Saturday, February 12, 2005

Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy's Joint

Once again, it's time for Clive Davis' pre-Grammy's party. Unfortunately -- or, fortunately, depending on where you lie on the issue of semi-private parties having sponsorship -- the usually somewhat intimate affair has corporate sponsorships. According to a Press release by Jamster Mobile Content Services:

"This annual event, which occurs on the eve of the Grammy Awards, long-ago established itself as the destination for A-list celebrities, Grammy winners, Hollywood stars, sports legends, authors and influential entertainment industry executives. The evening consists of cocktails, a sit-down dinner and performances from some of the biggest names in music."

Dubious. And, now, evidently a business opportunity with Arista/J Records. Well, Clive is popular enough so that peer respect will pull him through the general loucheness.

But we digress. According to the AP:

"Performing at Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy bash has been a good omen for a lot of rising stars. Alicia Keys hadn't even put out a single when she wowed the crowd with her piano playing and soulful singing four years ago ...

"... Now Davis, the legendary music mogul who heads BMG's U.S. division, is hoping the same magic can happen for Fantasia, last year's 'American Idol' winner.

"... Fantasia won't be the only performer at the Saturday event, which is held on the eve of the Grammys every year at the swanky Beverly Hills Hotel. Also on tap are Keys, Usher, Maroon5 again, and Oscar and Grammy nominee Jamie Foxx.

"But part of the excitement of the exclusive, celebrity-soaked affair are the surprise performers, and Davis promises the same this year.

"... Recent performers have included Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, P. Diddy, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Santana and Whitney Houston."

And Stevie Wonder's on his wife, Kai Milla's recent Fashion Week Show to the Boston Herald:

"Though Milla didn't ask Wonder to help with the music for the show - maybe next season, he said - she did ask for advice.

"I told her, 'Don't rush it',' he said. 'Do it when it feels right.'

" Wonder, sporting a black suit with gray piping, said of his wife's collection: 'If it looks as good as it feels, it's going to be major.''"

And that's a quote.






"'The idea is to raise the roof,' Davis chuckled."

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