– Brian McKnight’s first studio album in two years will be the holiday-themed “I’ll Be Home for Christmas. Due Oct. 28 from Razor & Tie, the 12-track collection includes three original songs and nine yuletide classics. The latter includes “Let It Snow” with McKnight joined by sons Brian Jr. and Nikolas. Vince Gill, Josh Groban and Take 6 also guest.
– Jaheim’s first hits compilation, “Classic Jaheim Vol. 1,” will be released Nov. 25 via Warner Bros. Among the top 10 hits featured on the collection are “Put That Woman First,” “Fabulous,” “Anything” and “Could It Be.”
– FoxxKing Entertainment has signed R&B/pop singer/songwriter Taleen. The 20-year-old artist, currently working on her first album, is set to open for Christina Aguilera on Oct. 24 at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Taleen’s signing is the latest under a joint venture established last year between multimedia production and management company FoxxKing (co-owned by actor/singer Jamie Foxx) and publishing house Bug Music (headed by CEO John Rudolph).
– Sheryl Lee Ralph’s 18th annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser Divas: Simply Singing raised over $150,000. Staged at Los Angeles’ Wilshire Theater on Oct. 11, the benefit featured headliners Patti LaBelle and Patti Austin. Additional performers included Lalah Hathaway, Rachelle Ferrell, Kenny Lattimore and Siedah Garrett.
