LOS ANGELES, CA (Rowdy Records) - Sammie, who exploded onto the charts at the tender age of 12 with the No 1 hit "I Like It," will release his long delayed sophomore CD entitled, "Sammie," on Dallas Austin's newly relaunched Rowdy Records this spring. The new CD will be preceded by a radio single and video launch in January. Now 17 years old,
Sammie has taken time to grow up, experience adolescence and high school without the glare of the music business engulfing him.
"I want people to know that I've been blessed with the gift to sing," says the talented musical prodigy. "At 12 you're cute. Most people were in awe because I was 12 and could sing. At 17 the market is different, there are a lot of young artists out now," explains Sammie, who co-wrote most of the songs on Sammie, drawing from life's experiences. Obviously more mature than his preteen debut having gone through a high-to-low voice change and critical teenage years.
One thing that has not changed is Sammie's musical relationship with Grammy Award-winning super producer Dallas Austin, who executive produced both Sammie's platinum selling debut, "From The Bottom To The Top," and his new CD. "I knew when he was 12 he was incredible and at 17, with time to marinate, he's exceptional," says Dallas, recognizing Sammie's growth and amazing vocal ability. "He is all that I thought he would be plus more."
The album is a perfectly blended mix of hip-hop influenced mid-tempo tracks and soulful R&B ballads collected from some of today's hottest musical producers, including Dallas Austin, Brian Cox, Jasper Cameron, Adonis, The Corna Boyz and Daron Jones. Infused with inspiration from some of Sammie's musical icons, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Michael Jackson and Usher, Sammie raises the bar for entertainers today and showcases Sammie's sheer talent and wide vocal range. "Every time I got in the booth, I sang my heart out," says Sammie passionately about his craft. "I'm a singer. I sing passionately and I like to touch people through my music. I feel that R&B has died a little bit and I'm here to resurrect it."
Sammie was signed by Austin at the tender age of 11, after a winning performance on a 1999 edition of "It's Showtime At The Apollo" and an introduction by Joyce 'Fenderella' Irby. After a platinum selling debut CD, Sammie took a break from music to be a regular kid, even joining his high school basketball team and being crowned Homecoming King. With school behind him, he is ready to take his rightful place atop the heap of today's contemporary R&B music stars.
Sammie is managed by Malcom Lee, who is CEO of MEG, a topline entertainment, marketing and branding company whose clients include superstar entertainer Usher.
