' and they kind of expected me to be the same as my sisters. Give me something to draw or an outfit to pick for someone, or hair, make-up, acting, write a song, I'm fine with it, but anything to do with sums – it was never my thing." She also said she never based her intelligence on her exam results. She also said she was always good at singing and it was her "thing".

At the age of 16 she began studying at the BRIT School and at 17 she joined a girl group named "Soul Deep". She graduated in the class of 2006 along with singers Adele and Leona Lewis. At 18 she suffered a stroke.

Music career

2006–2009: Career beginnings

Jessie J was signed to Gut Records, recording an album for the label, but the company went bankrupt before any material was released. She then found success as a songwriter, gaining a Sony ATV publishing contract. She was also the support act for Cyndi Lauper during Lauper's UK dates of her 2008 Bring Ya To The Brink tour (Lauper invited J to join her on stage for the performances of Girls Just Want To Have Fun). Jessie has also written lyrics for artists such as Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus, including "Party in the U.S.A.".

Jessie J was also part of a girl band, called 'Soul Deep', for two years, however she left due to thoughts that "it wasn't going anywhere". Despite people thinking that her first notoriety was through YouTube, Jessie was signed for four years before her first video was posted.

Jessie first came to the attention of Lava Records when her publisher at Sony/ATV, Rich Christina, sent Lava president Jason Flom a link to her MySpace page, which the record executive loved. After seeing an impressive U.S. showcase, Lava was, along with several other labels, keen to sign the artist but progress was hampered by her management's insistence on, what Flom called, a "crazy deal", and their refusal to let Jessie speak to any labels directly. Despite this, Senior Director of A&R; at Lava, Harinder Rana, made surreptitious efforts to meet Jessie on her own in winter of 2008. Later in the year a change in management to Sarah Stennett and Nadia Khan of Crown Music allowed record deal negotiations to take place. Jessie eventually signed with Lava as part of a joint venture with Universal Republic.

2010–present: ''Who You Are''

Jessie J began recording her debut studio album in 2006 and it was completed on 19 January 2011. She revealed that "Big White Room" would be on the album and was written from an experience she had when she was 11 years old, although she wrote the song at age 17, in hospital, where a ward mate, a little boy, died. Jessie J says the album's title track, "Who You Are", is one of her proudest creations, she said the song is a "positive role model for young people" and "I always say that I'm half-artist, half-therapist"

In late 2010 Jessie J released her first single, "Do It Like a Dude" which was co-written with George Astasio, Tj Normandin, Jason Pebworth, Jon Shave, Kyle Abrahams and Peter Ighile. Originally, she wrote the song with Rihanna in mind because "Rude Boy" was released at the time, partly inspiring the song. She then sent the song to her label, Island Records, before sending it to Rihanna's management. Island insisted the song become Jessie J's first single. She wishes to perform the song with Rihanna at one point. The single gained positive reception from critics. The single charted at number two on the UK Singles Charts. Her follow-up single "Price Tag" was released in late January 2011. This was written by Jessie J, Lukasz Gottwald, Claude Kelly, and Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. and charted at number one in the top of the charts. "Price Tag" was released in the United States on 1 February 2011 and peaked at 23 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. "Price Tag" also charted at number-one in New Zealand and Ireland and is the most successful online video J has released. As of October 2011, the video has generated over 148 million views on Youtube and Vevo, making it the 22nd most viewed music video of all time. Her first American television appearance was as the musical guest on the 12 March 2011 episode of NBC's ''Saturday Night Live''.

On 25 February 2011 her debut album, ''Who You Are'', was released. The album first entered the charts on 6 March 2011 where it charted on the UK Album Charts at number two. The album charted into the top ten in a number of countries and number 11 in the United States.After the release she went on to release a third single from the album, "Nobody's Perfect". MTV reported that the single is, so far, only confirmed for release in the United Kingdom. The album's fourth single was "Who's Laughing Now". "Domino" was her second US single. The Dr. Luke-produced track was sent to mainstream radio on 6 September 2011. With the success of ''Who You Are'' in North America, Jessie was chosen to tour as the opening act for American pop artist Katy Perry's ''California Dreams Tour'' in 2011 but after she was unable to fully recover from her injuries during rehearsals she was forced to pull out under the doctor's orders.

Jessie J served as the house artist at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, performing several of her original songs along with covers around commercial breaks.

In early 2011 she suffered a panic attack on stage after she was forced to perform in the dark. "I did a gig recently and had a panic attack on stage," she told ''NOW''. "The night was called 'Black Out' and I had to perform in the dark. I asked them to turn on the lights and they didn't. I was onstage in pitch black and, because I couldn't see anything, I started to panic. It was awful." James Morrison's third studio album, ''The Awakening'' features a collaboration with Jessie J called "Up", the song was released as a single on 4 December 2011. On 4 October Jessie announced that she will be one of four coaches for new BBC program, ''The Voice UK''.Jessie J re-released "Who You Are" on 9 November 2011, featuring the regular tracks plus "Domino" and two new songs. "Domino" became her second top 30 hit in the U.S., following the success of "Price Tag". The song also peaked at number 1 in January 2012 in the UK, before it was even officially released there.

Personal life

On 12 June 2011 at the Capital Radio Summertime Ball, Jessie ruptured several tendons in her foot during rehearsals, and performed her set the following day while sitting on a gilded throne. For her appearance at Glastonbury Festival 2011 on 25 June 2011, she performed on the throne again, claiming her physician had told her not to perform with her broken foot which would take six weeks to heal. Jessie J was scheduled to play at several festivals throughout the summer, however it was reported on 1 July 2011 that she would not be able to attend T in the Park, T4 On The Beach, Wembley:Orange, iTunes Festival, Lovebox and Oxegen due to the injuries to her foot. Jessie J personally tweeted before surgery; "Keep making nervous jokes with the doctor and he keeps looking at me blankly. Which is making me laugh even more. It's getting serious. I just took my nose stud out." Tweeting after the surgery, she wrote: "Can't keep tweeting. Still very dizzy and being sick. But I'm OK, I got through it." Her record label released an official statement on 30 June 2011 that under strict orders from her doctor, she will not be able to perform for a number of weeks so she can heal and recuperate properly. She returned to the concert circuit in late August, including sets at the V Festival and The Big Chill. For the 2011 VMA's she was still in a cast and using the throne to keep off of it.

Jessie J confirmed on 2 August 2011 that she would be shaving her hair off for charity in 2012. Speaking via her official Twitter account she said: “It’s hair, It will grow back. Even if it takes 2 years, if it saves lives it’s worth it. Even if its 1 life that’s something.”

Jessie J is openly bisexual and stated in an interview on the "In Demand" radio show on March 3, 2011, "I've never denied it. Whoopie doo guys, yes, I've dated girls and I've dated boys – get over it."

Music and voice

Although she was first identified as a soul singer, she primarily records songs of contemporary R&B; and pop music with hip-hop influences.

Music critic Matthew Perpetua of Pitchfork Media compared Jessie J to her peers Adele and Amy Winehouse, but admitted she was missing something: "Whereas Adele and Winehouse also have powerhouse voices, they fit into clear aesthetic niches and invest their songs with depth and humanity. Jessie J doesn't have even a fraction of their restraint." Perpetua added: "Her idea of showcasing her gift is to shoot for a blaring melisma on "Mamma Knows Best" that makes Christina Aguilera seem as subtle as Joni Mitchell by comparison." Ailbhe Malone of the music magazine NME also recognized Cornish's "undeniably potent voice". However, she pointed out the possible "identity crisis" that might have been caused by Jessie's songwriter past: "This is an album of singles for other artists. There’s Rihanna Jessie (‘Do It...’), Perry Jessie (‘Abracadabra’), Pixie Jessie (‘Mamma Knows Best’), Ellie Jessie ('Big White Room')."

Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian shared her positive opinion about the singer, saying that "if any singer has the potential to be the British Katy Perry or Pink, with the accompanying millions of sales, it's her". Sullivan also complimented Cornish's attitude: "[Her songs] are delivered with a confidence that money can't buy." Entertainment Weekly's music critic Adam Markovitz said of Jessie: "The 23-year-old Brit has all the tools, from a monster voice to an ear for hooks — she co-wrote Miley Cyrus' Party in the U.S.A. — and a manic persona that's equal parts Katy Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, and Alice Cooper.

Discography

''Who You Are'' (2011)

Filmography

+Television	Year	! Title	! Role	Notes
2012	''The Voice UK''	Herself

Awards and nominations

References

External links

Category:1988 births Category:Living people Category:Bisexual musicians Category:Electronica musicians Category:English female singers Category:English mezzo-sopranos Category:English pop singers Category:English rhythm and blues singers Category:English singer-songwriters Category:English-language singers Category:LGBT musicians from the United Kingdom Category:LGBT people from the United Kingdom Category:People educated at the BRIT School Category:Singers from London Category:Stroke survivors Category:The Voice judges Category:People from Chadwell Heath

af:Jessie J bg:Джеси Джей ca:Jessie J cs:Jessie J da:Jessie J de:Jessie J es:Jessie J fa:جسی جی fr:Jessie J fy:Jessie J ko:제시 제이 hr:Jessie J id:Jessie J it:Jessie J he:ג'סי ג'יי lv:Jessie J lt:Jessie J hu:Jessie J mk:Џеси Џеј nl:Jessie J ja:ジェシー・J no:Jessie J pl:Jessie J pt:Jessie J ro:Jessie J ru:Джесси Джей sk:Jessie J fi:Jessie J sv:Jessie J th:เจสซี เจ tr:Jessie J vi:Jessie J zh:Jessie J

Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
name	Corey Gunz
cover
background	solo_singer
birth name	Peter Pankey, Jr.
alias	Cory Gunny, Mr. Gunz, Gunna
born	June 22, 1987 Bronx, New York, U.S.
genre	Hip hop, Rap, Pop, R&B;/Soul, East Coast Hip Hop
occupation	Rapper, songwrtiter
years active	2006–present
label	Young Money Entertainment, After Platinum Records, TM3 Records
associated acts	Peter Gunz, DJ Drama, Lil Wayne, Young Money, Square Off, Omarion, Nick Cannon, Curren$y, Smoke DZA, Asher Roth, Lloyd Banks, Mickey Factz, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Smokey, Meek Mill (rapper), Wiz Khalifa
website	}}

Peter Pankey, Jr. (born June 22, 1987) is a rapper, better known by his stage name Cory Gunz, and the son of rapper Peter Gunz and cousin of fellow rapper Junior. Gunz is currently signed to Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, After Platinum Records and Universal Motown. He is a native of the Bronx. He was first signed by Tommy Mottola to Casablanca Records and Def Jam Recordings.

Jay-Z shepherded him into a joint venture through The Island Def Jam Music Group. He was featured on a remix of Rihanna's "If It's Lovin' That You Want". Gunz The Apprentice 3 - Season Finale has amassed over 55,000 listens on the mixtape website Datpiff. He also contributed a verse to the original version of Lil Wayne's ''A Milli'' before it was replaced with new verses by Wayne for the album version. In early 2010 Cory Gunz inked a deal with Young Money Entertaimnent, After Platinum Records and Universal Motown. Gunz has also worked with actor and musician Nick Cannon. He is featured in Lil Wayne's single "6 Foot 7 Foot."

Cory Gunz is also the star of MTV's "Son of A Gun" - a reality show that follows Cory after he signed by Young Money. It also features Nick Cannon and Peter Gunz. He has released eight mixtapes since the start of his career.

Discography

Albums

TBA: ''TBD''

Mixtapes

''The Apprentice Mixtape Vol 1

''The Apprentice Mixtape Vol 2

''The Apprentice 3 – Season Finale

''The Militia: The Call Of Duty

2008: ''The Best Kept Secret

2009: ''Youngest in Charge(with Square Off)

2009: ''Gangsta Grillz: Heir to the Throne'' (with DJ Drama)

2011: ''Son of a Gun: The Mixtape''

Collaborative singles

"Push It" (with Emina Jahović) - 2008

"Spit Crack Music" (with Black Kent) - 2010

Featured singles

"If It's Lovin' That You Want Part 2" (Rihanna ft. Cory Gunz) - 2006 '' - From the Album ''A Girl like Me'' (Rihanna album)''

"6 Foot 7 Foot" (Lil Wayne ft. Cory Gunz) - 2010

"A Million Lights" (DJ Khaled ft. Tyga, Cory Gunz, Mack Maine, Jae Millz & Kevin Rudolf) - 2011

References

External links

Myspace

Category:1987 births Category:Cash Money Records artists Category:African American rappers Category:Rappers from New York City Category:Living people

fr:Cory Gunz pl:Cory Gunz

Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
name	Regine Velasquez-Alcasid
background	solo_singer
birth name	Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez
born	April 22, 1970Manila, Philippines
genre	OPM, pop, adult contemporary, soul, R&B;, broadway
occupation	Singer, actress, record producer, TV host, stage director, fashion designer, model
instrument	Vocals
vocal classification	Lyric Colatura Soprano
years active	1986—present
label	Vicor (1990—1991)Polygram (1993—1998)VIVA (1998—2006)Universal (2006—present)
website	140pxRegine Velasquez's signature }}

Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez (born April 22, 1970), better known as Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer and TV host. She won the 1989 Asia Pacific Singing Contest in Hong Kong, and is widely known for possessing a wide and powerful vocal range.

Velasquez is the first Asian artist to stage a solo concert at the Carnegie Hall in New York, as part of Carnegie Hall's centennial-year concert series.

In 1994, Polygram Records produced her first Asia-released album, ''Listen Without Prejudice''. It is considered as Velasquez' most successful album to date, selling more than 1.2 million copies in Asia. It sold over 700,000 units in China, making it the best-selling album in the country by a foreign artist until 1999. The album has sold over 100,000 units in the Philippines and over 320,000 units in other Asian countries.

She has collaborated with artists such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo, Fernando Carrillo, and Billy Crawford. "In Love with You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, landed the top spot in MTV Asia's Top 20 Asian Videos in 2000.

In 2000, She performed the country's millennial theme ''Written In The Sand'' together with 2,000 children in the top-roof of The Peninsula Manila, televised in 67 broadcast networks throughout the world to coincide with midnight in Manila for the BBC's millennium special 2000 Today .

She has also embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in a ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' episode entitled "Lobo." Velasquez formed IndiMusic (iMusic), a record label partnered with Bella Tan's Universal Records. She is currently managed by Aria Productions.

Biography

1970–1985: Early life and discovery

Velasquez is the first child of Teresita and Gerardo Velasquez, born in Tondo, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 22, 1970. Her family moved to Hinundayan, Southern Leyte, where Velasquez studied at the Hinundayan Central School. Music figured largely in her early development; her father always sang Frank Sinatra songs to the children and her mother accompanied on guitar. Velasquez always loved music and even before she could read, she was singing along with the family. Her father signed her up for small local singing competitions. He helped train her voice by having her sing while neck-deep in the ocean and copy other song. Her mother also helped by teaching her how to move on stage and interpret songs. At the age of six, Velasquez participated in a nationally-televised amateur singing competition, The Tita Betty's Children's Show. Her piece, "Buhat Nang Kita'y Makilala" ("Since I Met You"), won third place. Velasquez continued to compete in more singing competitions in small towns around the country. By nine, Velasquez and her family had moved to Balagtas, Bulacan, where she studied at Balagtas Central School. She later studied at St. Lawrence Academy, where she won Vocal Solo and Vocal Duet awards for her school at the annual BULPRISA (Bulacan Private School Association) competition. At fourteen, Velasquez entered the senior division of Ang Bagong Kampeon (The New Champion), a nationally-televised singing competition, hosted by Bert "Tawa" Marcelo and Pilita Corrales. Her father suggested that she audition with "Saan Ako Nagkamali" ("Where Did I Go Wrong"). She won for eight straight weeks and became the first grand champion of the show. The show's musical director, Dominic Salustiano, suggested her winning piece, George Benson's "In Your Eyes." She won a contract with Octoarts, recording the single "Love Me Again" as "Chona Velasquez," her nickname at the time. She then joined the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), an organization of Filipino singers, performing in music lounges all over Metro Manila. Members of OPM helped her out by giving her industry advice and by lending their gowns for her performances.

1986–1987: Debuts

At the behest of friend and fellow Octoarts recording artist, Pops Fernandez, Velasquez guested on the GMA 7 Variety TV show, 'Penthouse Live', on February 16, 1986. Martin Nievera, Pops' husband and co-host of the show, suggested to Velasquez that she drop the name Chona and use Regine as her screen name. That year, her father resigned from his job as a construction estimator to fully attend to his daughter's blossoming career.

Viva Records signed Velasquez to a contract in 1987, releasing her self-titled debut album. The album contained the songs "Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang," "Isang Lahi, " and "Urong Sulong." Her first regularly televised performances were musical variety shows with ensemble casts, such as ABS-CBN's Triple Treat and the Sunday variety show Teen Pan Alley. Velasquez and Alley's Janno Gibbs continued to collaborate throughout the years, creating the musical Kenkoy at Rosing, recording the cover song "Magkasuyo Buong Gabi," and performing duets in concert.

1988–1991: International exposure

In 1988, Velasquez cut her hair short out of protestations that she was not given a chance to stage her first concert entitled, "True Colors" because "The Jets" were performing on that same day which was on her 18th birthday.

In 1989, Velasquez was chosen to represent the Philippines in the ''Asia-Pacific Singing Contest'' held in Hong Kong. On Dececember 23, 1989, Velasquez won the grand prize with "You'll Never Walk Alone" from ''Carousel'' and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from ''Dreamgirls''. After the competition, media started calling her "''Asia's Songbird''."

Jose Mari Chan, picked Velasquez to do a duet for his album entitled ''Constant Change''. The album was awarded a Certified Diamond Record Award by the PRIMA. Gary Valenciano penned the song 'Each Passing Night' which they sang together for his album 'Faces of Love'.

Velasquez signed with Vicor records and released several albums, starting with Nineteen 90. The album included t "''Narito Ako''" ("Here I Am"), her first Ogie Alcasid-penned song, "I Have To Say Goodbye, " and "Promdi". Her first major solo concert, ''Narito Ako'', was standing-room only at the Folk Arts Theater, with Gary Valenciano as a guest performer. Velasquez's debut United States solo concert, ''Narito Ako sa New York'' (Here I Am in New York), was held at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall on October 11, 1991 Velasquez Velasquez delivered an outstanding performances at the Carnegie Hall in New York, considered to be one of the world's most coveted performance venues. Her special guest was Ray-An Fuentes. The concert was a roaring success that earned three standing ovations from the audience.

She sang "Urong-Sulong" and "Narito Ako" plus "I'm Your Baby Tonight" "Greatest Love of All," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "We Can Work It Out," "Somewhere" and a Barbra Streisand medley and romance medley with guest Ray An Fuentes.

She next released an album, Tagala Talaga ("A Genuine Tagalog Lady"). It comprises her renditions of classic Filipino compositions by Nonong Pedero, Willy Cruz, George Canseco, Louie Ocampo, Freddie Aguilar, and National Artists for Music Awardees Ryan Cayabyab, Lucio D. San Pedro, and Levi Celerio.

1992–1998: Asian music scene

In 1992, she continued to guest on variety shows in the Philippines. She was discovered by Alex Chan and Norman Cheng. Chan is the regional marketing manager of Polygram Far East and Cheng is the president of Polygram Far East. They watched her "Music and Me" concert in July 1993. Afterward, they approached her and they told her that they wanted to work with her.

First, they featured Velasquez in a duet with Paul Anka titled "It's Hard to Say Goodbye" which is included in the album her fourth album, ''Reason Enough'', which was released in 1993 and achieved platinum album status. It featured "Sana Maulit Muli," "Babalikang Muli," and a duet with Gary Valenciano, "Slip Away."

In November 4, 1994, she performed with Janno Gibbs and Ariel Rivera at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. About 6,100 people came. On November 12, they performed at Cow Palace Auditorium in San Francisco. Ticket sales exceeded 8,200. On November 18, they performed at the Beacon Theatre in New York. 400 standing-room-only tickets were released along with 3,000 seats sold out two weeks before the concert date.

PolyGram Records produced her first Asian album, ''Listen Without Prejudice''. "In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, turned platinum in Taiwan seven days after its release. In its year-end sales of 1994, ''Listen Without Prejudice'' reported sales of over 300,000+ units in Asia in three months. It was reportedly the first huge success of PolyGram in Asia.

Velasquez' second album, ''My Love Emotion'', featured "You've Made Me Stronger," composed by Trina Belamide. She said that this album was born from a live performance in Singapore. She performed there in the Perfect 10 Music Awards in 1995. She was nominated in two categories (Favorite New Act and Favorite Performance in a song for "In Love With You") but she lost. She sang "In Love With You" with a Singaporean singer and "What Kind of Fool Am I?" After singing "What Kind of Fool Am I?" Phil Buckle (the guitarist of Southern Sons, an Australian band) congratulated her and he told her that he'd like to write her a song. Phil composed "My Love Emotion," which is the title of the album. She did two videos for "You've Made Me Stronger" and "My Love Emotion" and sold 100,000 copies Asia-wide on the first month of its release. In the year-end sales of "My Love Emotion," it sold more than 250,000 units across Asia.

As a part of her ''My Love Emotion'' Japanese album launch, Japan Velasquez was invited with many concert guestings, Asian music gatherings, and festivals such as Yoshinogari Ruins in Saga Prefecture 1995 when she did the opening and closing numbers.

Before Velasquez participated in the Asian music scene in Manila in October 18, 1996, her third Asian album ''Retro'' was released. The album contains re-arrangements of her favorite songs. She and Remus Choy made a video for the duet "I Can't Help It."

As a part of her ''Retro'' album promotion, Velasquez guested and performed with the some of the songs included in her album at the event called The Open Concert in South Korea.

Velssquez joined Ryan Cayabyab's musical adaptation of José Rizal's ''Noli Me Tangere'' at the CCP in 1995. She played the tragic role of Maria Clara opposite Audie Gemora's Crisostomo Ibarra, directed by Nonong Padilla. Vic Del Rosario of Viva saw her performance and offered her the lead in ''Wanted: Perfect Mother'', a movie adaptation of the Mars Ravelo comic book series, loosely based on ''The Sound of Music''. Martin Nievera wrote the theme, "You Are My Song," one of Velasquez's original hit singles. The movie was her first starring role and first pairing with Christopher De Leon.

On April 20, 1996, she did a free concert at the UP Sunken Garden to celebrate her tenth year in show business. It was her way of thanking her country for supporting her all these years. The special guests were Ivy Violan, Nanette Inventor, Bernardo Bernardo, the Tux, Louie Ocampo, Janno Gibbs and Cacai Velasquez. She was the stage director and she conceptualized the show. The musical director was Ryan Cayabyab. They were backed up by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. In the same year, Velasquez recorded a Christmas album, ''Love Was Born on Christmas Day'', her final album under Polycosmic Records. She also ended her contract with Primeline, Inc., opting to manage her own career with her sister, Cacai Velasquez.

June 7, 1997, she and Kuh Ledesma staged the "Power of 2" in San Francisco and Pasadena in the U.S. The show was huge with over 12,000 people in attendance. Afterward, she had a Canada tour (Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary) and shows with Pops Fernandez in Italy which were all successful.

Viva Records released her multi-platinum R&B; and hip hop album ''Drawn'', produced by Mark J. Feist, featuring a portrait made by Velasquez on the cover. Songs like "How Could You Leave," "Never Ever Say Goodbye," and more upbeat songs like "Once in a Lifetime" and "Messin' With My Head" celebrated her vocal power, technique, and versatility. A mix of original and cover tracks with an R&B; flair comprised the album. The only Filipino track in the album, "Ikaw (You)," was the theme song of her movie with matinee idol Aga Muhlach. The single "Emotions" was produced by Mark Feist, who later produced the Destiny's Child cover of the same song in 2001 with very little variation. Velasquez also developed a more sexy public image, distancing herself from her former demure one.

''Drawn'' was the one of Velasquez best selling albums: Two weeks after its release, it turned platinum with 40,000 copies sold and ended up on 8x Platinum (350,000+ copies sold). It was considered the figure two weeks after the set of its release. ''Drawn'' was officially available on November 22, 1998 but, according to VMG advertising and promotion manager Bambi Diploma, a number of outlets sold the album around November 16, 1998.

Eventually, her star shone brighter year after year. Velasquez became an international star and released three multi-platinum albums in Asia. She toured the Philippines and other countries, captivating jam-packed crowds with her performances. She was really a crowd favorite, in large part to her charm and endearing personality. "I work hard at what I do. I try to do better all the time," she says.

1999–2005: Transition and independence

In November 10, 1999, Velasquez released her album ''R2K'' a mnemonic of (Regine 2000) which consists covers of international artists. It went platinum (40,000) within 2 weeks of its release on Nov. 27, 1999, it is also the first album by a local artist to include a bonus VCD that is available only include in the album, contains 6 videos of songs from the audio CD. In 2001''R2k'' reportedly ended up with the certification of Octuple Platinum Record Award which equivalent in the Philippines of 8X Platinum (350,000+ copies sold). But in 2004 it was reportedly certified 12X Platinum (480,000+ copies sold), but never awarded by its own label.

In 31 December 1999, she performed the country's millennial theme, "Written in the Sand" was beamed to 67 major broadcast networks in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa — reaching more than a billion of people. The first to view the broadcast were the people of the Kiribati Islands in Fiji, and the song crossed 24 time zones, culminating in the Samoa Islands. On the evening of 31 December 1999, Christian Lanzar a Hemophilia stricken child was joined by more than 2,000 children, some who arrived as early as 10:00 a.m. to rehearse, at the top of Manila Peninsula Hotel. "I was gathering enough energy and strength to face a magnificent milestone in my life," said Christian. Velasquez joined the contingent to perform "Written in the Sand". She released an album entitled ''R2K'' ("Regine 2000"), containing covers of international artists and achieving Sixtuple platinum status in sales and even reached to Ten Times platinum.

Two years later, she released an all-original album titled ''Reigne''. The album included songs like "To Reach You," "''Dadalhin''," and "''Sa Aking Pag-iisa''"which had a remix version. She also worked with singer Marvi Napoles in reviving Mariah Carey/Brian Mcknight Whenever You Call.

Velasquez became the spokesperson for American fast-food chains like KFC and Wendy's in Asia. As an actress, she appeared in a number of Filipino films. In 2002, she received ''Best Actress'' in Star Awards for Television in her portrayal of a retarded woman seeking acceptance and love. She also released the film "''Ikaw Lamang, Hanggang Ngayon''" and received an MTV Asia award for "Best Philippine Artist,". She was named the "Box Office Queen" award the same year from the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial foundation.

She also staged the Bantay Bata Benefit concert, ''One Night with Regine'', set at the stairs of the Philippine National Museum which won Best Musical Special at the ''2003 Asian Television Awards''. Her MTV Asia special entitled ''Speak Your Mind'' was nominated for the UNICEF Child Rights Awards. The production was highly commended for its agenda on child welfare, documenting the plight of homeless children swarming the streets of Metro Manila, in an effort to protect and safeguard their rights.

She also hosted the amateur singing contest Star For A Night which aimed to discover new talents. The weekly show was aired on IBC-13 and was a co-production with Viva.

Velasquez became the first and second recipient of the MTV Favorite Artist Award (Philippines) in 2002 and 2003. During the 2002 award ceremony held in Singapore, she sang "Cry" in a duet with Mandy Moore, one of the hosts.

In 2003, Velasquez reunited with Martin Nievera in the Martín Nievera and Regine Velasquez World Concert Tour. The concert was an artistic and commercial success. The first quarter of 2004 saw Velasquez and co-artist, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid in much-anticipated back-to-back concerts entitled The Songbird and the Songwriter. Velasquez formed her own record label called Songbird Music in that same year. She produced an album for Gabby Eigenmann who was her co-host in ''SOP''. Velasquez won her MTV Favorite Artist Award (Philippines) for the second time in MTV Asia Awards.

In 2004, Velasquez released ''Covers Vol. 1'', comprising cover songs including Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics of male singers like Basil Valdez, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Side A, True Faith, and Ariel Rivera. Velasquez transferred her amateur singing contest to GMA-7 and changed the name to ''Search For A Star''.

Velasquez starred in GMA's telenovela ''Forever In My Heart'' opposite Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, and former flame Ariel Rivera. December 2004 was Velasquez return to major solo concert performance. She staged in 24,000 seat Araneta Coliseum another set of back-to-back concert performances regally titled ''Reigning Still''. The show was triumphant amidst a series of typhoons that ravaged Manila and nearby provinces. Reigning Still wasn't a culmination of Velasquez' career, it was a bridge to a new level in her career – maturity – in performance and in work. She moved on with the event and for two consecutive nights, Regine conquered the Araneta Coliseum again on her own. The concert was not full to its maximum capacity on the first night (considering that Manila's streets are still flooded at that time) but the second night was a real full house. Never mind since it has been declared Sold Out two weeks before the concert which means even if people didn't make it, tickets were already bought and sold. That's very important especially that Velasquez donned the hat of producer and director. The concert was a showcase of what Velasquez has learned in her craft through the years. It is a spectacle of her running concepts, ideas and style where you can see a Velasquez touch in every detail of it. The concert though was more pop in nature, high spirited, experimental and upbeat, following the trend of recent concerts by Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Christina Aguilera In 2005, Velasquez and singer Pops Fernandez performed a concert, ''Queens On Fire'', later taking it on an eight-city U.S. tour.

Velasquez held the ''Reflections'' Concert series at Aliw Theatre late that year. The stage was decorated with mannequins wearing her gowns from the past decade which were later auctioned for the benefit of GMA's Kapuso Foundation. The concert featured the prodigies "Wyeth Gifted Kids" (saxophonist Jacob Sarreal, violinists Joseph Valdés and Paulina, and classical cellist Pocholo Gutiérrez). The concert featured songs by her favorite singers or the foreign female singers who have influenced her career. The concert consisted of numerous medleys of hits by Barbra Streisand, Anita Baker, Sheena Easton, Spice Girls, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion.

Velasquez hosted Pinoy Pop Superstar (a singing competition on GMA 7 which started last 2005 until 2008) which launched the career of Jonalyn Viray (1st Pinoy Pop Superstar Grand Champion who also competed at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood where she won five golds for Broadway, Original, Pop, R&B; and Variety categories & was declared "Overall Champion Female Solo" in Broadway, Pop and Original).

She recorded the theme song "''Di Na Nag-iisa''" for the ''Darna'' TV series, based on the ''Darna'' comic book character created by Mars Ravelo. The theme song was composed by South Border's Jay Durias and the song was nominated for an Aliw Award for Best Song Made For Television. The song was also used in the movie ''Till I Met You'' and is included in the original sound track.

2006–2008: 20th Anniversary and independent record label launch

2006 marked Velasquez 20th Anniversary in showbiz. She released the album ''Covers Volume 2'', featuring covers of international hit songs including Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" and The Beatles' "Come Together". All of the songs were presented with new arrangements in various musical genres. The first single was "Hold Me In Your Arms," covering the Southern Sons song.

Her Valentine concert at the Araneta Coliseum, Forever After, co-starred Ogie Alcasid, Rico Puno, and Ai Ai Delas Alas. She and Pops Fernandez staged the North American leg of the Queens on Fire concert tour in the spring of 2006. The Forever After tour was staged in key US cities and at the Wembley Arena in London.

On August 13, 2006, the ''Sharon Cuneta Show'' devoted an to Velasquez. In the middle of 2006, together with manager Cacai Velasquez, boyfriend Ogie Alcasid, and brother-in-law Raul Mitra, Velasquez launched the IndiMusic record label. As part of her 20th anniversary celebration, she staged Twenty concert, at the Araneta Coliseum in mid-October 2006. Velasquez also recorded "Maghihintay Ako," the theme song for the sci-fi telenovela Atlantika.

In 2007, ''People Asia'' magazine's "People of the Year" honored her with the Exemplary Achievement Award, shared with three others. On March 14, Velasquez together with Kuh Ledesma represented the Philippines in the Mosaic International Music Festival in Singapore held at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

Her movie, Paano Kita Iibigin, opened on May 30, 2007. The movie was the first co-production between Viva Films and Star Cinema which is owned by media conglomerate ABS-CBN. A soundtrack, featuring solos and duets by the co-stars, was released by Star Records, the first time Velasquez produced an album outside Viva Entertainment. The theme song was penned by Ogie Alcasid.

In August 2007, Velasquez and Alcasid started hosting ''Celebrity Duets'' (Philippines) on GMA 7. The show pairs up local personalities with local professional singers. Velásquez also endorsed Vicki Belo's "Belo Essentials," which includes singer Zsa Zsa Padilla and model/TV personality Lucy Torres. This year she recorded the theme song of GMA's remake of ''MariMar''. In October 2007, she appeared on the cover of the fashion magazine "Preview".

Velasquez attended the 2007 Aliw Awards held at Palacio de Maynila and won "Best Major Concert Act (Female)" for her 20th year anniversary concert at the Araneta Coliseum. Velasquez was also awarded "The Most Successful Artist of the Year" award by Walk Of Fame Philippines on December 4, 2007 in Eastwood, Quezon City.

Velasquez had a featured performance on Korean television KBS1 entitled ''Window of Asia'' showcasing her life.

She also starred a weekly musical variety show on GMA7 titled ''Songbird'' which premiered May 15, 2008. The "Up Close and Personal" solo U.S concert tour started in May 2008.

A series of concerts with Lani Misalucha started with a tour of the US and Canada in September 2008 before moving to Manila in 2009. Also in 2008, Velasquez released her 15th studio album, ''Low Key,'' which earned a certified gold status three days after its release. In December 2008, she performed with Pops Fernandez, Kuh Ledesma, and Zsa Zsa Padilla in the biggest concert of the year at the Araneta Coliseum dubbed as Divas 4 Divas.

2009–present

Velasquez's ''Low Key'' under Universal Records became the first platinum album of 2009.

Velasquez also played Anna in the series ''Totoy Bato'', a soap in GMA-7. In March and May 2009, she went on tour in the US to stage The Divas 4 Divas US Tour; also, in 2009, Velásquez hosted the GMA singing competition, ''Are You The Next Big Star?''.

Velasquez did a docu-biography show which aired May 24, 2009 on GMA Network as part of her month-long birthday celebration entitled "Roots To Riches." The show featured untold stories, "going back to Regine's roots from her amateur singing days in Malolos, Bulacan up to where she is now." She also gave citation to her young rival in singing competitions, Minerva "Eva" Castillo. They joined in one stage singing, "Ako Ang Nagwagi".

After being scheduled to perform at a concert with Charice Pempengco, Velasquez was forced to pull out after contracting the swine flu. She has since recovered.

At the final requiem mass for President Corazon Aquino, August 5, 2009, Velásquez sang a duet with Martin Nievera, "The Prayer."

Velásquez held a two-night concert entitled "Regine... Most Requested" at the SkyDome, SM North EDSA, which marked her return to the Viva fold. Eva Castillo appeared as her special guest. Early December, she started her most requested concert in provincial places and early next year she is scheduled to finish her provincial tours

In August 28, 2010, Velasquez launched her signature perfumes collection via Bench with two scents available called ''Reigne'' and ''Songbird''.

In 2010, Velasquez started the year by accepting a comic-villain role in GMA-7's ''Darna''. She starred as Elektra The Planet Woman. At the same time, went on to conclude the provincial tour of her SRO 2009 concert series, "Regine Most Requested". Also in March 2010, she starred in the primetime-musical series offering of GMA Network for their 60th Anniversary entitled ''Diva''.

Velasquez attended the inauguration of the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines Noynoy Aquino at the Quirino Grandstand on June 30, 2010, performing Aquino's first campaign jingle "Hindi Ka Nagiisa" and "Bagong Pilipinas" together with other Filipino artists. For the fourth time (2000-9, 2001-4, 2002-7), Velasquez was ranked 8th in the top 10 of FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest Woman In The World. In November 2010, Velasquez started shooting a GMA-7 teleserye, "I Heart U Pare", set to premiere on early 2011.

Velasquez released an album under Universal Records entitled ''Fantasy'', a 2-CD album containing 22 tracks.''Fantasy'' also has two sets of packaging. Each box-set contains 10 sets of post-cards that are in color and in black and white. Fantasy was awarded a Gold Record Award two weeks after its release, and after one month it was awarded as Platinum Record Award making it one of the fastest selling albums of 2010 in Philippine albums history.

In 2011, Velasquez received a ''MYX Magna Award 2011'' in the 6th ''MYX Music Awards 2011''. In June 2011 Velasquez was nominated as Coolest Female Singer in 2011 Yahoo Philippines OMG Awards, She got 43% of the over all votes, but she lost it to Charice Pempengco with 54% of over all votes .

Acting career

Velasquez's her first movie role was in the film ''The Untouchable Family''. She soon ventured into comedy films. She was cast in the 1988 film ''Pik Pak Boom''. She then co-starred in the flick ''Elvis and James''.

Velasquez' returned to the cinema in 1996 for her first lead role in the film ''Wanted Perfect Mother''. Also in that same year, she was one of three lead actresses in the musical comedy ''Do Re Mi'' alongside Donna Cruz and Mikee Cojuangco. Despite being part of the movie, Velasquez' vocals were not part in recording of the movie's soundtrack, as it was an then-upcoming VIVA Records singer named Krystine, who sang vocals on her part. In the movie version, Velasquez was able to record her vocals just in time before the movie was released.

In 1998's ''Honey Nasa Langit Na Ba Ako'', she played a ghost who died in a car accident days before her wedding day. Also, Velasquez co-starred with Aga Muhlach in the romantic film ''Dahil May Isang Ikaw''. Later, in 2000, she starred in ''Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw''. In 2001 she starred in ''Pangako Ikaw Lang'' which earned her a ''Box-Office Queen'' award from the ''Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation''.

Velasquez acted in two more romantic films in 2002 and 2003; ''Ikaw Lamang, Hanggang Ngayon'' and ''Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka''. In December 2003, she appeared in ''Captain Barbell''.

Velasquez returned to the romance genre in 2006 and 2007 with ''Till I Met You'' and ''Paano Kita Iibigin.'' In June 2008, she was the voice of Urduja in the animated film ''Urduja''.

In 2009, Velasquez, conceptualized the story for ''OMG (Oh, My Girl!)'' and she will appear in a cameo role as a production assistant.

Velasquez is currently filming Mrs. Recto, an indie film under the direction of Director Dante Nico Garcia. Her 3rd reunion movie with Aga Muhlach, ''Of all the Things''.

Personal life

Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid announced their engagement at Party Pilipinas on August 8, 2010 after 7 years. By December 22, 2010 Velasquez had married Ogie Alcasid in Terrazas de Punta Fuego in Nasugbu Batangas.

In April 2011, She and her husband confirmed the news of her pregnancy through the same afternoon-variety show, Party Pilipinas.

Philanthropy and other activities

In 1994 Velasquez become the and ambassador of Duty Free Philippines anti-drug campaign has an aim to fight drugs in the Philippines.

In 1995 Velasquez performed to the Singapore's National Kidney Foundation, the HongKong AIDS Foundation, the Hong KongPhilharmonic Orchestra. The proceeds goes to the cited charitable event.

In 1999 Velasquez and the Municipality of Pasig did a fund raising event called ''Muling Aawit ang Pasig'' it was the concert were Velasquez performed, the proceeds goes to the rehabilitation of Pasig River. Later on it was followed with another event called ''Piso Para sa Pasig'' also starred by Velasquez all the proceeds goes to the cited recipient.

In 2002 Unicef picked Velasquez as the one of their Ambassadors in Asia. As one of her first project, Velasquez did a documentary MTV Asia special entitled ''Speak Your Mind'' which was nominated for the UNICEF Child Rights Awards. The production was highly commended for its agendum on child welfare, documenting the plight of homeless children swarming the streets of Metro Manila, in an effort to protect and safeguard their rights.

In May 2002, Velasquez staged the Bantay Bata Benefit concert, ''One Night with Regine'', set at the stairs of the Philippine National Museum which won Best Musical Special at the ''2003 Asian Television Awards''.

In 2005 Velasquez sold 40 of her gowns in an auction sale launched on October 23, 2005 on the Mel & Joey talk show with the proceeds going to GMA 7's ''Give a Gift: Alay sa Batang Pinoy project'' which desires to give some needs for those in need. The auction resulted in more than P 800,000 (Philippine Peso).

In response to Thypoon Ondoy in 2009, Velasquez joined other celebreties who donated more than P 300,000 for the victims and she did a relief works in the affected areas. In December 2009, Velasquez did a Musical Special called ''After The Rain'' starring the stories of the families that has been affected by the Thypoon.

In 2010 Velasquez was named as the one of the ambassadors of Operation Smile a non-government organization, which provides medical treatment to children with Cleft palet.

Discography

''Regine'' (1987)

''Nineteen '90'' (1990)

''Tagala Talaga'' (1991)

''Reason Enough'' (1993)

''Listen Without Prejudice'' (1994)

''My Love Emotion'' (1995)

''Retro'' (1996)

''Love Was Born On Christmas Day'' (1996)

''Drawn'' (1998)

''R2K'' (1999)

''Reigne'' (2001)

''Covers, Vol. 1'' (2004)

''Covers, Vol. 2'' (2006)

''Low Key'' (2008)

''Fantasy'' (2010)

Theatre

February & July 1994 July 14 to August 6, 1995 2006

Title	Venue !! Role
''Kenkoy Loves Rosing''	August to September 1991	Music Museum
''Two Hearts, One Beat''	|	Philippine International Convention Center>PICC Plenary Hall	Female Lead
''Noli Me Tángere''	|	Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater	María Clara
''Forever After''	|	World Tour	Regine (fairy)

Filmography

Films {| class = "wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Film ! Role ! class = "unsortable" | Notes and Awards |- | 1987 | ''The Untouchable Family'' | Sheila | |- | 1988 | ''Pik Pak Boom'' | Irma | |- | 1989 | ''Elvis and James 2'' | Whitney | |- | 1992 | ''Big Ambulance: Call for Emergency'' | Gina | |- | 1996 | ''Wanted: Perfect Mother'' | Sam | |- | 1997 | ''Do Re Mi'' | Reggie | |- | 1998 | ''Honey Nasa Langit na Ba Ako?'' | Marian | |- | 1999 | ''Dahil May Isang Ikaw'' | Anya Katindig | |- | 2000 | ''Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw'' | Francine Natra | |- | 2001 | ''Pangako Ikaw Lang'' | Cristina | GMMSF Award for Box-Office Queen |- | 2002 | ''Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon'' | Katherine | Nominated—Young Critics Circle Award for Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role |- | 2003 | ''Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka'' | Alex | |- | 2003 | ''Captain Barbell'' | Cielo | |- | 2004 | ''Masikip Sa Dibdib'' | singer | cameo appearance |- | 2006 | ''Till I Met You'' | Luisa | |- | 2007 | ''Paano Kita Iibigin'' | Martee | Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best ActressNominated—FAP Award for Best Actress |- | 2008 | ''Urduja'' | Urduja | voice role |- | rowspan=2|2009 | ''Kimmy Dora'' | english teacher | cameo appearance |- | ''OMG (Oh, My Girl!)'' | production assistant | cameo appearance |- | 2011 | ''Mrs. Recto'' | Carla Recto | ''post-production'' |- | 2011 | ''Of All The Things'' | | ''filming'' |- |}

Television {| class = "wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Channel ! Role ! class = "unsortable" | Notes and Awards |- | 1997 | ''SOP'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (1997—2010) |- | 2000 | ''Habang May Buhay'' | (IBC-13) | | Episode "Sa Puso Ko'y Ikaw"together with Piolo Pascual |- | rowspan=2|2002 | ''Star For A Night'' | (IBC-13) | herself | Host (2002—2003) |- | ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' | (ABS-CBN 2) | Abby | Episode "Lobo"2002 PMPC Star Award for Television for Best Actress |- | 2003 | ''Search For A Star'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (2003—2004) |- | rowspan=2|2004 | ''Forever in My Heart'' | (GMA-7) | Angeline | main role |- | ''Pinoy Pop Superstar'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (2004—2007)2005 PMPC Star Award for Television for Best Female Host2006 PMPC Star Award for Television for Best Talent Search Program Host |- | 2007 | ''Celebrity Duets'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (2007—2009)together with Ogie Alcasid |- | rowspan=3|2008 | ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' | (ABS-CBN 2) | Cathy | Episode "Dalandan"directed by Jeffrey Jeturian together with Albert Martinez, Mickey Ferriols & Christian Vasquez |- | ''Songbird'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host |- | ''Ako si Kim Samsoon'' | (GMA-7) | Kim Samsoon Buot | main role |- | rowspan=4|2009 | ''Totoy Bato'' | (GMA-7) | Anna Molina | main role |- | ''Are You the Next Big Star?'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host |- | ''SRO Cinemaserye'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Episode "The Eva Castillo Story" |- | ''Darna'' | (GMA-7) | Elektra, leader of the Planet Women | recurring role (season 2, 2009—2010) |- | rowspan=2|2010 | ''Diva'' | (GMA-7) | Sampaguita/ Melody | main role |- | ''Party Pilipinas'' | (GMA-7) | herself | Host (2010—present) |- | 2011 | ''I Heart You, Pare!'' | (GMA-7) | Antonia "Tonya" Estrella/ Tonette Star/ Tony Boy | main rolelater replace by Iza Calzado due to her pregnancy |- |}

Notable guest appearances

1993: ''Mr Kupido'' — "Reason Enough", with Apa Ongpin and Jenine Desiderio

1994 : ''Ober Da Bakod''

1994: ''Spotlight'' — with Ariel Rivera

December 22, 1996: ''Ikaw, Ako At Ang Awit'' with Gary Valenciano

1996: ''Muling Aawit Ang Pasig: GMA Foundation featuring Regine Velásquez''

February 26, 1997: ''Mikee'' - "The Black Triangle", with Donna Cruz and Mikee Cojuangco

May 26, 1999: ''Mikee Forever''

September 7, 1999: ''Kool Ka Lang''

September 13, 2000: ''Pwedeng Pwede''

July 4, 2001: ''Larawan'' with Dingdong Dantes

August 22, 2001: ''Beh Bote Nga''

April 27, 2003: ''Huling Yakap Sa Tag-araw'' with Dingdong Dantes

May 2003: ''OK Fine Whatever''

December 2003: ''Idol Ko si Kap''

May 2004: ''Tanging Ina, TV Series''

See also

List of awards and nominations received by Regine Velasquez

References

External links

Regine Velásquez at the Internet Movie Database

Category:1970 births Category:Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation Category:Filipino actors Category:Filipino dance musicians Category:Filipino singers Category:Filipino female singers Category:Filipino pop singers Category:Filipino record producers Category:Filipino Roman Catholics Category:Filipino television personalities Category:Filipino television actors Category:Filipino theatre directors Category:Filipino film actors Category:Living people Category:People from Bulacan Category:People from Manila

de:Regine Velasquez es:Regine Velásquez pt:Regine Velasquez tl:Regine Velasquez zh:黎晶

Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
name	Enrique Iglesias
background	solo_singer
birth name	Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler
born	May 08, 1975Madrid, Spain
origin	Madrid, Spain
instrument	Vocals, guitar
genre	Pop, Latin pop, R&B;, Dance-pop, soft rock, alternative rock
occupation	Singer-songwriter, actor, Producer, Model
associated acts	Wisin y Yandel, Pitbull, Ludacris
years active	1995-present| label Fonovisa, Interscope, Universal Music Latino, Universal Republic, Polydor
website	}}

Enrique Iglesias (born Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler; May 8, 1975) is a Spanish pop music singer. Iglesias started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa. This helped turn him into one of the most popular artists in Latin America and in the Hispanic American market in the United States, and the biggest seller of Spanish language albums of the 1990s. Before the turn of the millennium, he made a crossover into the mainstream English language market, signing a unique multi-album deal with Universal Music Group for an unprecedented US$48,000,000, with Universal Music Latino to release his Spanish albums and Interscope to release English albums. In 2010, he parted with Interscope and signed with another Universal Music Group label, Universal Republic.

Iglesias has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best selling Latin artists of all time.

Iglesias has had five ''Billboard'' Hot 100 top five singles, including two #1s, and holds the record for producing 22 number 1 Spanish-language singles on the ''Billboard''s Hot Latin Tracks. He has also had nine #1 songs on Billboard's Dance charts, more than any other single male artist. Altogether, Iglesias has amassed 53 #1 hits on the various Billboard charts. He has honorably been named as ''The King of Latin Pop'' and ''The King of Dance'' according to Billboard.

Early life

Iglesias was born in Madrid, Spain, and is the third and youngest child of singer Julio Iglesias and socialite and magazine journalist Isabel Preysler. His mother is a Filipina (of mainly Spanish ancestry) and his father is of Spanish ancestry from Galicia. His parents' marriage was annulled in 1979.

In 1985, Iglesias' grandfather, Dr. Julio Iglesias Puga, was kidnapped by the terrorist group ETA. For their safety, Enrique and his brother, Julio Iglesias, Jr., were sent to live with their father in Miami. He also lived in Belgrade, Serbia, for one year with his mother. As his father's career kept him on the road, the young Iglesias was raised by the family nanny. He attended Gulliver Preparatory School and went on to study business at the University of Miami.

Iglesias did not want his father to know about his plans for a musical career and did not want his famous surname to help advance his career. He borrowed money from his family nanny and he recorded a demo cassette tape which consisted of a Spanish song and two English songs. Approaching his father's former publicist, Fernan Martinez, the two promoted the songs under the stage name 'Enrique Martinez' with the backstory of being an unknown singer from Guatemala. Iglesias was signed by a record label called Fonovisa. After dropping out of college, he went to Toronto to record his first album.

Music career

1995–96: ''Enrique Iglesias''

On July 12,1995 , Iglesias released his first album titled ''Enrique Iglesias'', a collection of light rock ballads, including such mega-hits as "Si Tú Te Vas", "Experiencia Religiosa", and others. The record sold half a million copies in its first week, a rare accomplishment then for an album recorded in a language other than English.

His song " Por Amarte" was included in Televisa's telenovela ''Marisol'', but with a twist: instead of ''Por amarte daría mi vida'' (To love you, I'd give my life), the words were ''Por amarte Marisol, moriría'' (To love you, Marisol, I'd die). The CD also yielded Italian and Portuguese editions of the album, with most of the songs translated into those languages.

Five singles released from this album, such as "Por Amarte", "No Llores Por Mí", and "Trapecista" topped the Latin charts. The album went on to win Iglesias a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance.

1997–99: ''Vivir'' and ''Cosas Del Amor''

In 1997, Iglesias' star continued to rise with the release of ''Vivir'' (''To Live''), which put him up with other English language music superstars in sales for that year. The album also included a cover version of the Yazoo song "Only You", translated into Spanish as "Solo en Tí".

Insisting on stadiums, that summer, Enrique, backed by sidemen for Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, played to sold-out audiences in sixteen countries. Beginning the tour in Odessa, Texas the tour went on to three consecutive nights in Mexico's Plaza de Toros, two consecutive nights at Monterrey's Auditorio Coca Cola and two at the Estadio River Plate in Buenos Aires, Argentina to over 130,000 people as well as 19 arenas in the U.S.

Three singles released from ''Vivir'' ("Enamorado Por Primera Vez", "Sólo en Ti" and "Miente") topped the Latin singles chart as well as those in several Spanish-speaking countries. Along with his father and Luis Miguel, Iglesias was nominated for an American Music Award in the first-ever awarded category of Favorite Latin Artist. It was said beforehand that the elder Iglesias would walk out if he did not win the award. Iglesias lost out to his father, but did perform the song "Lluvia Cae" at the event.

In 1998, Iglesias released his third album, ''Cosas del Amor'' (''Things of Love''). Taking a more mature musical direction, the album, aided by the popular singles "Esperanza" and "Nunca Te Olvidaré", both of which topped the Latin singles chart, helped cement his status in the Latin music scene.

Iglesias did a short tour of smaller venues to accompany the release of the album, with one show being televised from Acapulco, Mexico. This was followed by a larger world tour of over eighty shows in even bigger venues. The ''Cosas del Amor'' Tour was the first ever concert tour sponsored by McDonald's.

He won an American Music Award in the category of Favorite Latin Artist against Ricky Martin and Los Tigres del Norte. The song "Nunca te Olvidaré" was also used as the theme music for a Spanish soap opera of the same name and he sang the song himself on the last episode of the series.

1999–2000: ''Enrique''

By 1999, Iglesias had begun a successful crossover career into the English language music market. Thanks to other successful crossover acts, most notably that of Ricky Martin and Selena, Latino artists and music had a great surge in popularity in mainstream music. Iglesias' contribution to the soundtrack of Will Smith's movie ''Wild Wild West'', "Bailamos" became a number one hit in the US.

After the success of "Bailamos", several mainstream record labels were eager to sign Enrique. Signing a multi-album deal after weeks of negotiations with Interscope, Iglesias recorded and released his first full CD in English, ''Enrique''. The pop album, with some Latin influences, took two months to complete and contained a duet with Whitney Houston called "Could I Have This Kiss Forever" and a cover of the Bruce Springsteen song "Sad Eyes". The album's third single, "Be With You", became his second number one.

The final single from the album was the song "You're My #1", re-recorded and released in selected territories as a duet with local acts – Alsou in Russia, Sandy & Junior in Brazil and Valen Hsu in Asia.

2001–02: ''Escape''

In 2001 Iglesias released the album ''Escape''. Where most of the Latin crossover acts of the previous year experienced some difficulty matching the record sales of their first English language albums, Iglesias actually went on to sell even more. The album's first single, "Hero", became a number one hit in the United Kingdom, and in many other countries. The entire album was co-written by Iglesias.

''Escape'' is his biggest commercial success to date. The singles "Escape" and "Don't Turn Off The Lights" became radio staples, fairing well and placing highly or topping various charts both in North America and elsewhere. A second edition of the album was released internationally and contained a new version of one of Enrique's favorite tracks, "Maybe", as well as a duet with Lionel Richie called "To Love a Woman".

Iglesias capitalized on the album's success with his "One-Night Stand World Tour" consisting of 50 sold-out shows in 16 countries. Including Radio City Music Hall and three consecutive nights in London's Royal Albert Hall, the tour ended with a big show at Stadium National Lia Manoliu in Bucharest, Romania. The concert launched MTV Romania, with the video for "Love to See You Cry" being the first to be shown on the channel.

The second leg of the tour, "Don't Turn Off The Lights", was completed in the summer of 2002, with two sold-out nights in Madison Square Garden and another two in Mexico's National Auditorium. The tour finished with a single show in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

2002–04: ''Quizás'' & ''7''

In 2002, Iglesias chose to release a fourth Spanish-language album titled ''Quizás'' (''Perhaps''). A more polished musical production than his previous Spanish albums and containing more introspective songs, the album's title track is a song about the strained relationship Iglesias has with his famous father.

The album debuted at number 12 on the ''Billboard'' 200 albums chart, the highest placement of a Spanish language album on the chart at the time. ''Quizás'' sold a million copies in a week, making it the fastest-selling album in Spanish in 5 years. The three singles released from the album all ended up topping the Latin chart, giving Iglesias a total of 16 number ones on the chart. He currently holds the record for the most number one singles on ''Billboard'''s Latin Chart. His last single from the album, "Para Que la Vida", reached a million spins on U.S. radio, the only Spanish language song to do so.

The video to the song "Quizás" was the first Spanish language music video to be added to the selection on MTV's popular show ''Total Request Live''. Iglesias performed the song on ''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'', becoming the first to sing a Spanish song on the show, and opening doors for other artists such as Ricky Martin, Juanes and Jorge Drexler to perform their Spanish material. Iglesias included songs from ''Quizás'' in his "Don't Turn Off the Lights Tour", and the album went on to win a Latin Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.

By 2003 Iglesias released his seventh album, which he called ''7'', the second to be co-written by Iglesias. Among its more 1980s-inspired material, it features the song "Roamer", which he wrote with his friend and longtime guitarist, Tony Bruno. The CD also contained the song "Be Yourself", a song about independence (the chorus talks about how Iglesias' own parents did not believe he'd ever succeed in his singing career). The first single was the song "Addicted", and was followed closely by a remix of the song "Not in Love", featuring Kelis.

With this album, Iglesias went on his biggest world tour to date. The highly publicised tour started with twelve shows in the United States ending with Iglesias playing at Houston Rodeo and continued on to several countries, most of which he'd never previously visited playing to sold-out arenas and stadiums in Australia, India, Egypt and Singapore before ending his tour in South Africa.

2007–08: ''Insomniac''

Iglesias released his new album ''Insomniac'' on June 12, 2007. The album was so named due to it being recorded mainly at night. The album contained a more contemporary pop style than that of previous albums. The album's highlights include "Push", with rapper Lil' Wayne, as well as "Ring My Bells", and a cover of Ringside's "Tired of Being Sorry".

The first single "Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song)" was released on April 10, 2007. It was the Iglesias's highest charting song on the Hot 100 since "Escape" it was also a hit throughout Europe peaking in the top 10 in many countries and the Spanish version entitled "Dímelo" was #1 on Hot Latin Tracks for 12 weeks becoming his second best performing song on that chart.

Iglesias followed up with the ballad "Somebody's Me", which was released as a single in the American continent. The song was played extensively on AC radio and peaked high on Billboard's Hot AC, where the Spanish version also performed well. In Europe, the second single was "Tired of Being Sorry", which performed well in many countries; he recorded a version of the song with French singer Nâdiya which was #1 in France for eleven weeks.

On July 4, Enrique Iglesias became the first Western artist to play a concert in Syria in three decades when he performed for a sold-out crowd of 10,000 in the capital city of Damascus and in the same week performed on Live Earth.

The Insomniac World Tour was launched at the Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa, the same venue he ended his last world Tour and took him to sold out arenas throughout Europe. It was his first arena tour of the UK with him playing venues such as Manchester's MEN Arena and Wembley Arena. The tour ended with Iglesias performing at newly opened L.A. Live. A second leg of the tour has taken him throughout Latin America from Mexico to Argentina.

A solo version of "Push" was added to the soundtrack of the movie ''Step Up 2 the Streets''. The song was regarded as the third single from the album. A music video was shot which features the film's lead actors. Despite never being officially added to radio the song has charted in several countries and is one of his most highly rated songs amongst fans.

Enrique's song "Can You Hear Me" has been chosen as the official song of the UEFA Euro 2008 football tournament. He performed the song live at the June 29, 2008 final in Vienna, Austria. The song featured on a re-issue of the Insomniac album being released in certain countries.

2008–09: ''Greatest Hits Albums''

Enrique released a Spanish Greatest Hits album on March 25, 2008 which included his seventeen #1 songs on Hot Latin Tracks chart, plus two new songs. The first single was the song "Dónde Están Corazón", which is written by Argentine star Coti and became Iglesias's 18th #1 single on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs. The album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Latin Album Charts and #18 on Billboards top 200 Album chart. It was Enrique's second Spanish Album to debut in the top 20 Billboards Top 200 Albums (''Quizás'' debuted at 12 in 2002). The album has been recently certified double platinum in the U.S.and in some Latin American countries.

The album's second single Lloro Por Ti had an official remix featuring Wisin y Yandel which also reached #1. Iglesias did a tour of the US. Beginning in Laredo, Texas and ending at the Izod Center in New Jersey he was accompanied though most of the tour with Bachata band Aventura who also performed "Lloro Por Ti" with him at the Premios Juventud.

Iglesias was a surprise performer at the Lo Nuestro Awards, opening the show with a medley of "Dónde Están Corazón" and "Dimelo". He also performed at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, where he received a special award.

After the success of his Spanish Greatest Hits compilation, Iglesias released a compilation of his English language hits on November 11. The album includes "Can You Hear Me" as well two new songs. The first single is entitled "Away" ft Sean Garrett and was followed by "Takin' Back My Love" ft Ciara.

The compilation includes English hit songs such as "Bailamos", "Hero", "Be With You", "Not In Love" and "Escape" which have topped the various Billboard Charts (two of which on Hot 100) as well as songs such as Rhythm Divine, Tired Of Being Sorry and Do You Know (The ping pong song) which have also topped charts in Europe.

After the successful collaboration with Nadiya Iglesias has recorded a second duet with her called "Miss You" which featured on a delux edition of the album.

The album debuted at #3 on The Official Uk Album Chart and sold over 80,000 copies in its first 2 weeks alone.

Enrique was the winner for two World Music Awards in the categories of "World's Best Selling Latin Performer" and "World's Best Selling Spanish Artist", in the ceremony held in Monaco on November 9, 2008.

2010–present: ''Euphoria''

On July 5, 2010, Iglesias released his ninth studio album, ''Euphoria'', his first work to be released under his new label, Universal Republic. The album is Iglesias's first bilingual album with seven original English songs and six original Spanish songs.

Iglesias worked with three producers whom he has worked with before; RedOne, Mark Taylor and Carlos Paucer. The album features collaborations with Akon, Usher, Nicole Scherzinger, Ludacris, Pitbull, Juan Luis Guerra and his third duet with Wisin y Yandel. In a joint venture with Universal Latino Iglesias will release different singles in both languages simultaneously to different formats.

The first English single from the album, "I Like It", which features the rapper Pitbull, was released on May 3, 2010 in the U.S. and became a success, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. After weeks on the chart, it reached to #1 on the Billboard Hot/Dance Club Play, making it Enrique's 7th number one song on that chart and also making him the male singer with most number-ones tying with Prince & Michael Jackson.

"Cuando Me Enamoro" was released as the lead Spanish single from the album. The song debuted at number 8 and number 25 on U.S Latin Pop Songs and U.S. Hot Latin Songs, respectively. The song became his 25th top 10 single on the U.S. ''Billboard'' Hot Latin Songs & after 4 weeks of its release date it became his 21st No.1 song on this chart. The song won and nominated for many Latin Song Of The Year category.

As of January 2011 "Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)" broke into the top 10 on the Billboard charts becoming no 4. The song was released only for digital download in the U.S., at first it was included on the French Limited Edition of ''Euphoria'' in late 2010, then was included on the New Edition of "Euphoria" in Europe and some Asian areas in 2011. The song peaked to #1 on the Billboard Hot/Dance Club Play chart, which became his 8th number one song on the chart, making him the only male single artist to have 8 number one songs on the chart, passing Prince and Michael Jackson. As of March 3, 2011 the song has peaked to #1 on the US Pop Songs Chart, marking it his first score on the chart. The song has also peaked to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 Airplay (Radio Songs). A remix version of "Dirty Dancer" was released as the sixth single, and "Ayer" serves as the seventh single.

On May 24, 2011, Iglesias revealed on Australian radio show The Kyle & Jackie O Show that he would be touring Australia as part of his “Euphoria” tour alongside Pitbull.

Songwriting, producing, and acting

Iglesias has collaborated with songwriter Guy Chambers to write "Un Nuovo Giorno", the lead single from Andrea Bocelli's first pop album. The song was later translated into English as "First Day of My Life" and recorded by Spice Girl Melanie C. The song has since gone to become a huge hit throughout Europe, and peaked in the number one spot in numerous countries. Iglesias also wrote the single "The Way" for American Idol runner up Clay Aiken. Four songs co-written by Iglesias appear on the UK band The Hollies' current album. Many times Iglesias has said that should he ever retire, he wants to write and produce songs for other artists. In 2010 Idol Allstars 2010 (Swedish Idol Series) released a song "All I Need Is You" co-written by Iglesias with Andreas Carlsson, Kalle Engström and Kristian Lundin. It went straight to I-Tunes #1.

In 2000, Iglesias co-produced an off Broadway musical called ''Four Guys Named Jose and Una Mujer Named Maria''. In the musical, four Americans of Latin heritage possess a common interest in music and meet and decide to put on a show. The show contained many references and allusions to many classic and contemporary Latin and pop songs by the likes of Carmen Miranda, Selena, Richie Valens, Santana, Ricky Martin and Iglesias himself.

Iglesias also developed an interest in acting, starring alongside Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Johnny Depp in the Robert Rodriguez film ''Once Upon a Time in Mexico'', in which he played the foul-mouthed gun-wielding Lorenzo. In 2007, he had guest starred in the TV comedy ''Two and a Half Men'' as a carpenter/handyman. He says that he would act again if given small roles that he could fit in between his musical commitments.

He also guest starred as Gael, an Argentinean guitar playing/surfer/massage therapist love interest on the CBS hit TV show ''How I Met Your Mother''.

Iglesias also played the part of an evil Roman emperor in an ambitious TV commercial for Pepsi, which sponsored his last world tour. He starred alongside Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Pink, who turn the tables on him in the commercial. He's also starred in commercials for Doritos and for Viceroy watches.

Personal life

Iglesias started dating Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova in late 2001 (she appeared in his video, "Escape"), and rumors that the couple had secretly married circulated in 2003 and again in 2005. Kournikova herself has consistently refused to directly confirm or deny the status of her personal relationships. But in May 2007, Iglesias was (mistakenly, as he would clarify later) quoted in the ''New York Sun'' that he had no intention of marrying Kournikova and settling down because they had split up. The singer would later deny these rumors of "divorce" or simply separation. In June 2008, Iglesias told the ''Daily Star'' that he had married Kournikova the previous year and that they are currently separated. In an interview with Graham Norton in 2010, Kournikova confirmed that she and Iglesias have been together for over eight years but have no plans to marry in the near future.

Discography

Studio albums

''Enrique Iglesias'' (1995)

''Vivir'' (1997)

''Cosas del Amor'' (1998)

''Enrique'' (1999)

''Escape'' (2001)

''Quizás'' (2002)

''7'' (2003)

''Insomniac'' (2007)

''Euphoria'' (2010)

Filmography

! Year	Film	Role	! Notes
1997		"Si Tu Te Vas"	soundtrack
1999	''Wild Wild West''	"Bailamos"	soundtrackNominated - Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Song from a Movie.
	''I Love the New Millennium''		soundtrack
	"Hero"	soundtrack
	''Once Upon a Time in Mexico''	Lorenzo
	"Hero"	soundtrack
2005		Himself	Host
2006		"Hero"	soundtrack
	''America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9''	Himself	Special Guest
''Two and a Half Men''	Carpenter/Handyman	TV Guest
	Himself	Co-host
	Himself	Musical Guest
	''Step Up 2: The Streets''		soundtrack
		soundtrack
''Beverly Hills Chihuahua''	"Hero"	soundtrack
''Lady Godiva''	"Hero"	soundtrack
2009	''How I Met Your Mother''	"Gael"	TV Guest
2010	''Hot Tub Time Machine''	"Hero"	soundtrack

Awards and nominations

Enrique Iglesias is one of the most celebrated Latin Artists Of all time. He has won 16 Billboard Music Awards and 23 Billboard Latin Music Awards .He has won 5 American Music Awards ,1 Grammy and 1 Latin Grammy and 7 World Music Awards. He has also won an award for Best International Pop Act in MTV India Awards. He was also name "King Of Latin Pop". He has won 12 Premios Lo Nuestro Awards. In 2001, He was also awarded as Most Fashionable Artist in VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards. He has also won an award for Most Successful Spanish Artist Of The Decade (Spanish Artist Of The Decade) at Premios Ondas in 2002.

Enrique and Blackouts Evan Fitzpatrick will be performing in Toronto September,29th. 2011 at the Air Canada Centre.

See also

list of Best Selling Latin Artist

List of best-selling music artists

List of best-selling singles worldwide

References

External links

Enrique Iglesias Official website

Interscope Records Official Site

Enrique Iglesias profile at NNDB

Category:1975 births Category:English-language singers * Category:Expatriates in Serbia Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Living people Category:People from Madrid Category:People from Miami, Florida Category:Spanish expatriates Category:Spanish emigrants to the United States Category:Spanish-language singers Category:Spanish male singers Category:Spanish people of Filipino descent Category:University of Miami alumni Category:Children of Entertainers

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Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
name	Mayer Hawthorne
background	solo_singer
birth name	Andrew Mayer Cohen
birth date	February 02, 1979
alias	Haircut
origin	Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
instruments	Vocals, multi-instrumentalist
genre	Soul
occupation	Singer, producer, songwriter, arranger, audio engineer, DJ, rapper and multi-instrumentalist
years active	2008–present
label	Stones Throw Records, Universal Republic
website	StonesThrow.com/MayerHawthorne }}

Mayer Hawthorne (born Andrew Mayer Cohen on February 2, 1979) is an American singer, producer, songwriter, arranger, audio engineer, DJ, rapper and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, California, USA. The stage name "Mayer Hawthorne" is a combination of Cohen's real middle name (Mayer) and the name of the street he grew up on in Michigan (Hawthorne Rd). "Mayer Hawthorne and The County" is a name Cohen often uses when performing or recording as Mayer Hawthorne with other artists. In Cohen's words, "The County" is basically anyone who plays an instrument or sings on his album. It’s also his band when he performs live. Cohen also performs and records hip hop under the stage name Haircut, sometimes as part of the groups Now On & Athletic Mic League.

Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hawthorne moved to Los Angeles and was eventually signed to Stones Throw Records by label head Peanut Butter Wolf. Originally the Mayer Hawthorne tracks were meant to be just side projects for pleasure, but upon hearing them Peanut Butter Wolf insisted they be made into an album. Hawthorne has had no previous vocal training.

Mayer Hawthorne draws influence from the music of Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Leroy Hutson, Mike Terry, Barry White, Smokey Robinson and the legendary songwriting and production trio of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, and Edward Holland, Jr. (known collectively as Holland–Dozier–Holland). Taking umbrage at the notion that his is a purely "throwback" soul sound, however, Hawthorne also cites more contemporary artists, such as J-Dilla, as significant influences.

His debut single, "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out"/"When I Said Goodbye", was released on a red heart-shaped 7" record on Stones Throw Records on November 4, 2008. His second single "Maybe So, Maybe No"/"I Wish It Would Rain" was released on a 12" record on Stones Throw Records on April 19, 2009. His debut album, ''A Strange Arrangement'' was released on CD and LP on Stones Throw Records on September 8, 2009.

In July 2009, Hawthorne was featured on the cover of the third anniversary issue of ''Beyond Race Magazine (BRM).''

The song "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" was chosen as the Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week for October 13, 2009.

The song "When I Said Goodbye", was featured in the Kanye West/Spike Jonze short film ''We Were Once A Fairytale''.

Hawthorne's song, "Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin'" was featured in the fourth season of Ugly Betty in its finale episode entitled Hello Goodbye. The song begins in the scene at Betty's good-bye party when Marc asks Troy if he would like to dance.

Discography

Singles

"Just Ain't Gonna Work Out"/"When I Said Goodbye" 7" single (November 4, 2008, Stones Throw Records, STH7028)

"The Ills"/"The Ills (instrumental)" 7" single (2009, Stones Throw Records, STH7035)

"Maybe So, Maybe No"/"I Wish It Would Rain" 12" single (April 19, 2009, Stones Throw Records, STH2212)

"No Strings" 10" single (April, 2011, Stones Throw Records, STH2265)

"A Long Time" Digital single (May, 2011, Universal Republic)

"The Walk" (August, 2011, Universal Republic)

Albums

''A Strange Arrangement'' CD/LP (September 8, 2009, Stones Throw Records, STH2219-Deluxe, STH2230-Standard)

''Mayer Hawthorne & The County Direct To Disc'' 2LP (2011, Stones Throw Records, STH2273)

''How Do You Do'' (2011, Universal Republic)

Other

''A Few Tracks'' CD (promo)

"Impressions - The Covers" EP (It is available for free download)

References

External links

Liveagl.com

Mayer Hawthorne on Stones Throw Records

Mayer Hawthorne on Beyond Race Magazine (BRM)

Mayer Hawthorne aka Haircut on A-Side Worldwide

Mayer Hawthorne Fan Group SoulRnB.com

Category:Stones Throw Records artists Category:1979 births Category:Living people Category:Blue-eyed soul singers

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