Statute of Grand Duchy of Lithuania, written in Polish

A statute is a formal written enactment of a legislative authority that governs a state, city, or county.^[1] Typically, statutes command or prohibit something, or declare policy.^[1] The word is often used to distinguish law made by legislative bodies from case law, decided by courts, and regulations issued by government agencies.^[1] Statutes are sometimes referred to as legislation or "black letter law". As a source of law, statutes are considered primary authority (as opposed to secondary authority).

Ideally all statutes must be in harmony with the fundamental law of the land (constitutional).

This word is used in contradistinction to the common law. Statutes acquire their force from the time of their passage, however unless otherwise provided. Statutes are of several kinds; namely, Public or private. Declaratory or remedial. Temporary or perpetual. A temporary statute is one which is limited in its duration at the time of its enactment. It continues in force until the time of its limitation has expired, unless sooner repealed. A perpetual statute is one for the continuance of which there is no limited time, although it may not be expressly declared to be so. If, however, a statute which did not itself contain any limitation is to be governed by another which is temporary only, the former will also be temporary and dependent upon the existence of the latter.^[2]

Before a statute becomes law in some countries, it must be agreed upon by the highest executive in the government, and finally published as part of a code. In many countries, statutes are organized in topical arrangements (or "codified") within publications called codes, such as the United States Code. In many nations statutory law is distinguished from and subordinate to constitutional law.^{[citation needed]}

Alternative meanings[link]

International law[link]

The term statute is also used to refer to an International treaty that establishes an institution, such as the Statute of the European Central Bank, a protocol to the international courts as well, such as the Statute of the International Court of Justice and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Statute is also another word for law. The term was adapted from England in about the 18th century.

Autonomy Statute[link]

In the Autonomous Communities of Spain, the autonomy statute is a legal document similar to a state constitution in a federated state. The autonomies statutes in Spain have the rank of "Ley Organica", a category of special laws reserved only for the main institutions and issues and mentioned in the Constitution (the highest ranking legal instrument in Spain). Leyes Organicas rank between the Constitution and ordinary laws. The name was chosen, among others, to avoid confusion with the term Constitution (i.e. the Spanish Constitution of 1978).

Religious statutes[link]

Biblical terminology[link]

In biblical terminology, a Statute (Hebrew chok) refers to a law given without a reason. The classic example is the Statute regarding the Red Heifer.

The opposite of a chok is a mishpat, a law given for a specified reason, e.g. the Sabbath laws, which were given because "God created the world in six days, but on the seventh day He rested".　(Genesis 2:2-3)

[edit] Dharma

That which upholds, supports or maintains the regulatory order of the universe meaning the Law or Natural Law. This is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion.

See also[link]

• Constitution
• Legislation
• Legislature
• Organic statute
• Statutory law

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Statutes

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Jessica Care Moore is an African American poet born in Detroit, on October 28, 1971.^[1]

Career[link]

Moore first won acclaim as the first poet to ever win the nationally televised Showtime at the Apollo competition 5 times in a row. That same year, she would be filmed for the documentary SlamNation. The film followed her and the 1996 Nuyorican Poetry Slam Team (Saul Williams, Beau Sia and muMs da Schemer) as they competed at the 1996 National Poetry Slam. In the book Words In Your Face: A Guided Tour Through Twenty Years of the New York City Poetry Slam, author Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz wrote of Moore's time in the poetry slam, noting "Her razor-sharp verse confronted and addressed the difficulties of being a black woman and a black poet in a culture that seemed to support neither.^[2]"

She has been referenced by rapper Talib Kweli and has appeared on rapper Nas's Nastradamus album. One of her most famous poems is "Until We Dance, For Joseph" dedicated to a family member who died of AIDS, which is frequently recited at AIDS Walks. She has performed and collaborated with literary, musical and other noted celebrities such as George Clinton, Antonio Hart, Nas, the late Ossie Davis, Mos Def, the late Gregory Hines, Judith Jamison, CeCe Winans, Anthony David, Roy Ayers, Gil Scott Heron, Sonia Sanchez, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Patrice Rushen, Talib Kweli, Ntozake Shange, Nikki Giovanni, The Last Poets and many more.

Moore Black Press[link]

Founder and CEO of Moore Black Press, Moore has released poetry by noted poets and authors Saul Williams and Asha Bandele, as well as three of her own books, The Words Don't Fit My Mouth (1997) and The Alphabet Verses The Ghetto (2003), and God is Not an American. (2009). She has appeared on several episodes of Russell Simmons' Def Poetry, has been featured in Essence magazine and appeared on the television miniseries I'll Make Me A World (1999). She also served as executive producer for and hosted her own television show Spoken (2004) on the Black Family Channel. In 1999, she was honored as Woman of the Year by the Harvard Black Men's Forum. Her publishing house can be found online at www.mooreblackpress.com She is the Founder of Black Women Rock! A concert, panel and workshop series dedicated to supporting and inspiring women who play rock and roll music. www.blackwomenrock.net

References[link]

External links[link]

• Jessica Care Moore on Myspace
• Books by Jessica Care Moore
• http://www.mohistory.org/education-and-events/events/2937?ctx=/calendar/2009/10/2/ Jessica Care Moore at Missouri History Museum Friday Oct 2, 2009

Ellie Goulding
Goulding performing at Lincoln Hall, Chicago, U.S., March 30, 2011.
Background information
Birth name	Elena Jane Goulding
Born	(1986-12-30) 30 December 1986 (age 25) Hereford, Herefordshire, England
Origin	London, England
Genres	Indie pop, electropop, synthpop, folktronica
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, guitarist, pianist, drummer
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, drums, piano, clarinet, mandolin, tambourine
Years active	2007–present
Labels	Neon Gold, Polydor, Cherrytree, Interscope
Associated acts	Starsmith, Frankmusik, Diana Vickers, Gabriella Cilmi, Little Boots, Tinie Tempah, Erik Hassle, Lissie, Mumford & Sons, Skrillex,Swedish House Mafia, Lupe Fiasco, DJ Daaar
Website	elliegoulding.com

Elena Jane Goulding (born 30 December 1986),^[1] known professionally as Ellie Goulding, is an English singer-songwriter. In 2010 she became the second artist to both top the BBC's annual Sound of... poll and win the Critics' Choice Award at the BRIT Awards in the same year, following Adele's win of both in 2008. After signing to Polydor Records in 2009, she released her first EP in 2009, An Introduction to Ellie Goulding, followed by her debut studio album Lights in 2010. Her album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and has sold over 650,000 copies in the UK. "Lights" was released in America March 8th 2011, where the title track has been certified platinum by the RIAA (excess of 1 million units sold) ^[2].

Goulding is a soprano,^[3] and her musical style has been compared to that of Kate Nash, Meiko, Lykke Li and Tracey Thorn.^[4]

Background and personal life[link]

Goulding was born and brought up in a small town near Hereford, Herefordshire, the second of four children.^[5][6] She began playing the clarinet at the age of nine, and at 14 began learning guitar. She attended Lady Hawkins' School in Kington, where she won a main part in a school production, the Wizard Of Oz, as the scarecrow. She started songwriting at the age of 15 and while in college she won a singing competition.^[7]

After commencing a drama course, politics course, and an English course at the University of Kent,^[8] where she was exposed to electronic music, she developed her sound on the track "Wish I Stayed" with the help of Starsmith and Frankmusik. Starsmith went on to become her chief collaborator and primary producer of Lights. After two years at Kent, she was advised to take a gap year to pursue singing,^[9][10] and moved to West London.^[11]

She is a keen runner, running six miles every day, and in 2010 announced plans to run a marathon.^[6] In support of her second EP, Run Into the Light, she invited a small number of fans through her Facebook pages, to run with her in seven different cities on her UK tour,^[12] and has announced that she will be doing the same across Europe and the United States. Goulding is considered to have an impressively athletic physique.^[13][14][15]

Music career[link]

Early career[link]

Signed to Polydor Records in September 2009,^[9] Goulding's debut single, "Under the Sheets", was released digitally in the United Kingdom on 15 November 2009,^[16] peaking at number fifty-three on the UK Singles Chart.^[17] In October 2009 she toured the UK supporting Little Boots,^[18] and appeared on Later... with Jools Holland, performing "Under the Sheets" and "Guns and Horses".^[19] "Wish I Stayed" was available as a free download as the Single of the Week on iTunes Store UK from 22–28 December 2009.^[20]

[edit] 2009–11: Lights and Bright Lights

Before the release of her debut studio album, Goulding won the BBC Sound of 2010 poll, which showcases the critics, broadcasters and music industry insiders' top choices for rising stars and artists for the coming year.^[21] She also won the Critics' Choice Award at the 2010 BRIT Awards, which prize made her the second artist to win both in the same year.^[22]

Goulding performing in Amsterdam on 17 September 2010.

Goulding's debut album Lights was released in March 2010, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and number six on the Irish Albums Chart.^[23][24][25] Its singles, "Starry Eyed", "Guns and Horses" and "The Writer" peaked at numbers 4, 26, and 19 respectively.^[17] The album has sold over 650,000 copies in the UK as of April 2012.^[26] In August 2010, Goulding released a second EP, Run Into the Light, containing remixes of songs from Lights. The album was supported by Nike and was released through Polydor as a running soundtrack in an effort to get Goulding's music taken up by the national running subculture.^[12]

In November 2010, Lights was re-released as Bright Lights, with six new tracks added. It was originally announced that the lead single from Bright Lights would be the new edit of the title track with a release scheduled for 1 November 2010.^[27] Yet this was scrapped to allow her cover of Elton John's "Your Song" to be released in conjunction with the John Lewis Christmas 2010 advertising campaign in the UK.^[28] The single became Goulding's highest-charting single to date, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart.^[17] The song also charted in some European countries in early 2011.^[29]

Goulding toured in support of Lights and supported Passion Pit in March 2010 and John Mayall during his British tour in May 2010.^[30] During the summer she performed at a number of festivals. On 29 May she performed at the Dot to Dot Festival in Bristol.^[12] She performed a set on 25 June at the Glastonbury Festival 2010 on the John Peel Stage.^[31] Her third EP was a live recording of part of her set at the iTunes Festival 2010.^[32] The whole set was ultimately included as bonus content on the iTunes version of Bright Lights.^[33] She made her T in the Park debut on 11 July.^[34] She played on the Nissan Juke Arena at the 2010 V Festival in late August.^[35] In September she was part of the line-up at Bestival 2010 on the Isle of Wight.^[36] In support of the album in Europe she performed on the first day of Pukkelpop in Belgium, at the Open'er Festival in Poland and at Benicàssim in Spain.^[37] A track from Lights, "Every Time You Go", was featured in the Vampire Diaries episode "Founder's Day", "Your Biggest Mistake" appeared in an episode of The Inbetweeners.^[38] and "Believe Me" appeared in an episode of 90210. She began a tour of the United States and Canada in February 2011 to coincide with the release of the American edition of Lights.^[39] In August/September 2010 the singer was an opening act on Irish alternative rock band U2's U2 360 Tour in Munich, Germany, Vienna, Austria, and Zurich, Switzerland.^{[citation needed]}

In January 2011 it was announced that the title track from Lights would serve as the second single from Bright Lights.^[40] In early 2011 she recorded an original song for the film Life in a Day. Goulding was placed at number five on Rolling Stone's annual hot list in February 2011.^[41] In February 2011 she returned to the BRIT Awards where she was nominated for Best British Female and Best British Breakthrough Act, but lost out to Laura Marling and Tinie Tempah, respectively.^[42] Previously she had performed at the BRITs launch party where the nominations were announced.

She also played live at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2011.^[6] Goulding made her American television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live on 7 April 2011 performing "Starry Eyed". She appeared as the musical guest on the 700th episode of the Saturday Night Live, broadcast 7 May 2011 and hosted by Tina Fey.^[43][44] She served as one of many live performers at the wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton on 29 April 2011 singing her rendition of "Your Song" for the couple's first dance as well as her hits "The Writer" and "Starry Eyed" and several of William and Kate's personal favourites.^[45] She was introduced to Prince William by Tinie Tempah at a music festival during the summer of 2010. Goulding performed, for the second consecutive year, at Radio 1's Big Weekend on Saturday 14 May.^[46]

Goulding headlined the 2011 Wakestock Festival in Wales, performing on 8 July.^[47] In August she, again, performed at V Festival for her second year in a row.^[48] Following the re-release of Lights and the American release of the album, Goulding said she would soon begin work on a second studio album with an expected release in September 2011.^[49]

On 6 August 2011, Goulding performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago.^[50] Goulding performed at the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert on 11 December 2011 in Oslo, Norway, where she also served on a panel discussion with Amy Lee of Evanescence and Janelle Monáe.^[51] On 1 December 2011, Goulding performed at the White House during the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, alongside the likes of Big Time Rush and will.i.am.^[52] On 18 January 2012, Goulding performed "Lights" on Late Show with David Letterman.^[53]

2011–present: Second studio album[link]

In February 2011, Goulding told the Daily Star that she had plans to release a follow-up to Lights sometime in 2012, commenting, "I'm not going to go away for ages. It'll be out this year or the start of next."^[54] The following month, when asked about the album's musical direction in an interview with gossip website Dean Piper's World, Goulding stated, "It's started to sound very dark and very weird. This album is going to be even more emotional [...] I wanted to make it so there is hope. I want to make an effect whether it's happy or sad."^[55] In April 2012, Goulding stated that she hoped the album would be released in October 2012.^[26] That same month, her single Lights was certified platinum in the United States by the RIAA ^[56].

Work with other artists[link]

Goulding co-wrote "Love Me 'Cause You Want To" for Gabriella Cilmi's second album, Ten, and three songs, "Remake Me + You", "Notice" and "Jumping Into Rivers", for Diana Vickers's debut album, Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree.^[57] Her song "Not Following" was used by German singer Lena on her debut album My Cassette Player.^[58] Goulding was featured on rapper Tinie Tempah's single "Wonderman" from his debut studio album Disc-Overy. Goulding's "Under the Sheets" was also remixed by American rap duo Chiddy Bang, featured on their 2010 mixtape Air Swell, and by DJ Frenzy (F^K Y3AH! Breaks Mix). Frankmusik, who produced Goulding's song "Wish I Stayed", told Digital Spy he hoped to collaborate with her on his second album, Do It in the AM.^[59] "Lights" was remixed by Bassnectar, which appears on his 2011 album Divergent Spectrum.

On 19 September 2011, it was announced that Goulding would open for Katy Perry on her "California Dreams Tour", replacing Jessie J due to a foot injury.^[60][61]

On 14 December 2011, Mika announced that Goulding had involvement in his upcoming album The Origin of Love.^[62]

Goulding collaborated with American electro artist and producer Skrillex on a song titled "Summit", included on his 2011 EP Bangarang.

Discography[link]

• 2010: Lights

Tours[link]

Headlining[link] Ellie Goulding Tour (2010) The LIGHTS Tour (US) (2011) Awards and nominations[link] Year Organization Nominated work Category Result 2010 BBC Sound of 2010 Ellie Goulding Sound of 2010 Won BRIT Awards Critics' Choice Won Q Awards Best Female Artist Nominated Best Breakthrough Artist Nominated MTV Europe Music Awards Best UK & Ireland Act Nominated 2010 MP3 Music Awards The BNC Award Nominated BT Digital Music Awards Best Female Artist Nominated UK Festival Awards Best Breakthrough Artist Nominated Virgin Media Music Awards Best Newcomer Nominated Lights Best Album Nominated 2011 BRIT Awards Ellie Goulding Best British Female Nominated Best British Breakthrough Act Nominated 2011 Glamour Magazine Awards Pandora Newcomer of the Year 2011 Won References[link] ^ "Ellie Goulding". BBC Music. BBC Online. 2009. http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/33ca19f4-18c8-4411-98df-ac23890ce9f5#p00cx3z0. Retrieved 19 February 2011.  ^ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a378404/ellie-goulding-tops-one-million-single-sales-in-us.html ^ Rosen, Jody (8 March 2011). "Lights". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/lights-20110308. Retrieved 8 March 2011.  ^ Lester, Paul (16 February 2009). "New band of the day – No 486: Ellie Goulding". The Guardian. guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/feb/16/new-band-ellie-goulding. Retrieved 19 February 2011.  ^ "About « Ellie Goulding". elliegoulding.com. http://elliegoulding.com/about. Retrieved 20 January 2012.  ^ a b c Harrod, Horatia (21 February 2011). "'He was Obsessed with Murder': Ellie Goulding interview". The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/8338164/He-was-Obsessed-with-Murder-Ellie-Goulding-interview.html. Retrieved 23 February 2011.  ^ "Ellie Goulding – EPK". YouTube. 19 January 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psrbUiOErrc. Retrieved 24 February 2011.  ^ Smart, Gordon (12 August 2010). "Ellie: My stepdad was horrible. He had no brains. If I saw him again I'd punch him in the face". The Sun. News Group Newspapers. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/3091719/Ellie-Goulding-on-her-turbulent-childhood.html. Retrieved 23 February 2011.  ^ a b Ferguson, Paul (4 September 2009). "Herefordshire singer, Ellie Goulding, signs recording deal with Polydor". Hereford Times. Newsquest. http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/4581912.Herefordshire_singer__Ellie_Goulding__signs_recording_deal_with_Polydor/. Retrieved 8 January 2010.  ^ "Ellie Goulding's spiritual home". BBC Mid Wales. 17 November 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/midwales/hi/people_and_places/music/newsid_8362000/8362162.stm. Retrieved 8 January 2010.  ^ "University drop-out Ellie Goulding named as top breakthrough music act for 2010". Daily Record. 8 January 2010. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/music-news/2010/01/08/university-drop-out-ellie-goulding-named-as-top-breakthrough-music-act-for-2010-86908-21952076/. Retrieved 8 January 2010.  ^ a b c Sabbagh, Dan (20 February 2011). "Music is thriving, but the business is dying. Who can make it pay again?". The Observer. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/feb/20/pop-music-business-digital-revolution. Retrieved 23 February 2011.  ^ "Are you taking workout tips from Madonna? Ellie Goulding shows off muscular biceps and toned pins in Lycra". Daily Mail. Mail Online. 20 May 2011. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1389003/Ellie-Goulding-shows-muscular-biceps-toned-pins-Lycra.html. Retrieved 26 May 2011.  ^ Higbee, Jonathan (4 March 2011). "From Sea to Shining Sea: Instinct Interviews Ellie Goulding". Instinct. http://instinctmagazine.com/blogs/web-exclusives/from-sea-to-shining-sea-instinct-interviews-ellie-goulding. Retrieved 26 May 2011.  ^ Kelly, Kristy (25 May 2011). "Ellie Goulding: 'I'm ripped for a girl'". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a321435/ellie-goulding-im-ripped-for-a-girl.html. Retrieved 26 May 2011.  ^ "Under the Sheets – EP by Ellie Goulding". iTunes Store UK. Apple Inc. http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/under-the-sheets-ep/id338264167. Retrieved 2 January 2010.  ^ a b c "Ellie Goulding". Official Charts Company. Chart Stats. http://www.chartstats.com/artistinfo.php?id=12453. Retrieved 20 August 2010.  ^ Leanne (28 September 2009). "Little Boots To Release New Single 'Earthquake'". Glasswerk National. http://www.glasswerk.co.uk/news/national/6730/Little+Boots+To+Release+New+Single+Earthquake. Retrieved 1 October 2009.  ^ "Later... with Jools Holland, Series 35, Episode 7". BBC Two. BBC Online. 30 October 2009. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00npj43. Retrieved 18 December 2009.  ^ "Wish I Stayed – Single of the Week by Ellie Goulding". iTunes Store UK. Apple Inc. http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/wish-i-stayed-single-week/id347421814. Retrieved 26 December 2009.  ^ Youngs, Ian (8 January 2010). "Ellie Goulding tops BBC Sound of 2010 music list". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8442389.stm. Retrieved 8 January 2008.  ^ Press Association (9 December 2009). "Newcomer Ellie Goulding scoops Critics' Choice". The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/newcomer-ellie-goulding-scoops-critics-choice-award-1836982.html. Retrieved 9 December 2009.  ^ "Ellie Goulding debut tops album chart". BBC News. 7 March 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8554453.stm. Retrieved 8 March 2010.  ^ "Ellie Goulding reveals debut album details – exclusive". NME. IPC Media. 6 January 2010. http://www.nme.com/news/ellie-goulding/49094. Retrieved 6 January 2010.  ^ "Top 75 Artist Album, Week Ending 4 March 2010". Irish Recorded Music Association. Chart-Track. http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240002&arch=t&lyr=2010&year=2010&week=9. Retrieved 5 March 2010.  ^ a b Corner, Lewis (23 April 2012). "Ellie Goulding hoping to release second album in October". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a378025/ellie-goulding-hoping-to-release-second-album-in-october.html. Retrieved 23 April 2012.  ^ Goulding, Ellie (8 September 2010). "Excited to announce that m ...". Twitter. http://twitter.com/elliegoulding/status/23930243782. Retrieved 21 January 2011.  ^ Beasley, Mark. "Our Christmas 2010 TV advert". John Lewis. John Lewis Partnership. http://www.johnlewis.com/Magazine/Feature.aspx?Id=666. Retrieved 20 November 2010.  ^ "Ellie Goulding – Your Song". Swedish Recording Industry Association. Hung Medien. http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Ellie+Goulding&titel=Your+Song&cat=s. Retrieved 4 February 2011.  ^ Youngs, Ian (7 January 2010). "BBC Sound of 2010: Ellie Goulding". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8445641.stm. Retrieved 6 March 2011.  ^ "BBC – Glastonbury Festival – Ellie Goulding". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/glastonbury/2010/artists/elliegoulding/. Retrieved 23 February 2011.  ^ "iTunes Festival: London 2010 – EP by Ellie Goulding". iTunes Store UK. Apple Inc. http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/itunes-festival-london-2010/id382616884. Retrieved 22 January 2011.  ^ "Bright Lights by Ellie Goulding". iTunes Store UK. Apple Inc. http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/bright-lights/id404772330. Retrieved 22 January 2011.  ^ "BBC – T in the Park Festival – Ellie Goulding". BBC Music. http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/tinthepark/2010/artists/ellie_goulding/. Retrieved 23 February 2011.  ^ "Ellie Goulding at V Festival". 4Music. http://www.4music.com/artist/ellie-goulding/interview-at-v-festival-2010.html. Retrieved 23 February 2011.  ^ Bestival – News Archived 31 January 2011 at WebCite ^ "More Ellie Goulding festival dates". Facebook. 27 May 2010. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=398792669517. Retrieved 23 February 2011.  ^ "Goulding records a track for the inbetweeners". E4.com. 5 October 2010. http://www.e4.com/inbetweeners/series3/music-ep1.html. Retrieved 13 July 2011.  ^ "Ellie Announces US Tour". elliegoulding.com. 3 February 2011. http://elliegoulding.com/news/ellie-announces-us-tour/. Retrieved 23 February 2011.  ^ "First Cherrytree Blog!". Cherrytree Records. 12 January 2011. http://www.cherrytreerecords.com/profiles/blogs/first-cherrytree-blog. Retrieved 12 January 2011.  ^ "Ellie Featured In Rolling Stone Hot List". Facebook. 8 February 2011. http://www.facebook.com/notes/ellie-goulding/ellie-featured-in-rolling-stone-hot-list/10150095243549518. Retrieved 13 July 2011.  ^ "Brit Awards 2011: Winners". BBC News. 15 February 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12187205. Retrieved 7 February 2012.  ^ Seidman, Robert (25 April 2011). ""Saturday Night Live (SNL)" Closes Out Season with Tina Fey/Ellie Goulding, Ed Helms/Paul Simon and Justin Timberlake/Lady Gaga". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/04/25/saturday-night-live-snl-closes-out-season-with-tina-feyellie-goulding-ed-helmspaul-simon-and-justin-timberlakelady-gaga/90480. Retrieved 25 April 2011.  ^ Cline, Georgette. "Ellie Goulding Shines 'Lights' on 'Saturday Night Live'". Spinner. http://www.spinner.com/2011/05/08/ellie-goulding-shines-lights-on-saturday-night-live/. Retrieved 9 January 2012.  ^ "Ellie Goulding Sang At Royal Wedding". MTV UK. MTV Networks Europe. 30 April 2011. http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/ellie-goulding/268429-ellie-goulding-royal-wedding-prince-william-kate-middleton. Retrieved 9 September 2011.  ^ "Ellie Goulding Photos – BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend 2011 – Day 1". Zimbio. http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Ellie+Goulding/BBC+Radio+1+Weekend+2011+Day+1/1EdPYT80KXe. Retrieved 15 May 2011.  ^ "Biffy Clyro, Wombats, Ellie Goulding to headline Wakestock festival". NME. IPC Media. 31 January 2011. http://www.nme.com/news/biffy-clyro/54767. Retrieved 23 February 2011.  ^ "Ellie To Play V Festival". elliegoulding.com. 1 March 2011. http://elliegoulding.com/#/news/ellie-to-play-v-festival/. Retrieved 6 March 2011.  ^ "‪Ellie Goulding interview with T4‬‏". YouTube. 14 January 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTjaLYlBxOg. Retrieved 13 July 2011.  ^ Kaufman, Gil (7 August 2011). "Lollapalooza Day Two: Skylar Grey, Patrick Stump, Ellie Goulding Mix It Up". MTV Newsroom. MTV Networks. http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/08/07/lollapalooza-skylar-grey-patrick-stump/. Retrieved 9 January 2012.  ^ "Edgy Ellie: Starry Eyed singer Goulding trades her long blonde locks for a trendy half-shaved 'do". Daily Mail. Mail Online. 12 December 2011. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2072970/Ellie-Goulding-ditches-trademark-long-blonde-locks-shaved-pink-hairdo.html. Retrieved 9 January 2012.  ^ Roberts, Steven (29 November 2011). "Ellie Goulding Brings Lights To National Christmas Tree". MTV News. MTV Networks. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675078/ellie-goulding-national-christmas-tree-lighting.jhtml. Retrieved 9 January 2012.  ^ "Ellie Goulding Performs Lights on Letterman". Cherrytree Records. 19 February 2012. http://www.cherrytreerecords.com/profiles/blogs/ellie-goulding-performs-lights-on-letterman. Retrieved 24 February 2012.  ^ Dawson, Kim (11 February 2011). "Ellie Goulding faces hell of a title fight". Daily Star. Northern & Shell Media Publications. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/playlist/view/176324/Ellie-Goulding-faces-hell-of-a-title-fight/. Retrieved 7 February 2012.  ^ Piper, Dean (7 March 2011). "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ellie Goulding". Dean Piper's World. http://deanpiper.com/2011/03/07/exclusive-interview-ellie-goulding/. Retrieved 7 February 2012.  ^ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a378404/ellie-goulding-tops-one-million-single-sales-in-us.html ^ Smyth, David (15 January 2010). "Diana Vickers: proper bow". Popjustice. http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4355&Itemid=9. Retrieved 4 February 2010.  ^ "Lena Meyer-Landrut kriegt von Ellie Goulding Song geschenkt" (in German). Klatsch-Tratsch. 13 May 2010. http://www.klatsch-tratsch.de/2010/05/13/lena-meyer-landrut-kriegt-von-ellie-goulding-song-geschenkt/51893. Retrieved 21 February 2011.  ^ Copsey, Robert (11 May 2011). "Frankmusik eyes Ellie Goulding collaboration". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a318942/frankmusik-eyes-ellie-goulding-collaboration.html. Retrieved 13 July 2011.  ^ Bain, Becky (19 September 2011). "Katy Perry Replaces Jessie J. With Ellie Goulding On California Dreams Tour". Idolator. Buzz Media. http://idolator.com/6017282/katy-perry-replaces-jessie-j-with-ellie-goulding-california-dreams-tour. Retrieved 7 February 2012.  ^ Perry, Katy. "Ellie Goulding to Join the California Dreams Tour in November". Ellie Goulding to Join the California Dreams Tour in November. Capitol Records. http://www.katyperry.com/ellie-goulding-to-join-the-california-dreams-tour-in-november/. Retrieved 2012-02-23.  ^ Mika (14 December 2011). "Blog from MIKA". Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150435075513580. Retrieved 14 December 2011.  External links[link] Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ellie Goulding Official website Preceded by Little Boots Sound of... 2010 Succeeded by Jessie J v t e Ellie Goulding Discography Studio albums Lights Extended plays An Introduction to Ellie Goulding iTunes Festival: London 2010 Run Into the Light Singles "Under the Sheets" "Starry Eyed" "Guns and Horses" "The Writer" "Your Song" "Lights" Featured singles "Wonderman" Related articles Polydor Records Cherrytree Records Neon Gold Records Tinie Tempah Skrillex Persondata Name Goulding, Ellie Alternative names Goulding, Elena Jane Short description English singer-songwriter Date of birth 30 December 1986 Place of birth Hereford, Herefordshire, England Date of death Place of death .

Myles Kennedy
Myles Kennedy performing with Alter Bridge in Barcelona in 2008.
Background information
Birth name	Myles Richard Bass
Born	(1969-11-27) November 27, 1969 (age 42) Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Origin	Spokane, Washington, United States
Genres	Alternative metal, blues rock, hard rock, heavy metal, jazz, post-grunge
Occupations	Musician, singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, keyboards, piano, bass, trumpet, violin
Years active	1988–2002, 2004–present
Labels	Epic, Wind-up, Universal Republic, Roadrunner, EMI
Associated acts	Alter Bridge, Slash, The Mayfield Four, Citizen Swing, Cosmic Dust

Myles Richard Kennedy (born Myles Richard Bass; November 27, 1969) is an American musician and singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Alter Bridge, and as the lead vocalist in Slash's current solo project. A former guitar instructor originally from the Spokane, Washington area, Kennedy is known for his ability as both a guitarist and a vocalist, possessing a tenor vocal range that spans four octaves.^[1] He has worked as a session musician and songwriter, making both studio and live appearances with several artists over the years and having been involved with several projects throughout his career. Most notably, Kennedy rehearsed and collaborated with former members of Led Zeppelin for an unreleased project featuring Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham in 2008.^[2] More recently, he has become known for his several collaborations with Slash, starting with his vocal contributions to two songs on Slash's self-titled debut solo album, which featured many other guest musicians.

Kennedy was raised in Spokane, Washington, where he attended Spokane Falls Community College to study music theory. He began his music career in 1990 as the lead guitarist of the instrumental jazz ensemble Cosmic Dust, with which he released one studio album. His second band, Citizen Swing, released two studio albums before disbanding in 1995. He then founded and became the lead vocalist and lead guitarist of the Spokane-based rock band The Mayfield Four in 1996, releasing two studio albums with the band, Fallout (1998) and Second Skin (2001). While he was in the band, he made a cameo appearance in Rock Star, a film starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston.^[3] The Mayfield Four disbanded a year later in 2002. After declining an offer to audition as the lead vocalist of Velvet Revolver, he was asked to join Alter Bridge by then-former members of Creed. He has released three studio albums with Alter Bridge: One Day Remains (2004), Blackbird (2007), and AB III (2010), which debuted at #17 on the Billboard 200.^[4] Kennedy has been touring since 2010, switching between tours with his two main projects, Alter Bridge and Slash. He also has a solo album with a tentative 2012 release,^[5] as well as Slash's second solo album, Apocalyptic Love, on which Kennedy will appear as the sole lead singer as a member of the band "Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators."^[6]

Early life[link]

Kennedy was born as Myles Richard Bass on November 27, 1969 in Boston, Massachusetts, and subsequently lived in Northern Idaho. As a child, he moved to Spokane, Washington, where he grew up in a Christian family on a farm.^[7] His father, Richard Bass, died when he was four years old and his mother subsequently went on to marry a minister,^[8] and the family took the surname Kennedy.^[9] Kennedy attended Mead High School and, finding musical inspiration from Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, began playing trumpet at the age of ten and guitar at fifteen, copying the playing style of Jimmy Page. He found his singing voice by listening to his parents' Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder records, and also states that he was influenced by Robert Plant. He played guitar in the school's jazz band and trumpet in the school's marching band. He also spent some time playing in a local heavy metal band called Bittersweet with some of his fellow classmates. After graduating in 1988, he enrolled in Spokane Falls Community College to study music.^[7]

Career[link]

Bands[link]

Cosmic Dust and Citizen Swing: 1990–1995[link]

Upon graduating from high school in 1988, Kennedy enrolled in a Commercial Music/Jazz Studies program at Spokane Falls Community College. Using the skills he learned from this course, in 1990 he began playing guitar for a jazz group called the Cosmic Dust Fusion Band, which was formed by keyboardist Jim Templeton in 1980. Kennedy's guitar work with Cosmic Dust was very advanced; using his knowledge of jazz theory in conjunction with his advanced technical abilities, interweaving difficult techniques such as chord changes on impulse and precise shredding with rock music, he became a well-respected guitarist among local musicians.^[10] Cosmic Dust's first album, Journey, was released in 1991. The album was well-received by critics. In 1993, the song "Spiritus" was awarded the Washington State Artist Trust Grant for $5,000.^[11]

After the release of Journey, Kennedy left Cosmic Dust to begin working on a new band that would become Citizen Swing, for which Kennedy provided both lead vocals and lead guitar. They were described as "a band that combined the sounds of funk, soul, R&B, blues and alternative into a unique and cohesive sound" and as "Stevie Ray Vaughn^[sic] meets Stevie Wonder and then some."^[12] They released their first album, Cure Me with the Groove, in 1993. This album featured Kennedy (who helped produce the album), rhythm guitarist Craig Johnson, bassist Dave Turner (also of Cosmic Dust), drummer/percussionist Mike Tschirgi, and trumpeter Geoff Miller.^[13] Citizen Swing's second and final album was called Deep Down and was released in 1995. The band disbanded the same year. All the music and lyrics on that album were written by Kennedy.^[7] Journey, Cure Me with the Groove, and Deep Down are all very rare albums and are highly sought after by fans.

The Mayfield Four: 1996–2002[link]

In 1995, Kennedy started teaching guitar in a store called Rock City Music.^[14] By August 1996, he became the lead vocalist and lead guitarist of The Mayfield Four, a rock band he formed with his childhood friends Zia Uddin, Marty Meisner, and Craig Johnson (also of Citizen Swing).^[15] They signed a contract with Epic Records thanks to a critically acclaimed demo called Thirty Two Point Five Hours that the band recorded in 1996, followed by a live extended play called Motion in 1997. The Mayfield Four's debut album, Fallout, was supported with a fifteen-month tour with bands such as Creed, Big Wreck, and Stabbing Westward. The album was praised by critics, but it failed to chart, and ultimately became the only album by the band to feature rhythm guitarist Craig Johnson, who was fired from the band due to undisclosed reasons.^[16][17]

Following the Fallout tour, Kennedy made an appearance in the 2001 drama film Rock Star starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. He said that he got a call from his manager telling him that the filmmakers needed someone who could sing high and that his name was suggested. On the set of the film, he met Wahlberg along with Zakk Wylde and Jason Bonham, who also appeared in the movie alongside several other notable musicians. Kennedy was the only actor in the movie whose actual singing voice was used.^[3] In the movie, directly paralleling a scene at the beginning of the film, Kennedy's character (Mike, also known as "Thor") is noticed by Wahlberg's character, Chris "Izzy" Cole, the lead singer of Thor's favorite band, Steel Dragon. Izzy pulls Thor onstage and sings the rest of the song with him, eventually telling him to finish the rest of the band's concert. The film was met with mostly mixed reviews, garnering a 52% "Rotten" score on Rotten Tomatoes.^[18]

The Mayfield Four's second and final album, Second Skin, was released in June 2001.^[17] Kennedy has since said that it is one of the most personal records he has made.^[19] The album has been critically acclaimed and Kennedy has commented on how it and Fallout are much more popular now than when they were released.^[20]

Though popular, The Mayfield Four never garnered enough exposure to break into the mainstream. In 2002, the future of the band began to look unlikely, and Kennedy began recording new music, which he described as "Daniel Lanois meets Massive Attack."^[21] The band went on hiatus that year, and would ultimately disband. In an interview with Pulse Weekly in 2004, Kennedy said that it was because he was "burned out with the whole rock industry at that point."^[22] However, three previously unreleased songs appeared on a fan-run Myspace page dedicated to and approved by The Mayfield Four in early 2010, causing rumors of a possible reunion to begin circulating. However, when asked about this during an interview, Kennedy replied that he does not see it happening.^[20]

Alter Bridge: 2003–present[link]

Kennedy (right center) with his Alter Bridge band mates in 2008.

Kennedy is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the American hard rock band Alter Bridge.^[23] The band's origins lie in late 2003 when Kennedy was contacted by then-former Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti, who was interested in having Kennedy lay down vocal tracks for some songs he had recently written. Tremonti and drummer Scott Phillips had reunited with former bassist Brian Marshall who had left Creed in 2000 to form a new band. Alter Bridge, taking its name from an actual bridge that used to be located near Tremonti's home in Detroit, was officially formed in January 2004. Coinciding with the official announcement of Alter Bridge's formation was an announcement regarding their debut album, One Day Remains, along with the release of that album's lead single, "Open Your Eyes."^[24][25] One Day Remains was released in 2004 on Wind-up Records. It received generally mixed to negative reviews and was certified Gold by the RIAA.^[26] Two other singles were released: "Find the Real" and "Broken Wings." One Day Remains is the only album by a band with Kennedy as an official member that does not feature his guitar playing.

Kennedy (left) performing with Alter Bridge in 2008.

Following a successful tour in support of the album, Alter Bridge announced plans for a second release. The album, Blackbird, was released in 2007 on Universal Republic to mostly positive reviews.^[27] Unlike One Day Remains, which was largely written by Tremonti, Blackbird featured Kennedy's guitar playing as well as more of his songwriting contributions. Alter Bridge toured in support of Blackbird throughout 2007 and 2008, recording a concert film titled Live from Amsterdam and releasing it in 2009 via Amazon.com. It would later be released in stores in early 2011 after several delays.^[28]

Alter Bridge took a temporary break in early 2009 with its members working on other projects, but the band continued writing music throughout the year. The band regrouped later that year to begin work on their third album, AB III, which was released in 2010 on Roadrunner Records worldwide, except for North America where the album was self-released on Alter Bridge Recordings via EMI.^[29] For the album, Kennedy chose to write lyrics based on his own personal experiences with faith and believing. As such, it is lyrically the band's darkest album,^[30] with Kennedy calling it the most personal album he had made since The Mayfield Four's Second Skin. AB III has received critical acclaim.^[31][32][33] A second concert film, Live at Wembley, was released on March 26, 2012.^[34]

Having joined Alter Bridge primarily as lead vocalist, Kennedy began to play rhythm guitar during live performances following the release of One Day Remains. He has since played rhythm guitar on the band's subsequent studio releases, and also played lead tracks on a number of songs and during live performances.^[35]

Unrealized projects[link]

Velvet Revolver audition offer: 2002–2003[link]

After The Mayfield Four's unforeseen breakup, and due to a hearing disorder called tinnitus that he developed because of listening to music that he was recording at earsplitting volumes, Kennedy fell into depression in 2002. He said about music, "I can't do it any more. My ears won't let me."^[36] He said that he had grown "disillusioned with music and the music business," so he took a musical hiatus and went back to teaching guitar.^[37] However, in 2002, he was contacted by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, who was looking for a vocalist for a band he was forming (Velvet Revolver), but Kennedy declined the offer.^[36] Other sources state that Kennedy had sent in a demo tape but still ultimately declined an invitation to audition after being approached by Matt Sorum.^[38] Kennedy recalls, "They had reached out to me in 2002 when they were just getting together. They had sent me a demo tape, and I kind of sat on it for a month, and I didn't really follow up on it."^[37]

Working with Led Zeppelin members: 2008–2009[link]

Kennedy's name received a great amount of press coverage in late 2008 regarding a rumor that he was going to be joining Led Zeppelin, although it later turned out to be an audition for a different project featuring members of Led Zeppelin. After Led Zeppelin's one-off reunion in 2007, guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones reportedly felt as if Led Zeppelin "still had something to offer."^[40] As reported by BBC News, Page and Jones were in the studio with Jason Bonham writing and recording new material that was reportedly going to be used for a new Led Zeppelin album. However, according to Bonham, singer Robert Plant was not involved in the recording sessions.^[41] Page, Jones, and Bonham were auditioning new singers to replace Plant on tour as a result,^[42] and according to several sources, Myles Kennedy was the leading candidate for Plant's replacement.^[43][44][45] Plant responded to this by confirming that he would not be involved with the reunion and that if Page, Jones, and Bonham find another singer, the resulting band would not be Led Zeppelin.^[46]

The rumors continued when it was reported that Page, Jones, and Bonham had attended an Alter Bridge concert.^[47] It was also supposedly confirmed by Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, who said that Page, Jones, and Bonham were offering Kennedy to join Led Zeppelin in order to persuade Plant to reconsider.^[48] Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti also addressed the rumors, saying that Kennedy "deserves" to play with Led Zeppelin.^[49] Kennedy remained silent about the rumors for the most part until January 2009. He denied that he would be performing with or fronting a group with them, saying, "I am not singing in Led Zeppelin or any offshoot of Led Zeppelin, but I did have a great opportunity and it was something that I'm very grateful for. But Alter Bridge will go on, and that's that."^[2] He later confirmed, however, that he had actually written songs and rehearsed with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham. He also said that it was Bonham who "got the ball rolling" since the two had met on the set of the 2001 film Rock Star.^[50] It is unconfirmed if the songs he wrote with Page, Jones, and Bonham will ever be released.

Solo work and collaborations[link]

Solo career: 2009–present[link]

In early 2009, Kennedy announced a solo side project. He described the material as "dreamy" and "[not] aggressive," saving those songs for Alter Bridge. He also said, "It's more singer/songwriter based. I will say it's going to be interesting."^[51] He later posted on his Myspace page that he is working with some "great people" and that he has details coming at a future date.^[52] Slash announced via Facebook on February 1, 2010 that he would be appearing on Kennedy's solo record, and Kennedy confirmed this via Myspace.^[53] Kennedy had originally hoped that his album would be released in early 2010, digitally first and then on CD, but he has since put its release on hold.^[54] However, he recently said that he is still too busy to release the album as he states that he would like to tour to promote it, but he wants to release it on December 21, 2012 as a joke, although a firm release date has not yet been announced.^[39]

When asked if the record would be a departure from his previous work, he replied that it is different and again referred to the singer-songwriter approach that would be featured on it and that it would not be a hard rock album. He also said that "it was maybe the most difficult thing I've ever done in the sense that I didn't have a band."^[54] He also said that the music is very intimate and that it features piano as well.^[39] In an interview with Guitarist UK magazine, he said that some of the songs will feature jazz, blues, and R&B influences, while others still "get quite atmospheric and ethereal," comparing the sound to Daniel Lanois and Massive Attack, while assuring fans that the rock style will still be present.^[55] In the same Guitarist interview, he confirmed the titles of three songs that will appear on his record: "The Light of Day," "Complicated Man," and "The Bar Fly."^[55] Most recently, he confirmed that another song will be titled "Love Rain Down." He said in an interview with CraveOnline that "Love Rain Down" differs from anything else he has ever written.^[5] It is unknown if this album has anything to do with the project he was working on in 2002.

Kennedy has performed two solo benefit concerts: one hosted by Paul Reed Smith and PRS Guitars to benefit cancer patients,^[56] and another to benefit abused children. The latter was called Bofest 2009 and was headlined by Kennedy on October 17, 2009.^[57]

Collaborations with Slash: 2009–present[link]

Kennedy with Slash in 2011.

Kennedy has become very well known for his collaborations with current Velvet Revolver and former Guns N' Roses lead guitarist Slash. In late 2009, it was reported that they would be working together on Slash's self-titled debut solo album.^[58] Slash later confirmed that Kennedy was chosen to sing and co-write the final song, "Starlight," on his album. Other musicians who appeared on the album include Ozzy Osbourne, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, and Chris Cornell of Soundgarden.^[59] Then, according to MusicRadar, Slash asked Kennedy to co-write and sing another song, "Back from Cali," which was added to the album at the last minute, making him the only musician to appear on more than one song on the album's standard track listing.^[60] The album was released in April 2010.^[61]

On February 3, 2010, Slash announced that Kennedy would be the lead vocalist for his band on tour.^[62] On tour, Kennedy performed a number of songs found throughout Slash's catalog.^[63] Slash and Kennedy were also the supporting act on Ozzy Osbourne's tour in 2010.^[64][65] The other members of Slash's band are rhythm guitarist Bobby Schneck, bassist Todd Kerns (formerly of Age of Electric), and drummer Brent Fitz (formerly of Theory of a Deadman).^[66] In late 2010, Kennedy and Slash appeared on That Metal Show, a talk show on VH1 Classic.^[67] On November 14, 2011, Slash released a concert film and live album titled Made in Stoke 24/7/11 featuring Kennedy and the rest of his band.^[68]

Slash's second solo album will again feature Myles Kennedy, this time as the sole vocalist. It was also announced that band mates Bobby Schneck, Todd Kerns, and Brent Fitz, along with Slash, would complete the lineup for the album.^[69] In an interview with MusicRadar, Slash confirmed that it would be less of an actual solo album and more of a collaboration album with Kennedy, and that he was not sure if the album will be billed to Slash or a new name entirely.^[70] As of December 2011, three songs had been recorded: "Halo," "Standing in the Sun," and "Bad Rain." Slash has described the new music as "very heavy."^[71] The album will be released on May 22, 2012. A behind-the-scenes video was also released with this announcement.^[72] Titled Apocalyptic Love, the album will be billed to "Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators", featuring Kennedy, Kerns, and Fitz as members of Slash's band. The band performed the album in its entirety on April 11, 2012, at the Revolver Golden God Awards.^[6] The first single, "You're a Lie," was released to rock radio on February 27, 2012; a 30-second preview of the song was released online.^[73] Kennedy has reportedly said that some of the lyrics on the album are about his earlier experiences with drugs.^[74] On April 14, 2012, Kennedy performed three Guns N' Roses songs with four of the original members of the band during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in Axl Rose's absence.^[75]

Other session work: 2001–present[link]

Kennedy is well further known for his work as a session musician and songwriter, having collaborated with several artists. In 2001, he appeared on the album Striped Suit: Lo-Fi by the jazz-rock band Mulligan, playing guitar solos on the songs "Faron" and "Make It Three." In that same year, he provided backing vocals to the song "Breakthrough" by Big Wreck from The Pleasure and the Greed.^[76] He also worked with the Spokane based nu-metal band Five Foot Thick on their 2003 album Blood Puddle, providing backing vocals to the song "Ducked Out." In 2005, he sang the chorus of "Nameless Faceless" by Fozzy with Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho from their album All That Remains. In 2008, he sang a duet with Sevendust lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon on Sevendust's song "Sorrow" from Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow.^[77] Also in 2008, Kennedy made a guest appearance on Mark Tremonti's guitar instructional DVD The Sound & the Story, to which Kennedy provided an in-depth lesson on how to play his guitar solo on the Alter Bridge song "Blackbird."^[78] In 2009, he appeared on Slash's self-titled album, co-writing and singing lead vocals on the songs "Back from Cali" and "Starlight."^[79] In addition, he has made live appearances with Sevendust and Gov't Mule.^[80] In 2011 it was announced that he will appear on a planned tribute album to Tommy Bolin.^[81] Further details were announced in January 2012 that the album would be called Great Gypsy Soul. It was released on March 27, 2012, on 429 Records, and Kennedy appeared on a song called "Dreamer" with Nels Cline of Wilco. Other contributors include Steve Lukather, Joe Bonamassa, Peter Frampton, and Glenn Hughes.^[82]

Style and influences[link]

Kennedy is influenced by a wide range of artists of several genres. His earliest influence was Led Zeppelin,^[7] although he drew his singing influences from jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, and soul artists when he discovered Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye albums in his parents' record collection.^[7] He said that he owned Stevie Wonder's 1982 compilation album Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I, which was one of his earliest inspirations as a singer. From there, he discovered Songs in the Key of Life, which he has since stated is one of his favorite albums, and today cites Stevie Wonder as a major influence on his singing. He has also cited other jazz players John Coltrane, Al Green, Mike Stern, Miles Davis, Otis Redding, Frank Gambale, Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, and Curtis Mayfield as early influences.^[7][83][84] He also loves blues music.^[85] Additional influences include Guns N' Roses, U2, AC/DC, Mastodon, and Radiohead.^[86]

Singing style[link]

Kennedy's favorite singers include Jeff Buckley, Robert Plant, Bon Scott, Chris Whitley, and k.d. lang.^[87] He has stated on several occasions that Jeff Buckley was, and is, a major influence on him as a singer. When asked to describe his vocal style, he said, "I wanted to fuse together my favorite elements of rock and soul singers into something I could call my own. The inflections of Stevie Wonder with the soaring qualities of someone like Buckley." He states that Buckley's "emotional intensity" was one of the most inspirational things for him when it came to singing, and that it made him accept and embrace the fact that he is a tenor.^[87] He often performs Buckley's famous cover of "Hallelujah" (originally by Leonard Cohen) during acoustic performances.^[88] At one point, he received lessons from Ron Anderson,^[89] a bel canto vocal coach who has worked with a wide range of singers, including Axl Rose, Shania Twain, Enrique Iglesias, Chris Cornell, Ozzy Osbourne, Eddie Vedder, Kelly Clarkson, and several others.^[90] When asked about his number one secret when it came to singing, Kennedy replied, "Dig deep into your soul and sing as if your life depends on it. Leave your mark. People react to emotion more than technique."^[87] Kennedy, who possesses a four-octave vocal range,^[1] has been praised for his ability as a singer. Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash, whose touring band consists of Kennedy, has called him "f**king amazing," calling his style "surreal."^[91] About Kennedy's ability to recreate Guns N' Roses songs on tour, Slash said, "Myles is fucking amazing. It's very surreal how he handles the stuff he sings. I'm doing GN'R songs I've never done solo before, and Myles manages to own them without changing the style or trajectory of the song. Which is a fantastic f**king ability."^[91] Kennedy is often compared to Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell.^[92]

Guitar playing[link]

Kennedy, a former guitar instructor, is also recognized as an accomplished guitarist. He began learning how to play the guitar by listening to Led Zeppelin records and mimicking Jimmy Page's guitar parts.^[7] He said in an interview, "I started off strictly as a lead guitar player. When I first started playing 25 years ago, that was all I’d do is sit in my room and learn solos." He also recalled being inspired by Eddie Van Halen: "When I was in my early teens, I heard 'Eruption' one day and was like, 'That is the most incredible thing I’ve ever heard,' and I begged my mother to give me an advance on my allowance for the next month and go buy that record."^[83] Over the next few years, and throughout the 1990s, Kennedy played primarily lead guitar. His early work with Cosmic Dust and Citizen Swing featured a jazz-influenced rock flavor, combining several advanced techniques used in jazz.^[10] He would later join Alter Bridge primarily as a lead vocalist, but began playing rhythm guitar on the band's first tour. Mark Tremonti said, "We knew Myles was an amazing singer, that’s why we hired him. What we found out when we toured the first record was that he’s also an incredibly gifted guitar player and songwriter, as well as a vocalist."^[93] In an interview with Ultimate Guitar Archive, Tremonti said:

Kennedy played rhythm guitar on Blackbird and has since played co-lead on several Alter Bridge tracks.^[35] In an article about Kennedy as a guitarist on Lemon Squeezings, writer Steve Sauer noted his dexterity and steady rhythm playing.^[95] Doug Clark, a writer for The Spokesman-Review and one of Kennedy's former guitar students, wrote that "his six-string skills are pyrotechnically brilliant."^[14] Kennedy notes that his job as a guitar player, especially recently with Alter Bridge, is to add texture and colors to the music.^[35]

Lyrics and themes[link]

In addition, Kennedy is the primary lyricist of Alter Bridge and his previous band, The Mayfield Four. His lyrics, which are usually fairly straightforward stylistically, often touch on dark subjects such as death and addiction. On Alter Bridge's first two albums (the lyrics of the former were primarily written by Tremonti, however), the lyrics are about "hope and perseverance in the face of adversity." However, he has been known to write darker lyrics, as heard most notably on Alter Bridge's third album, AB III, which is a loose concept album based on his own personal struggles with faith and spirituality.^[30] Similarly, the lyrical themes of The Mayfield Four's second album, Second Skin, touch on struggling with love and substance abuse.^[96] Second Skin is also the only album to feature lyrics written by Kennedy that contain profanity.^[85]

Personal life[link]

Kennedy currently resides in Spokane, Washington with his wife, Selena, whom he married on May 27, 2003.^[8][7] He is diagnosed with tinnitus.^[36]

According to Alter Bridge lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, Kennedy is an atheist,^[97] although in an article titled Losing My Religion from a November 2010 issue of Kerrang! magazine, Kennedy said he places himself "somewhere in the middle" between being an atheist and a Christian.^[98] In an interview on the Blairing Out with Eric Blair Show at NAMM 2009, Kennedy mentioned that despite being raised in a Christian household, he is not a religious person and he does not believe in any organized religion.^[2] In an interview with CraveOnline, he said: "I would consider myself a part of the growing segment of people who question authority and scrutinize concepts that no longer seem as logical as they once did. [...] I don't find peace in the same concepts that many hold as truth. Believe me, I tried. It's not like I didn't spend most of my life submersed in the bosom of doctrine or dogma."^[5]

Kennedy has been identified as an avid reader and he says that he especially enjoys the work of John Irving, describing Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany as one of his favorite novels.^[99] He has also cited Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner as one of his favorites.^[100] When asked about his hobbies, he replied: "I guess I have been pretty fortunate since I have turned what was a hobby into a living. Music pretty much consumes me. If I’m not writing, performing or listening I am probably trying to learn more about its history. I’m kind of a geek at the end of the day."^[89]

Discography[link]

Filmography[link]

References[link]