Halle Bailey And Smokey Robinson Are Set To Host ‘A Motown Christmas,’ A Two-Hour All-Star Holiday Special

Smokey Robinson Halle Bailey Credit NBC (1024x437)
NBC

With Halloween 2024 behind us, most people have already begun putting up their holiday decorations. Next month, those folks will have a televised musical soundtrack to further set the festive mood.

Music icon Smokey Robinson and legend in the making Halle Bailey are set to serve as the host of A Motown Christmas. The two-hour holiday special presented by NBC will shine a light on the lasting impact the label, its artists, and signature sounds has had over the decades.

On December 11 at 9 p.m. Eastern, the network is schedule to air the multi-hour performance featuring sets by hosts Robinson and Halle, Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, MGK, October London, and Pentatonix.

But the lineup doesn’t end there, former label acts Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the Temptations are also listed as special entertainment.

In addition to those acts, A Motown Christmas will feature a world exclusive performance from the Broadway company of MJ The Musical. Rickey Minor has been taped to lead the 11-piece live band.

Viewers should expect to hear songs such as The Jacksons’ “ABC,” Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Martha Reeves & the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Streets,” Gladys Knight & The Pips’ “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, The Temptations’ “My Girl”, Four Tops’ “Reach Out (I’ll be There)” and Smokey Robinson’s “Tears of a Clown”, The Supremes’ “Stop (In the Name of Love),” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.”

In a statement, Jen Neal, the Executive Vice President of Live Events & Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment expressed their excitement for the special. “Motown’s timeless hits have played as a soundtrack for American families for the last six decades,” said Neal. “NBC is honored to spotlight the iconic legacy of Motown with a festive celebration for the holiday season.”

NBC will air A Motown Christmas on December 11 at 9 p.m. The following day (December 12), the special will be available to stream on Peacock. A Motown Christmas is produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill. Find more information here.

October London Pens Some Evening Love Joints For “October Nights”

South Bend, Indiana singer and songwriter is bringing one sultry R&B cut after another on his latest album, October Nights. This is actually the Death Row Records signee’s sophomore effort, and it comes just over a year after his debut, The Rebirth of Marvin. London has been doing his thing in this genre for several years now, and he’s known for his throwback sound that embodies the greats of the 90’s decade. He was able to lend his abilities to the latest NxWorries project Why Lawd? and he honestly was a perfect fit on “FromHere.”

Now, Ocotber London is bringing that tenfold on October Nights. Across this project, you are going to genuinely hear some of the most show-stopping solo performances all year. One of them is on the power ballad “Don’t Go,” as he calls out to a girl to never leave his side. The instrumentals are spacey and have that vintage tinge, and they highlight what London is able to do best. That being those captivating vocals and funky grooves. In talking with Rated R&B, London tells the publication what his goals were for this tape. “Just having fun. Nighttime is the best time for me… October Nights represents having a good time in the nighttime and letting loose.” He accomplished that and then some, so check it out below.

Read More: Halle Bailey Breaks Her Silence After DDG Breakup

October Nights – October London

October Nights Tracklist:

  1. Slander My Name
  2. Touch on Me
  3. A Beautiful Woman
  4. 3rd Shift
  5. Don’t Go
  6. She Keeps Calling
  7. All I Want Is You with Boney James
  8. Don’t Waste Your Time
  9. Kill Shot
  10. Missing You
  11. Bedroom Bully with Tyrese
  12. The Best Problem
  13. Momma
  14. Put You On with Snoop Dogg
  15. The Reception with Ledisi
  16. Time

Read More: Kanye West Accused Of Wanting To Sleep With Bianca Censori’s Mom By Harassment Accuser

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October London Releases Sophomore Album ‘October Nights’

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Rising R&B star October London has released his highly anticipated sophomore album October Nights, via Death Row Records/gamma. The 16-track project features hit singles “She Keeps Calling” and the soulful “A Beautiful Woman,” showcasing London’s smooth vocals and rich production style. Co-produced by London himself, the album reimagines early 2000s contemporary R&B while maintaining a timeless feel.

October Nights arrives during London’s cross-country journey as part of The Serenade 2024 North American Tour with R&B legends Maxwell and Jazmine Sullivan. The album includes collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Tyrese, Boney James, and Ledisi, further solidifying London’s place in modern R&B.

London first gained widespread attention in 2023 with his debut album The Rebirth Of Marvin, featuring chart-topping singles “Mulholland Drive” and “Back to Your Place.” With October Nights, London is poised for even greater success, offering an emotional and mature musical experience.

The post October London Releases Sophomore Album ‘October Nights’ appeared first on .

October London Releases Soulful New Single “A Beautiful Woman” Ahead of Sophomore Album

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Rising R&B star October London has dropped the second single from his upcoming album October Nights, “A Beautiful Woman.” Known for his rich, soulful voice and ability to transform everyday moments into something extraordinary, London continues to leave a lasting impression on listeners with his emotive storytelling.

“A Beautiful Woman” arrives just as London embarks on “The Serenade 2024 North American Tour,” where he shares the stage with Grammy-winning artists Maxwell and Jazmine Sullivan. This new track not only sets the tone for his highly anticipated sophomore album, set for release on October 11, but also solidifies his standing in the modern R&B scene.

The song opens with a striking piano crescendo, drawing fans into London’s heartfelt lyrics and signature soul sound. With its powerful melodies and poignant delivery, “A Beautiful Woman” offers a glimpse of the deep emotional resonance that defines his forthcoming album.

London’s career gained significant momentum in 2023 with his debut album, The Rebirth of Marvin. That project produced two chart-topping singles, “Mulholland Drive” with Snoop Dogg and Latoiya Williams, and “Back to Your Place,” both of which dominated the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart for weeks.

As October London continues his musical journey, “A Beautiful Woman” stands as a testament to his growth and artistry, leaving fans eager for what’s next.

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Anderson .Paak Is The Odd Man Out In NxWorries’ PDA-Laden ‘FromHere’ Video With Snoop Dogg And October London

In NxWorries’ new video for “FromHere,” Anderson .Paak looks like he might have to leave the party alone. Everyone else at the bar is not only paired up, the PDA has begun as Anderson looks for his lover — at least for the night. However, not even his bandmate Knxwledge can help him out (even though he’s got two of his own), and Andy’s left looking for advice from Unc, Snoop Dogg, as Death Row Records singer October London croons in the background. The video was shot at Gold Line in Los Angeles and directed by Anderson .Paak himself.

The latest NxWorries single will appear on the duo’s upcoming second album, Why Lawd?, which is due on June 14th. That brings the total number of singles to five, after “Where I Go,” featuring H.E.R., “Daydreaming,” and “86Sentra.” The album is the first from the group since 2016’s fan-favorite Yes Lawd!, and also features guest appearances from Charlie Wilson, Dave Chappelle, Earl Sweatshirt, Rae Khalil, and Thundercat. Fans who pre-order vinyl of the new album can expect to receive it a week early, on June 7th.

You can watch the video for “FromHere” above.

Why Lawd? is out on 6/19 via Stones Throw. You can find more info here.

NxWorries’ Long-Awaited Second Album ‘Why Lawd?’ Will Feature HER, Thundercat, And Dave Chapelle

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One week ago, NxWorries — Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge — announced the release date for their long-awaited second group album, Why Lawd?, with the music video for “86Sentra.” The album is the follow-up to their 2016 debut, Yes, Lawd!, which became an instant underground classic upon its release. Today, they shared the cover and tracklist, along with features including Dave Chappelle, Earl Sweatshirt, HER, Rae Khalil, Snoop Dogg and his new artist October London, and Thundercat.

From the tracklist, it’s now confirmed that the album will feature the previously released tracks “Where I Go” with HER and “Daydreaming.” On their social media, the duo revealed that the album would be released on vinyl, CD, and limited numbers of cassette tapes, which you can preorder now on the Stones Throw Records web store. There’ll be multiple versions of the vinyl, including one with a special-edition cover designed by Rhymezlikedimez, the animator behind their “86Sentra” video. The cassettes will only be available on June 13.

Why Lawd? is due on June 14 via Stones Throw Records.

  1. “ThankU” Feat. Dave Chappelle
  2. “86Sentra”
  3. “MoveOn”
  4. “KeepHer” Feat. Thundercat
  5. “Distractions”
  6. “Lookin’”
  7. Where I Go” Feat. HER
  8. “Daydreaming”
  9. “FromHere” Feat. Snoop Dogg & October London
  10. “FallThru”
  11. “Battlefield”
  12. “HereIAm”
  13. “OutTheWay” Feat. Rae Khalil
  14. “SheUsed”
  15. “MoreOfIt”
  16. “NVR.RMX”
  17. “DistantSpace”
  18. “WalkOnBy” Feat. Earl Sweatshirt & Rae Khalil
  19. “EvnMore”

Maxwell’s ‘Serenade’ 2024 Tour Is Coming To Romance North America With Jazmine Sullivan

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Getty Image

2024 is going to be a fine time for romance. After Usher’s Past Present Future tour kicking off in August, Maxwell is picking up the torch in autumn to keep R&B fans swooning with his Serenade tour, which kicks off in September in Hollywood, Florida, and runs through October, ending at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. He’ll be joined by Jazmine Sullivan, who accompanied him on his Maxwell 08 tour 16 years ago, and rising star October London, who’s begun making a name for himself with his throwback soul debut album, The Rebirth Of Marvin.

Tickets for The Serenade Tour will go on sale on Friday, March 29 at 10AM local time via musze.com. See below for the tour dates.

09/14 — Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
09/15 — Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
09/17 — Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum
09/20 — Hampton, VA @ Hampton Coliseum
09/21 — Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
09/24 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
09/25 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
09/27 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
09/28 — Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC
09/29 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
10/01 — Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
10/03 — Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
10/04 — Washington DC @ Capital One Arena
10/06 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
10/09 — Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
10/10 — Chicago, IL @ United Center
10/11 — Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
10/13 — St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise Center
10/16 — Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum
10/18 — Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
10/19 — New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center
10/20 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
10/23 — San Diego, CA @ Viejas Arena
10/25 — Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena
10/26 — Las Vegas, NV @ Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood
10/27 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum