Essence

Ashford & Simpson, Marvin Gaye: Entertainers: Ashford and Simpson

Interview by Vernon Gibbs, Essence, December 1973

"OH, I JUST love Marvin Gaye," Valerie Simpson says, bouncing up and down with all the enthusiasm of an avid fan. "He's such a beautiful ...

Willie Hutch, Van McCoy, Melba Moore, Wayne Shorter, War: Van McCoy and the Soul City Symphony: Hustling Up The Charts

Interview by Vernon Gibbs, Essence, 1975

EVEN THOUGH he has been writing, arranging and producing hit records since 1961, Van McCoy is still technically a newcomer. He is of that breed ...

The Isley Brothers: 3 + 3 = Super Success

Interview by Vernon Gibbs, Essence, May 1975

UNTIL 3+3, the career of the Isley Brothers had been marked by a strange pattern; after a tremendous hit record, the group would seemingly disappear ...

Solange's A Seat At the Table Is The Epitome of #Woke Music

Review by Miles Marshall Lewis, Essence, 3 October 2016

Solo comes with Nina Simone, 'Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair' levels of intra-cultural adoration all over A Seat at the Table. ...

Chance the Rapper, H.E.R., PartyNextDoor, Tiwa Savage, Bryson Tiller, Yuna: Grammy Newbies: Breakout Artists Making Their First Grammys Appearance

Guide by Miles Marshall Lewis, Essence, 11 February 2017

Six artists you may have already heard of who will be gracing the Grammys red carpet for the first time. ...

Prince: Sheila E. Opens Up About What It Was Really Like Creating Timeless Music With Prince

Interview by Miles Marshall Lewis, Essence, 14 July 2017

One of the most iconic female musicians of our time shares details about her musical journey and her many collaborations with legendary entertainer Prince. ...

Ayo: Nigerian-German Singer Ayo Didn't Go Into Music To Make Pop Hits And Is Unapologetic About It

Interview by Miles Marshall Lewis, Essence, 2 March 2018

ANYONE ATTEMPTING to prove the redemptive power of music needs to look no further than the Nigerian chanteuse, Ayo.  ...