Soul Artists to Watch in 2007

Classic Comebacks and New Starts

KingsleySmith

Posted: Jan 5, 07 7:12pm

After some great comebacks by Natalie Cole and Lionel Richie last year, it's time to predict who might duplicate their success in 2007.

Here are 5 ladies of classic soul who are poised to make new musical contributions:

1. Whitney Houston
According to music historian Joel Whitburn, Whitney Houston is in seventh place among all artists with the most number one hits. She's in ninth place among all artists with the most top 10 hits.

Her talent can't be denied. Despite recent setbacks, an impending divorce from husband Bobby Brown, and financial problems, Whitney is positioning herself for a 2007 comeback.

She's working hard on a brand new album that's scheduled for release later this year. With the help of the brilliant record company visionary Clive Davis, look for Whitney to get back on track.

2. Diana Ross
The ever-popular "boss," Diana Ross defines the Motown generation for Boomers the way current sensation Beyonce' Knowles takes the female lead for hip-hop chic.

At age 62, Diana Ross is closing in on her 60th album. I favorably compare Beyonce' and Diana. Both have used charisma, personality, and sound judgment to transcend weak musical material early in their careers to build longevity with a deeper and broader variety of sophisticated music and film projects.

Diana Ross' I Love You CD, delayed in October 2006, is now scheduled for a January 2007 release. The brand new studio project will feature these classic tracks from the voice of Ms. Ross:

"Remember" - from the pen of Harry Nilsson
"More Today Than Yesterday" - Spiral Starecase
"I Want You" - Marvin Gaye
"I Love You (That's All That Really Matters) "
"What About Love" - from Oprah Winfrey's "The Color Purple" (stage Production)
"The Look of Love" - Dusty Springfield
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" - Queen
"Lovely Day" - Bill Withers
"To Be Loved"
"Only You"
"I Will" - Paul McCartney
"You Are So Beautiful" - Billy Preston
"Always and Forever" - Heatwave
"Remember" Reprise

3. Jill Scott
Philadelphia, PA-favorite Jill Scott will be releasing a couple of albums in 2007. Jill has quietly built a devoted fan base. Best known for the hits "The Way," and "He Loves Me," her song "Golden" was featured in the hit 2005 Queen Latifah movie, Beauty Shop.

Jill has a compilation of her best duets with Will Smith, George Benson and Al Jarreau, The Isley Brothers, and others due in stores this January. By the summer of 2007, a new studio album The Real Thing should be ready to roll.

4. Evelyn "Champagne" King
Always a personal favorite, it's been a long time since we've heard from New York City-native Evelyn "Champagne" King.

Evelyn hit it big while still a teenager with "Shame" back in 1977. The power and intensity of her voice always stood out on her many memorable hits. After 10 years without a contract, Evelyn "Champagne" King has signed a new record deal. Look for a new album from her this year.

5. India Arie
Finally, we have a lady, the youngest on our list, who emerged in the late 90's embracing a style fusing pop, classic soul, and so called "neo-soul."

India's early collaborations with Stevie Wonder opened many eyes to her Grammy Award winning talent. "Video," her first hit, carved out a unique niche for India as a strong singer-songwriter.

Due this year, Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics is her highly anticipated 2007 follow-up to 2006's Testimony: Vol.1, Life & Relationship, (nominated for three Grammy Awards).