Flashback Friday

While he never gained much individual fame, singer/songwriter/producer Willie Hutch worked behind the scenes at Motown Records writing and producing for such artists as Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and others. Hutch was born Willie McKinley Hutchinson in 1946 in Los Angeles CA.  He  began singing as a teenager with an outfit known as the Ambassadors. He later began penning his own songs, one of which, “Love Has Put Me Down”, became his first hit single in 1964. He later penned several tracks for 60’s pop-soul group 5th Dimension and later received co-production credit on the group’s debut album, “Up, Up And Away”. In 1973, Hutch wrote and produced the soundtrack for the Blaxploitation film “The Mack”. The soundtrack is  often considered one of the era’s finest and included such funk classics as “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out” and “Slick”. Hutch continued recording through the early 2000’s. Hutch passed away on September 19, 2005 at his home outside Dallas TX.

Tyrese

Luke James

Kemistry

R&B singer/songwriter/producer Kim Owens, known professionally as Kem, is a Detroit native who began singing gospel and playing piano at his grandmother’s house. He has gone on to release four albums. Kemistry in 2003, Album 2 in 2005, Intimacy: Album 3 in 2010 and Promise To Love in 2010.  He has become well received by older R&B listeners for his classy sound and not incorporating elements of hip hop. He has gone on to become one of many artist who have revolutionized modern R&B and no doubt, there’s more to come.

Ledisi

Daron Jones-Ciara “I Bet” Remix

Singer/songwriter/producer Daron Jones is ready to take solo stardom to new heights. The Atlanta GA native, who began his career as one-fourth of the R&B group 112, has worked behind the scenes writing and producing for Keyshia Cole, Usher, Pink, The Notorious B.I.G. and others, earning Grammy and other awards in the process. Jones’s musical ability is undeniable and he’s well on his way to creating a catalog of music that will remain timeless. Check out his remix of the Ciara hit “I Bet”.