Funkytowngrooves wishes you a HAPPY XMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR. They have HUGE 40% XMAS DISCOUNT Over 100 Titles, Inc Upcoming Preorders & Recent Arrivals a Perfect opportunity to add any missing FTG titles to your collection. The Sale will run until 31st December 2012. Grab your chance here.

Nick Ashford of the famous songwriter/producer duo Ashford and Simpson died in New York on August 22, 2011.

Nick Ashford Together with Valerie Simpson started their career in the mid-1960s, writing for artists such as The 5th Dimension, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles. Their work with Ray Charles brought them to the attention of Motown chief Berry Gordy. They joined Motown and started writing songs for Marvin Gaye. Later on they produces three albums for the Diana Ross and the Supremes. Gladys Knight and the pips song some Ashford & Simpson penned songs.

In 1974, Ashford & Simpson married and resumed their career as a duo with the Warner Bros. album, Gimme Something Real. This was followed by the hit singles, "Don't Cost You Nothin'" (1977), "It Seems To Hang On" (1978), "Is It Still Good to Ya" (1978), "Found a Cure" (1979), "Street Corner" (1982), and their biggest hit, "Solid", released in 1984.

Nick Ashford died of complications from throat cancer. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Nick Ashford RIP

DETROIT – Musician and Motown enthusiast Drew Schultz, 24, and Motown musical legends gave back to Detroit students through the Detroit Public Schools Foundation with sales from debut album “Back to Class.” Prior to The Four Tops’ performance at the Motor City Casino Soundboard Theater on Thursday, Dec. 13, the musicians presented their first $1000 donation of proceeds from album sales to the DPS Foundation. The Four Tops, Spyder Turner and James Jamerson Jr., among many others, were in attendance to celebrate the first donation to music programs for Detroit students funded by the DPS Foundation.

Here are some really nice soul and funk albums that have just arrived from USA.

Records are great gifts to give or receive.

All these albums are in demand , in good conditions and are one-offs so please order early to avoid disappointment.

Records can be ordered on line, over the phone on 020 8875 1018 or collected from our shop in Putney SW15.

(New York, NY) Gospel Superstar Kirk Franklin is featuring gospel's it girl and JDI Records artist Beverly Crawford on his upcoming new CD, to be released March 22nd on Gospocentric/Fo Yo Soul/Zomba. After a nearly 3 year hiatus from recording, Kirk Franklin returns this spring with the most highly anticipated gospel release of the year "Hello Fear".

The top selling gospel artist of all-time, with over 12 million records sold, Kirk Franklin is renown for his collaborations and his selection of Grammy winner Beverly Crawford speaks volumes about the resurgence of her career as one of the top female artists in gospel.

Fresh on the heels of her of electrifying performances at the BET Celebration of Gospel & the Stellar Awards, Beverly Crawford's smash hit single "It's About Time For A Miracle!" continues to burn up gospel radio! Likewise, everywhere you turn on TV, radio & on her 100-city tour, the red-hot Beverly Crawford continues to demonstrate why she is universally regarded as one of the top vocalists in the world!

The #1 Most Added Song at Radio (Billboard),"It's About Time For A Miracle!" is the follow-up to Beverly's #1 chart-topper "He's Done Enough", which dominated the Billboard Charts for over 70+ weeks & garnered 7 Stellar Award nods including CD of the Year, Artist of the Year, etc.

With a legion of ardent fans including Ochocinco, President Obama, Fantasia, Natalie Cole, etc, Beverly Crawford's new CD Live from Los Angeles - Vol. 2 is garnering rave reviews all over the country!