TEENA MARIE

As a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Teena Marie obliterated the barrier of race when it comes to soul music, opening the door for later superstars from Madonna to Justin Timberlake.

That this white woman can purposefully create an album with a title inspired by an historical American locale where Black slaves gathered on Sundays to recharge their spiritual batteries after six days under the lash—and no one would bat an eye—speaks volumes of her singular stature within the black community that has embraced her as its own. There's a reason for this which she recently learned.

"I have always had a deep affinity for New Orleans," Teena begins, "the culture, the people…the actual air! From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt like, 'I've been here before.' The people embraced me and my music from the very first time I went there in the early `80s. A few months ago, my first cousin was here visiting and I happened to tell her about my deep affinity for New Orleans. She looked at me and said, 'Well, you know that's where our people are from, right? Our great, great grandmother Sarah Howell Colin was married in the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter.' I said, 'What are you talking about? We're from Texas.' She said, 'Yes, but before Texas our folks were in Louisiana.' I could have learned this at any time in my life, but for me to find this out as I was finishing Congo Square... Now it all makes sense."

JEFFREY OSBORNE

Jeffrey Osborne's long-awaited new CD, Music Is Life, not only has the distinction of being the christening release of Jay Oz Records, his own recording label through a unique agreement with the Number One independent record company in America, KOCH Entertainment; the collection, co-produced and co-written by Osborne, marks the artist's 30th year since the release of his very first album as the drummer for the R&B group L.T.D. in 1973.

From his humble beginnings as a drummer in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, to his rise to the pinnacle of R&B stardom, Jeffrey Osborne has unequivocally made his mark on contemporary music.

It is fitting therefore that Music Is Life is perhaps Osborne's most compelling album to date.

It is a collection of music that artfully explores a modern urban vitality without neglecting the classic R&B sensibilities that for three decades have made Osborne a premiere voice in popular music. The work is a celebration of both quintessential Jeffrey Osborne and the artist as he's never been heard before.

Music is Life is Osborne at his apex: tracks such as the mid-tempo "Ain't No More," about a love gone bad; the catchy "When You Love Me" and "I Don't Know," a so-right groove about a day that went so wrong, is the Osborne longtime fans know and love, while the hip-hop flavored "Kisses," the dark, urgent "Caller I.D." and the lush, expansive "Pretty Thing" find Osborne forging terrain new to his trademark voice.

RUBEN STUDDARD

For almost six months, millions and millions of television viewers watched the Fox network's hugely successful "American Idol" show and week after week, they voted.

On May 21, 2003, the final vote was cast: Ruben Studdard - nicknamed the 'Velvet Teddy Bear' by the legendary soulful diva Gladys Knight - emerged as the winner of the intense competition with over twenty-four million callers logged.

Two months later, in the midst of a hectic national tour with fellow 'Idol,' competitors, the 25-year old native of Birmingham, Alabama calmly reflects, "I got over stage fright early in life so I never got nervous doing the show, week after week.

Having a career in music is what I've always wanted to do so this is the fulfillment of my dreams!"

Born Christopher Ruben Studdard, known to his family as 'Chris' and now known to the world as the soulful young singer carrying on a musical tradition that includes artists such as Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and J Records labelmate Luther Vandross (all three considered primary influences).