Jump to content

Kevin Ross (musician): Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Kc1985 (talk | contribs)
120 edits
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
Kc1985 (talk | contribs)
120 edits
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
Line 40: Line 40:
Kevin Ross <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/kevin-ross-mn0001963178/biography|title=Biography |publisher=allmusic.com |accessdate=September 21, 2017}}</ref> is an American singer, songwriter and producer. He is currently signed to Motown Records and he released his debut album ''The Awakening'' in March of 2017. Ross is also an award-winning songwriter, having written songs for artists such as [[Trey Songz|Trey Songz]], [[Nicki Minaj|Nicki Minaj]], [[Jamie Foxx|Jamie Foxx]], [[SWV|SWV]], and [[Johnny Gill|Johnny Gill]]. He began to gain notoriety in 2014 after being featured in a [[Glade (brand)|Glade]] holiday campaign <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scjohnson.com/en/press-room/press-releases/12-11-2014/GLADE-PARTNERS-WITH-MOTOWN-ARTIST-KEVIN-ROSS-TO-GIVE-GIFT-OF-FREE-MUSIC.aspx|title=GLADE® PARTNERS WITH MOTOWN ARTIST KEVIN ROSS TO GIVE THE GIFT OF FREE MUSIC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON |publisher=SCJohnson.com |accessdate=October 6, 2017}}</ref> that year, charting with his version of the song "This Is My Wish".
Kevin Ross <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/kevin-ross-mn0001963178/biography|title=Biography |publisher=allmusic.com |accessdate=September 21, 2017}}</ref> is an American singer, songwriter and producer. He is currently signed to Motown Records and he released his debut album ''The Awakening'' in March of 2017. Ross is also an award-winning songwriter, having written songs for artists such as [[Trey Songz|Trey Songz]], [[Nicki Minaj|Nicki Minaj]], [[Jamie Foxx|Jamie Foxx]], [[SWV|SWV]], and [[Johnny Gill|Johnny Gill]]. He began to gain notoriety in 2014 after being featured in a [[Glade (brand)|Glade]] holiday campaign <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scjohnson.com/en/press-room/press-releases/12-11-2014/GLADE-PARTNERS-WITH-MOTOWN-ARTIST-KEVIN-ROSS-TO-GIVE-GIFT-OF-FREE-MUSIC.aspx|title=GLADE® PARTNERS WITH MOTOWN ARTIST KEVIN ROSS TO GIVE THE GIFT OF FREE MUSIC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON |publisher=SCJohnson.com |accessdate=October 6, 2017}}</ref> that year, charting with his version of the song "This Is My Wish".


==Early life and education==
==Early Life and Career Beginnings==

Born and raised in the DMV area, Ross comes from a family full of musicians. As a child, he was heavily influenced by his father's side of the family who all sung and played musical instruments. He attended the [[Duke Ellington School of the Arts|Duke Ellington School of the Arts]], a performing arts high school in Washington, D.C. After covering songs from Stevie Wonder in a Motown tribute during his sophomore year <ref>{{cite web|url=https://rollingout.com/2014/11/13/kevin-ross-discusses-musical-background-portraying-stevie-wonder-touring-ne-yo/|title=Kevin Ross discusses his musical background, portraying Stevie Wonder, and touring with Ne-Yo |publisher=rollingout.com |accessdate=September 21, 2017}}</ref>, Ross knew he wanted to pursue a career as a musician. Following high school, he accepted a scholarship to the prestigious [[Berklee College of Music|Berklee College of Music]] <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.berklee.edu/bt/224/alum_beat.html|title=Alumni Beat |publisher=Berklee.edu|accessdate=September 21, 2017}}</ref> in Boston, where he studied contemporary writing and production. In 2007, while attending Berklee, Ross appeared on BET's 106 and Park's as part of the shows Wild Out Wednesday competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hothiphopdetroit.com/3722721/ladies-meet-the-next-rb-great-kevin-ross-video/|title=Ladies! Meet the next R&B Great Kevin Ross |publisher=Hothiphopdetroit.com|accessdate=September 21, 2017}}</ref> Ross ended up winning the competition and through his win, caught the attention of executive producer and music industry veteran Troy Taylor. After graduating from Berklee College, Ross moved to Atlanta where he began his songwriting career. After successfully landing several songwriting placements <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/kevin-ross-mn0001963178/credits|title= Kevin Ross Credits|publisher=Allmusic.com|accessdate=September 21, 2017}}</ref> with Trey Songz, Jamie Foxx, and other platinum artists, Kevin signed a recording deal with [[Motown|Motown Records]] in 2012.
Ross grew up in [[Washington, D.C.]].<ref name="BillMain">{{cite news | last=Mendizabal| first=Maya| title =Kevin Ross Says First Billboard No. 1 is a 'Gift From God,' as Singer Tops Adult R&B Songs Chart| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher =''Billboard''| date =March 23, 2017 | url =http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7736383/kevin-ross-says-first-billboard-no-1-is-a-gift-from-god-as| accessdate =September 29, 2017}}</ref> He attended the [[Berklee College of Music]] in [[Boston]] where he earned a degree in songwriting.<ref name="VibePremiere">{{cite news | last=Robertson| first=Darryl| title =Premiere: Kevin Ross Offers To “Pick You Up” In New Video| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher =''Vibe''| date =March 3, 2017 | url =https://www.vibe.com/2017/03/premiere-kevin-ross-pick-you-up-video/| accessdate =September 29, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Pride">{{cite news | last=Nunn| first=Jerry| title =Singer Kevin Ross wants to 'Pick You Up'| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher =ChicagoPride.com| date =March 17, 2017 | url =http://chicago.gopride.com/news/interview.cfm/articleid/1056289| accessdate =September 29, 2017}}</ref>

===2014–present: Motown and The Awakening===

Kevin's first solo release on Motown, ''Dialogue in the Grey'', was released in 2014. The 4-track EP, which featured appearances by [[Ne-Yo|Ne-Yo]] and [[T.I|T.I]], allowed Kevin the opportunity to tour nationally as the opening act for [[Maxwell|Maxwell]]'s ''Summer Soulstice'' tour <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/motown-recording-artist-kevin-ross-confirmed-to-join-maxwell-on-his-summer-soulstice-tour-268127652.html|title= Motown Recording Artist Kevin Ross Confirmed To Join Maxwell On His "Summer Soulstice" Tour|publisher=PRNewswire.com|accessdate=September 21, 2017}}</ref> and Ne-Yo's ''One Night With Ne-Yo'' tour. That same year, Ross became the face of Glade's "This Is My Wish" holiday campaign. After having a breakout year, AOL named Kevin Ross their "Best New Artist" for 2014. In 2015, Kevin announced the release of his long-awaited debut album on Motown, ''The Awakening'' however, the project would not be released until 2017. During that time, Kevin held his audience over by creating his 90's R&B mash up series. The mash-up series ended up becoming popular on social media and introduced Kevin to a whole new audience. In 2016, Ross released his first official single from this debut album entitled "Long Song Away".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/10-new-artists-you-need-to-know-april-2017-w477527/kevin-ross-w477538|title= 10 New Artists You Need to Know: April 2017|publisher=RollingStone.com|accessdate=September 21, 2017}}</ref> The single peaked at No.1 on Billboard's Adult R&B Song chart <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7736383/kevin-ross-says-first-billboard-no-1-is-a-gift-from-god-as|title= Kevin Ross Says First Billboard No. 1 is a 'Gift From God,' as Singer Tops Adult R&B Songs Chart|publisher=Billboard.com|accessdate=September 21, 2017}}</ref> and radio's Urban Adult Contemporary chart, making him the first debut Motown recording artist since 2010 to accomplish that feat <ref>{{cite web|url=https://singersroom.com/content/2017-03-20/motown-recording-artist-kevin-ross-achieves-the-no-1-position-on-both-the-nielsenbds-and-mediabase-urban-adult-radio-charts-after-27-weeks-with-long-song-away-the-chart-topping-achievement-mak/|title= Kevin Ross Reaches No. 1 On Urban Adult Radio Charts|publisher=Singersroom.com|accessdate=October 6, 2017}}</ref>. Kevin's debut album, The Awakening, was officially released on March 24, 2017 on the Motown/Verve record label and it features appearances from Chaz French, [[BJ the Chicago Kid|BJ the Chicago Kid]], [[Lecrae|Lecrae]] and production from [[Babyface (musician)|Babyface]]. On September 17, 2017, Ross announced the release of his third EP, ''Drive''.

==Career==
==Career==

Revision as of 02:12, 25 November 2017

For other people named Kevin Ross (musician), see Kevin Ross (musician) (disambiguation).
Kevin Ross
File:Kevin-Ross-Detroit.jpg
Ross performing live in Detroit on The Awakening Tour
Background information
Birth nameKevin Ross
BornDecember 8
Washington, D.C., United States
Genres
Occupations
Instruments
Years active2009–present
Labels
Websitekevinrossmusic.net

Kevin Ross [1] is an American singer, songwriter and producer. He is currently signed to Motown Records and he released his debut album The Awakening in March of 2017. Ross is also an award-winning songwriter, having written songs for artists such as Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Jamie Foxx, SWV, and Johnny Gill. He began to gain notoriety in 2014 after being featured in a Glade holiday campaign [2] that year, charting with his version of the song "This Is My Wish".

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born and raised in the DMV area, Ross comes from a family full of musicians. As a child, he was heavily influenced by his father's side of the family who all sung and played musical instruments. He attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, a performing arts high school in Washington, D.C. After covering songs from Stevie Wonder in a Motown tribute during his sophomore year [3], Ross knew he wanted to pursue a career as a musician. Following high school, he accepted a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music [4] in Boston, where he studied contemporary writing and production. In 2007, while attending Berklee, Ross appeared on BET's 106 and Park's as part of the shows Wild Out Wednesday competition.[5] Ross ended up winning the competition and through his win, caught the attention of executive producer and music industry veteran Troy Taylor. After graduating from Berklee College, Ross moved to Atlanta where he began his songwriting career. After successfully landing several songwriting placements [6] with Trey Songz, Jamie Foxx, and other platinum artists, Kevin signed a recording deal with Motown Records in 2012.

2014–present: Motown and The Awakening

Kevin's first solo release on Motown, Dialogue in the Grey, was released in 2014. The 4-track EP, which featured appearances by Ne-Yo and T.I, allowed Kevin the opportunity to tour nationally as the opening act for Maxwell's Summer Soulstice tour [7] and Ne-Yo's One Night With Ne-Yo tour. That same year, Ross became the face of Glade's "This Is My Wish" holiday campaign. After having a breakout year, AOL named Kevin Ross their "Best New Artist" for 2014. In 2015, Kevin announced the release of his long-awaited debut album on Motown, The Awakening however, the project would not be released until 2017. During that time, Kevin held his audience over by creating his 90's R&B mash up series. The mash-up series ended up becoming popular on social media and introduced Kevin to a whole new audience. In 2016, Ross released his first official single from this debut album entitled "Long Song Away".[8] The single peaked at No.1 on Billboard's Adult R&B Song chart [9] and radio's Urban Adult Contemporary chart, making him the first debut Motown recording artist since 2010 to accomplish that feat [10]. Kevin's debut album, The Awakening, was officially released on March 24, 2017 on the Motown/Verve record label and it features appearances from Chaz French, BJ the Chicago Kid, Lecrae and production from Babyface. On September 17, 2017, Ross announced the release of his third EP, Drive.

Career

After graduating from Berklee, Ross moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in songwriting. He worked with artists like Usher, Jamie Foxx, Akon, Dave Hollister, Johnny Gill, SWV, and others. His own song, "Never Said," was featured alongside BJ the Chicago Kid, Ne-Yo, Chrisette Michele, and others on the 2012 Motown Music Sampler.[11][12][13] In 2013, he co-wrote "Touchin, Lovin" by Trey Songz featuring Nicki Minaj which would go on to be certified Platinum and reach #43 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[14][15] Also in 2013, Ross performed at The BET Honors and the BET Music Matters showcase.[16]

In 2014, Ross opened for Maxwell on his "Summer Solstice" tour and performed at the Essence Music Festival.[16][17] In September of that year, he released his first major label EP on Motown Records, Dialogue in the Grey, which had features from Ne-Yo and T.I..[16][18][19] One song from the EP, "This Is My Wish," would go on to peak at #16 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[20] It was also used in holiday-themed commercials for Glade air fresheners.[21][18][22] Ross also toured with Ne-Yo on his "One Night Only" tour in the fall of 2014.[17][23] Another song off of Dialogue in the Grey, "Dream," was remixed by Chaz French in the summer of 2015.[24]

In early 2016, Ross' single, "Be Great" was featured on an episode of Grey's Anatomy.[18] He also covered Outkast's song, "Prototype".[24] In December 2016, Ross released another EP entitled, Long Song Away, which featured "Be Great" and a remix of the song with BJ the Chicago Kid. It also featured the titular track, "Long Song Away," which would go on to peak at #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.[21][23][25] Prior to the release of the EP, Ross performed on an episode of the TV One series, Lexus Verses and Flow.[23]

Beginning in March 2017, Ross opened for Ro James on his "XIX" tour.[11] On March 24, 2017, he released his debut studio album on Motown Records entitled, The Awakening.[26][27] The album featured the songs "Long Song Away," "Be Great" (and its remix), the remix to "Dream," and "Don't Go."[26] In May 2017, Ross began a North American headlining tour in support of the album.[28]

In September 2017, Ross releases a new EP titled Drive.[14]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions
US US
Heat
[29]
The Awakening
  • Released: March 24, 2017 (US)
  • Label: Motown
  • Formats: Digital download, CD
 — 16
"—" denotes an album that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

EPs

List of EPs with selected album details
Title Details
Dialogue in the Grey
  • Released: September 16, 2014 (US)
  • Label: Motown
  • Formats: Digital download
Long Song Away
  • Released: December 9, 2016 (US)
  • Label: Motown
  • Formats: Digital download
Drive
  • Released: September 29, 2017 (US)
  • Label: Motown
  • Formats: Digital download

Singles

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US US
Adult
R&B
[25] 		US
R&B
[20]
"This is My Wish" 2014 — — 16 Dialogue in the Grey
"Long Song Away" 2016 — 1 23 Long Song Away
"Don't Go" 2017 — 15 — The Awakening
"—" denotes a single that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Songwriting and production

Selected songs with songwriting credits by Kevin Ross
Single name Year Primary artist(s) Album Role Notes
"Touchin, Lovin"[14] 2014 Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj Trigga Co-writer US #43[15]

References

  1. ^ "Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  2. ^ "GLADE® PARTNERS WITH MOTOWN ARTIST KEVIN ROSS TO GIVE THE GIFT OF FREE MUSIC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON". SCJohnson.com. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  3. ^ "Kevin Ross discusses his musical background, portraying Stevie Wonder, and touring with Ne-Yo". rollingout.com. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  4. ^ "Alumni Beat". Berklee.edu. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  5. ^ "Ladies! Meet the next R&B Great Kevin Ross". Hothiphopdetroit.com. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  6. ^ "Kevin Ross Credits". Allmusic.com. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  7. ^ "Motown Recording Artist Kevin Ross Confirmed To Join Maxwell On His "Summer Soulstice" Tour". PRNewswire.com. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  8. ^ "10 New Artists You Need to Know: April 2017". RollingStone.com. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  9. ^ "Kevin Ross Says First Billboard No. 1 is a 'Gift From God,' as Singer Tops Adult R&B Songs Chart". Billboard.com. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  10. ^ "Kevin Ross Reaches No. 1 On Urban Adult Radio Charts". Singersroom.com. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  11. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference VibePremiere was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference Pride was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ "Watch List: Kevin Ross - A Song For You". Next2Shine. February 8, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  14. ^ a b c "Kevin Ross Drops "Don't Go" Video; Announces Title and Release Date For New EP". SingersRoom. September 8, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  15. ^ a b "Trey Songz - Chart History - Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2017. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ a b c "Kevin Ross Takes Us Into The Unknown With "Dialogue In The Grey" EP". Next2Shine. September 16, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  17. ^ a b Poole, Jermaine (October 14, 2014). "Motown's Kevin Ross Reveals Acoustic Video For "Money Over Love;" Touring With Ne-Yo". SingersRoom. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  18. ^ a b c Platon, Adelle (March 31, 2016). "Singer Kevin Ross Looks to Shift the Culture with Powerful Video for 'Be Great' Feat. Chaz French: Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2017. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ "New Music: Kevin Ross – 'Dialogue In The Grey' (EP)". This Is RnB. September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  20. ^ a b "Kevin Ross - Chart History - Hot R&B Songs". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2017. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference BillMain was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  22. ^ "Recap & Photos: Kevin Ross Performs at Glade Pop Up Store in NYC 12/10/14". You Know I Got Soul. December 11, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  23. ^ a b c "Motown R&B Artist Kevin Ross' Long-Awaited EP 'Long Song Away' To Arrive On December 9". SingersRoom. December 2, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  24. ^ a b Breezy, Elle (February 11, 2016). "Kevin Ross Takes Outkast's 'Prototype' For A Smooth Ride". SingersRoom. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  25. ^ a b "Kevin Ross - Chart History - Adult R&B Songs". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2017. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. ^ a b Jackson, Daren (April 6, 2017). "Review: Kevin Ross' 'The Awakening' Aims To Continue The Legacy Of R&B". Vibe. Retrieved September 29, 2017. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ "Kevin Ross Can't Shake A Special One In "Don't Forget About Me" (Video)". Vibe. April 10, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2017. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  28. ^ "Kevin Ross Announces 'The Awakening' Tour (Dates)". SingersRoom. April 21, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  29. ^ "Kevin Ross - Chart History - Heatseekers Albums". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2017. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Kevin_Ross_(musician)&oldid=811962522"