Alicia Augello Cook, known by her stage name Alicia Keys, is a singer/songwriter/pianist/producer/actress. She was signed to J Records by CEO Clive Davis, having had other record deals with Columbia and Arista. She released her debut album “Songs In A Minor” in 2001. The album was  a huge commercial success, selling over 12 million copies. She has released further albums “The Diary Of Alicia Keys”, the live album “Unplugged”, “As I am”, “The Element Of Freedom” and “Girl On Fire.” Keys has also worked as an actress, with appearances in the films “Smokin Aces” and “The Nannie Diaries”, among others.

Happy birthday

Singer Emily “Cissy” Houston 83

Singer Alicia Michelle “Micki” Howard 56

Remembering singer Franklin Joseph “Frankie” Lymon (September 30, 1942-February 27, 1968-Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers)

Singer/songwriter/producer/keyboardist Patrice Rushen 62

Singer Marilyn McCoo (The Fifth Dimension) 73

Singer Kelly Rowland is the latest editorial focus of SCHON! magazine’s 31st issue. In the issue, she discusses her music, fashion, a forthcoming cosmetics line and more. Regarding her musical project Rowland revealed that she worked with producer David Guetta and as a result has gotten the EDM approach in her blood. In addition to the interview, Rowland also took some stunning photographs shot by photographer Ricky Middlesworth. One shot is of Rowland in front of a green background donning various floral print designs. Without a doubt, Rowland’s glowing skin has caused many to buckle down on their skin care routine. Rowland’s hair was styled by Kim Kimble with makeup by Sheika Daly. After clinching the runner up position on the 15th season of “American Idol”, La’Porsha  Renae releases her debut single “Good Woman” today. It’s the first single from the singer/songwriter’s forthcoming debut album on 19 Recordings/Motown due out later this year. The single is worth a listen. Solange Knowles unveiled her third studio effort at midnight today titled “A Seat At The Table.” The disc consists of 21 tracks with guest appearances by Kelly Rowland, Lil Wayne, Kelela, Q Tip, The Dream and Dev  Hynes. “A Seat At The Table” follows 2008’s “Sol-Angel And The Hadley Street Dreams.” Her last release was the 2012 EP   “True.” A digital book on Solange’s web site shares photos and lyrics. “A Seat At The Table” can be purchased at iTunes and streamed on Spotify. D.R.A.M.’s debut single “Broccoli” has reached the top spot on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, bumping Rhianna’s “Needed Me” from that position after two weeks. He is the third artist to reach the No. 1 position on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart with their debut single. He follows Desiigner, who hit the top spot with “Panda” and Alessia Cara, who reached the top with “Here.” “Broocoli”, which features Lil Yachty, was supported by 31 million audience impressions at radio. The song also grows 12-8 on all genre Billboard Hot 100, marking the first top 10 hit for both acts on that tally. Congratulations to the artist on the accomplish.

Jahiem Hoagland, better known simply by the stage name Jahiem, is a New Jersey born singer/songwriter and former rapper. He was signed to Divine Mill Records by DJ KG of Naughty By Nature. He released his debut album “Ghetto Love” in 2001. Since that time he has gone on to release the albums “Still Ghetto”, “Ghetto Classics”, “Makings Of A Man”, “Another Round” and “Appreciation Day”. He released “Struggle Love” in 2016.

Happy birthday

Singer/sonwriter/producer Donald DeGrate aka DeVante Swing (Jodeci) 47

Singer Debelah Morgan 39

It’s been quite some time since singer/songwriter John Legend has been in the spotlight, ever since fathering a daughter Luna. He stopped by The Breakfast Club where he discussed everything from his ever outspoken political views on the Presidential debates, the stop and frisk policy, sleeping with wife Chrissy Teigen on their first date, being a prominent television producer, his forthcoming album, “Darkness And Light”, which is due soon, and with a single out soon as well and more. Needless to say, the interview was an interesting one. R&B trio Mindless Behavior has announced their “#No Parents Allowed Tour” in support of their latest studio effort “#OFFICIALMBMUSIC”, which was released this summer via Conjunction Entertainment/ADA. Presented by Ones To Watch and sponsored by Alcatel, the tour will begin on Nov. 9 and literally go around the country. Starting in the Carolinas, the group will visit major cities in the south including Atlanta, New Orleans and Houston and later head out to the West coast to Los Angeles and Oakland. They’ll then make their way to the Midwest with stops in Chicago, Madison WI and Cleveland before heading to the northeast with stops in New York, Maryland and Philadelphia. The forthcoming tour will be the first for new members E.J. and Mike River and is the most anticipated tour since the 2012 tour that was documented with the concert film “Mindless Behavior: All Around The World” with Awesome TV. Tickets are now available. Fitness buffs, get in formation. Beyoncé has just released the Fall 2016 collection of her active wear line Ivy Park. A campaign video has been released as well. The line offers an athleisure take on denim, as well as gradient knits and bold cut outs fit for running the world. Fans can purchase the line at Nordstrom, Top Shop, Zalando and Net-a-Porter. Dave East has now officially signed with Def Jam. The Harlem rapper, who is a protégé of rapper Nas as well as a Mass Appeal Records signee, announced the deal on radio station Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club. He also revealed that Nas will executive produce his album. He added that since Nas introduced him to the world he felt that it would be good for his brand. No word on when the album will be released.

Daron Jones is a singer/ songwriter/producer and one fourth of the R&B group 112. Outside of his work with the group, he has written and produced for Keyshia Cole, Usher and Pink, among others. 

Happy birthday

Remembering singer Benjamin Earl King aka Ben E. King (September 28, 1938-April 30, 2015-The Drifters)

Remembering singer Sean Levert (September 28, 1968-March 30, 2008-Levert)

Singer/songwriter/bassist Kenneth M. Burke (The Five Stairsteps) 63

Gerald Maxwell Rivera, better known by his stage name Maxwell, is a singer/songwriter/producer who along with Erykah Badu and DeAngelo is credited with helping to shape the “neo soul” movement of the 1990’s. He released his debut album “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suit” in 1996. The album  produced four singles. “Till The Cops Come Knockin”, “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)”, “Sumthin” and “Suite Lady (The Proposal Jam.” He released the album ” Embrya And Now” in 1998. After a seven year hiatus, he released the second installment of his  “BLACKsummer’s Night” series in July 2016. He is scheduled to begin a  tour with singer Mary J. Blige this fall.