Wenonah High School Signing
One of the basketball team members signed with the University of Alabama on Nov. 13. Justin Coleman, a senior, is pictured with family members, Coach Lane, and Coach Brown.
What’s Happening at Talladega Superspeedway and in motorsports with Gwen DeRu.
Sperry Named Director of Partnership Sales for Talladega Superspeedway
Chris Sperry was named the Director of Partnership Sales for Talladega Superspeedway. Sperry will lead the track’s Sales and Marketing team as of November 1.
Sperry, a graduate of Clemson University (1994) and Georgia State University College of Law (1999), brings 10 plus years of business and marketing skills to NASCAR’s Most Competitive track. During this time, Sperry has served as the Sponsorship and Event Marketing Manager for Maserati North America, Vice President of Sales for Road Atlanta, and Senior Manager of Business Development for Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Talladega family,” said Sperry. “I look forward to working with our existing partners and growing our brand in the marketplace. We have a great team in place, two great events and an experience that is unmatched in NASCAR. After all, this is Talladega.”
As the new Director of Partnership Sales, Sperry will be planning and directing business development efforts for Talladega Speedway, as well as developing plans and programs to support the speedway’s sales and revenue objectives. Sperry will now be the primary contact with ISC’s Partnership Sales and Marketing department.
“We are thrilled to have Chris join the Talladega team, with a track record of exceptional success and growth throughout his career,” said Grant Lynch, Talladega Superspeedway Chairman. “He brings with him many years of experience and a strong skill set in the field of sponsorship marketing and will definitely be an asset for us moving forward into the 2014 season.”
Sperry joins the track, which is gearing up for Aaron’s Dream Weekend starting May 2nd and culminating in the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, May 4th. Tickets for the weekend (ARCA 250, Aaron’s 312 and Aaron’s 499) can be purchased online at the track’s website, talladegasuperspeedway.com, or by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA.
2013 Porsche Boxster S
by Cheryl Eldridge
Wow! Two Porsches in one month really made me feel like a queen on wheels. I really enjoyed last week’s delivery of the Boxster S convertible coated in an Aqua Blue Metallic with an interior of agate/ pebble gray leather.
My son and I travelled many places alone due to its two seat capacity. We enjoyed quiet time and he even liked riding in it. I, on the other hand, liked driving it.
The Porsche family really does have class and like the slogan for McDonald’s, I’m loving it.” It also has very impressive gas numbers with 30 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city.
The 2013 Porsche Boxster is a two-seat convertible offered in base and S trims. Base models come equipped with 18-inch wheels, a power-operated soft top, cruise control, six-way-adjustable seats (power backrest, manual fore/aft and height), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, partial leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player. Stepping up to the Boxster S gets you a bigger engine, 19-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights and red-painted brake calipers.
As usual, Porsche will allow you to spend a small country’s GDP on options. The Convenience package adds a wind deflector, heated seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Upgrading to the Premium package includes those features plus adaptive headlights (bi-xenon for the base Boxster), 10-way-adjustable power sport seats (with four-way power lumbar) and auto-dimming mirrors. The Infotainment package gets a navigation system and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio and iPod/USB connectivity.
The items in packages can be added separately along with different 19- and 20-inch wheel designs, a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, electronic torque vectoring, an adaptive suspension, ceramic composite brakes, front and rear parking sensors, and a sport steering wheel with PDK shift paddles.
Interior options include sport seats that can be equipped with heated, ventilated and adaptive features; a heated steering wheel; voice controls; satellite radio, a six-CD changer; interior ambient lighting; and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Then there are the numerous customization choices that will cover just about any interior surface in leather, aluminum, carbon fiber, wood trim or exterior paint.
Serious performance drivers can opt for the Sport Chrono package, which adds dynamic transmission mounts (said to minimize weight transfer during gear changes), a lap timer, driver-adjustable chassis settings and, with the PDK transmission, launch control.
The base Boxster is powered by a 2.7-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder (flat-6) that produces 265 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The rear-wheel-drive sports car comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optional is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission known as PDK. Porsche says the base Boxster will go from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds regardless of transmission type. Fuel economy is 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the manual and 22/32/26 with PDK.
The Boxster S comes with a 3.4-liter flat-6 that produces 315 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds testing, an S model with the manual transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in an impressively quick 4.9 seconds. Fuel economy is 20/28/23 combined with the manual and 21/30/24 with PDK.
Now, I am a mother who believes in safety, especially if you’re driving a sports car. However, I was impressed with the Boxster with its safety measures including antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, dual thorax and head side-impact airbags and rollover safety hoops above the headrests.
If you climb inside the cabin you’ll find the new Boxster’s greatest leap compared to the previous one. Addressing a key complaint among taller drivers, the seats are placed lower and there’s increased room for both occupants. The interior still features premium materials, and now the gauges, dash and center console borrow from the Panamera’s ergonomic elegance. It’s a classier look and feel all around.
Top-up motoring is now more pleasant, with new sound-deadening material suppressing more ambient noise, although the new Boxster retains its familiar blind spots and compromised top-up visibility. But with a power soft top that folds in 10 seconds, there are fewer excuses to ride around fully enclosed.
Although Porsche has stretched the 2013 Boxster, the additional room went into the cabin and, as before, the Boxster still lacks meaningful cargo space. Its two trunks – one front, one rear – are pretty small, though combined they total up for about 10 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised or lowered. You’ll have more luck fitting larger items (such as a golf bag) in the SLK.
My price sticker which was a nice $88,585 included exclusive options and destination charge.
Until next week, drive safe, don’t text and drive and please buckle up, it’s the law!
By Frank S. Washington
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. – Ram, formerly Dodge Ram, has seen its share of the pickup truck market grow from 11percent in 2009 when it separated from Dodge to19 percent today as a stand-alone brand.
And as Ram continues its assault on the segment with a new round of products, the truck brand used four philosophies to bring a new bevy of pickups to market: fuel economy, payload, power and towing.
They should have added exclusivity in there too. For 2014, Ram adds a small displacement diesel engine. The 2014 Ram 1500 can be equipped with a 3.0-liter diesel that generates 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, this pickup truck will truly be one-of-a-kind. On a route that traversed the twisting two-lane roads through Decker Canyon, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel never struggled getting up and over the mountainous roads and the transmission held the right gear at the right time.
The Ram EcoDiesel is expected get more than 25 mpg on the highway. It will have a towing capacity of 9,200 lbs. And the Ram can be equipped with UConnect that is capable of turning the truck into a WiFi hotspot.
There are two other engine choices for the Ram 1500. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 makes 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 makes 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Prices start at $25,295.
Our test vehicle was the Laramie Crew Cab 4X4. In addition to UConnect, it also had an air suspension and the Ram Box Cargo Management System. The truck had a base price of $44,925; as tested it cost $55,205.
The new Ram heavy duty pickups bring a bigger HEMI V8 to market that makes 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The standard 5.7-liter V8 makes 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
And the big daddy, so to speak, of Ram’s three-quarter ton heavy duty pickup powerplants is the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel. It comes in three versions: a six-speed manual gearbox mated to the 350 horsepower Cummins that makes 660 pound-feet of torque at 1,400 RPM.
The first six-speed automatic option makes 370 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque; the second six-speed automatic makes 385 horsepower and Ram said a best in class 850 pound-feet of torque.
The 3500 Ram with the most powerful Cummins Diesel can tow 30,000 lbs. We briefly towed a large tractor with trailer. It wasn’t far but it was enough to signal that the heavy duty Ram diesel could do the job.
We didn’t get the opportunity to drive the 6.4-liter V8 but we did get behind the wheel of the Ram 2500 with the 6.7-liter Cummins Diesel that made 370 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque.
Power rippled to the pavement through the six-speed automatic gear box. Equipment like the side view mirrors and thick steering wheel and the suspension gave away the 2500’s size. It got through the mountainous canyons here without a hitch. But the narrowness of the lanes, the sharp turns and the altitude involved are not something that would calm the nerves until you got used to it.
This test truck too was the Ram Laramie trim line. It featured real wood trim, leather, French stitching and wheel-to-wheel side steps. Heavy duty prices start at $30,695. Our Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4X4 was base priced at $52,200. With options, the sticker was $66,200.
Both the EcoDiesel and the Ram Heavy Duty trucks had UConnect. In addition to WiFi, the system connects to select Internet radio station using smartphones. UConnect services can be controlled from the 8.4-inch touch screen.
With each incremental improvement coupled with giant leaps in technology, Ram takes more customers away from all of its competitors. Now on sale, the new Ram’s conquest of customers will likely continue.
Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.
Black Nativity
By: Dorian Kendrick
In a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes’ celebrated play, the holiday musical drama BLACK NATIVITY follows Langston (Jacob Latimore), a street-wise teen from Baltimore raised by a single mother, as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett). Unwilling to live by the imposing Reverend Cobbs’ rules, a frustrated Langston is determined to return home to his mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson). Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey and along with new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family.
Fox Searchlight Pictures presents, a Mavin Pictures / Wonderful Films production, BLACK NATIVITY, written for the screen and directed by Kasi Lemmons, based upon the play by Langston Hughes. The film stars Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker (THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND), Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett (WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT), Grammy Award nominee Tyrese Gibson (BABY BOY), Jacob Latimore (VANISHING ON 7TH STREET), Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige (ROCK OF AGES), Grammy Award nominee Nasir Jones (BLOOD DIAMOND) and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson (DREAMGIRLS).
The creative team includes producers Celine Rattray, p.g.a. (THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT), William Horberg, p.g.a. (THE KITE RUNNER) and Galt Niederhoffer (THE WINNING SEASON), executive producers Trudie Styler (MOON), T.D. Jakes (JUMPING THE BROOM), Joy Goodman and Derrick M. Williams, director of photography Anastas N. Michos (SPARKLE, TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D), production designer Kristi Zea (THE DEPARTED), edited by Terilyn A. Shropshire, A.C.E. (JUMPING THE BROOM), co-producer Bergen Swanson (PRECIOUS), original score by Raphael Saadiq (PRECIOUS) & Laura Karpman (WHIZ KIDS), executive music producer Raphael Saadiq (BROWN SUGAR) and choregrapher Otis Sallid (MALCOLM X).
Sharing Insight Through Experience
Board of Education recognizes BWW and Career Academies partnershipBy: Dorian Kendrick
The Birmingham Board of Education took a moment to recognize the Birmingham Water Works Board’s (BWWB’s) partnership with the Birmingham City School Career Academies during a meeting held November 12, 2013. District Coordinator of Career Academies Dr. Spencer Horn, BWWB Assistant General Manager of Finance and Operations Michael Johnson, and BWWB Communications Manager Binnie Myles all spoke to how empowering the program turned out to be.
“The Birmingham City Schools Career Academy Students were exceptional, well behaved, and interested in learning what we had to share,” said Myles.
Johnson shared an overview of the daily tasks in his department with Mohammed Jalloh and Trey Hawkins, high school students in the Business and Finance Academy. In addition, during the meeting students were presented with certificates, medallions, and other gifts for their participation in the hands-on job-shadowing event.
Throughout the two-day shadowing, students were dispersed to various BWWB sites where they experienced career fields similar to those available in the Career Academies’ program. Some of the areas offered to students in the Career Academies include Engineering, Business and Finance, Health Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism, Architecture and Construction Sciences, Urban Education and more.
Around 70 students from the Career Academies participated in the program with the BWWB. Each student was paired with a professional mentor, which continued to reinforce the Career Academies’ core mission to de
What’s Happening at Talladega Superspeedway and in motorsports with Gwen DeRu
Talladega Superspeedway Fan Advisory Network Taking Applications for 2014 Membership
Beginning Friday, November 1 through Friday, December 6, Talladega Superspeedway’s Fan Advisory Network, also known as TSS FAN, will be taking applications from fans who would like to join the esteemed committee to share their observations and make suggestions on how the track can continue to improve the Talladega Superspeedway event experience.
TSS FAN was started in 2010 and has been an invaluable resource ever since for the TSS administration to communicate directly with the most important part of Talladega – the loyal fans. The goal is to identify, discuss and make proactive recommendations that will benefit fans who attend Talladega Superspeedway events.
“Working with the Fan Advisory Network has given us a wealth of information that has helped us improve our overall event experience for guests,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “We look forward to welcoming the next group of FAN members and listening to their input.”
The topics for discussion will not be limited to traditional facility improvements, but will encompass a fan’s total interaction with Talladega Superspeedway, starting with the purchase encounter all the way through attendance of an event, including all of the service interaction with the fan in between. The suggestions made by the TSS FAN are used to help the track staff stay up-to-date with what a typical race fan expects from their experience while at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track.
All applications must be downloaded, completed, and mailed to Talladega Superspeedway in order to be considered. Applications can be found at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/tssfan. Completed applications should be mailed to the following address: Talladega Superspeedway, Fan Advisory Network, PO Box 777, Talladega, AL 35161. Applications must be received no later than December 6, 2013.
FAN committee members will begin their duties in January 2014. Members will be asked to meet during each event weekend and participate in two teleconferences during the year.
The committee will consist of 20 members and is collected from a demographic and geographic cross-section of fans. Members in office will serve the two NASCAR race weekends (May & October) at Talladega in 2014 before new members will be chosen for 2015.
People, Places and Things
Gwen DeRu
THANKSGIVING DAY IS NEAR! ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!!
Don’t Miss the CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING 2013. FREE!
IRON BOWL WEEK WITH ALABAMA AND AUBURN!
For all you Auburn and Alabama Fans, this is a time to celebrate and share some good times with a worthy cause. FIFTH ANNUAL PARTY WITH A PURPOSE is today, 5:30 – 9 p.m. at the WorkPlay. Join Alabama and Auburn gridiron legends for this event. There is a cocktail buffet featuring Full Moon Bar-B-Que, live entertainment, special autograph session, silent auction with a festive atmosphere and plenty of activities. This event benefits ProStart Academy Scholarship Fund. All of this kicks off the Thanksgiving week and weekend of football.
GOLF! SWINGING YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS – SisterGolf will host “Swinging Your Way to Success” Ladies Golf Clinic, Saturday, at the Highland Park Golf Course, noon until 2 p.m. This event will include a brief talk about the benefits of golf for business and career success followed by 90 minutes of professional golf instruction from PGA professional Matthew Jones. Be prepared to learn basic golf swing fundamentals, network with like-minded professional women, and most of all have FUN!! For more call (305) 815-3571.
VOLUNTEER HELP REQUESTED! – Thanksgiving Day the Firehouse Shelter is asking for volunteers. There are two and three hour shifts until 9 p.m. Shifts begin at 7 a.m. Make plans to serve by emailing kwallace@firehouseshelter.com for details.
NATURE LOVERS STROLL! This Saturday call and plan to stroll with others on this Fall Day, 9 a.m. with the Southeastern Outings Dayhike in Bucks Pocket State Park. Join fellow nature lovers for an easy stroll on trails in this very scenic park.
Start at the overlook and walk down to the canyon floor. Along the way stop by and view two lovely waterfalls then have lunch at the picnic tables along South Sauty Creek. After lunch, cross the creek and walk on a trail heading upstream beside the creek to visit a third waterfall in the park. Total walking distance in Bucks Pocket State Park is about 6 miles. Hike rated moderate. If time permits, drive a short distance to visit High Falls nearby. This is a spectacular, large volume waterfall. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and up welcome. After the outing enjoy an optional delicious restaurant dinner together. Depart 9 a.m. from the Food Giant parking lot in Pinson. Contact Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or (205) 631-4680 for more.
HALO RADIO – Put your Halo on! If you have not heard, Halo Radio is the new ‘on the scene’ way to get information. Go to www.HaloRadio.us from any device including android phones. For more call (205) 530-0314. Check It Out!
MUNCHY’S ANNUAL APPRECIATION DAY & OLD SCHOOL CRUISE-IN/CAR SHOW – Munchy Pettway, owner of Munchy’s Classic Cars, Ron Talley with the Car Show and Cruise-in Director will host the Munchy’s Annual Appreciation Day & Cruise-in/Car Show, next Saturday, 10 a.m. until at Munchy’s Classic Cars 3119 Jefferson Ave. S.W. Birmingham, Al 35211. Munchy’s Classic Cars is a custom and general auto shop. Each year for the last 10 years Munchy’s Classic Cars has given an annual Munchy’s Annual Appreciation Day for his customers, the community (Powderly/Wenonah area), and his antique and custom car friends. Antique and Custom cars are expected from Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Indiana and Alabama (Birmingham and several other cities). Those who wish to cruise their Antique or Classic car to the celebration may join the lineup at the KRISPY KREAM DONUT SHOP in Midfield on Bessemer Super Highway and across from Western Hills Mall. You are asked to arrive at Krispy Kream Donuts (Western Hills Mall) by 8 a.m., Saturday. The Cruise to Munchy’s will leave at 9:30 a.m. Food and Drinks will be provided as well as large screen TVs with the ALABAMA vs. AUBURN game!!! For more call (205) 923-5040.
HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON…
THIS WEEKEND….
**CHARLIE MURPHY at the STARDOME COMEDY CLUB. For more, call (205) 444-0008.
TODAY….
**SHAWN JONES at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MARTINI THURSDAY/BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC at Ona’s Music Room.
FRIDAY…
**KIM SCOTT at the Jazz Underground.
**ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR, 5 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
**FESTIVAL EXPRESSIONS, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**DANI ALBUM PRE-RELEASE PARTY at the Jazz Underground, 8 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
SATURDAY….
Don’t Miss the…
**BIG TASTIES UNPLUGGED, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**AFTER MIDNIGHT OLD SCHOOL AFTER PARTY, 11:59 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
SUNDAY….
**PHASE II BAND AND SHOW, 9 p.m. at Tide & Tiger Lounge 409 Graymont Avenue (across from Legion Field.) For more, call (205) 229-4829 or 502-3880.
**SALSA SUNDAYS, 8 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
MONDAY….
**NAPPY NIGHT – Music at Boujee Lounge, every Monday at 204 Avenue U in Pratt City, 8 p.m. with good jerk food, vendors and music. See you there on Mondays!
WEDNESDAY…
**MARTINI WEDNESDAY/BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC at Ona’s Music Room.
TUESDAY…
Don’t Miss the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting 2013 in Linn Park, 5 – 7 p.m., Free. It is an evening.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY AND WEEKEND!!
SAVE THE DATE…
DECEMBER 5 – 22 – ‘TIS THE SEASON featuring a cast of Birmingham Favorites, along with the RMTC Youth Programs including well-known holiday hits in this cheerful celebration that is sure to spread humor and joy. Times: Wednesday – Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sunday 2 p.m. Call (205) 324-2424 for more.
DECEMBER 6 – SOULFUL FRIDAYS CONCERT SERIES with MOSE STOVALL 9 p.m. at the Crescendo. Call 9205) 862-4723 for more.
DECEMBER 10 – FINANCIAL CLASS AT BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, Noon, that will address ‘How to Pay for College.’ Call (205) 226-3690 for more.
DECEMBER 11 – MICHAEL FRANTI at the Iron City, 8 p.m. with Special Guests.
DECEMBER 12 – SRMSDC ANNUAL HOLIDAY RECEPTION, 5 – 8 p.m. at the Discovery Alabama, 4500 Katie’s Way in Bessemer. Members can call the office for more details.
DECEMBER 19 – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, 7:30 p.m. at Samford University.
IN 2014 –
FEBRUARY 14 – AN EVENING OF LOVE WITH KEM, 8 p.m. at the BJCC Concert Hall with Special Guests TONY TERRY AND CALVIN RICHARDSON.
(Photo with the information on it. It was sent last week. I will resend.)
MARCH 8 – UNCF MASKED BALL at the Sheraton Hotel, Grand Ballroom in downtown Birmingham presented by the Central Alabama Sickle 
Cell Foundation. Make your reservations now.
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU …AND TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com)
ASC presents Take 6, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center will present a cappella sensation Take 6 and their holiday show, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Take 6 has earned the distinct honor of being the most Grammy-nominated vocal group in history. Its unique sound features six refined voices united in crystal-clear devotional harmony, against syncopated rhythms, ornate arrangements and funky grooves that meld into a brew of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop flavor.
The performance will take place at 7 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $54.50, $45.50 and $35.50. A limited number of $10 student tickets will be available with valid ID. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.org or call 205-975-2787.
Earlier in the day at 3 p.m., ArtPlay, the ASC’s home for education and outreach, will present the Take 6 Community Sing, a free event which will be held in the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall, featuring a call-and-response sing-along and an exploration of jazz, gospel and a cappella music. For more information, call 205-975-4769.
The Take 6 story began in 1980 at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala., when Claude McKnight, older brother of Brian McKnight, formed a hobby group quartet known as the Gentleman’s Estate Club. In 1987, the group signed with Warner Bros. and changed its name to Take 6. Its self-titled debut album, released the following year, scored two Grammy Awards and landed in the top 10 on Billboard Contemporary Jazz and Contemporary Christian charts.
Take 6 has recorded 16 albums and garnered 10 Grammys, as well as 16 Grammy nominations, 10 Dove Awards, a Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Award nominations. Take 6 has collaborated with Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Brian McKnight, Al Jarreau and many other artists.
Ruben Studdard to Release New CD Unconditional Love nn Verve Records
LOS ANGELES /PRNewswire/ – Ruben Studdard will be releasing Unconditional Love, his first studio album in two years, it has been announced by his label, Verve Records.
Along with beautiful standards, Unconditional Love contains two original tunes, one of which is the first single, “Meant To Be” which was released November 19th, simultaneous to Studdard’s appearance on ‘The Biggest Loser.’ Sixteen time Grammy winning producer and Verve Records Chairman David Foster is one of several producers on the CD.
“Silky, classy, sexy, romantic – bring you to your knees – this is how I describe the incredible voice of Ruben Studdard. He feels every note and every word he sings. He is a man with an extraordinary voice,” commented Foster.
Unconditional Love is filled with some of the most romantic songs Studdard has ever recorded including “My Love” by the Beatles, The Carpenters’ classic, “Close To You” which includes Stevie Wonder on harmonica and Bonnie Raitt’s poignant, “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Additional tracks include a steamy version of Teddy Pendergrass’ “Close The Door” which was produced by singer Eric Benet who also produced Studdard’s breathtaking version of the Boz Scaggs hit “Look What You’ve Done To Me.” The album also contains a soaring duet with Laylah Hathaway of “With You I’m Born Again” which was originally recorded by Syreeta Wright and Billy Preston.
“Unconditional Love is my most romantic album yet. I’ve wanted to record many of these love songs for a really long time. It’s the most heartfelt album I’ve ever recorded and includes many of my favorite songs from all different eras,” commented Studdard.
Fans of Ruben – and they are legend – will get to see him perform in February during several shows scheduled including one at NY’s Beacon Theatre on February 15th. Studdard will also be going on tour with Laylah Hathaway – dates to be announced.
It’s been a decade since Fox Television’s ‘American Idol’ crowned Studdard, a Birmingham, Alabama native, its 2003 winner after he pulled in 24 million votes. In the years since, the “Velvet Teddy Bear” (as Gladys Knight nicknamed him) has had a string of gold and platinum records, top ten albums and R&B and pop singles. Along with performing around the world, he has toured as Fats Waller in the national stage tour of “Ain’t Misbehavin” and managed to pick up several Grammy and American Music Award nominations along the way.
