ANN NESBY

The fate of R & B music has been in question for some time now. The genre has been said to be on the verge of flat-lining, whether from cookie-cutter artists who prove to be no more than one-hit wonders to veteran entertainers finding their sound and style out of touch with the progressive musical palettes of young audiences. Moreover, artists who rose to popularity in 1970's and 1980's are now scarce on the musical horizon.

Patti Labelle and Chaka Khan are some of the divas who emerged from that era and have evolved to continue their memorable vocal range, emotion and showmanship for a new generation of fans. The same esteem is also given to Ann Nesby, the unforgettable vocal powerhouse who led the incomparable Sounds Of Blackness in the mid-1980's to win two Grammy awards in 1991 and 1993 as lead singer and went on to score solo hits of her own as well. With the release of This Is Love) she is poised to bring soul music forward stronger than ever on today's music scene.   MORE BIO...............

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Songs on "Leavin' Won't Be Easy":

1. Leavin' Won't Be Easy
2. Ain't Your Fool No More
3. Goin' Down Slow
4. Missin' You
5. Groovin'
6. Friendly Reunion
7. One Way Love Affair
8. Lonely Room
9. Try Me Tonight
10. Can't Leave Your Love Alon

WILLIE HILL VIDEO

Willie Hill

Willie Hill, the consummate southern entertainer. His deep, soulful voice and style electrifies audiences everywhere. He has performed with artists such as B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and many other legendary artists. Willie's career was influenced at an early age in Albany, GA by his father Homer Hill, well known gospel pianist/vocalist. He was also greatly influenced by the 1950's WLAC Memphis, TN AM radio shows who played artists such as those he later performed with. Willie admits, too, "As a child I listened mostly to country radio; that's all we had - a lot of Hank Williams, Hank Snow."

Willie Hill's career began to blossom in the mid 60's when he landed a 3-year tour through Europe with the Sounds of Soul. They backed up and performed with Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and many more. His first real recording began in Macon, GA at King Studios (James Brown's first studio). He was then discovered and began a recording career at MGM - Sounds of Memphis where he worked with William Bell of STAKS Records.

This brought Willie into working contact with artists such as Isaac Hayes, Steve Cropper, Booker-T & MG's, and many others. From about 1973-1977, Willie also co-founded and produced K.C. and the Sunshine Band. He then joined with soul singer Anthony Fontaine and formed a Sam & Dave-like soul duet, "Willie & Anthony". Together they released three albums: "Grooving on Sunday Afternoon," "Selfish Lover," and "In a Mellow Mood." Blues and Soul Magazine gave their highest 5-star rating. Willie Hill has spent the past several years heavily touring the south with acts including Millie Jackson, B.B. King, Candy Staton, and more. Willie has established himself as one of the very best blues performers in the area performing at major blues venues, concert halls, and festivals. His ability to perform traditional blues, rhythm & blues, soul, and even country with such authenticity and power is a sight to behold.

The Godsister Of Soul

From Taking it to the Kids, Livewire's Exclusive Interview with James Brown, April 17, 2001 Livewire: I understand that you've got a new song out? JB: Yeah, It's called "Killing Is Out, School Is In." And you need to hear the lyrics to it. I'm going to tell you what you gotta do, "try romance, turn that cap around and take that gun out of your pants." Killing seems to be a way of life in school. And what we're trying to tell 'em is that a lack of knowledge and a little bit of drugs will make you blow your cool. So we put it right there where you can hear it. We don't try and dress it up and do it like the system would do it - where it might miss the kids. We want to put it to 'em back on the street, in the same language. You know what you're getting here. Livewire: Is this song going against what gangsta rap is all about?
Years before his death in 2006, James Brown and his sister Fannie Brown-Burford wanted to change the mainstream music and stop the killing of our children in the streets and all over the world. By consistantly urging todays artists to clean up the lyrics of the music that our children listen to, and by sending a posititve message of life through their music, James and Fannie would bring worldwide attention to the critical condition today's youth is in. Fannie Brown recalls James' plan for the songs he and Fannie wrote: "He (James) left them (the songs) as a legacy, something to carry on, songs that would change the world." Fannie continues; "Songs that would change the thoughts of the children, stop them from killing each other, from wearing their clothes saggin', from not being dressed; so we're trying to help clean up the young people.

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