Kree's Official Blog: First Artist Tribute

Hello all! I have been a very busy woman, which is great! I have a bunch of exciting projects I am working on. I am launching my brand new website this week (clap! clap! clap!). And this Saturday, June 4th, 2011, I am headlining in my very own show! That isn't even the half of it, so as always "Stay Tuned!"

I've decided to create something titled "Artist Tributes" in my blogs periodically. This will honor and give recognition to hard-working singers/songwriters/producers/entrepreneurs of the past and present. As an artist, you love to be recognized and lifted up. It is a wonderful feeling, and great fuel. So even if he never sees this, I feel good knowing that I've shared his greatness with my fans...

My first Artist Tribute is for Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.

Born April 10th, 1959 (Age 52) in Indianapolis, IN. He is a Singer-Songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, record producer, film producer, entrepreneur.

I can almost guarantee you have heard, hummed, or sang one of Babyface's songs and didn't even realize he was apart of it. Shy as a child, he wrote songs to express his emotions. This man is simply incredible.

I remember when I was in 2nd grade, my sister, female cousin, and I performed "For The Cool In You" in a talent competition. We were dressed in suits with lipstick on, and I sang lead. We had dance moves and all. We won 2nd prize.

How about the major film "Waiting to Exhale" (Did you know this movie was directed by Forest Whitaker?). All songs were written and produced by Babyface (except for "My Funny Valentine"). If your memory has become foggy over the years, songs from that soundtrack include Exhale (Shoop, shoop)/Why Does It Hurt So Bad- Whitney Houston, Sittin' Up In My Room- Brandy, Not Gon' Cry- Mary J. Blige, Count On Me- Whitney Houston/CeCe Winans, Let It Flow- Toni Braxton, and Kissing You- Faith Evans. How does a movie soundtrack go 7x platinum? When you have Babyface behind it.

Babyface has produced and written music for many artists including Patti LaBelle, Chaka Kahn, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Prince, Al Green, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Sheena Easton, Toni Braxton, Michael Jackson, Michael Bolton, Paula Abdul, Pebbles, Tevin Campbell, Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston, Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Tamia, Shola Ama, 3T, Sisqo, Dru Hill, Fall Out Boy, Céline Dion, Katharine McPhee, Mariah Carey, Vanessa L. Williams, Chanté Moore, En Vogue, Eric Clapton, Kenny G, Kristinia DeBarge, Lil Wayne, Boyz II Men, Ashanti, Monica, Japanese singer Ken Hirai, P!nk, Marc Nelson, TLC, and Phil Collins among others. He helped form the group Az Yet and contracted Jon B. as a songwriter before he achieved his own stardom. He received three consecutive Grammy Awards for Producer of the Year in 1995–1997.

In the mid-1990s, Babyface and his then wife Tracey Edmonds expanded into the business of motion pictures, setting up Edmonds Entertainment Group and producing films such as Soul Food (1997), Josie and the Pussycats (2001), and also the soundtrack for the film The Prince of Egypt, which included contributions from numerous artists, including Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. They are the current executive producers of the hit BET reality series College Hill. Edmonds also worked with David Foster to compose "The Power of the Dream," the official song of the 1996 Summer Olympics, performed by superstar Céline Dion. Linda Thompson provided the lyrics.

Other associated acts include After 7 (his brothers' group), Tevin Campbell, Karyn White, Wale, and Timbaland.

A MUST-LISTEN album is "Babyface Unplugged 1997". It includes other performers such as Eric Clapton, Shanice, K-Ci & JoJo, Kevon Edmonds (brother), Melvin Edmonds (brother), Sheila E. and Stevie Wonder all singing your favorite Babyface songs! It's LIVE & awesome.

How can you not listen to Someone To Love (Jon B.), A Song For Mama (B II M), We're Not Making Love No More (Dru Hill), For The Cool In You (Babyface himself), and not feel something? There is so much more to say about this wonderful man. I hope some day to work with him, or even just have the opportunity to pick his brain and be mentored by him. Be inspired ladies & gentlemen. I am.

I wanna thank you for the "chill" in you, especially for you being so cool...

Until next time friends...

BABYFACE