Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin

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Aretha Franklin, Queen Of Soul, Dies At 76

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The legendary soul singer and 18-time GRAMMY winner made an indelible mark on music
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Aug 16, 2018 - 9:00 am

Aretha Franklin, a legendary and deeply influential R&B artist, died on Aug. 16 at age 76. The cause was of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Aug 16, 2018 – 11:28 am

Aretha Franklin's GRAMMY Highlights

Franklin was the daughter of two gospel singers and began singing and playing piano at a young age. As a teenager she started singing in the choir at the church where her father preached and recorded backup vocals on her father's gospel albums. In 1961, at the age of 18, she was signed to Columbia Records and released her first album, Aretha.

In 1967, just six years after her debut album, she started garnering widespread acclaim and began her reign as the original R&B queen with her hit album I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You. The album included her iconic cover of Otis Redding's "Respect," for which she earned her first No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and her first two GRAMMY wins for Best R&B Recording and Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Female at the 10th GRAMMY Awards.

Franklin would go on to earn a total of 44 GRAMMY nominations and a historic 18 wins in her lifetime. Her total wins make her one of the most awarded GRAMMY artists of all time. She graced the GRAMMY stage with her legendary soulful sound a total of eight times, putting her in a tie with Whitney Houston as the runner up for the most GRAMMY performances by a female artist.

In addition to her many GRAMMY Awards, she has been honored by The Recording Academy on multiple occasions. Franklin received the GRAMMY Legend Award in 1991, which is presented "to individuals or groups for ongoing contributions and influence in the recording field," and is one of just 15 artists to receive this special award since its inception in 1990. She was also honored by the Academy with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994. On top of that, five of her recordings have been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame: "Respect," "Chain Of Fools," "Amazing Grace," "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)," and "I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You." 

Not only did Franklin make monumental contributions to the music world during her lifetime, she also helped make the world a better place outside of the music she made. She supported several charities and advocacy organizations including the NAACP, the Special Olympics, Feeding America, The Rainforest Foundation, and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. In 2005 President Clinton awarded her with The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S. The Recording Academy also acknowledged her huge positive impact on the world, honoring her as the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year.

Franklin and her prolific musical career have had a far-reaching influence on musicians over the years and across genres, with many offering their condolences for the Queen of Soul. Following a hospitalization in 2010, the 53rd GRAMMY Awards featured special performances as part of an Aretha Franklin Tribute, with artists such as fellow GRAMMY-winners Jennifer Hudson and Christina Aguilera covering her hits to honor the legend.

Franklin was truly influential throughout her life, most recently celebrating her 100th chart-topping single with her cover of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep." With the release of the single in 2014, she became the first female artist to place 100 career titles on the Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and remains in the lead, tied with Stevie Wonder and ahead of Drake, for the most No. 1 singles on the chart with 20 total.

"Aretha Franklin was an incomparable artist who came to be recognized as one of the most profound voices in music," said Neil Portnow, President and CEO of the Recording Academy. "Her distinctive sound, unforgettable recordings, and giving spirit will continue to be celebrated worldwide. Aretha will be dearly missed, and our thoughts go out to her loved ones during this difficult time."  

Thanks to her long, outstanding career and her deep impact in the soul, R&B, and pop music worlds, Franklin leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire artists for generations to come. 

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Angelica Cob-Baehler

Angelica Cob-Baehler

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Celebrating The Life Of Angelica Cob-Baehler, Visionary Music Executive

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The late record label executive who spent her entire career making positive waves in the music industry, including launching Katy Perry's career, is remembered by the many lives she touched
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Nov 30, 2018 - 11:05 am

On Nov. 21, record label executive Angelica Cob-Baehler passed away at age 47 after a long battle with cancer. She spent her cut-too-short albeit illustrious time in music launching and developing the careers of many artists, including pop superstar Katy Perry and multi-hyphenate rapper/actor Ice Cube. Cob-Baehler made a profoundly positive impact in the music industry and will be remembered fondly by all who worked with her.

Starting out in the music industry while still in college at UCLA as an intern at Elektra Records, Cob-Baehler began working as a publicity assistant at Atlantic Records in 1993, where she rose to Senior Director and worked with the likes of Stone Temple Pilots and Jewel. In 2001 she went to Columbia Records to become the Vice President of Media, building close relationships with artists ranging from John Mayer to System Of A Down to the Offspring. In 2005, when she moved to Virgin Records to become their Senior Vice President of Media (which later merged with Capitol and EMI), she brought a then-unknown artist with her, Katy Perry, playing a key role in launching her into pop-stardom.

While Cob-Baehler was at Columbia Perry was signed to the label and working on her debut album, but was dropped by the label before it was released. Cob-Baehler shared in an interview that this upset her and was a big part of the reason she left—but not before "stealing," as she put it, Perry's files. When she moved to Virgin, she brought Perry to her new team, where they signed her and released her successful debut album, One Of The Boys, via their Capitol Records arm. Cob-Baehler build a lasting friendship with Perry and worked closely on both the A&R and creative direction of the then-rising star's debut, as well as on her sophomore LP, Teenage Dream. Several of the hit songs from both albums received GRAMMY nods, with Teenage Dream earning Perry four nominations at the 53rd GRAMMY Awards, including for Album of the Year.

Six days ago, one of my biggest champions and realest friends, Angelica Cob-Baehler moved on from this place. She was one of the strongest women I have ever known - fighting her cancer like friggin’ Rocky, enduring chemo, immunotherapy, a tracheotomy, feeding tubes for months on end, and experimental cancer treatment trials. I watched her go through many stages for over a year, but a few things remained constant: her sarcastic/wicked sense of humor, her positive outlook, and the incredible love she had for her family. We had a lot of wins together for over 10 years, and I am incredibly grateful she was a born fighter/no shit-taker because she practically willed me into existence as a young artist when she “stole my files” from limbo at Columbia Records and brought them to life at Capitol Records. She was like a big sister to me, showing me the ropes and always having my back. She never became a yes-person and was quick to check me when I needed checking - that was family. I have procrastinated posting this because it makes it feel a little too final, but I don’t believe people ever really die - she just had to leave that body behind. Out of body, and full of spirit now. Sadly, she also left behind two amazing young girls, and an incredible husband who was the definition of ROCK through this whole process. As for me, I’ll never let them forget that Angelica embodied the angel in her name, was a woman of incredible integrity and character, a massive giver, and a DOPE human being. I know today is #GivingTuesday, and if you have been a longtime KatyCat and a friend of mine or Geli’s, let’s honor her by donating to her favorite charity, Generosity.org by clicking the link in bio. She may be gone from this place, but she will never be forgotten. Rest in power, my angel, and don’t worry, we got Chapman and the girls. #RIPGeli

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"I watched her go through many stages for over a year, but a few things remained constant: her sarcastic/wicked sense of humor, her positive outlook, and the incredible love she had for her family," Perry wrote in a touching post on Instagram that included photos of the two of them, along with a video clip of Cob-Baehler discussing bringing Perry to Capitol. "We had a lot of wins together for over 10 years, and I am incredibly grateful she was a born fighter/no shit-taker because she practically willed me into existence as a young artist when she 'stole my files' from limbo at Columbia Records and brought them to life at Capitol Records,"

"She was like a big sister to me," continued Perry, "showing me the ropes and always having my back. She never became a yes-person and was quick to check me when I needed checking—that was family. I cared about her too much as a person to think that somebody could just crush this girl's life, and just crush her dreams, for their own ego."

In 2013 Cob-Baehler went to work with friend and business partner Jeff Kwatinetz as head of marketing and then head of music at his company The Firm/Prospect Park, which eventually became Big3/Prospect Park/Cube Vision. She worked alongside Ice Cube, who co-founded Big3 with Kwatinetz, and his son O'Shea Jackson Jr., who played his father in the N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton. Cob-Baehler also served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Big3. Kwatinetz also shared a beautiful message about her fervor for life:

"I don't know if I've ever met anyone quite like her. She was truly so special, so loving, so caring...she was so proud of the work she did but also of the family she assembled. She was passionate about art, politics, making the world a better place, and being a real friend to people like me who needed her in my life, and I will never go a day without thinking of her. It's easy to say take this lesson to appreciate life more and that's what she would and DID say to me. Work less, live more with your real group of friends and family."

Another close friend, Jeff Jampol, President of Jampol Artist Management, shared a message of her positive impact on his life:

"I met Geli through her amazing husband Chapman, and we grew to be very emotionally, intellectually and spiritually bonded. Geli was one of the greatest humans I have ever met—her personal recovery, her faith, her intellect and her willingness were second to none. Through thick and thin, adversity and triumph, Geli practiced spiritual principles in her life, and was a beacon of light, hope and courage to many around her. Her final adversity took her from us, and her passing affected me very deeply. But the way she walked through it, with grace, faith—and transparency—will always stay with me. I learned a lot from Geli, and her legacy lives on in the countless number of folks that she affected, that she helped, and to whom her courage was a profound lesson in the human spirit. I'll never forget her—and I'm pretty sure many others won't, either."

She is survived by her husband, Chapman, and their two daughters. Her legacy lives on in all the lives she touched.

Angelica Cob-Baehler

Katy Perry Honored With amfAR Award Of Courage For Support Of HIV/AIDS Research

Mac Miller

Mac Miller

Photo: Mauricio Santana/Getty Images

News

Mac Miller Dies At 26

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The rapper who has spoken out about his struggles with substance abuse has died
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Sep 7, 2018 - 3:38 pm

Mac Miller, born Malcolm James McCormick, has died on Sept. 7 at the age of 26. He had just released his fifth studio album and was set to begin a tour in support next month.

The rapper was found dead in his San Fernando Valley home earlier today, reportedly from an overdose. Miller has referenced his demons in his music, including his struggles with substance abuse. His 2014 Faces mixtape opens with him rapping "shoulda died already (faces)/Came in, I was high already."

In a recent interview with Vulture, he shared the challenge of being young and making mistakes in the public eye. He released his chart-topping debut album Blue Slide Park when he was just 20.

"A lot of times in my life I’ve put this pressure to hold myself to the standard of whatever I thought I was supposed to be, or how I was supposed to be perceived… It’s annoying to be out and have someone come up to me and think they know. They're like 'Yo, man, are you okay?' I’m like 'Yeah, I’m [expletive] at the grocery store.' You know?," Miller said.

The young rapper had just released his latest album Swimming on Aug. 3 and had a tour scheduled, beginning next month in San Francisco. Miller, who collaborated with many other big names in hip-hop and R&B including Anderson .Paak, Miguel and Kendrick Lamar, will be remembered through his music.

Conway Savage

Photo: Gary Wolstenholme/Getty Images

News

Conway Savage, Keyboardist of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Dies At 58

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As the pianist, organist and backup vocalist for the Bad Seeds since 1990, Savage played a key role in many of the band's most celebrated albums and tours
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Sep 4, 2018 - 1:43 pm

Conway Savage, the pianist, organist and backup vocalist of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, passed away on Sept. 2 at age 58.

Savage had to sit out touring with Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds this year, as he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017 and was recovering from surgery. The band's publicist confirmed with Pitchfork that his death was caused by the brain tumor.

The pianist, who began playing the instrument in his teen years, was born in Victoria, Australia in 1960. Always a musician, he played in several bands in the 1980s, and then joined Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds in 1990, touring extensively with the band and recording seven albums together including 1992's Henry’s Dream, 1996's Murder Ballads and 2004's Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus. Over the years he also released music with other artists, as well as on his own, including his debut solo album, Nothing Broken, in 2000.

"A member of Bad Seeds for nearly thirty years, Conway was the anarchic thread that ran through the band’s live performances. He was much loved by everyone, band members and fans alike," the band said in a statement.

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Aretha Franklin

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Poll

Celebrating The Queen Of Soul: What's Your Favorite Aretha Franklin Song?

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The legendary R&B singer lives on in our hearts – how have you been showing your "Respect" to the Queen?
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Aug 31, 2018 - 12:30 pm

The world has been mourning the loss of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, since her passing earlier this month, and today many are honoring her life, including fellow GRAMMY winners Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson, at her funeral service in Detroit. The iconic GRAMMY winner will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on forever in her amazing body of music. As we pay our "Respect" and celebrate her life, her music and the path she paved for so many after her, which of her classic songs is most dear to your heart?

Polls

Which Classic Aretha Franklin Song Is Your Favorite?

While it may be hard for you to choose a personal favorite, arguably Franklin's most popular and recognizable song is "Respect" – it has even made a reappearance on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart since her passing. The song was originally written and performed by GRAMMY winner Otis Redding. Her version, which she released in 1967 on I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You, garnered national attention and gave her the first of many No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts, as well as her first two GRAMMY wins at the 10th GRAMMY Awards. The title track from that album is another one of her soulful classics, in fact, "I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You," "Respect," "Chain Of Fools," "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)" and "Amazing Grace," have all been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame.

But don't forget about "I Say A Little Prayer" and "Think," originally released on Aretha Now in 1968 – upbeat, powerful tracks that showcase Franklin's amazing vocal range. Both singles have been included on countless movie soundtracks over the years, and will surely be in the soundtracks of our lives for years to come.

Franklin was truly an icon in every sense of the word, with her career spanning decades and earning her many accolades, including a total of 44 GRAMMY nominations and a historic 18 wins, making her one of the most awarded GRAMMY artists of all time. On top of that, she was given the GRAMMY Legend Award in 1991, one of just 15 artists to receive this special honor, and also received the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994. She is truly a star that will shine bright beyond her years on earth.