Stars Ready to Shine at NAMM Yamaha Dealer Concert
(Yamaha | Posted 2006-01-16)
Performer Gavin DeGraw and host Randy Jackson have been added to the list of incredible artists appearing at the 2006 Yamaha Dealer Concert at the NAMM Show. Yamaha dealers will be treated to an extraordinary night of entertainment when these luminaries take the stage on Friday, January 20 at 8 p.m. at Disney’s California Adventure® park’s beautiful Hyperion® Theater.
Previously announced performers include Grammy Award-winning, platinum selling superstars Brian Wilson, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Cole and k.d. lang.
“We are extremely happy to announce that Gavin and Randy will be joining us for this unforgettable evening. Our Yamaha dealers are really in for a night of incredible entertainment and special surprises,” says Chris Gero, director of Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs and show producer.
Tickets are available to Yamaha dealers only on a first come, first serve, very limited basis, and artists are subject to change. For media inquiries, please contact Laura Elkins at (615) 599-0800.
DeGraw’s gently raspy, effortlessly emotive voice carries a level of emotional depth that’s remarkable for someone so young. His platinum-selling debut on J Records, Chariot, introduced the world to this singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist with hits such as “I Don’t Wanna Be” and the title track “Chariot.”
Jackson, most recently known for his role as judge on the hit TV show American Idol, is a 20-year music industry veteran. An accomplished musician and producer, Jackson got his start as the bassist for Journey. He has recorded, toured and performed with artists such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, *NSYNC, Madonna, Elton John, Destiny’s Child, and more.
As co-founder of the legendary Beach Boys, Wilson is a renowned writer, producer, arranger and performer of some of the most cherished music in rock history.
Most recently, Wilson released What I Really Want for Christmas, his first solo Christmas album, featuring traditional favorites, plus new versions of "Little Saint Nick" and "The Man With All the Toys" and two original songs co-written with Bernie Taupin and Jimmy Webb.
Wilson’s latest non-holiday record is SMiLE, giving Wilson his biggest hit in nearly three decades and garnering the pop icon widespread critical acclaim, three Grammy nominations, and his first Grammy Award. He is nominated for a 2006 Best Longform Video Grammy for “Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE,” a DVD collection with nearly four hours of material and never-before-seen footage.
Since her debut in 1988, McLachlan has sold more than 22 million records worldwide. The talented singer/songwriter also finds time to devote to philanthropic causes with her Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach Program, which provides free music education classes to inner city youths whose school music programs have been affected by budget cuts. Additionally, McLachlan founded the successful Lilith Fair Tour, which brought together two million people over its three-year history and raised more than $7 million for charities.
Making an impact on the music world ever since her 1975 debut, Cole has won eight Grammys and other countless accolades including NAACP Image and Soul Train Music Awards. Cole, daughter of the legendary Nat “King” Cole, is a talented vocalist who represents more than 30 years of worldwide critical acclaim, tremendous commercial success, the continuation of a family legacy, and consummate artistry.
Over the last twenty years, lang has lent her voice to an astonishing range of material, from Nashville tearjerkers to Tin Pan Alley torch songs, from playful cow-punk tunes to sultry, grown-up pop. A four-time Grammy Award winner, lang has recorded more than thirteen albums.
The performers will be backed by a veritable who’s who of musicians, and legendary bassist Nathan East will be the show’s musical director. East has recorded, performed and co-written songs with artists such as Eric Clapton, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Babyface, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, David Benoit, Phil Collins and Philip Bailey.
For more information on the extensive Yamaha product catalog and critically acclaimed Yamaha artists, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com or visit www.yamaha.com.
