Coordinates	38°37′38″N90°11′52″N
name	Jeffrey Osborne
background	solo_singer
birth date	March 09, 1948
origin	Providence, Rhode Island, United States
instrument	Vocals, drums
genre	Funk R&B;
occupation	Singer, drummer
years active	Member of L.T.D.: 1970–1981 Solo career: 1981–present
label	A&M; Arista Hip-O Records Private Music Koch Records
associated acts	L.T.D.
website	www.jeffreyosborne.com }}

Jeffrey Linton Osborne (born March 9, 1948) is an American funk and R&B; musician, songwriter, and former lead singer of the band, L.T.D.

Early life and career

Osborne was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He is the youngest of 12 children and is part of a musical family. He has five brothers and six sisters, some of whom went on to have music careers (his brother Billy was an L.T.D. bandmate). Osborne's father, Clarence "Legs" Osborne, was a popular trumpeter who played with Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington and died when Osborne was thirteen. Osborne started his music career in 1970 with a band called Love Men Ltd., who would later become known as L.T.D. The band recorded hit singles such as "(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again", "Concentrate on You," "Love Ballad" and "Holding On (When Love Is Gone)". At first, Osborne was a drummer, sharing lead vocal duties with his brother Billy, but by 1978 he became the group's primary lead vocalist. He and Billy both left L.T.D. in late 1980 to start solo careers. His solo success includes five gold and platinum albums.

Solo career

In 1982, Osborne released his self-titled debut album, which featured two hit singles, "On the Wings of Love" and "I Really Don't Need No Light", peaking at #29 & #39 on the pop chart respectively. This was followed up the next year by ''Stay with Me Tonight'', his first gold album (later reaching platinum album status), which spawned two more hits, "Don't You Get So Mad" (#25) and the title track (#30). "Stay with Me Tonight" (April 1984, #18) and "On the Wings of Love" (June 1984, #11) reach the UK Singles Chart.

In 1985, he wrote the lyrics to the Whitney Houston hit "All at Once" (music by Michael Masser). He appeared on USA for Africa's fundraising single, "We Are the World" in 1985. He would later appear on ''Celebrity Duets'' in 2006, performing "On The Wings Of Love" with Alfonso Ribeiro. Osborne lent his vocals to the theme song of the soap opera, ''Loving'', from 1992 to 1995 as well as the first season theme song for the Kirstie Alley comedy ''Veronica's Closet''

Osborne had two more gold albums, ''Don't Stop'' and ''Emotional'', the latter of which had his highest charting solo pop hit, "You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song)", which peaked at #13 in 1986.

The following year, Osborne had the highest-charting hit of his career duetting with Dionne Warwick on "Love Power", which reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also topped the Adult Contemporary singles chart. This was a turning point in his pop success, as his albums and singles began charting lower and lower on the pop charts. Osborne's 1988 single "She's on the Left" would be his final Hot 100 entry, as well as his only #1 R&B; hit.

After scoring two more substantial R&B; hits in the early 1990s, "Only Human" and "If My Brother's in Trouble", Osborne would be absent from the charts for the remainder of the decade.

In the new millennium, he returned with a series of albums that, while far from the success he enjoyed in the 1980s, returned him to Adult R&B; radio, scoring modest chart singles such as "Rest of Our Lives" (#75, 2003) and his cover of Barbara Mason's classic "Yes, I'm Ready" (#64, 2005).

In 2008, Osborne sang the national anthem before Game 4 of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, a feat which he repeated in 2009, before Game 1 of the 2009 NBA Finals, and also again in 2010 before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, all at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. He also regularly sang the national anthem before Hartford Whalers games.

On March 1, 2010, Osborne appeared on ''The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love'' season finale, "After the Final Rose", singing his hit "On the Wings of Love" while Bachelor Jake Pavelka took to the dance floor with his newly announced fiance, Vienna Girardi.

Discography

Albums

1982: ''Jeffrey Osborne'' (A&M;) - US Pop #49, US R&B; #3

1983: ''Stay With Me Tonight'' (A&M;) - US Pop #25, US R&B; #3, UK #56

1984: ''Don't Stop'' (A&M;) - US Pop #39, US R&B; #7, UK #59

1986: ''Emotional'' (A&M;) - US Pop #27, US R&B; #5

1988: ''One Love: One Dream'' (A&M;) - US Pop #86, US R&B; #12

1991: ''Only Human'' (Arista) - US Pop #95, US R&B; #9

1997: ''Something Warm for Christmas'' (A&M;) - US R&B; #86

1999: ''Ultimate Collection'' (Hip-O)

2000: ''That's for Sure'' (Private Music) - US Pop #191, US R&B; #50

2003: ''Music Is Life'' (Koch) - US R&B; #50

2005: ''From the Soul'' (Koch) - US R&B; #72

Singles

Year	Single	Chart positions
		! width="40"	! width="40"	! width="40"	! width="40"
		39	3	—	—
	29	13	7	11
		76	—	18	—
	25	3	29	54
	30	4	—	18
		—	10	—	—
	48	16	6	—
	40	2	37	—
	44	6	—	61
	38	7	—	98
		—	44	—	—
		13	2	2	—
	—	18	—	44
	—	29	—	96
	—	82	15	—
	align="left"	12	5	1	63
		48	1	—	—
	—	28	—	—
		—	48	—	—
	—	46	25	93
		—	3	—	—
		—	11	—	—
	—	24	—	—
		—	75	—	—
		—	64	—	—

Filmography

''The Young Messiah - Messiah XXI'' (2006) (DVD)

Occurrences of songs in the media

He sang with Vonda Shepard at the bar in the end of episode four ("Without A Net") of season four of the television show ''Ally McBeal''.

Pam sang the first bars of "On The Wings of Love" from the album ''Jeffrey Osborne'' with Dwight's recorder accompaniment during a bird's funeral on ''The Office'' third season episode "Grief Counseling."

A snippet of "On The Wings of Love" is often played on the E! show ''The Soup'' as a reoccurring joke every time Joel McHale mentions the current ''Bachelor'' season. On the 5th of March he was nominated for one of The Soup Awards and lost to Heidi Montag. Despite the loss, he sang a parody of this song.

==="Stay with Me Tonight"===Written by Raymond Jones

Played in the 1984 film, ''Splash''

Played in the television shows, ''Sisters'' and ''Knight Rider''

Portrayed by J.O. on the Robert Townsend sitcom, ''The Parent 'Hood''

Played in the 1988 TV movie, ''Ladykillers'' and was the showpiece song

Part of the playlist of 80s radio station ''Vice City FM'' in Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City

See also

''L.T.D. discography''

References

External links

Official website

[ Allmusic.com biography]

Soultracks.com profile of Jeffrey Osborne

Jeffrey Osborne at Wenig-LaMonica Associates

VH1 bio on Jeffrey Osborne

Category:1948 births Category:Living people Category:People from Providence, Rhode Island Category:Musicians from Rhode Island Category:African American singers Category:American male singers Category:American rhythm and blues musicians Category:American soul musicians Category:American funk musicians

de:Jeffrey Osborne

Coordinates	38°37′38″N90°11′52″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	38°37′38″N90°11′52″N
Name	B.B. King
background	solo_singer
birth name	Riley King
alias	B.B. King
birth date	September 16, 1925
origin	Itta Bena, Mississippi, United States
instrument	Guitar, vocals, piano
genre	Blues, soul blues, jazz, blues rock, electric blues, rhythm and blues, soul
Occupation	Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer
Years active	1949–present
Label	Geffen/Interscope/Universal, Bullet Records, RPM Records, Crown, ABC, MCA, Reprise/Warner Bros., Virgin/EMI
Associated acts	Bobby Bland, Eric Clapton, Pappo
Website	www.bbking.com, www.bbkingmuseum.org
Notable instruments	Lucille }}

Riley B. King (born September 16, 1925), known by the stage name B.B. King, is an American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter.

''Rolling Stone'' magazine ranked him at No.3 on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. According to Edward M. Komara, King "introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that would influence virtually every electric blues guitarist that followed." King has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Early life

King was born in a small cabin on a cotton plantation outside of Berclair, near Indianola, Mississippi, to Albert King and Nora Ella Farr on September 16, 1925.

In 1930, when King was four years old, his father abandoned the family, and his mother married another man. Because Nora Ella was too poor to raise her son, King was raised by his maternal grandmother Elnora Farr in Kilmichael, Mississippi. Over the years, B.B. has developed one of the world's most identifiable guitar styles. He borrowed from Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise and complex vocal-like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of rock guitarist's vocabulary. His economy and phrasing has been a model for thousands of players, from Eric Clapton and George Harrison to Jeff Beck. B.B. has mixed traditional blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. In B.B.'s words, "When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille." King grew up singing in the gospel choir at Elkhorn Baptist Church in Kilmichael. At age 12, he purchased his first guitar for $15.00 although another reference indicates he was given his first guitar by his cousin, Bukka White. In 1943, King left Kilmichael to work as a tractor driver and play guitar with the Famous St. John's Quartet of Inverness, Mississippi, performing at area churches and on WGRM in Greenwood, Mississippi.

In 1946, King followed his cousin Bukka White to Memphis, Tennessee. White took him in for the next ten months. However, King shortly returned to Mississippi, where he decided to prepare himself better for the next visit, and returned to West Memphis, Arkansas, two years later in 1948. He performed on Sonny Boy Williamson's radio program on KWEM in West Memphis, Arkansas where he began to develop a local audience for his sound. King's appearances led to steady engagements at the Sixteenth Avenue Grill in West Memphis and later to a ten-minute spot on the legendary Memphis radio station WDIA. "King's Spot," became so popular, it was expanded and became the "Sepia Swing Club."

Initially he worked at the local R&B; radio station WDIA as a singer and disc jockey, where he gained the nickname "Beale Street Blues Boy", later shortened to "B.B." It was there that he first met T-Bone Walker. ''"Once I'd heard him for the first time, I knew I'd have to have [an electric guitar] myself. 'Had' to have one, short of stealing!"'', he said.

Career

1949–2005

In 1949, King began recording songs under contract with Los Angeles-based RPM Records. Many of King's early recordings were produced by Sam Phillips, who later founded Sun Records. Before his RPM contract, King had debuted on Bullet Records by issuing the single "Miss Martha King" (1949), which did not chart well. "My very first recordings [in 1949] were for a company out of Nashville called Bullet, the Bullet Record Transcription company," King recalls. "I had horns that very first session. I had Phineas Newborn on piano; his father played drums, and his brother, Calvin, played guitar with me. I had Tuff Green on bass, Ben Branch on tenor sax, his brother, Thomas Branch, on trumpet, and a lady trombone player. The Newborn family were the house band at the famous Plantation Inn in West Memphis." King assembled his own band; the B.B. King Review, under the leadership of Millard Lee. The band initially consisted of Calvin Owens and Kenneth Sands (trumpet), Lawrence Burdin (alto saxophone), George Coleman (tenor saxophone), Floyd Newman (baritone saxophone), Millard Lee (piano), George Joyner (bass) and Earl Forest and Ted Curry (drums). Onzie Horne was a trained musician elicited as an arranger to assist King with his compositions. By his own admission, he cannot play chords well and always relies on improvisation. This was followed by tours across the USA with performances in major theaters in cities such as Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit and St. Louis, as well as numerous gigs in small clubs and juke joints of the southern US states.

In the winter of 1949, King played at a dance hall in Twist, Arkansas. In order to heat the hall, a barrel half-filled with kerosene was lit, a fairly common practice at the time. During a performance, two men began to fight, knocking over the burning barrel and sending burning fuel across the floor. The hall burst into flames, which triggered an evacuation. Once outside, King realized that he had left his guitar inside the burning building. He entered the blaze to retrieve his beloved guitar, a Gibson semi-hollow electric. Two people died in the fire. The next day, King learned that the two men were fighting over a woman named Lucille. King named that first guitar Lucille, as well as every one he owned since that near-fatal experience, as a reminder never again to do something as stupid as run into a burning building or fight over women.

King meanwhile toured the entire "Chitlin' circuit" and 1956 became a record-breaking year, with 342 concerts booked. The same year he founded his own record label, Blues Boys Kingdom, with headquarters at Beale Street in Memphis. There, among other projects, he produced artists such as Millard Lee and Levi Seabury.

In the 1950s, B.B. King became one of the most important names in R&B; music, amassing an impressive list of hits including "3 O'Clock Blues", "You Know I Love You," "Woke Up This Morning," "Please Love Me," "When My Heart Beats like a Hammer," "Whole Lotta Love," "You Upset Me Baby," "Every Day I Have the Blues", "Sneakin' Around," "Ten Long Years," "Bad Luck," "Sweet Little Angel", "On My Word of Honor," and "Please Accept My Love." In 1962, King signed to ABC-Paramount Records, which was later absorbed into MCA Records, and then his current label, Geffen Records. In November 1964, King recorded the ''Live at the Regal'' album at the Regal Theater in Chicago, Illinois.

King won a Grammy Award for a tune called "The Thrill Is Gone"; his version became a hit on both the pop and R&B; charts, which was rare during that time for an R&B; artist. It also gained the number 183 spot in ''Rolling Stone'' magazine's ''500 Greatest Songs of All Time''. He gained further visibility among rock audiences as an opening act on The Rolling Stones' 1969 American Tour. King's mainstream success continued throughout the 1970s with songs like "To Know You is to Love You" and "I Like to Live the Love".

King was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980. In 2004 he was awarded the international Polar Music Prize, given to artists "in recognition of exceptional achievements in the creation and advancement of music."

From the 1980s onward he has continued to maintain a highly visible and active career, appearing on numerous television shows and performing 300 nights a year. In 1988, King reached a new generation of fans with the single "When Love Comes to Town", a collaborative effort between King and the Irish band U2 on their ''Rattle and Hum'' album. In 2000, King teamed up with guitarist Eric Clapton to record ''Riding With the King''. In 1998, King appeared in ''The Blues Brothers 2000'', playing the part of the lead singer of the Louisiana Gator Boys, along with Clapton, Dr. John, Koko Taylor and Bo Diddley.

2006–present: farewell tour and later activities

Aged 80 at the time, on March 29, 2006, King played at Hallam Arena in Sheffield, England. This was the first date of his United Kingdom and European farewell tour. He played this tour supported by Northern Irish guitarist Gary Moore, with whom King had previously toured and recorded, including the song "Since I Met You Baby". The British leg of the tour ended on April 4 with a concert at Wembley Arena. And on June 28, 2009 King returned to Wembley arena to end a tour around Great Britain with British blues icon John Mayall. When questioned as to why he was embarking on another tour after already completing his farewell stint, King jokingly remarked that he had never actually said the farewell tour would be his last.

In July King went back to Europe, playing twice (July 2 and 3) in the 40th edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival and also in Zürich at the Blues at Sunset on July 14. During his show in Montreux at the Stravinski Hall he jammed with Joe Sample, Randy Crawford, David Sanborn, Gladys Knight, Lella James, Earl Thomas, Stanley Clarke, John McLaughlin, Barbara Hendricks and George Duke. The European leg of the Farewell Tour ended in Luxembourg on September 19, 2006, at the D'Coque Arena (support act: Todd Sharpville).

In November and December, King played six times in Brazil. During a press conference on November 29 in São Paulo, a journalist asked King if that would be the actual farewell tour. He answered: "One of my favorite actors is a man from Scotland named Sean Connery. Most of you know him as James Bond, 007. He made a movie called ''Never Say Never Again''."

In June 2006, King was present at a memorial of his first radio broadcast at the Three Deuces Building in Greenwood, Mississippi, where an official marker of the Mississippi Blues Trail was erected. The same month, a groundbreaking was held for a new museum, dedicated to King. in Indianola, Mississippi. The museum opened on September 13, 2008.

In late October 2006, he recorded a concert CD and DVD entitled ''B.B. King: Live'' at his B.B. King Blues Clubs in Nashville and Memphis. The four night production featured his regular B.B. King Blues Band and captured his show as he performs it nightly around the world. It was his first live performance recording in 14 years.

On July 28, 2007, King played at Eric Clapton's second Crossroads Guitar Festival with 20 other guitarists to raise money for the Crossroads Centre for addictive disorders. Performing in Chicago, he played "Paying the Cost to Be the Boss", "Rock Me Baby" and "Thrill is Gone" (although the latter was not published on the DVD release) with Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaughan and Hubert Sumlin. In a poignant moment during the live broadcast, he offered a toast to the concert's host, Eric Clapton, and also reflected upon his own life and seniority. Adding to the poignancy, the four-minute speech — which had been underlaid with a mellow chord progression by Robert Cray throughout — made a transition to an emotional rendition of "Thrill is Gone". Parts of this performance were subsequently aired in a PBS broadcast and released on the ''Crossroads II'' DVD.

Also in 2007, King accepted an invitation to contribute to ''Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino'' (Vanguard Records). With Ivan Neville's DumpstaPhunk, King contributed his version of the title song, "Goin' Home".

In 2007 King performed "One Shoe Blues" on the Sandra Boynton children's album ''Blue Moo'', accompanied by a pair of sock puppets in the video.

In June 2008, King played at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee; he was also the final performer at the 25th annual Chicago Blues Festival on June 8, 2008, and at the Monterey Blues Festival, following Taj Mahal. Another June 2008 event was King's induction into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame alongside Liza Minnelli and Sir James Galway.

In July 2008, Sirius XM Radio's Bluesville channel was re-named B.B. King's Bluesville.

On December 1, 2008, King performed at the Maryland Theater in Hagerstown, Maryland. On December 3, King and John Mayer were the closing act at the 51st Grammy Nomination Concert, playing "Let the Good Times Roll" by Louis Jordan. On December 30, 2008, King played at The Kennedy Center Honors Awards Show; his performance was in honor of actor Morgan Freeman.

thumb|European Tour 2009, Vienna, July 2009In Summer 2009 B.B. King started a European Tour with concerts in France, Germany, Belgium, Finland and Denmark.

In March 2010, King contributed to Cyndi Lauper's album ''Memphis Blues'', which was released on June 22, 2010.

King performed at the Mawazine festival in Rabat, Morocco, on May 27, 2010.

On June 25, 2011 BB King played the pyramid stage at The Glastonbury Music Festival. On the June 28 he opened his new European tour at The Royal Albert Hall, London, supported by Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, Ronnie Wood, Mick Hucknall and Slash.

On December 30, 2011, B.B. King played the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Over a period of 62 years, B.B. King has played in excess of 15,000 performances.

B.B. King's Blues Club

In 1991, B.B. King's Blues Club opened on Beale Street in Memphis, and in 1994, a second club was launched at Universal City Walk in Los Angeles. A third club in New York City's Times Square opened in June 2000. Two further clubs opened at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut in January 2002 and another in Nashville in 2003. A club in West Palm Beach opened in the fall of 2009 and an additional one, based in the Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas, is due to open in the winter of 2009. In 2007, a B.B. King's Blues Club in Orlando opened on International Drive. The Memphis, Nashville, Orlando, West Palm Beach and Las Vegas stores are all the same Company.

Legacy

King is widely regarded as one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time, inspiring countless other electric blues and blues-rock guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Peter Green, Derek Trucks, Duane Allman, Elmore James and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Philanthropy

In 2001, King signed on as an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization that provides free musical instruments and instruction to children in underprivileged public schools throughout the US. He sits on LKR's Honorary Board of Directors.

TV appearances

B.B. King has made guest appearances in numerous popular television shows, including ''The Cosby Show'', ''The Young and the Restless'', ''General Hospital'', ''The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'', ''Sesame Street'', ''Married... with Children'', ''Sanford and Son'', and ''Touched by an Angel''. He has also made a cameo in the movie ''Spies Like Us''.

Personal life

King has been married twice, to Martha Lee Denton, 1946 to 1952, and to Sue Carol Hall, 1958 to 1966. Both marriages ended because of the heavy demands made on the marriage by King's 250 performances a year. It is reported that he has fathered 15 children and as of 2004 is the grandfather to fifty grandchildren. He has lived with Type II diabetes for over twenty years and is a high-profile spokesman in the fight against the disease, appearing in advertisements for diabetes-management products along with American Idol season 9 contestant Crystal Bowersox.

King is an FAA licensed Private Pilot and learned to fly in 1963 at Chicago Hammond Airport in Lansing, IL (now Lansing Municipal Airport – KIGQ). He frequently flew to gigs, but under the advice of his insurance company and manager in 1995, King was asked to fly only with another licensed pilot; and as a result, King stopped flying around age 70.

His favorite singer is Frank Sinatra. In his autobiography King speaks about how he was, and is, a "Sinatra nut" and how he went to bed every night listening to Sinatra's classic album ''In the Wee Small Hours''. King has credited Sinatra for opening doors to black entertainers who were not given the chance to play in "white-dominated" venues; Sinatra got B.B. King into the main clubs in Las Vegas during the 1960s.

Discography

Honors and awards

In 1980, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. In 1987, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 1990, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts. In 1991, he was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship from the NEA. King was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1995. This is given to recognize "the lifelong accomplishments and extraordinary talents of our nation's most prestigious artists." In 2004, the Royal Swedish Academy of Music awarded him the Polar Music Prize for his "significant contributions to the blues". On December 15, 2006, President George W. Bush awarded King the Presidential Medal of Freedom. On May 27, 2007, King was awarded an honorary doctorate in music by Brown University. On May 14, 2008, King was presented with the keys to the city of Utica, New York; and on May 18, 2008, the mayor of Portland, Maine, Edward Suslovic, declared the day "B.B. King Day" in the city. Prior to King's performance at the Merrill Auditorium, Suslovic presented King with the keys to the city. In 2009, ''TIME'' named B.B. King No.3 on its list of the 10 best electric guitarists of all time. Each year during the first week in June, a B.B. King Homecoming Festival is held in Indianola, Mississippi. A Mississippi Blues Trail marker was added for B.B. King, commemorating his birthplace.

On May 29, 2010, Sabrosa Park (at the small town of Sabrosa, north of Portugal) was renamed B.B. King Park in honor of King and the free concert he played before 20,000 people.

Grammy Awards

Years reflect the year in which the Grammy was awarded, for music released in the previous year.

1971: Best Male R&B; Vocal Performance for "The Thrill Is Gone".

1982: Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording for "There Must Be a Better World Somewhere".

1984: Best Traditional Blues Recording for "Blues 'n Jazz".

1986: Best Traditional Blues Recording for "My Guitar Sings the Blues".

1991: Best Traditional Blues Recording for "Live at San Quentin".

1992: Best Traditional Blues Album for "Live at the Apollo".

1994: Best Traditional Blues Album for "Blues Summit".

1997: Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "SRV Shuffle".

2000: Best Traditional Blues Album for "Blues on the Bayou".

2001: Best Traditional Blues Album for "Riding with the King".

2001: Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Is You or Is You Ain't (Baby)".

2003: Best Traditional Blues Album for "A Christmas Celebration of Hope".

2003: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for "Auld Lang Syne".

2006: Best Traditional Blues Album for "80".

2009: Best Traditional Blues Album for "One Kind Favor".

King was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987.

A Grammy Hall of Fame Award was given to "The Thrill is Gone" in 1998, an award given to recordings that are at least 25 years old and that have "qualitative or historical significance."

See also

List of honorific titles in popular music

List of nicknames of blues musicians

References

External links

Official B. B. King-website

Official B. B. King Museum website

Tickets Portal of BB King

1980 Blues Foundation Hall of Fame induction

Live Photos 1 2

B. B. King's oral history video excerpts at The National Visionary Leadership Project

B. B. King biographer Charlie Sawyer writes about returning to the Delta and a "charette" on the B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, Mississippi

Harvard University pays tribute to B.B. King with multiple web pages and a video of a 2-hour concert honoring B.B. King at Harvard University in 2007, featuring "Monster Mike" Welch and J. Geils performing with the blues band "2120 South Michigan Avenue"

B. B. King: Number 1 Bluesman (November 22, 1969) KPFA audio documentary at archive.org.

Category:1925 births Category:African American guitarists Category:African American singer-songwriters Category:American blues guitarists Category:American blues singers Category:American blues singer-songwriters Category:American buskers Category:American rhythm and blues musicians Category:Songwriters from Mississippi Category:Blues Hall of Fame inductees Category:Blues musicians from Mississippi Category:Electric blues musicians Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners Category:Jammy Award winners Category:Kennedy Center honorees Category:Kent Records artists Category:Lead guitarists Category:Living people Category:Memphis blues musicians Category:Mississippi Blues Trail Category:National Heritage Fellowship winners Category:People from Leflore County, Mississippi Category:People from Sunflower County, Mississippi Category:People from Memphis, Tennessee Category:Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees‎ Category:RPM Records artists Category:MCA Records artists Category:Geffen Records artists Category:Virgin Records artists Category:Soul-blues musicians Category:Sun Records artists Category:United States National Medal of Arts recipients

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