![]() It’s easy to see why: he is a powerhouse singer, and his voice is still clear as a bell. Spring fun: Big names, festivals and events coming to Columbus areaĪiken arguably has the stronger fan base after all, they gave themselves the name “Claymates” two decades ago. Studdard appeared and playfully scolded Aiken for trying to steal the show. The audiences shouted a resounding “Yes!” ![]() Aiken actually did the signature dances during “You Got It (The Right Stuff)" and “Bye Bye Bye.”įollowing a 15-minute intermission, Aiken appeared onstage by himself and offered the first line of a classic Lionel Richie song: “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” When the guys changed into jean jackets, they tore through songs by New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. Studdard donned a curly wig to perform Rick James' “Give it to Me Baby,” and Aiken pulled on a glittery purple jacket to sing Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” When one sang lead, the other sang backup, along with another backing vocalist, while performing some famous Motown dance moves.ĭuring one standout segment of the show, Studdard and Aiken used quick costume changes to launch into different songs. Then, both performers-wearing matching shiny jackets resembling a grandmother’s couch, Aiken joked-joined together for a cover of Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” (Do yourself a favor and Google Aiken’s rendition with an impersonator on the season-five finale of “American Idol.”)Īfter some funny banter, Studdard and Aiken launched into their own version of “Motown Week” on “American Idol,” singing classics by the Temptations, the Four Tops, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and others. Then, the literal spotlight was on Aiken, who sang Journey’s “Open Arms.” More: Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken talk 'American Idol' memories and music ahead of Newark showīacked by a solid live band, Studdard appeared onstage first, singing his signature cover of “Superstar,” made popular by Luther Vandross. The reception from the packed venue was warm most of the audience appeared to be people who contributed to the pool of about 124 millionvotes cast for the men in 2003-though the family-friendly show would be appealing to anyone who appreciates powerful singers and classic R&B and pop. Season-two winner Studdard and runner-up Aiken brought “Twenty: The Tour” to the Midland Theatre, where they told stories, delivered comedy bits and performed numbers that made them household names during their “Idol” era. You really had to be there to truly understand, but Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken’s concert Tuesday night in Newark captured some of that magic. Those were some of the elements that made “American Idol” must-see TV in its heyday 20 years ago. So I sat at the piano and wrote the song.”īuy or stream “Give It To Me Baby” on the Street Songs album.Timeless songs. In Adam White and Fred Bronson’s Billboard Book of No.1 Rhythm & Blues Hits, James said of “Give It To Me Baby”: “I wrote it because I had come home one night and my old lady was in bed and I wanted to mess around, but I was too drunk. Written and produced by James himself, the strident single featured backing vocals by the Temptations’ Melvin Franklin he joined bandmates Otis Williams and Richard Street on the album’s next two single hits, “Super Freak” and “Ghetto Life.” The collaboration previewed the group’s 1982 comeback success with “Standing On The Top,” written and produced by James for their Reunion album. Listen to the best of Rick James on Apple Music and Spotify. The LP was certified both gold and platinum in the US by the RIAA in July 1981, just three months after its release. “Give It To Me Baby,” his second R&B chart-topper and also a dance chart No.1, came from his second album Street Songs, which was also an R&B bestseller. James died of a heart attack at the age of just 56. He also collaborated during his early sojourn in Toronto with Joni Mitchell, and later with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Nile Rodgers, and Eddie Murphy, among others. Success and controversy followed in equal measure, including his work as producer and champion of such emerging stars as Teena Marie and the Mary Jane Girls, as well as an array of major hit singles and albums during the 1980s. As the new documentary describes, he paid dues in his early days playing with Levon Helm and Neil Young in Canada, before breaking through on Motown in the late 1970s with the No.1 R&B hit “You And I.” The raunchy “Give It To Me Baby” clip captures the daring appeal and cutting-edge sound of the pioneering star from Buffalo, New York.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |