The Casandra Awards are awarded annually by the Asociación de Cronistas de Arte of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo, since 1985.

Category:Music awards

Name	Cassandra Wilson
Background	solo_singer
Born	December 04, 1955Jackson, Mississippi,United States
Instrument	Vocals, guitar, piano
Genre	Jazz, Blues,
Occupation	vocalist, songwriter, producer, arranger
Years active	1985–present
Label	JMT, Winter & Winter, Polygram, DIW, Columbia, Blue Note, EMI
Associated acts	M-Base Collective
Url	cassandrawilson.com

Cassandra Wilson (born December 4, 1955) is an American jazz musician, vocalist, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi. Described by critic Gary Giddins as "a singer blessed with an unmistakable timbre and attack [who has] expanded the playing field" by incorporating country, blues and folk music into her work, Wilson has won two Grammy Awards.

Family and early life

Cassandra Wilson is the third and youngest child of Herman Fowlkes, Jr., a guitarist, bassist and music teacher; and Mary McDaniel, an elementary school teacher who eventually earned her Ph.D. in education. Between her mother’s love for Motown and her father’s dedication to jazz, Wilson’s parents sparked her early interest in music.

Musical beginnings

Wilson’s earliest formal musical education consisted of classical lessons; she studied piano from the age of six to thirteen and played clarinet in the middle school concert and marching bands. When she tired of this training, she asked her father to teach her the guitar. Instead, he gave her a lesson in self-reliance, suggesting she study Mel Bay method books. Wilson explored guitar on her own, developing what she has described as an “intuitive” approach. During this time she began writing her own songs, adopting a folk style. She also appeared in the musical theater productions, including The Wizard of Oz as Dorothy, crossing racial lines in a recently desegregated school system.

For college, Wilson attended Millsaps College and Jackson State University. She graduated with a degree in mass communications. Outside of the classroom, she spent her nights working with R&B;, funk, and pop cover bands, also singing in local coffeehouses. The Black Arts Music Society, founded by John Reese and Alvin Fielder, provided her with her first opportunities to perform bebop.

In 1981, she moved to New Orleans for a position as assistant public affairs director for the local television station, WDSU. She did not stay long. Working with mentors who included elder statesmen Earl Turbinton, Alvin Batiste, and Ellis Marsalis, Wilson found encouragement to seriously pursue jazz performance and moved to New York City the following year.

Musical association with M-Base

There her focus turned towards improvisation. Heavily influenced by singers Abbey Lincoln and Betty Carter, she fine-tuned her vocal phrasing and scat while studying ear training with trombonist Grachan Moncur, III. Frequenting jam sessions under the tutelage of pianist Sadik Hakim, a Charlie Parker alumnus, she met alto saxophonist Steve Coleman, who encouraged her to look beyond the standard jazz repertoire in favor of developing original material. She would become the vocalist and one of the founding members of the M-Base collective in which Coleman was the leading figure, a stylistic outgrowth of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and Black Artists Group (BAG) that re-imagined the grooves of funk and soul within the context of traditional and avant-garde jazz. Peter Watrous in an article for the New York Times states: "...the M-Base group in Brooklyn, working with both jazz and pop forms, makes music that at first sounds like funk from the 1970s. Like the music played by Mr. Marsalis (and his brother Wynton) the music made by M-Base- Steve Coleman, with Greg Osby, Cassandra Wilson and Geri Allen - is, at its best, filled with subtle ideas working behind the mask of popular music. In Mr. Coleman's group a singer is supported by an electric bass, guitar, drums and electric keyboards, a shiny musical mix that has familiar rock and funk references; yet, because of all its rhythmic and metric manipulations, sounds new."

Although the voice – typically treated as the focal point of any arrangement in which it is included – was not an obvious choice for M-base’s complex textures or dissonant free melodies, Wilson wove herself into the fabric of these settings with wordless improv and lyrics. She can be heard on Coleman’s Motherland Pulse (1985); On the Edge of Tomorrow (1986); World Expansion (1986); and Sine Die (1987).

At the same time, Wilson toured with avant-garde trio New Air featuring alto saxophonist Henry Threadgill and recorded Air Show No. 1 (1987) in Italy. A decade her senior and an AACM member, Threadgill has been lauded as a composer for his ability to transcend stylistic boundaries, a trait he and Wilson share.

Solo career

Like fellow M-base artists, Wilson signed to the Munich-based, independent label JMT. She released her first recording as a leader Point of View in 1986. Like the majority of her JMT albums that followed, originals by Wilson in keeping with M-base dominated these sessions; she would also record material by and co-written with Coleman, Jean-Paul Bourelly, and James Weidman as well as a few standards. Her throaty contralto gradually emerges over the course of these recordings, making its way to the foreground. She developed a remarkable ability to stretch and bend pitches, elongate syllables, manipulate tone and timbre from dusky to hollow.

While these recordings established her as a serious musician , Wilson received her first broad critical acclaim for the album of standards recorded in the middle of this period, Blue Skies (1988). Her signing with Blue Note records in 1993 marked a crucial turning point in her career and major breakthrough to audiences beyond jazz with albums selling in the hundreds of thousands of copies.

Beginning with Blue Light 'Til Dawn (1993) her repertoire moved towards a broad synthesis of blues, pop, jazz, world music, and country. Although she continued to perform originals and standards, she adopted songs as diverse as Robert Johnson’s “Come On in My Kitchen”, Joni Mitchell’s “Black Crow”, The Monkees’ “Last Train to Clarksville”, and Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”.

Not only did Wilson effectively reconnect vocal jazz with its blues roots, she was arguably the first to convincingly fashion post-British Invasion pop into jazz, trailblazing a path that many have since followed. Furthermore, producer Craig Street drew from pop production techniques to create a rich ambient environment around her voice, magnifying it and giving sonic depth to Brandon Ross’ sparse but incredibly vivid arrangements, which used steel guitar, violin, accordion, and percussion.

Wilson’s 1996 album New Moon Daughter won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. In 1997, she recorded and toured as a featured vocalist with Wynton Marsalis’ Pulitzer Prize winning composition, Blood on the Fields.

The late Miles Davis was one of Wilson's greatest influences. In 1989 Wilson performed as the opening act for Davis at the JVC Jazz Festival in Chicago. In 1999 she produced Traveling Miles as a tribute to Davis. The album developed from a series of jazz concerts that she performed at Lincoln Center in November 1997 in Davis' honor, and includes three selections based on Davis' own compositions, from which Wilson adapted the original themes.

Personal life

Wilson was married to Anthony Wilson from 1981 to 1983.

She has a son, Jeris, born in the late 1980s. Her song "Out Loud (Jeris' Blues)" is from the album She Who Weeps. For many years she and her son lived in New York City's Sugar Hill, in an apartment that once belonged to Count Basie, Lena Horne and the boxer Joe Louis.

In 2000, Wilson married actor Isaach de Bankolé, who directed her in the concert film (2000).

Wilson and her mother are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Honors

Received honorary doctorate in the Arts from Millsaps College, 2003

Named “America’s Best Singer” by Time Magazine in 2001

Female Jazz Vocalist of the Year, Down Beat magazine, 1994-1996. Wilson was named best jazz singer.

Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for New Moon Daughter, 1996

Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for Loverly, 2009

Added to the Mississippi Blues Trail on January 7, 2010

Albums

Solo

Point of View (1985)

Days Aweigh (1987)

Blue Skies (1988)

Jumpworld (1989)

She Who Weeps (1990)

Live (1991)

After the Beginning Again (1991)

Dance to the Drums Again (1992)

Blue Light 'Til Dawn (1993)

New Moon Daughter (1995)

Songbook (compilation, 1996)

Rendezvous (with Jacky Terrasson) (1998)

Traveling Miles (1999)

Belly of the Sun (2002)

Sings Standards (compilation, 2002)

Glamoured (2003)

Love Phases Dimensions: From the JMT Years (compilation, 2004)

Thunderbird (2006)

Loverly (2008)

(compilation, 2009)

Silver Pony (2010)

With Steve Coleman

Motherland Pulse (1985)

On the Edge of Tomorrow (1986)

World Expansion (1986)

Sine Die (1988)

Rhythm People (1990)

Rhythm People (1991)

Drop Kick (1992)

The Ascension to Light (1999)

With M-Base

Anatomy of a Groove

Dance to the Drums Again (1993)

With New Air

Air Show No. 1 (1986)

Soundtracks

Soundtracks featuring Cassandra Wilson.

1994 Jimmy Hollywood: "Let the Good Times Roll"

1994 Junior: "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Little Warm Death"

1995 Miami Rhapsody: "How Long Has This Been Going On?"

1997 Love Jones: "You Move Me" (see Love Jones (soundtrack))

1997 Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (film): "Days of Wine and Roses"

1998 B. Monkey: "Tupelo Honey"

1999 Passions (TV series): "Time after Time"

2001 The Score: "Green Dolphin Street" and "You're About To Give In"

2002 Brown Sugar: "Time After Time"

2005 Don't Come Knocking: "Lost"

2008 My Blueberry Nights: "Harvest Moon"

Filmography

Cassandra Wilson features as a singer in the following films.

Junior (1994)

The Score (2001)

References

External links

Official Website

Official homepage on Blue Note Records

Category:1955 births Category:American blues singers Category:American contraltos Category:American female singers Category:American jazz songwriters Category:American jazz singers Category:Jazz songwriters Category:Living people Category:People from Jackson, Mississippi Category:Women in jazz Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Millsaps College alumni Category:Jackson State University alumni Category:Mississippi Blues Trail

Padre Vicente Garcia is a Filipino priest, hero and a defender of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Padre Garcia was born in the village of Maugat, formerly a part of Rosario but now a barangay of Padre Garcia, on April 5, 1817 to parents Don Jose Garcia and Dona Andrea Teodoro. His family belonged to the upper classes and had Castilian blood. The faint photograph of the man among the exhibits in the town hall show a handsome mestizo. Another proof was that Vicente went to study for the priesthood while pure-blooded Filipinos at that time were not able to study because of poverty and discrimination.

Garcia suffered discrimination from his Spanish superiors because although he was nominated for the position of Canonigo Magistral, he didn't occupy it. The colonizers didn't see fit to have an indio even if he is a mestizo in any exalted position.

There are anecdotes of his admirable qualities such as his kindness and generosity and his proficiency in Spanish and Latin. He was himself a writer who translated Spanish and Latin literary pieces. One of his more notable works was his translation from the original Latin to Tagalog of the Imitacion de Cristo.

Padre Garcia's place in history comes not only from his admirable qualities as a human being. Although a member of the church, he had the courage to defend Rizal from the tirades and censure of the Catholic church. His letter of defense was originally intended to be given to Fr Rodriguez, an Augustinian friar. However, his friends dissuaded him from doing so. The letter was published in La Solidaridad on March 15, 1895.

In his defense-letter the priest belied Fr Rodriguez's accusation that Rizal was an "impious man, a heretic who hated religion and Spain." According to Padre Garcia while the friar was quick to issue such accusations, he failed to cite any proposition made by Rizal that showed his "impiety, heresy, or blasphemy." Padre Garcia then proceeded to cite various phrases in the Noli that showed the hero to be the exact opposite of the heretic and blasphemer that Fr Rodriguez had accused him of being. He signed his name as V. Caraig.

Padre Garcia came home to Rosario in 1899 and in July of that year he died at the age of 82. In determining whether the bones interred in the old cemetery were those of the priest, the historical committee sought the help of University of the Philippines professor and anthropologist Jerome Bailen and his team of experts. Bailen says that based on historical data and technical description the bones found in the old cemetery are those of Padre Garcia.

Last July 12, 1999 his remains were re-interred in the church of the Holy Rosary in the town proper of Padre Garcia (the old seat of the township of Rosario). The church was built in 1776 predating even the basilica of Batangas City.

Category:1817 births Category:1899 deaths Category:Filipino Roman Catholic priests Category:People from Batangas Category:People of Spanish colonial Philippines

Name	Mary Forrest George
Pseudonym	Elizabeth Thornton
Birthdate	January 24, 1940
Birthplace	Aberdeen, Scotland (UK)
Died	July 12, 2010
Nationality	Canadian
Occupation	Novelist
Period	1980–present
Genre	Historical romance
Website	http://www.ElizabethThornton.com

Mary George (born in Aberdeen, Scotland), well-known as Elizabeth Thornton is a Canadian writer of historical romance novels.

Biography

Mary George, who writes as Elizabeth Thornton, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. She was an elementary school teacher before establishing the St. Swithin Street Nursery School in 1967.

In 1969, she and her family, her husband and their three sons, moved to Winnipeg, Canada, where she continued her teaching career. In 1977, she was appointed as a Pastoral Assistant of a Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg. In 1985, she completed an honors degree in Classical Greek winning the Gold Medal in Classics. Her honor's thesis was entitled "Women in Euripides."

In 1987, she became a full time writer.

Mary George died on July 12th, 2010 in Winnipeg, Canada.

Bibliography

Single novels

Bluestocking Bride November 1988 ISBN 0821775375

A Virtuous Lady March 1988 ISBN 0821723146

The Passionate Prude October 1988 reprinted as To Love an Earl in 2004 ISBN 0821776002

Fallen Angel April 1989 ISBN 0821776061

The Worldly Widow January 1990 ISBN 0821777149

Scarlet Angel August 1990 reprinted October 2005 ISBN 0821777130

Highland Fire January 1994 ISBN 0821774948

The Bride's Bodyguard April 1997 reprinted September 2006 ISBN 0553589237

You Only Love Twice March 1998 ISBN 0553574264

Strangers at Dawn November 1999 ISBN 0553581171

Shady Lady February 2004 ISBN 0553584901

The Runaway McBride February 2009 ISBN 0425226344

The Scot and I June 2009 ISBN 0425228320

Devereux Family Saga series

#Tender the Storm May 1991 ISBN 1558175164 #Velvet is the Night April 1992 ISBN 1558175989 #Cherished September 1993 ISBN 0821773895

Dangerous series

#Dangerous to Love June 1994 ISBN 0553589245 #Dangerous to Kiss April 1995 ISBN 0553573721 #Dangerous to Hold April 1996 ISBN 0553574795

Princess series

#Whisper his Name March 1999 ISBN 0553574272 #Princess Charming February 2001 ISBN 0553581201 #The Perfect Princess November 2001 ISBN 0553581236 #Almost the Princess January 2003 ISBN 0553587749

The Trap series

#The Marriage Trap July 2005 ISBN 0553587536 #The Bachelor Trap April 2006 ISBN 0553587544 #The Pleasure Trap July 2007 ISBN 0553589571

Anthologies in collaboration

"Sheer Sorcery" in Christmas Holiday November 1990

"The Trouble with Angels" in My Guardian Angel February 1995 (with Sandra Chastain, Kay Hooper, Susan Krinard and Karyn Monk)

External links

Elizabeth Thornton's Official Homepage

Elizabeth Thornton's in Fantastic Fiction

Category:Living people Category:Scottish romantic fiction writers Category:Canadian romantic fiction writers Category:Writers of historical romances Category:Scottish historical novelists Category:Writers of historical novels set in Early Modern period

Name	Kat DeLuna
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Kathleen Emperatriz DeLuna
Born	November 17, 1987 1987) is an American pop and R&B; singer of Dominican heritage.
Name	DeLuna, Kat
Date of birth	1987-11-26
Place of birth	The Bronx, New York

Category:1987 births Category:Living people Category:American child singers Category:American people of Dominican Republic descent Category:American pop singers Category:Hispanic and Latino American people Category:Spanish-language singers Category:English-language singers Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:People from the Bronx

Name	Karina Pasian
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Karina Pasian
Alias	Karina
Born	July 18, 1991
Origin	New York City, New York
Instrument	Piano
Genre	R&B;, Pop
Occupation	Singer
Years active	2003–present
Label	Def Jam (2007–present)
Associated acts	Lil Mama, Diggy Simmons
Url

Karina Pasian (born July 18, 1991) is an American Grammy-nominated singer and pianist. She is currently signed to Def Jam.

Biography

Karina Pasian was born in New York City, of Dominican and Armenian descent. Her first language was Russian, and she can sing in six other languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Turkish, and French.

Pasian became the subject of a bidding war, when she was thirteen, between three major record labels: Def Jam, Interscope, and Bad Boy Records. She chose Def Jam in 2006. The first single was 16 @ War, released in June 2008. The single charted on Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs at 51, Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Airplay 51, and the Bubbling Under R&B;/Hip-Hop Singles 6. The second single was Can't Find The Words. It charted on Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs at number 88. The album charted at number 57 and sold 28,408 copies in the U.S., and was nominated for the Best Contemporary R&B; Album Grammy.

TBA

Her second album will be released in 2011. It will include the songs "Stole My Heart", "Love Is", and "Air Of The Night".

Remixes

Karina has appeared on a few remixes from hit songs such as Kiss Me Thru The Phone (by Soulja Boy Tell 'Em) and With You (by Chris Brown). She appeared on a track on Diggy Simmons' first mixtape, The First Flight.

References

External links

Official website

Def Jam website

Karina Pasian on MySpace

Youtube page">Official Youtube page

Karina Pasian Fansite Skyrock

Official Fan Site

Karina MTV Tr3s Descubre & Download

Category:1991 births Category:American pianists Category:Def Jam Recordings artists Category:American people of Dominican Republic descent Category:American people of Armenian descent Category:English-language singers Category:Living people Category:Rhythm and blues pianists Category:Rhythm and blues singers Category:American child singers Category:Musicians from New York Category:People from Manhattan

Honorific-prefix	The Honourable
Name	John Brumby
Honorific-suffix	BCom, DipEd, MLA
Nationality	Australian
Order	45th Premier of Victoria
Term start	30 July 2007
Term end	2 December 2010
Deputy	Rob Hulls
Predecessor	Steve Bracks
Successor	Ted Baillieu
Office2	Treasurer of Victoria
Term start2	22 May 2000
Term end2	3 August 2007
Predecessor2	Steve Bracks
Successor2	John Lenders
Birth date	April 21, 1953
Birth place	Melbourne, Victoria
Constituency	Broadmeadows
Party	Australian Labor Party
Spouse	Rosemary McKenzie
Profession	Secondary school teacher, Member of Parliament

John Mansfield Brumby, MLA (born 21 April 1953), is an Australian Labor Party politician and the former Premier of Victoria (20072010). He became Premier after the resignation of Steve Bracks. He also served as the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. He contested his first election as Premier at the November 2010 Victorian state election. His government was defeated by the Liberal/National Coalition led by Ted Baillieu. Brumby stood down as Labor leader after the election, to be replaced by Daniel Andrews.

Early life

John Brumby was born in Melbourne. He was educated at Ivanhoe Grammar School and then later, Melbourne Grammar School.

He graduated in Commerce (BCom) at University of Melbourne, in 1974. He completed a Diploma of Education (DipEd) at the State College of Victoria at Rusden, in 1975.

He was a teacher at Eaglehawk High School, in Bendigo, from 1976 to 1979. From 1979 to 1983 he was an employee of the Victorian Teachers Union. He was also active in the Australian Labor Party.

Political career

Federal MP

In 1983 Brumby was elected to the Australian House of Representatives for the seat of Bendigo, which he held until his defeat in 1990. A member of the Labor Unity faction, he was a strong supporter of Prime Minister Bob Hawke and an opponent of the Socialist Left faction, which historically had its stronghold in the Victorian branch of the Labor Party.

Brumby then worked as a consultant before being appointed Chief of Staff to the federal Minister for Resources and Tourism, Alan Griffiths with responsibility for the development of policy in areas such as energy, petroleum, minerals and tourism. He held this position until February 1993, when he was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council at a by-election for the seat of Doutta Galla Province in Melbourne's western suburbs.

State opposition leader

The Victorian Labor government of Joan Kirner was defeated at the October 1992 state elections by the Liberal Party led by Jeff Kennett. Joan Kirner resigned as Leader after a short period and was succeeded by Jim Kennan; Kennan later resigned from Parliament in June 1993. Brumby was subsequently elected as Labor's new State Parliamentary leader to fill the vacancy created by Jim Kennan's resignation. He resigned from the Legislative Council and was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly at a by-election for Kennan's seat of Broadmeadows.

In 1996, Brumby opposed the Kennett State Government's proposed relocation of the State Museum to Carlton Garden's site adjacent to the Royal Exhibition Building. It was at this time that Brumby first proposed that the Royal Exhibition Building and the Carlton Gardens be nominated for World Heritage Listing. The World Heritage nomination was opposed at the time by the Kennett Liberal State Government. It was not until after the 1999 State Election that the Bracks Labor Government nominated and obtained World Heritage Listing for the site.

From 1993 to 1996 Brumby worked to restore Labor's fortunes in Victoria. The defeat of the federal Labor government in March 1996 prompted Kennett to call an early state election three weeks later. Labor only managed a net two-seat gain, leaving it 20 seats behind the Coalition. This defeat was claimed to have undermined Brumby's position as Leader. Brumby was later replaced as Labor leader in March 1999, agreeing to resign in favour of Steve Bracks.

Bracks Government

Steve Bracks narrowly won the state election called by Kennett in September 1999 and appointed Brumby as Minister for Finance, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional Development. Brumby formed part of the core leadership team of senior ministers in the new Government along with Bracks, Deputy Premier John Thwaites and Attorney-General Rob Hulls. Steve Bracks initially served as Treasurer as well as Premier, assisted by Brumby who was responsible for Victoria's finances and most of the workload of the Treasury portfolio. On 22 May 2000 Brumby was appointed State Treasurer.

As Treasurer, Brumby presided over a period of steady economic growth in Victoria, and his economic management was given some of the credit, along with the personal popularity of Bracks, for Labor's landslide re-elections in 2002 and 2006. Brumby ensured that the Labor Government maintained a budget surplus. Victoria's budget surpluses have been fueled in part by revenue from the Federal Government's goods and services tax, which federal Labor opposed.

During 2004 Brumby was criticised by the state Liberal opposition for sharp increases in the rate of land tax in Victoria, which was criticised by many for potentially threatening the viability of many small businesses. Land tax rates were cut in the 2005 state budget. Faced with a choice of having to fund road infrastructure at the expense of development of Victoria's schools, hospitals and public transport, Brumby decided to impose a toll on the new Scoresby Freeway (later known as EastLink) in eastern Melbourne. The decision, which broke a 2002 pre-election promise, provoked a hostile response from the Liberal Opposition and local community groups as well as causing the (Liberal) Federal Government to withhold its share of the funding for the project.

Premier of Victoria

On 27 July 2007 the then Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, unexpectedly announced his resignation from politics, citing family reasons for the decision. Deputy Premier John Thwaites also announced his resignation later that day. On 30 July Brumby was elected unopposed as the new Labor leader and was sworn in as Premier.

An early challenge occurred in November 2007 when State Labor MP Tammy Lobato publicly criticised Brumby over a decision by cabinet to allow genetically modified canola to be grown in Victoria. Other State Labor MPs were also said to be upset over Brumby's approach to the issue, and in particular, the way that he allegedly rail-roaded the policy through.

Brumby's response to a plan proposed by then Liberal Party of Australia Prime Minister John Howard for the federal government to assume control of the Murray-Darling Basin water catchment from the states was also an early issue. Under the previous Premier Steve Bracks, Victoria had been the only state to refuse to accept Howard's plan. Following the election on 24 November 2007 of a new Australian Labor Party controlled federal government Brumby agreed to commit Victoria to an amended plan on 26 March 2008.

In April 2008 he was widely applauded for his move to break up the Victorian poker machine gambling duopoly starting in 2012. The move was supported in particular by organisations such as the Interchurch Gambling Taskforce and the Australian Hotels Association. Some concerns, however, were raised that the decision could ultimately result in a AUS$1 billion compensation claim from the companies standing to lose their duopoly status as a result of the decision, Tattersalls and Tabcorp. The government, however, denied that any claim for compensation would be successful.

In May 2008, following the reporting of several episodes of violence in various Melbourne Bars and Clubs in the media, Premier Brumby announced a 2am entry curfew on Melbourne city bars, pubs and clubs. The move sparked considerable opposition, with venue operators launching successful legal contests to the legislation, and patrons protesting outside State Parliament House. Premier Brumby announced the dropping of the plan in November 2008, following an increase in violence which the legislation had been aimed at curbing. Critics of the curfew system called the plan populist and regressive, with little concern for the impact on the vast majority of club-goers that did not instigate violence. Subsequently, liquor licencing changes have had an impact on live music venues, notably with The Tote Hotel amongst others being forced into closure as the operator could no longer afford to support the extra staff required under changes to legislation. Critics argue that these types of venues are not often problem areas for police, and that legislative changes have been poorly planned and implemented.

During 2008 Brumby passed an abortion decriminalisation.

He contested as Premier the November 2010 Victorian state election but his government was defeated by the Liberal/National Coalition led by Ted Baillieu.

On 30 November, Brumby announced that he was standing down as Labor leader in Victoria, and that the parliamentary Labor Party would meet on 3 December to elect a new leader and shadow ministry. Ted Baillieu was sworn in as Premier on 2 December, formally ending John Brumby's term. Brumby resigned from parliament on 21 December.

Personal life

John Brumby is married to Rosemary McKenzie and has three children. His father, Malcolm Brumby, died from a stroke on 26 September 2010.

See also

Brumby Ministry

References

External links

Victorian Labor: John Brumby

Category:Premiers of Victoria (Australia) Category:1953 births Category:Former students of Melbourne Grammar School Category:Living people Category:Australian Labor Party politicians Category:Members of the Australian House of Representatives Category:Members of the Australian House of Representatives for Bendigo Category:Politicians from Melbourne Category:Members of the Victorian Legislative Council Category:Members of the Victorian Legislative Assembly Category:Deakin University alumni Category:University of Melbourne alumni Category:Recipients of the Centenary Medal Category:Brumby Cabinet

Eve Lora is an American actress Also Television Personality interviewed Hip Hop Artist Lloyd Banks raised in Dominican Republic by her grandparents and Born in The Bronx, NY. She attended Mildred Elley a private two-year college in Latham of Albany, NY.

Career

in 2007 she sold Sub 0 DVDS at celebrity events and that is where she met G Unit Casting Director Kevin Weekes . He featured her on THISIS50.COM 50's Most Wanted section and recruited her for the 50 Cent film Before I Self Destruct where she later obtain the role of Mrs. Ortiz

She appeared in music videos with Sheek Louch, Jeremih, Kay Slay, Fat Joe

In the midst, she worked with Promotional/Advertising/Marketing company YNVS owned by Shampoo for the 2009 and 2010 Hot 97 Def Jam Promotions. YNVS Also booked her for Snoop Dogg Malice & Wonderland promotions. she has worked with other companies to obtain bookings not limited to but equaling to Ludacris "Conjure" Cognac NYC launch promotional event.

Early 2010 she did La Historia de Wyclef Jean en Español a Voice Over in Spanish video of Wyclef Jean life story and Yele Haiti tremendous efforts to help after the January earthquake in Haiti.

On the rise, she teamed up with POSSETV a Cablenet Television Show to interview Russell Simmons, Keri Hilson, Lloyd Banks, Serani

She is the Spokes Person for E Lora's Benevolence Association Inc ( ELBAI ) promoting peace and Domestic Violence awareness. she also participated in July 23 BALL WITH VIXENS Basket Ball game created by Josi Marie and supported by Jim Jones

Dec 24, 2010 article states Eve Lora said "It is Just The Beginning and I have God to thank for this Journey" about her lead background role to Craig Robinson, Kerri Washington and David Allen Grier, in a film executive produced by Tyler Perry written and directed by Tina Gordon Chism called WE THE PEEPLES due to come out in 2011

Filmography

The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll (2009).... Rock Concert Fan Before I Self Destruct (2009).... Mrs. Ortiz We The Peeples Not Yet Credited

References

External links

POSSETV Television Show Site

The Young Kingz Daily 2.0 Internet Blog Post

Before I Self Destruct at the Internet Movie Database

The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll at the Internet Movie Database

/ Before I self Destruct Cast Info at FreeMoviesIn.com

We The Peeples at the Internet Movie Database

Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:American film actors

Name	Eddy Herrera
Background	solo_singer
Origin	Dominican Republic
Birth name	Eddy José Herrera de los Ríos
Born	April 30, 1964
Genre	Merengue
Years active	1984 – present
Label	J&N; Records
Url	www.eddyherrera.com

Eddy Jose Herrera de los Rios, also known as Eddy Herrera, is a merengue singer and winner of more than seven Casandra Awards. Born on 30 April 1964 in the Dominican Republic, in the city of Santiago de Los Caballeros.

History

He got his start in music at the age of nine, when he began to play the guitar and take classes from a music teacher. Herrera developed his talent and began to participate in various music contests, among them the Festival of the Voice of Santiago, where he won second place at the age of 15. At 17 he took first prize.

He entered the Pontifical, Catholic University Madre y Maestra to study architecture, but only lasted two and a half years, as he was presented with the opportunity to work in the group of Wilfrido Vargas and gladly accepted, disregarding his mother's objections.

His first international success was titled El jardinero, which was launched three months after having joined the Wilfrido Vargas's musical group. He stayed in that group from 1984 to 1990, when he was launched as a soloist under the label MP Records. Their second album was recorded a year later under the same label; it was titled Mi more.

He later he changed record companies, joining MP J & N Records to launch the album Amame, from then on, all his records have come under the same label.

Countries like: Venezuela, Colombia, Curazao, Aruba, Perú, Ecuador, Panamá, Costa Rica, USA; Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Los Ángeles, etc. have been part of Eddy Herrera's international in the time his tour of 2008. They project for Eddy to visit again some of these countries and also attract, new plazas like: Chile, Argentina and Bolivia en lo que queda de este año 2008 y los primeros meses del 2009.

Accolades

Herrera has won the Casandra Award for Best Male Performer.

Discography

Independiente (1990)

Mi more (1991)

Ámame

Lluvia de amor

Los hombres calientes

Alma gemela

Me enamoré (2000)

Atrevido

Para siempre (2003)

Amor de locos (2005)

Paso Firme (2009)

References

External links

Official Eddy Herrera website

Category:1964 births Category:Living people Category:Dominican Republic singers Category:Merengue musicians Category:People from Santiago de los Caballeros

}}

Damian Villa (born August 7, 1990) is a male Mexican taekwondo athlete.

External links

Profile from The-Sports.org

Category:1990 births Category:Living people Category:Mexican taekwondo practitioners

Name	Cassandra Clare
Birthdate	July 31, 1973 Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran
Occupation	Author
Genre	Fantasy
Nationality	United States
Movement	Contemporary fantasy, urban fantasy and fantasy of manners
Website	http://cassandraclare.com/

Cassandra Clare is an American author who has written the bestselling young adult saga The Mortal Instruments.

She is also friends with author, Holly Black, and their books occasionally overlap, Clare mentioning characters from Black's novels and vice versa, such as Val and Luis from Black's Valiant.

The Mortal Instruments series

In 2004, Clare started working on her first-published novel City of Bones, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan. City of Bones was released by Simon & Schuster in 2007.

City of Bones, a contemporary fantasy story revolving around characters Clary Fray, Jace Wayland, and Simon Lewis became a New York Times bestseller upon its release. City of Ashes and City of Glass completed the trilogy. In 2009, a fourth installment, City of Fallen Angels was announced.

Clare has stated that City of Fallen Angels is actually the start of a second Mortal Instruments cycle, which will include two other books named 'City of Lost Souls' and 'City of Heavenly Fire'. She said this new cycle is going to be focusing on the same characters as in the first 'cycle', as well as a few new characters we will meet in the new books.

In 2009 Clare also announced a new series of prequels called The Infernal Devices set in the same universe as The Mortal Instruments, but in the Victorian era. This series is planned to consist of three books: The Clockwork Angel, scheduled to be published August 31, 2010, with The Clockwork Prince, expected to be published September 2011, and The Clockwork Princess, slated for release in September 2012.

The Mortal Instruments series has been optioned for film by Unique Features and Constantin Films. First-time writer Jessica Postigo has been hired to write the screenplay, based on the first book in the series

Awards

City of Bones

2010 Georgia Peach Book Awards for Teen Readers

Finalist for the Locus Award for Best First Novel of 2007

An American Library Association Teens Top Ten Award winner, 2008 2010 Georgia Peach Book Awards for Teen Readers Winner of the 2010 Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader’s Choice Award A Texas TAYSHAS title 2010 Shortlisted for the 2010 Evergreen Young Adult Book Award Shortlisted for The 2010 Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award Shortlisted for The North Carolina School Library Media Association Young Adult Book Award Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominee (Teen) 2010 Iowa High School Book Award Nominee 2009-2010 North Carolina YA Book Award Nominee 2009-2010 New Hampshire Flume Teen Reader’s Choice Award Nominee, 2010 Nevada Young Readers’ Award Nominee 2010 Ohio Buckeye Teen Book Award Nominee, 2009 Oregon Young Adult Network Book Rave Reading List Title 2008 South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominee 2009-2010 Shortlisted for the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards

City of Ashes

A 2009 ALA Teens Top Ten Title

Bibliography

The Mortal Instruments Series

City of Bones (2007)

City of Ashes (2008)

City of Glass (2009)

''City of Fallen Angels (April 5, 2011) City of Lost Souls (scheduled May, 2012) City of Heavenly Fire (scheduled September, 2013)

Short fiction

"The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord", Turn the Other Chick, ed. Esther Friesner, Baen Books (2005)

"Charming", So Fey, ed. Steve Berman, Haworth Press (2007)

"Graffiti", Magic in the Mirrorstone, ed. Steve Berman, Mirrorstone Books (2008)

"The Mirror House", Vacations from Hell, HarperCollins Publishers (2009)

"Other Boys", The Eternal Kiss, ed. Trisha Telep, Running Press Book Publishers (2009)

“The Mirror House”, "Vacations from Hell", ed. Farrin Jacobs, Harper Collins, 2009.

“I Never”, "Geektastic", ed. Holly Black and Cecil Castelucci, Little, Brown. 2009

“Cold Hands”, "ZVU: Zombies Versus Unicorns", ed. Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier, Simon and Schuster, 2010

Fan Fiction

"The Draco Trilogy". (Harry Potter)

Draco Dormiens, Draco Sinister, Draco Veritas

References

External links

Author's website

Author's livejournal

Interview with Cassandra Clare

Category:Living people Category:American fantasy writers Category:1973 births

Name	Beyoncé Knowles
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Beyoncé Giselle Knowles
Born	September 04, 1981
Origin	Houston, Texas, United States
Instrument	Vocals, piano
Genre	R&B;, soul, pop
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, dancer, entertainer, choreographer, model, video director
Associated acts	Destiny's Child, Jay-Z, Solange Knowles, Suga Mama, Lady Gaga
Years active	1997–present
Spouse	Jay-Z (2008-present)
Label	Columbia
Url

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles (born September 4, 1981), commonly known simply by the mononym Beyoncé ( ), is an American Pop/R&B; singer, songwriter, actress and fashion designer. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child. Knowles rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the R&B; girl group Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time.

During the hiatus of Destiny's Child, Knowles released her debut solo album Dangerously in Love (2003), which spawned the number one hits "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy" and became one of the most successful albums of that year, earning her a then record-tying five Grammy Awards. Knowles is one of the most honored artists by the Grammys, and third among female artists, with 16 awards—13 as a solo artist and three as a member of Destiny's Child.

Knowles began her acting career in 2001, appearing in the musical film . In 2006, she starred in the lead role in the film adaptation of the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls, for which she earned two Golden Globe nominations. Knowles launched her family's fashion line, House of Deréon, in 2004, and has endorsed such brands as Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani and L'Oréal. In 2010, Forbes ranked Knowles at number two on its list of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the world; she was also listed as the most powerful and influential musician in the world. Time also included Knowles on its list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World". She is listed at number 52 on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and is named the second most influential artist of the 2000s decade by BET.

Knowles is currently the only artist in history to have all her studio albums win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B; Album. She has attained five Billboard Hot 100 number one singles as a solo performer and four with Destiny's Child. In the United States, Knowles' has sold over 11.2 million albums and nearly twenty-five million singles. According to Columbia Records her record sales, when combined with Destiny's Child, have surpassed 130 million. On December 11, 2009, Billboard listed Knowles as the most successful female artist of the 2000s decade and also the top Radio Artist of the decade. In February 2010, the RIAA listed her as the top certified artist of the decade.

Early life and career beginnings

Knowles was born in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Mathew Knowles, a professional record manager, and Tina Knowles, a costume designer and hair stylist. Knowles' father is African American and her mother is of Creole (African, Native American, and French) descent. Knowles was baptized after her mother's maiden name, as a tribute to her mother. Knowles' interest in music and performing began after participating in a school talent show. She sang John Lennon's Imagine and won the competition. At age seven, Knowles started gaining attention from the press, having been mentioned in the Houston Chronicle as a nominee for the local performing arts award The Sammy. In the fall of 1990, Knowles enrolled in Parker Elementary School, a music magnet school in Houston, where she would perform on-stage with the school's choir. and later went to Alief Elsik High School, located in the Houston suburban munincipality, Alief. Knowles was a soloist in the choir of her church, in St. John's United Methodist Church.

At the age of eight, Knowles met LaTavia Roberson while in an audition for an all-girl entertainment group. They, along with Knowles' friend Kelly Rowland, were placed into a group that performed rapping and dancing. Originally named Girl's Tyme, they were eventually cut down to six members. Knowles had her first "professional setback" after that defeat but regained confidence after learning that pop stars Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake had also the same experience. He dedicated his time and established a "boot camp" for their training. The move reduced Knowles' family's income by half and her parents were forced to move into separated apartments.

Music and film career

1997–2001: Destiny's Child era

.]] The group changed its name to Destiny's Child in 1993, based on a passage in the Book of Isaiah. To date, Survivor has sold over ten million copies worldwide, over forty percent of which were sold in the U.S. alone. The album spawned other number-one hits—"Bootylicious" and the title track, "Survivor", the latter of which earned the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. After releasing their holiday album, 8 Days of Christmas, the group announced a hiatus to pursue solo projects. In 2002, Knowles co-starred in the comedy film Austin Powers in Goldmember, playing Foxxy Cleopatra, opposite of Mike Myers. Knowles recorded her first solo single, "Work It Out", for the film's soundtrack. The following year, Knowles starred opposite Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the romantic comedy film, The Fighting Temptations, and recorded numerous songs for the film's soundtrack, including "Fighting Temptation" and a cover version of "Fever". During this time, Knowles was featured on her then-boyfriend Jay-Z's hit single, "'03 Bonnie & Clyde". She also recorded a version of 50 Cent's "In Da Club" and released it in March 2003. Luther Vandross and Knowles remade the duet "The Closer I Get to You", which was originally recorded by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway in 1977. Their version won a Grammy Award for Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals the following year, and Vandross' "Dance with My Father", which also featured Knowles, won the Grammy for Best Male R&B; Vocal Performance.

After Williams and Rowland released their solo efforts, Knowles released her début solo album, Dangerously in Love, in June 2003. The album also topped seven charts worldwide, while it reached number two in Australia. It remains as Knowles' best-selling album to date, with sales of 4.7 million copies in the United States, as of July 2009. Worldwide, the album has sold more than eleven million copies.

The album yielded two number one singles. "Crazy in Love", featuring Jay-Z, was released as the album's lead single, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks, as well as topping many charts worldwide. The song's music video won three awards at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards in the categories of Best Female Video, Best R&B; Video, and Best Choreography. The second single, "Baby Boy" with dancehall singer Sean Paul, spent nine weeks at number one on the 'Hot 100, one week longer than "Crazy in Love". In support of the album, Knowles embarked on her first solo concert tour, the Dangerously in Love Tour, in November 2003. The tour only reached Europe, before Knowles joined Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott, and Tamia for the Verizon Ladies First Tour in March 2004. At the 46th Grammy Awards, Knowles received a then record-tying five Grammy Awards, which included the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B; Album, Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance for "Dangerously in Love 2", Best R&B; Song for "Crazy in Love", and an additional two awards with Luther Vandross. Knowles shared this distinction with four other female artists: Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse, up until 2010, when she won six Grammy Awards in one night.

2004–2007: Destiny's Child reunion and B'Day

In 2004, Knowles planned to release a follow-up to Dangerously in Love, which would feature some of the left-over recordings. However, her musical aspirations were put on hiatus due to conflicting schedules, including her recording with Destiny's Child for what would be their final album. After a three-year journey that involved concentration on individual solo projects, Knowles rejoined Rowland and Williams for their final album, Destiny Fulfilled in November 2004. The album spawned three hit singles, "Lose My Breath", "Soldier" and "Cater 2 U". In support of the album, Destiny's Child embarked on the 2005 Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It world tour, which began in April 2005; culminating in September of that year. During the Barcelona, Spain stop of their tour, Rowland announced they would disband after the end of their final North American leg in September 2005. In October 2005, Destiny's Child released a compilation album, #1's, which included all of their number-one hits and most of their well-known songs. It also included three new tracks, including the song "Stand Up for Love", released from the album. #1's debuted at number one on Billboard 200 and certified platinum by the RIAA. In March 2006, Destiny's Child reunited to accept a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In late 2005, Knowles once again put her second album on hold, after landing a role in Dreamgirls, the film adaptation of the 1981 hit Broadway musical about a 1960s singing group, loosely based on Motown all-female group, The Supremes. Released in December 2006, Dreamgirls starred Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, and Jennifer Hudson. Knowles recorded several songs for the film's soundtrack, including the original song, "Listen". In the film, she portrays the Diana Ross-based character, Deena Jones. In 2007, Knowles received two Golden Globe Award nominations for the film; Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and Best Original Song for "Listen". Continuing her film career, Knowles co-starred in the film, The Pink Panther, playing the role of Xania, an international pop star, opposite Steve Martin, who plays Inspector Clouseau. Released on February 10, 2006, the film débuted at number one at the box office, doing $21.7 million in ticket sales in its first week of release. She worked on the album with previous musical collaborators, Rich Harrison, Rodney Jerkins and Sean Garrett, at the Sony Music Studios in New York City. She co-wrote and co-produced nearly all songs included on the album, which was completed in three weeks. The album titled, B'Day was released in the United States on September 5, 2006, to coincide with the celebration of her twenty-fifth birthday. It débuted at number one on the Billboard 200, giving Knowles her second consecutive number one album in the US. It also peaked in the top-ten in eighteen charts worldwide. To date, the album has sold more than six million copies worldwide. It earned Knowles the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B; Album at the 49th Grammy Awards.

Its lead single, "Déjà Vu" featuring Jay-Z, topped the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Dance Club Songs charts in the United States. and became Knowles' second UK solo number-one single. The album's second international single, "Irreplaceable", topped the charts in five countries, while reaching the top-five in the UK, Canada and Netherlands. The song received a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year at the 50th Grammy Awards. On April 3, 2007, Knowles re-released B'Day, as a deluxe edition, featuring five new tracks and Spanish-language versions of "Irreplaceable", and "Listen". Her following single, "Beautiful Liar" with Colombian singer Shakira, was the first single released from the deluxe edition. The song became another number one hit for Knowles, topping eleven charts worldwide. It won the award for Most Earthshattering Collaboration at the 2007 MTV Video Music Award. In support of the album, Knowles embarked on her lengthy The Beyoncé Experience concert tour, visiting over ninety venues worldwide, which was made into the concert DVD The Beyoncé Experience Live!. Knowles made history at the 35th Annual American Music Awards for being the first woman to win an International Artist Award. Upon its release, it received generally mixed to positive reviews from most music critics; according to the music review aggregation of Metacritic, the album received an average score of 62/100. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, giving Knowles her third consecutive number one album in the US. Eventually, she became the third female artist of the 2000s decade to have her first three albums debut at the top spot of the US Billboard 200 albums chart. To date, I Am... Sasha Fierce has sold over six million copies worldwide.

The album was proceeded with the release of its two lead singles, "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". The first single, "If I Were a Boy" topped eight charts worldwide, including the United Kingdom and reached the top-ten in many other charts. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Knowles' fifth number-one single and was also successful in other international markets, peaking in top-ten positions around the world. The song's music video has achieved fame for its intricate choreography, which has been credited as having started the "first major dance craze of both the new millennium and the Internet". This prompted a legion of imitations and parodies from men and women all around the world, including celebrities such as pop singers Justin Timberlake, Joe Jonas, US President Barack Obama and actor Tom Hanks. It received nine nominations at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and ultimately won the award for Video of the Year, and an additional two awards, though its loss in the Best Female Video category to Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me" led to controversy during the ceremony.

On January 18, 2009, Knowles performed at the Lincoln Memorial in honor of the inauguration of Barack Obama. Knowles also sang her cover of the R&B; classic most famously sang by Etta James, "At Last", as President Obama and his wife Michelle had their first dance as President and First lady of America, on January 20, 2009, at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. During this time, Knowles released the fourth single off I Am... Sasha Fierce, "Halo". The song peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Knowles' twelfth top-ten single on the Hot 100 as a solo artist. With this feat, Knowles achieved the most top tens on the Hot 100 among any other female artists in the 2000s. In support of the album, Knowles headlined her second worldwide concert tour, the I Am... Tour, which began in March 2009; culminating in February 2010. In April 2009, Knowles starred opposite Ali Larter and Idris Elba in a thriller film called, Obsessed. The film proved to be a commercial success, and grossed $11.1 million on its first day of release, and ended its opening weekend at number one, with a total of $28.5 million. "Video Phone", was released as the eighth single from I Am... Sasha Fierce in November 2009 and featured pop singer Lady Gaga. The song's music video received two nominations at the 2010 BET Awards for "Video of the Year" and "Best Collaboration", winning the former category on April 27, 2010. It also received five nominations at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, in the categories of Best Choreography, Best Collaboration, Best Pop Video, Best Female Video and Best Art Direction.

Knowles led the 52nd Grammy Awards, receiving ten nominations, including Album of the Year for I Am… Sasha Fierce, Record of the Year for "Halo", and Song of the Year for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". She also received two other nominations for, Best Traditional R&B; Vocal Performance for "At Last" and Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media for "Once in a Lifetime" from the soundtrack, . This tied her with Lauryn Hill for most Grammy nominations in a single year by a female artist. Knowles ultimately set the record for the most Grammy awards won on a single night by a female artist, when she won six awards from her ten nominations; Song of the Year, Best R&B; Song, and Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Halo", Best Contemporary R&B; Album and Best Traditional R&B; Vocal Performance for "At Last". In February 2010, Knowles featured on Lady Gaga's song, "Telephone". The song reached number one on the US Pop Songs chart, thus becoming the sixth number-one on the chart for both Knowles and Gaga. With this, they both tied with Mariah Carey for most number-ones since the Nielsen BDS-based Top 40 airplay chart launched in 1992. It received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 53rd Grammy Awards.

2010-present: Untitled fourth studio album

During the final UK stop of her I Am... Tour at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England in 2009, Knowles announced plans to release a new album in 2010. She said, "This is my last show for this tour in the UK, so hopefully, I'll see you all in a year with a new album." Producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins also confirmed the news on twitter, posting he is working on some tracks for the album. In an interview with MTV News, Jonsin noted that while he wants to go even more '80s than their collaboration on "Sweet Dreams", he's also looking to try out other genres with Knowles, saying "Even some sexy mid-tempos, see if she likes that and I'll try that too."

In July 2010, it was revealed that Knowles had expressed interest in recording a song for the album that was written by Irish band, The Script. She heard a song the band recorded for their second album, when it was passed around their record company, Sony Music. In August 2010, singer-songwriter Ne-Yo tweeted that he was excited to work with Knowles immediately following his session with Mary J. Blige. In an interview with Access Atlanta, Ne-Yo spoke of the album saying, "It’s coming along nicely. I can’t speak too much on it, but it’s another direction for her, and she’s carving out her own niche. In a minute nobody will be in Beyonce’s lane. They really can’t get in her lane now, but they really can’t get in her lane after this album." He also had the following to say about working with Knowles in an interview with MTV News:

"The thing about working with Beyoncé is that she definitely has her own agenda ... she's an artist that knows exactly what she wants to do. ... She's going to give you directions [like] 'Here's where I'm going, so here's where I need you to be' ... and, you know, I'm a person that follows direction well. [And she'll be like], 'So this is the sound, this is the vibe; make it happen.' And I write and she likes it or she doesn't. And in this case she did, and there you have it."

On September 17, 2010, producer Sean Garrett told Popeater.com that the album "[is] going to be her biggest album ever", and said "We're going to take it to a whole other level." In an interview with Entertainment Weekly at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, Garrett stated "I think we are doing a lot of up-tempo records for this one. She’s in such a good place right now in life that she is interested in making party music, definitely." During this time, producer Los Da Mystro tweeted that he heard a new track from Knowles that was written by The Dream, who worked with Tricky Stewart on "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". When asked to clarify what she meant by creating her own genre, in an interview with MTV during the New York screening of her I Am... World Tour DVD release, Knowles replied "Well, I wouldn't say I'm inventing a new genre ... I'm mixing every type of genre that I love and I'm inspired by every type of genre. ... It's not R&B;. It's not typically pop. It's not rock. It's just everything I love all mixed together in my own little gumbo of music." She also revealed that Fela Kuti, The Stylistics, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson's Off the Wall have inspired the album. Rap-Up has confirmed the album will be released in 2011.

Musical style and performance

Music and voice

Knowles' music is generally contemporary R&B;, but she also incorporates pop, funk, hip hop, and soul genres into her work. While she almost exclusively releases English songs, Knowles did record several Spanish records for the re-release of B'Day. Destiny's Child had already recorded a Spanish song and received favorable responses from their Latin fans. Knowles took Spanish in school when she was young, but can now only speak a few words of the language. Prior to recording the Spanish titles on the re-released version of B'Day, she was coached phonetically by American record producer Rudy Perez.

Since Destiny's Child, Knowles is artistically involved in her career. Some of her songs are autobiographical, which she has admitted are taken from personal experiences, as well as her friends'. Knowles has also received co-producing credits for most of the records in which she has been involved, especially during her solo efforts. However, she does not formulate beats herself, but typically comes up with melodies and ideas during production, sharing them with producers. Knowles was recognized as a songwriter during the run of Destiny's Child in the 1990s and early to mid-2000s. She won the Pop Songwriter of the Year award at the 2001 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Pop Music Awards, becoming the first African-American female and second female songwriter of all time to accomplish the feat.

|format=Ogg|filename2=Destiny's Child, Emotion.ogg|title2="Emotion"|description2=Knowles' prominent use of melisma and other vocal ornamentation earns her both praise and criticism from critics and fans.|format2=Ogg}}

Knowles possesses a mezzo-soprano vocal range that spans more than three octaves. She has often been identified as the centerpiece of Destiny's Child. Jon Pareles of The New York Times commented that she has the voice that defines the group, writing that her voice is "velvety yet tart, with an insistent flutter and reserves of soul belting". Other critics praise her range and power. In reviewing her second album B'Day, Jody Rosen of Entertainment Weekly writes "Beyoncé Knowles is a storm system disguised as a singer. On her second solo album, B'Day, the songs arrive in huge gusts of rhythm and emotion, with Beyoncé's voice rippling over clattery beats; you'd have to search far and wide—perhaps in the halls of the Metropolitan Opera — to find a vocalist who sings with more sheer force...No one—not R. Kelly, not Usher, to say nothing of her rival pop divas—can match Beyoncé's genius for dragging her vocal lines against a hip-hop beat." Chris Richards of the The Washington Post writes, "Even when she's coasting, she soars above her imitators. It's all in her voice—a superhuman instrument capable of punctuating any beat with goose-bump-inducing whispers or full-bore diva-roars. Smitten, scorned, amorous, antagonistic—Beyoncé sings from all of these vantage points with undeniable virtuosity." Cove magazine ranked Knowles seventh on their list of "The 100 Outstanding Pop Vocalists", giving her 48 out of 50 points based on several criteria ranging from her vocal ability to range to harmony.

Knowles has often been criticized for oversinging. A prominent employer of melisma, she earns frequent comparison to such artists as Mariah Carey, whose vocal embellishments have been known to detract from the melody of their songs. Eye Weekly writes, "There’s no question that Beyoncé is one of the best singers in pop, maybe one of the best alive...[However] as judicious as her singing can be, the effect in sum is still like being hit in the head with a fist in a velvet glove."

Stage and alter ego

In 2006, Knowles introduced her all-female tour band Suga Mama, which includes bassists, drummers, guitarists, horn players, keyboardists and percussionists. They débuted at the 2006 BET Awards and re-appeared in the music videos for "Irreplaceable" and "Green Light". Babara Ellen of The Guardian writes, "whether charismatic and soulful, or teasing and flirty, Beyoncé is, above all, in charge. Probably the most "in charge" of any female artist I've seen onstage". In reviewing her I Am... Tour, Alice Jones of The Independent writes, "Watching Beyoncé sing and strut her stuff can feel at best overawing, at worst, alienating. She takes her role as entertainer so seriously she's almost too good." The New York Times writes, "there is a breathtaking elegance in her acute desire to entertain". The Daily Mail writes, "many industry experts have been tipping Beyoncé as the next Michael Jackson. While it’s far too early for such comparisons, she certainly proved that she is one of the most exciting and talented performers around and may well go down in history as such".

Althought Knowles has been criticized for lip-synching in some of her performances, reviewers have praised her live vocal performances. In reviewing one of her performances, Jim Farber of The Daily News writes "Beyoncé showed off pipes of steely power. As the song's signature horn riff pumped away, she soared over the melody with athletic ease. The way Beyoncé used her body intensified the sense of triumph. With her hair teased into Medusa-like tresses, a pelvis in perpetual churn and legs long enough to make Tina Turner proud, Beyoncé's presence punctuated her singing like an exclamation point." Stephanie Classen of the Star Phoenix declares "Beyoncé is no ordinary performer... from note one, the 27-year-old powerhouse rose above all the gimmicks, mastering the show like a sexy alien overlord princess. Nothing but extraterrestrial origins could explain that voice....[Beyoncé] could perform circles around any other pop star today." Newsday writes, "she proves that hot choreography and strong vocals don't have to be mutually exclusive... No worries of lip-synching here."

Known for being sexy, seductive and provocative when performing on stage, Knowles has stated that's her alter ego, Sasha Fierce.

Public image

" during her I Am... Tour]] Knowles has stated, "I like to dress sexy and I carry myself like a lady," but she has said that the way she dresses on stage is "absolutely for the stage". As someone who is fond of fashion, Knowles combines its artistic elements with her music videos and performances. According to Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, she uses different styles and tries to harmonize it with the music while performing. The B'Day Anthology Video Album showed many instances of fashion-oriented footage, depicting classic to contemporary wardrobe styles. People magazine recognized Knowles as the best-dressed celebrity in 2007. Knowles' mother wrote a 2002-published book, titled Destiny's Style: Bootylicious Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Secrets From Destiny's Child, an account of how fashion had an impact on Destiny's Child's success.

As one of the most media-exposed black celebrities in the United States, Knowles has often received criticism that some believe is due to racism and sexism. Toure of Rolling Stone stated that since the release of Dangerously in Love, "[Beyoncé] has become a crossover sex symbol a la Halle Berry ..." In 2007, Knowles was featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, the first non-model and non-athlete woman to pose on the issue and the second African American model after Tyra Banks. In the same year, Knowles appeared on billboards and newspapers across the United States showing her holding an antiquated cigarette holder. Taken from the back cover of B'Day, the image provoked response from an anti-smoking group, stating that she did not need to add the cigarette holder "to make herself appear more sophisticated". During the release of pop singer Rihanna's second album, A Girl Like Me, many critics felt that her image was too heavily similar to Knowles'. Amina Taylor of The Guardian, noted Rihanna as the "Bajan Beyoncé". In March 2009, comparisons were made between the fashions of Knowles and R&B; singer Ciara, when the latter released the music video of her single, "Love Sex Magic". In the video, Ciara is seen wearing a black leotard and metallic glasses, similar to those worn by Knowles in both her "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and "Diva" videos. However, Ciara stated that her outfits were "inspired by the Vegas shows" she attended.

On April 24, 2009, Knowles appeared on Larry King Live, where she gave herself a more political image and talked about everything from singing at President Barack Obama's inauguration, to racism that she has faced being an African-American. In September 2010, Knowles made her runway modelling debut at Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show, walking down the catwalk in a sequined dress with va va voom hair.

Influences and legacy

Knowles has cited various artists who have influenced her musical style. She grew up listening to songs of Anita Baker and Luther Vandross, the latter of whom she eventually collaborated with, but often credits her pop music hero, Michael Jackson, as the reason why she does music. Knowles credits Mariah Carey's singing and her song "Vision of Love" as influencing her to begin practicing vocal "runs" as a child, as well as helping her pursue a career as a musician. She was also exposed to the jazz music of Rachelle Ferrell, after singing Ferrell's songs during her voice lessons and cites her as a musical influence. Knowles also cites influences from American artists such as Tina Turner, Prince, Aaliyah, Diana Ross, and Janet Jackson.

Aside from her musicial influences, Knowles has also influenced various contemporary artists, including pop singer Rihanna, who stated Knowles is "one of the artists that I admire a lot." With the release of Rihanna's sophomore album, critics noted that it was too similar to Knowles'. The media even made negative reviews comparing her music, music videos and performances to Knowles'. Knowles is also cited as a musical influence to X Factor UK winners, Alexandra Burke. and Leona Lewis, who stated Knowles' "definitely inspiring for females." Actress and comedian Mo'Nique who was inspired by Knowles, hosted the BET Awards in 2004 and opened the ceremony performing Knowles' song, "Crazy in Love". She also hosted in 2007 and performed, "Déjà Vu". Actress Gwyneth Paltrow made her live television singing debut at the 2010 Country Music Awards and told Access Hollywood that she got her inspiration from Knowles', stating "I studied Beyoncé a lot and her concerts for her kind of confidence… and I’m lucky that I know some singers in real life." Pop singer Miley Cyrus told Seventeen magazine that she "want[s] to be like Beyoncé", stating "She is the ultimate woman. You look at her and you don't think, I wonder what her personal life is like. You look at her and you go, That girl on the stage is a superstar. You don't care about anything else; you only care about her music. So I would hope that would be me in the future." Furthermore, British singer Cheryl Cole told Hello! magazine that she thinks Knowles "is what every woman should aspire to be." Knowles' music video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" has achieved fame for its intricate choreography, which has been credited as having started the "first major dance craze of both the new millennium and the Internet". Celebrities have also tried the choreography, including pop singers Justin Timberlake Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic found American pop singer Katharine McPhee's songs on her, self-titled, début album to have heavy influences from Knowles' music.

Knowles served as the lead singer of one of the world's best selling girl groups of all time, Destiny's Child. She currently has a total of 41 Grammy Award nominations, which is more than any other female artist in history. She was one of six female artists, along with Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse and Alison Krauss, who held the record for the most number of Grammys won by a female artist in a single night; the record being five awards, which she accomplished in 2004. At the 2008 World Music Awards, Knowles was honored the legend award for Outstanding Contribution To The Arts. Her début studio album, Dangerously In Love was listed as one of the top 200 definitive albums in music history by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On December 11, 2009, Billboard listed Knowles as the most successful female artist of the 2000s decade and also the top Radio Artist of the decade. Knowles has several wax figures of herself at Madame Tussauds Wax Museums in major cities around the world, including New York, Washington, D.C., Amsterdam, Bangkok and Hollywood.

Other ventures

Clothing lines

Knowles and her mother introduced House of Deréon, a ready-to-wear contemporary women's fashion line, in 2005. The concept is inspired by three generations of women in their family, with the name Deréon paying tribute to Knowles' grandmother, Agnèz Deréon, who worked as a seamstress. According to Tina Knowles, the overall style of the line best reflects Knowles' taste and style. Launched in 2006, products of House of Deréon received public exhibitions during the group's shows and tours during the Destiny Fulfilled era. The store, which is available across the United States and Canada, sells sportswear, denim along with fur, outerwear and accessories including handbags. Knowles also teamed up with House of Brands, a local shoe company, to produce a range of footwear for House of Deréon.

In 2004, Knowles and her mother founded their family's company Beyond Productions, which provides the licensing and brand management for House of Deréon. In early 2008, they launched Beyoncé Fashion Diva, a mobile game with an online social networking component, featuring House of Deréon. The organization said it had previously attempted to reach Knowles through faxes, letters and rallies outside her concerts. However with no reply from Knowles, PETA confronted her at a dinner in New York. The clothing line was picked up by department stores including Macy’s and Dillard’s and specialty stores, Jimmy Jazz and Against All Odds.

Products and endorsements

In 2002, Knowles signed a promotional deal with Pepsi, which included appearances on TV commercials, radio and Internet advertisements, as well as in-store promotional materials. A 2004 Pepsi TV commercial in the theme of "Gladiators" featured Knowles with singers Britney Spears, Pink, and Enrique Iglesias, and the following year with Jennifer Lopez and David Beckham entitled "Samurai".

Knowles' range of commercial deals and products also includes beauty care products and perfumes. Knowles has worked with L'Oréal since the age of 18. She launched Tommy Hilfiger's True Star fragrance, in 2004. Knowles sang a cover version of "Wishing on a Star" for the True Star commercials, for which she earned $250,000. She also launched Hilfiger's True Star Gold in 2005 and Emporio Armani's Diamonds in 2007. Forbes reported that Knowles earned $80 million between June 2007 and June 2008, combined with her album, tour, fashion business, and promotional deals. This made her the world's second best-paid music personality for this span of time. In 2009, Forbes listed Knowles fourth on its list of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the world, third on its list of the top-grossing musicians, and number one on the list of top Best-Paid Celebs Under 30 with over $87 million dollars in earnings between 2008 and 2009. In June 2010, Forbes placed Knowles at number three on its 2010 Celebrity Power List with $87 million in grosses thanks to a 93-date world tour, deals with Nintendo and L'Oréal and her House of Deréon clothing line. Knowles was also listed at number two on the list of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the world and subsequently turned out to be the best paid female artist. On October 7, 2010, Forbes recognized Knowles as the ninth most overall powerful woman in the world. In December 2010, Forbes reported that Knowles earned $87 million from January 2010 to December 2010 and eventually ranked her at the ninth place on its list of the "Hollywood's 20 highest-earning men and women of 2010". Knowles was the only artist to break the top ten.

In February 2010, Knowles launched her debut fragrance, Heat. As part of the scent's advertising campaign, Knowles re-recorded her cover version of "Fever" for the fragrance's television commercial. In an interview with WWD Beauty, Knowles explained the concept behind the fragrance, stating "A lot of my performances have had fire involved, so we thought ‘Heat.’ Also, red is one of my favorite colors, as is gold. Everything, from the bottle design to the name and the ideas for the commercials—that’s me". In November 2010, it was revealed that the fragrance's television commerical had been banned from UK daytime TV, after it received 14 viewer complaints. The commercial, which begins with an image of the Knowles appearing to lie naked in a room, has been deemed "too sexually provocative" to be seen by young children and has not be shown on British TV before 7.30pm.

Philanthropy

Knowles has been exposed to issues of social awareness since a young child, as her father would sometimes take her into the community, including African-American society. In 2005, music producer David Foster, his daughter Amy Foster-Gillies, and Knowles wrote "Stand Up for Love", which would serve as the anthem of World Children's Day, an event which takes place annually around the world on November 20 to raise awareness and funds for children's causes worldwide. Destiny's Child lent their voices and support as global ambassadors for the 2005 World Children's Day program.

On October 4, 2008, Knowles attended the Miami Children's Hospital Diamond Ball & Private Concert at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, where she was inducted into the International Pediatric Hall of Fame. Seven-year-old Ethan Bortnick dedicated and performed "Over the Rainbow" to Knowles. After completing work on Cadillac Records, Knowles donated her entire salary to Phoenix House, an organization of rehabilitation centers around the country. Knowles visited a Brooklyn, New York, site in preparation for portraying singer Etta James, who was once addicted to heroin. During this time, she recorded with various artists for "Just Stand Up!", a charity single for the Stand Up to Cancer charity. Joining Knowles on the song was Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Rihanna, Leann Rimes and Mary J. Blige, among others. Knowles also teamed up with the "Show Your Helping Hand" hunger relief initiative and General Mills Hamburger Helper. The goal was to help Feeding America deliver more than 3.5 million meals to local food banks. Knowles encouraged her fans to bring non-perishable groceries to her U.S. concert tour stops.

In January 2010, Knowles participated in the . She appeared in London with Jay-Z, Rihanna, and U2's Bono and The Edge, where she performed a piano version of her song "Halo". Knowles was named the official face of the limited edition "Fashion For Haiti" T-shirt by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The shirt, which reads: "To Haiti With Love", was designed by Peter Arnell, who also created the "Fashion for America" T-shirt which raised $2 million after 9/11. On March 5, 2010, Knowles and her mother, Tina Knowles, opened the Beyoncé Cosmetology Center at the Brooklyn Phoenix House. The program offers a seven-month cosmetology training course for men and women there. L'Oréal has donated all the products to be used at the center, and Knowles, along with her mother, have pledged to donate $100,000 annually.

Personal life

In 2010, a 60 Minutes segment aired, revealing Knowles was homeschooled as a child and prays before every performance. Knowles' has stated several times that when she's at home, she is a rather messy person and doesn't worry about her appearance at all, stating "I don't have any shoes on. No makeup. My shoes are left at the door. My purse is in the kitchen ... I'm relaxed!"

Depression

During the turmoil of Destiny's Child in 2000, Knowles had admitted in December 2006 that she had experienced depression from an accumulation of struggles: the publicized split of LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, being publicly attacked by the media, critics and blogs for causing the split-up, and a longstanding boyfriend (that she had dated from age 12 to 19 years) leaving her. The depression was so severe it had lasted for a couple of years, while she had kept herself in her bedroom for days and refused to eat anything. Knowles stated that she struggled to speak about her depression because Destiny's Child had just won their first Grammy Award and she feared no one would take her seriously. All of these events had made her question herself and who her friends were, describing the situation she said, "Now that I was famous, I was afraid I'd never find somebody again to love me for me. I was afraid of making new friends." In 2005, rumors began to spread about the marriage of the couple. Knowles closed the speculation stating that she and Jay-Z were not even engaged. Laura Schreffler, senior writer for OK! magazine, said, "They are intensely private people". On April 4, 2008, Knowles and Jay-Z were married in New York City. It became a matter of public record on April 22, 2008. Knowles did not publicly début her wedding ring until the Fashion Rocks concert on September 5, 2008, in New York City. Knowles finally revealed their marriage through an opening montage video at the listening party for third album, I Am... Sasha Fierce in Manhattan's Sony Club. Knowles and Jay-Z were listed as the most powerful couple for Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2006. In January 2009, Forbes ranked them as Hollywood's top-earning couple, with a combined total of $162 million. They also made it to the top of the list the following year, with a combined total of $122 million between June 2008 and June 2009.

Discography

2003: Dangerously in Love

2006: B'Day

2008: I Am... Sasha Fierce

See also

Destiny's Child discography

Beyoncé Knowles videography

List of Beyoncé Knowles songs

List of Beyoncé Knowles concert tours

List of best-selling music artists

List of awards and nominations received by Beyoncé Knowles

List of artists who reached number one in the United States

Filmography

References

External links

Official American website

Category:1981 births Category:1990s singers Category:2000s singers Category:2010s singers Category:Actors from Texas Category:African American actors Category:African American female singer-songwriters Category:African American musicians Category:African American songwriters Category:African American models Category:American child singers Category:American dancers Category:American fashion designers Category:American female models Category:American film actors Category:American Christians Category:American Methodists Category:American music video directors Category:American pop singers Category:American record producers Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters Category:American soul singers Category:American people of Native American descent Category:Beyoncé Knowles Category:BRIT Award winners Category:Columbia Records artists Category:Destiny's Child members Category:English-language singers Category:American people of French descent Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Ivor Novello Award winners Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Houston, Texas Category:Sony/ATV Music Publishing artists Category:Spanish-language singers Category:United Methodists Category:Native American singers Category:World Music Awards winners Category:African-American fashion designers Category:Louisiana Creole people