HRS News

26 year-old Johnta (pronounced zhan-tay) Austin is a Grammy-winning songwriter who made a name for himself penning hits such as Mariah Carey’s mega-hit “We Belong Together” (2005) and one of the biggest hits of 2006, Mary J Blige’s “Be Without You.”

Austin’s debut Ocean Drive is due December 26 and offers lovers of R&B a soulful classic vibe that belies his youthful age.
We caught up with the prolific singer/songwriter (listen) who talked freely about his journey as an artist, working with Jermaine Dupri and his love for Alicia Keys.

AUDIO INTERVIEW WITH JOHNTA AUSTIN

Photo courtesy Virgin 

Legend among legends and Godfather of Soul, James Brown passed away early Monday, December 25 (Christmas morning). He was 73 years old.

Despite his edgy lifestyle and seemingly neverending decades of performing, Mr. James Brown was truly one of those people whom you expect to live forever, as evidenced by the shock waves traveling around the planet on what to many is the biggest holiday of the year.

At a time when most are usually sleeping “with visions of sugar plums” dancing in their heads, a small army of folks are typing away furiously in an attempt to begin to pay homage to this great man. More is to come. RIP JAMES BROWN.