Album Streams, News

Ruben Studdard Tributes Luther Vandross on New Album, Announces ‘Always and Forever Tour’

The legacy of Luther Vandross lives on. Season two American Idol winner Ruben Studdard has dedicated an entire album to the R&B legend.

The tribute album, Ruben Sings Luther, is a 10-track collection of Vandross’ signatures hits – selected by Studdard himself – including “Always and Forever,” “A House Is Not a Home” and “Here and Now.”

Studdard tells People Magazine, “I’m just trying my best to get as close as I possibly can without trying to copy him verbatim.”

Ruben Sings Luther comes natural for “the Velvet Teddy Bear” whose voice instantly reminded Idol viewers of Vandross back in 2003. “Since I won American Idol, people have been asking for me to sing Luther songs for a long time,” he says. “I thought, ‘OK. You want to hear it? I might as well do it. I thought it was the perfect time to pay homage to one of the greatest song interpreters of all time.”

Studdard plans to take this tribute album on the road this spring. The 22-city Always and Forever Tour will begin on April 8 in Sacramento, Calif. and will travel across North America until he ends the tour on May 13 in West Palm Beach, FL.

“As for the tour, we are not only recreating some of the production elements, musicians, background singers, wardrobe and lighting that were ever present when Luther took the stage, but my heart and soul will be in every note I sing as I honor one of the greatest vocalists we’ve ever had,” Studdard adds.

Stream Ruben Sings Luther below. Get your tickets for his “Always and Forever Tour” here.

Antwane Folk is the editorial assistant at RatedRnB.com.

Jorja Smith Announces Debut Album ‘Lost & Found’

It’s about time. After several major features with hip-hop biggest stars (Drake, Kendrick Lamar), rising singer Jorja Smith has announced her debut album, Lost & Found, will arrive on June 8.

Smith will enjoy the spotlight alone on Lost & Found as there are no features on the project, which includes “Teenage Fantasy” and “Blue Lights.” She performed the latter song along with “On My Mind” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week.

Lost & Found Track List
1. “Lost & Found”
2. “Teenage Fantasy”
3. “Where Did I Go?”
4. “February 3rd”
5. “On Your Own”
6. “The One”
7. “Wandering Romance”
8. “Blue Lights”
9. “Lifeboats (Freestyle)”
10. “Goodbyes”
11. “Tomorrow”
12. “Don’t Watch Me Cry”

Pre-order Smith’s Lost & Found today.

 

Erykah Badu, Miguel and The Roots to Headline Smokin’ Grooves Festival

The performance lineup for the Smokin’ Grooves Festival has been announced. Erykah Badu, Miguel and The Roots are set to headline the event, which takes plance on June 16 at The Queen Mary in Long Beach.

Other artists on the bill include Jhene Aiko, NxWorries (Anderson Paak + Knxwledge), H.E.R., Majid Jordan, dvsn, Tiara Thomas, Lion Babe, Arin Ray, Ravyn Lenae, Omarion and THEY, to name a few.

While Badu doesn’t have a new project out, fans will be expecting to hear her classic records. Miguel and Jhené Aiko will promote their latest albums. The latter artist released her  sophomore album Trip last September, while Miguel delivered his third album, War & Leisure, in December.

Tickets are on sale now at smokingroovesfest.com.

See the complete Smokin’ Grooves lineup below.

JoJo Announces ‘Leaks, Mixtapes and Covers’ Tour Dates

Photo Credit: Steve Jennings/WireImage

JoJo will soon embark on a 15-date tour. Dubbed Leaks, Covers and Mixtapes, the singer will launch her tour in Anaheim, Calif. on May 29. From there, she will travel to several other major cities including Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Boston and New York before concluding in Dallas, TX on June 26.

Last August, JoJo launched her Clover Music imprint at Interscope Records. “I’m reunited with [Aaron Bay-Schuck], my original A&R at Atlantic, who was instrumental in signing me there,” JoJo explained. “One of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my career was leave the Atlantic family. It was a decision I seriously struggled with, but felt I owed it to myself to fulfill one of my ultimate goals, which was ownership.”

Leaks, Covers and Mixtapes Tour Schedule

Aaaaffddkfkfjskshdhshksdjiehagayahff!!!!!!! You have no idea how excited I am to sing these songs live for the very first time 😭😭😭 Leaks. Covers. & Mixtapes. This tour is especially for everyone who rocked with me when my hands were tied and my voice was silenced… thought it’d be mad fun to perform these songs since they were such a massive part of my life and you have always shown such passion for them. I wanted to keep the shows small and intimate so… get your tix now baebs. I miss seeing you up close and I want to get that connection that inspires me so much while I’m working on NEW material for my next project. Just starting to put the set list together… what songs do you want to hear most?! 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀 •ARTIST PRE-SALE tickets are available tomorrow, April 25th at 10am local time – use password: JOJOEXCLUSIVE •VENUE PRESALE tickets available this Thurs, April 26th at 10am •GENERAL tix go on sale this Fri, April 27th at 10am local (except New York, which goes on sale at noon)

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