NEW YORK, NY. (AOL) -- The premiere episode of AOL
Black Voices' (https://www.aolblackvoices.com/) new music show "The Bridge," which pairs an established artist with a newcomer, has tapped five-time Grammy Award winner
Lionel Richie and one of today's hottest new R&B artists Lyfe Jennings. The first episode of this new franchise, debuting on November 1, will be sponsored by Ford�s all new crossover utility vehicle, Ford Edge.
Despite their differing musical styles, Richie and Jennings hit it off instantly, performing an electrifying duet of Easy, the 1978 Commodores' hit Richie penned when he was a member of the group. The pair also jammed as Richie performed his chart-topping singles "I Call it Love" and "Why," and Jennings rocked to the hit songs "S.E.X." and "Goodbye."
"At AOL Black Voices, we are committed to continuously developing our editorial content and exclusive original video programming, such as the first installment of 'The Bridge,'" said Janet Rollé, Vice President and General Manager, AOL Black Voices. "It has been an incredible opportunity to bring Lionel and Lyfe together to help launch a new show that will undoubtedly engage and entertain our audience."
"I'm so proud to be participating in this new show with Lyfe," said Lionel Richie. "I love working with fellow artists who say something positive in their music. We bonded right away because it's very seldom that you find someone who is truly serious about crafting the song and longevity."
"I can't really remember the day that I discovered Lionel Richie," said Lyfe Jennings. "My mom listened to him all the time. Then I saw the video for 'Hello,'" and thought I want to do something like that one day."
Beyond this special new music initiative, AOL Black Voices has an extensive line-up of music and entertainment programming. For example, the site recently partnered with AOL Music to offer a robust offering of exclusive content such as an online CD listening party of Diddy's latest album "Press Play," a First Listen of Snoop Dogg's newest single “That's That,” and live in-studio musical performances from Keyshia Cole, Al Green, T.I. and more. The service has also showcased exclusive interviews with celebrities and directors during Film Life's Black Movie Awards, Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, American Black Film Festival and Pan African Film Festival.
