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Jon B

Some people become artists because they seek fortune and fame. They believe that somehow, performing, writing and producing will bring them the accolades and acclaim they feel they've been missing. Then there are the people who have no choice in the matter - artistry has chosen them. They are compelled to write, perform and record the way the rest of us are compelled to breathe. Whether they sell five million records or just five, some folks will always create.

Jon B is one of these rare individuals. He is the consummate artist. Unlike many of the poseurs who have attempted to lay claim to his niche, he is an accomplished musician, (he plays bass, drums, guitar and piano), and he is a noted songwriter and producer. His is a richly textured body of music, a testament to one man's love for all things soul.

Born in Rhode Island, Jonathan Buck was raised primarily in Pasadena, Calif.

During his childhood, he spent many an afternoon in the record store owned by his grandparents. "I literally listened to records all day long," he attests. "I had a very large collection, and I didn't even understand the cultural impact of the music I was listening to; I just knew I liked certain records, everything by The Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Ross ... I didn't know anything about genre or style; I just knew good music." Good music quickly became an addiction # and a life path.

"The summer after I graduated from high school, I told my Dad I was going to pursue music and not go to college. He just looked at me and said, 'Well, you better get a record deal" Jon recalls with a laugh. But the young artist's commitment was no laughing matter. That very summer he wrote, produced and recorded 40 incredible songs and began making his rounds to all major record labels. Within a few months, he'd met Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and his wife, Tracy Edmonds, who were interested in signing Jon to their label imprint, Edmonds Record Group (formerly Yab Yum). "At first, I was simply trying to secure a deal as a songwriter and producer," Jon informs. "But Kenny was adamant about me releasing my own record."

The relationship between Jon and Edmonds Record Group immediately bore fruit. His debut album, 1995's platinum-certified "Bonafide", was particularly notable for the song "Someone To Love," a duet with Babyface. The single was a #5 hit on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts. Looking back, Jon ventures: "That first album was really experimental. It was a fun project, and it helped me figure out what type of artist I wanted to be, ut it was on my second album that I think I really hit it. I had focus, was growing as an artist."

Platinum-Certified Cool Relax album shot to the Top 5 of R&B charts upon its release in 1998, fueled by the success of "They Don't Know," a platinum-certified single and a #1 R&B hit. A highly melodic offering with an ultra-romantic vibe, "They Don't Know" cemented Jon's reputation as a balladeer with real heart. "Are You Still Down"

the B-side to "They Don't Know," peaked at #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks. He continued his mission with Pleasures U Like, which rose to #3 on the R&B charts in 2001. The first single, the hit love-at-first-club-sighting anthem "Don't Talk" single-handedly pushed the album past 470,000 units sold and now yet another certified Gold album.

His fourth album "Stronger Everyday" reaffirmed this fine tradition. Although the album was never promoted correctly and very limited funds backing the album, Stronger Everyday still managed to sell over 120,000 units. "It's a shame that Sanctuary did not push the album the way they should have, the label had financial problems and stopped spending money on their artists. I was one of the unfortunate ones who got caught up in the Sanctuary nightmare, but I still give thanks to Matthew Knowles for giving me another album for my fans. I sold 120,000 albums based on fan base alone, no video play, limited radio play, no advertising, no publicity... we basically were able to sell that many CD's on website newsletters and live shows". Stronger Everyday was Jon's first album that went "outside of the box" when it comes to classic Jon B albums, with more dance tracks and collaborations, which included: ODB (AKA Dirt McGirt R.I.P.),

Scarface, Babyface, Tupac, Beenieman and Tank. And though some might argue that Jon has vintage soul singers like Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway on his mind whenever he steps into the studio, he has long been a fixture on the hip-hop scene, having worked with Tupac and Nas, among many others. "Everytime," was produced by one of hip-hop's hottest names, Just Blaze (Jay-Z, DMX, Fabolous). "Hip-hop has always been an important part of my life," Jon affirms.

"I came up at a time when kids were banging on tables to make beats and break dancing in the street, so it just feels completely natural to incorporate hip-hop into what I do. I don’t view it as a departure; it’s an extension."

"Part 2" is the next cut that had to be on this album. It featured Tupac and the song exactly reflects the title. This is part 2 of the Tupac/Jon B collaboration and friendship. Jon teamed up with yet another star in the re-mix of "Everytime" featuring reggae artist/producer Beanieman. A classic dancehall mix that makes you shake your groove thang.

Most of his fans say 2004's "Stronger Everyday" album was Jon B's best work to date. "Some people may be surprised to hear I don't think of myself as a singer first and foremost. The key to this album is more about the sounds and textures we've created. What I want people to hear even more than the vocals is that sonic chemistry. There's something there that’s hard to describe - a feeling, a vibe - that is the essence of this album. I'm trying to bring the good energy. In that sense, this is the most mature album I've ever done. I'm really proud of it, and the way people connected with it."

Jon's fifth studio album entitled "Helpless Romantic" on the Arsenal/Vibezelect/Universal label is a self-produced album and is all Jon B.

Although the album will have special guest appearances (Paul Wall), Jon wrote and produced 95% of the album, which had an Oct 28, 2008 release. The first single "Ooh So Sexy" feat. Paul Wall is a catchy melodic tune.

Although, my last album Stronger Everyday was a hot album, it was something new for me, with "Helpless Romantic"; I am going back to my "soul" and my songwriting skills.

Barbra Rose

On April 2, 1987 Barbra Rose Knox was born in Denver, Colorado. Like many other soulful artist, her singing career began in church. By age the age of 3, Barbra begun performing for large audiences as a solo artist as well as participating in theatrical stage performances in the choir at Heritage Christian Center. Barbra’s transition to R & B seemed natural and inevitable having been inspired by the likes of Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston, and Beyonce; Barbra’s vocal style blends a tantalizing touch of soul with a sassy, flirtatious edge thats simply captivating. Among the elite artist that have come before her Barbra’s amazing control combined with a powerful delivery makes her voice a genuine gift and a talent to admire.

In 2006 Barbra moved to Los Angeles, with the hopes, dreams, and talents to turn her gift into a career. Beginning with the basics she received professional vocal training to cultivate her raw singing capabilities as well as dance classes at the Debbie Reynolds Dance Academy. Honing her skills as a writer Barbra began working with other upcoming artist and writers to create soulful and flavorful music.

As she continues her introduction to the world, Barbra Rose has matured as a true artist. By challenging herself to dig deep and have her own creative recording process, she truly has created a unique and unmatchable sound. Her message of Love, Happiness and Relationships is honest and untainted, and she aims to please her audience.