New Orleans, LA. (Top40 Charts/ Essence
Music Festival) - Lionel Richie, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Ryan Leslie, Melanie Fiona,
Charlie Wilson and
Little Freddie King have just been added to the line-up for this year's ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, set for this July 3, 4 and 5 in New Orleans. These acts join the already announced line-up of talent that includes Beyonce, Maxwell, Anita Baker, Al Green, John Legend, Keri Hilson,
Robin Thicke, Salt-N-Pepa, Ne-Yo,
Raphael Saadiq, En Vogue, Eric Benet,
Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Teena Marie, and more than 30 acts (the full day-by-day line-up will be announced in the coming weeks).
This year, the weekend-long 15th Anniversary celebration of music and empowerment will conclude with a special ESSENCE ICONS TRIBUTE to Frankie Beverly and Maze, the group who have closed the annual New Orleans festival since its 1995 inception. This one night only event will feature a gathering of stars of R&B and soul music who will come together to honor the legacy of Frankie Beverly and Maze. A full list of talent for this special performance will be announced in the coming weeks.
The updated acts:
Frankie Beverly and Maze: For nearly thirty years, Frankie Beverly and Maze have created a sound that is distinctive, passionate, creative, original, soulful, honest and powerful. The group continues to be one of the most requested at music festivals throughout the world drawing major crowds and have earned a reputation for having one of the best live shows in R&B. Frankie Beverly and Maze have closed the show for the past 14 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL's including 2006's post-Katrina festival in Houston.
Lionel Richie: This global superstar is also an Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, record producer who has sold more than 100 million records.
Charlie Wilson: As the former lead singer of the funkadelic brotherly trio, the GAP Band, Charlie Wilson is known as one of the most familiar voices in R&B music. His new CD, UNCLE CHARLIE, was released in February and debuted at No 2 on the Billboard Top 200 and No 1 on the Billboard Hip Hop/R&B Chart and includes the No 1 single, "There Goes My Baby." In addition, Wilson is currently on the road starring opposite Robin Givens and Mel Jackson in the touring gospel play "Save Me From My Secrets." More information can be found at www.unclecharliewilson.com
Ryan Leslie: Singer/producer Ryan Leslie's self-titled debut album was released this past February. Billboard magazine said, "With its smooth melodies ('Just Right'), fresh beats ('Diamond Girl') and effortlessly suave lyrics ('Quicksand'), the album satisfies from beginning to end."
Melanie Fiona: Singer/songwriter Melanie Fiona's debut album The Bridge reveals a sweet push-and-pull between countless elements of herself. United by a singular passion, Melanie Fiona's sound bridges past and present with an artistic and consistent blending of classic soul samples. It's all held together by a unique quality, something that is innately her, much like the other artists she mentions as influences: Bob Marley, Sade, and Patsy Cline.
Little Freddie King: An acclaimed international blues artist/American roots guitar player from New Orleans. His live performances have enthralled audiences at music festivals throughout North America and Europe.
"From Lionel Richie to Charlie Wilson and Ryan Leslie, we have worked hard to create a musical line-up that's appealing to all of our fans," said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. "As the Essence Music Festival line-up has come together, we are thrilled to once again confirm Frankie Beverly and Maze as the act to close out our 15th anniversary celebration. We're looking forward to another great weekend of music and empowerment."
