Nick Ashford#39;s death comes amid news that another famous songwriter, Jerry Leiber, passed away yesterday as well. Both will be missed. Nick Ashford, who helped establish a gold standard for RB duets with wife Valerie Simpson, died Monday in New York of throat cancer. He was 69. Ashford Simpson penned and produced many #39;60s hits for Motown#39;s Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, including “Ain#39;t No Mountain High Enough.” “You#39;re All I Need to Get By,” “Ain#39;t Nothing Like the Real T
TV One’s hit series “Unsung” is back with a new season and even bigger talent! Teddy Pendergrass, Tammi Terrell, George Clinton and The O’Jays are just some of the people you can see on upcoming “Unsung” episodes. “Unsung” returns June 6at 10pm (EST). Click here , to read the full article. The Fat Boys Are Back On TVOne’s “Unsung” [EXCLUSIVE] Reasons Why B2K Needs An Episode Of TV One’s “Unsung”
Lusk’s command performance of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s ‘You’re All I Need to Get By’ earns praise on Motown night. By Adam Graham Jacob Lusk performs on “American Idol” Wednesday Photo: FOX On Wednesday’s (March 23) Motown-themed episode of “American Idol,” there was Jacob Lusk, and then there was everyone else. The 23-year-old Compton, California, native stole the night with a stirring rendition of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s 1968 smash “You’re All I Need to Get By,” and lived up to the promise he showed earlier this season when, during Hollywood Week, he wowed judges and audiences with his take on “God Bless the Child.” That earlier performance was immediately praised as one of the best in “Idol” history, and Lusk’s performance Wednesday may earn that designation as well. By no means a subtle singer — as his performances in past weeks have demonstrated — Lusk was able to control the song, never drowning it in over-the-top vocal gymnastics or “fireworks,” as Jimmy Iovine described them in a video package on Wednesday’s show. Instead, he showed total mastery of the tune, experimenting with his vocal phrasing and playing with his facial expressions like Jim Carrey at his most rubber-faced. With an assist on bass from Funk Brother Bob Babbitt, Lusk, looking dapper in a white sportcoat and jeans, was the most comfortable onstage he’s been all season, and like Adam Lambert did during Motown week back in season eight, he pulled apart from the rest of the pack with his performance. Steven Tyler was so moved he walked onstage and embraced Lusk just as he hit his final note. A pan of the audience showed Kirsten Dunst was on her feet and cheering Lusk, as well. The judges, who gave Lusk a standing ovation, were effusive in their praise. Jennifer Lopez complimented the way Lusk held back in the song, saying he made the audience “beg” for the big notes. Referring to Motown’s founder, Randy Jackson said, “the great Berry Gordy is somewhere saying, ‘Oh my God!’ ” He went on to say Lusk commanded the song “like a true professional,” before offering the following critique: “You know what was wrong with that performance, guys? Absolutely nothing!” The judges weren’t the only ones who were moved: Lusk’s grandmother was in the audience, and the singer stepped off the stage to give her a big ol’ hug. After that embrace, Ryan Seacrest made the unprecedented move to invite members of the audience onstage to wrap their arms around Lusk, and more than a dozen fans made their way onto the stage to offer their praise. Prior to performing, Iovine said there was nobody in the competition more suited to sing Motown songs than Lusk. Lusk proved him right, and suddenly he’s back to being in the “Idol” power position. What did you think of Jacob Lusk’s performance? Let us know in the comments! Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday on MTV.com, following the “American Idol” results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty ! In the meantime, get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Performances
