Seal (musician)
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Background information
Birth name Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel
Born February 19, 1963 (1963-02-19) (age 45)
Origin London, England
Genre(s) Contemporary R&B, Soul, Funk, House, Dance
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter
Instrument(s) Vocals, guitar, bass guitar
Years active 1989-present
Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel (born February 19, 1963 in Paddington, London) is an Anglo-Nigerian[citation needed] soul singer and songwriter. He is professionally known only by his first name, Seal. He won three Grammy Awards for his 1995 single "Kiss from a Rose".
Music career
Main article: Seal (1991 album)
As the vocalist on the Adamski single "Killer", Seal came to fame when the single reached number one in 1990 in the UK. Like many other Adamski tracks, the single was also a hit in night clubs. Seal subsequently signed to ZTT Records and released his debut album (produced by Trevor Horn), titled Seal, in 1991. Two versions of the album are known to be in circulation: the original "premix" version and a second, more common version with an updated mix. This is attributed to the demand for a produced single rushing the final album edit, and as Seal puts it, his and producer Horn's "inability to let go."[1]
The album was positively received by critics and the singles "Crazy", "Future Love Paradise", and his own rendition of "Killer" from the album all performed well on the charts, with "Crazy" becoming a big worldwide hit, reaching the number one in several countries and also being covered by Alanis Morissette. Alanis' cover was also remixed and appeared on the score of The Devil Wears Prada.
Main article: Seal (1994 album)
His second album, again called Seal, was released in 1994. A success, the album featured the singles "Prayer for the Dying" and "Newborn Friend", receiving a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. A third single, "Kiss from a Rose", performed modestly when released but was later featured in the film Batman Forever which resulted in its worldwide success. It went on to win Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1996 and became Seal's best performing single in the US market. Later, he recorded a cover of Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like an Eagle" for the soundtrack of the film Space Jam, which was again a hit.
Main article: Human Being (album)
After the release of his previous album, in 1998, Seal released Human Being. The album was the product of a turbulent time in his life, including a split and later reconciliation with producer Horn as well as Seal's parting with ZTT Records and his signing with Warner Bros. Records in 1997. The record was panned upon its release. However, it received Gold record certification by the RIAA just two months after its release date.[2] The album provided three singles, "Human Beings", "Latest Craze", and "Lost My Faith".
Main article: Togetherland
In 2001, fans awaited the arrival of a new album, announced as Togetherland. However, after a protracted post-production period the album was cancelled. The official word was that Seal simply didn't think it made the grade, although this conflicts with other reports that said the album was turned down by the label, which felt that it wouldn't be commercially successful. Although one single was released from the album. "This Could Be Heaven" was released in the US and featured on The Family Man soundtrack. Since December 2006, Seal has been indicating that he plans to excerpt certain cuts from Togetherland and make them available for streaming download. The songs "All I Wanted To Say," "Elise" (also known as "Eliz"), a slightly edited version of "Love Is Better," and the Togetherland version of "This Could Be Heaven" (also edited), are available as streaming audio only on Togetherland co-producer Henry Jackman's website under "Audio" and then "Pop".
Meanwhile, Seal made something of a comeback in dance and club scene when he co-wrote and provided vocals for the hit single "My Vision" from Jakatta in 2002. He also recorded a successful duet with French icon Mylène Farmer called "Les Mots" during that same period.
Main article: Seal (2003 album)
In 2003, Seal released his fourth album, which was again self-titled, except for Australia, where it was released under Seal IV. Although it did not sell as well as either of his first two albums, this release brought him back into the public eye in the United States and continental Europe. Singles from the album included "Waiting For You", "Get It Together", and "Love's Divine" (released in 2004, and a big hit in several European countries).
Greatest Hits Album: Best 1991-2004
In 2004, a greatest hits album entitled Seal: Best 1991-2004 was released, including a cover of the Bacharach / David classic "Walk on By" and a cover of Echo and the Bunnymen 's song "Lips Like Sugar".
Live in Paris
Also in 2004, Seal performed a couple of shows at the Olympia Theatre in Paris, France. The July 6, 2004 show was recorded and released about one year after as CD/DVD package, simply titled Live in Paris.
One Night to Remember
In June 2005, Seal recorded a special concert which was subsequently released in 2006 entitled One Night to Remember as CD/DVD. The DVD includes a special "the making of" documentary in addition to the live performance. Recorded in a historic steel mill, the Altes Kesselhaus ("old boiler house"), in Düsseldorf, Germany, this 16-track package includes a special version of Brahms' Lullaby which Seal sings in German and then in English for the exclusive audience. Unusually, he is accompanied by his band, and a full orchestra comprised of 52 musicians and singers. This CD/DVD is not yet available in the USA.
System
During his 2007 spring tour, Seal announced his new album, System, to be released in November 2007. He described it as more dance-oriented, apparently a return to the roots of his first album. On the track titled "Wedding Day", Seal sings a duet with his wife, Heidi Klum. The album was released in the UK on November 12, 2007 and in the U.S. on November 13, 2007.[3] The album's first single, "Amazing", was released on September 25, 2007, and is currently nominated for the "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy at the 2007 50th Annual Grammy Awards.[4]
Seal performed "Amazing" and the Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" at the 2007 Royal Variety Performance.
Seal also performed "Amazing" at the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in December along with a duet of "Wedding Day" with wife and Victoria's Secret model Heidi Klum. Other performers at the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show include the Spice Girls and will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas fame.
Personal life
Seal was born Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Ongowe' Bongota Adelo Samuel on February 19, 1963 in Kilburn in North London, England to a Nigerian father and Brazilian mother. His name, Olusegun, means "God is victorious".[5] Shortly after his birth he was sent away to white foster parents near London to be reclaimed by his mother when he was four. Two years later she fell ill and returned to her homeland, sending Seal to live with his father, who he claims abused him.[citation needed][vague] Seal ran away at the age of 15, only to return years later to transport his father's remains to Nigeria. He graduated with a degree in architecture and has worked at McDonald's, as an electrical engineer and a leather clothing designer. In the 1980s he joined Push, an English funk band, and toured with them in Japan. In Asia, he joined a blues band in Thailand for awhile before separating from the group and journeying throughout India on his own.
When Seal arrived back in England, he met Adamski, a producer who was impressed by him. He was given the lyrics of the song "Killer", which was a huge hit in 1990.
As a young man, Seal was diagnosed with the skin condition discoid lupus, which left him with distinctive facial scars on his upper cheeks.
Seal married German supermodel Heidi Klum on May 10, 2005, on a beach in Mexico. During an interview on Live With Regis And Kelly, Seal stated that he proposed to Klum "On top of a mountain in Whistler, Canada". Seal and Heidi have two sons, Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel, born September 12, 2005 and Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel, born November 22, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. He is also the adoptive father of Klum's daughter with Flavio Briatore, named Helene "Leni" Klum, born on May 4, 2004 in New York City, New York. Seal's younger brother, Jeymes Samuel, is also a singer.
The Man Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down
Finally , the guys' side of the story.
( I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear " the rules "
From the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side.
These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered "1 "
ON PURPOSE!
1. Men are NOT mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports It's like the full moon
or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport.
And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one
1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched.
We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really .
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball
or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;
But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.
Pass this to as many men as you can -
to give them a laugh.
Pass this to as many women as you can -
to give them a bigger laugh.
Thanks again, hawkman, for the great celeb info. Hey, BioBob. I won't argue with your dictum. Mens rule.
(sometimes)
Tom Waits is Lee Marvin's son? Wow! that was a surprise, folks. Soooo as we "wait" for the puppy, let's hear one by Tom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x_Hw4LItrM&feature=related
Good afternoon. Funny, Bob.
That's a surprise to me too, Letty. However........
and the rest of Bob's bios:
Cedric Hardwicke; Louis Calhern; Merle Oberon (Hooray!)
; Jeff Daniels and Falco.
[
Hee,hee, edgar. I just gave it up for Sheb and Ben. Funny, Texas.
Raggedy, Superb septet; Wow! Lee and Tom do resemble. Hey, PA, I promise not to play Wuthering Heights by Kate Moss. (ain't ya glad?) I was dismayed to realize that Merle had such problems with facial scaring. That's another surprise.
Here's a gentler version for our puppy.
http://pop.youtube.com/watch?v=JyiSJi1VEws&feature=related
Ah, hbg, gracias for that lovely Spanish song. It is not often that Letty gets a song dedicated to her on WA2K radio. That just made up for it, Canada. The guitar was perfect and the lady's voice so melodious.
There's a full cold wolf moon hanging over my palm tree out back. So I will dedicate this to Mr. and Mrs. hamburger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f1sqB6W9HE
thanks for that truly wonderful song , letty !
since tomorrow night there will be a full eclipse of the MOON , i think this song might be appropriate :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSoa-xuFPh4
Quote:On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, beginning at 7:01 p.m. PST, the moon will move completely under the shadow of the Earth in a total lunar eclipse. The eclipse can be seen in the Americas, Europe, and Africa. Hope for good weather because the next total lunar eclipse won't happen until December 2010.
The moon will be completely under Earth's shadow for about 50 minutes. During this time, the moon won't be completely obscured because of indirect light coming from the Earth's atmosphere. But the moon will appear to change colors from light gray to orange or deep red. The shade depends on the amount of dust and clouds in the Earth's atmosphere.
Credit: NASA TV
source :
THE LUNAR ECLIPSE
hbg, what a beautiful song of Selene. Thank you, my German turned Canadian friend. Yes, I know about the Lunar eclipse, but your link is appreciated and I want to read it carefully tomorrow.
What a surprise to find this moon song, folks. first a little background.
"My Way" is a song with lyrics written by Paul Anka and popularized by Frank Sinatra. The melody is a French song "Comme d'habitude" composed by Claude François and Jacques Revaux. Anka's English lyrics are unrelated.
One does not have to admire Frank's life, but we cannot but love his voice and style.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiPpy4CaPYE
and for good measure one more song - but it's not about the MOON but MOON RIVER .
i think andy williams gives a very fine rendition of the song - perhaps the eclipse of the moon will be mirrored in the moon river tomorrow night - i'm sure it would be beautiful .
hbg
Quote:"Moon River" is a song composed by Johnny Mercer (Lyrics) and Henry Mancini (Music) in 1961, for whom it won that year's Academy Award for Best Original Song. It is most well-known for being sung in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's by Audrey Hepburn, although it has been covered by many other artists.
An inlet near Savannah, Georgia, Johnny Mercer's hometown, was named "Moon River" in honor of this song. Andy Williams, who recorded the song, named his production company and venue in Branson, Missouri after "Moon River".
The success of the song was responsible for re-launching Mercer's career as a songwriter, which had stalled in the mid-1950s because rock and roll replaced jazz standards as the popular music of the time.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=yrPQMRMnC7Y&feature=related
One of my favorites by Johnny and Henry, hbg. Lovely and thank you.
This is also a favorite of mine by Johnny Mercer, and it will be my goodnight song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hx4QHmZBmc
From Letty with love
I've been wondering whatever has happened to the Manchester lad, Russell Watson. He burst on the scene several years ago, taking Britain by storm. His U.S. debut was scheduled for a most unfortunate time. He was to have appeared with Pavarotti in a Central Park concert which was to take place a few days after 9/11.
Here are a couple of rather diverse selections.
Bridge Over Troubled Water, and then this
piece from his first album, "The Voice."
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AMX6clSLS7U
Tried to find the original, by Wayne Rainy. But this one is really good.
Good morning, WA2K radio audience.
Debacle, I am now wondering what happened to Russell Watson. What a marvelous voice, and I was enthralled with his song. Thanks, buddy.
My word, edgar, that most certainly was a different version of that oldie. Great, Texas, and thank you.
Today is Buffy Sainte- Marie's birthday, so let's begin our day with her, shall we?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNLYTY2G1sw&feature=related
Incidentally, I found the English translation of Nella Fantasia, folks.
In my fantasy
In my fantasy I see a just world,
Where everyone lives in peace and honesty.
I dream of souls that are always free
Like the clouds that float
Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.
In my fantasy I see a bright world
Where each night there is less darkness.
I dream of spirits that are always free,
Like the clouds that float
In my fantasy exists a warm wind,
That blows into the city, like a friend.
I dream of souls that are always free,
Like the clouds that float
Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.
A sign of relief. Atlantis landed safely at the Cape, but I did NOT hear the sonic boom.
Letty,
Here's news (somewhat dated) on
Russell Watson. I was aware of the previous episode, but not aware of the recurrence.
Thank you again, Debacle. I hope he recovers without after effects. I had never heard him before. Love his voice and the song, buddy. I keep playing it over and over. Even Sarah Brightman couldn't out do him.
Well, today is Kurt Cobain's birthday. What a tragedy, and the mystery has never quite been resolved.
A tribute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMH99FPES7A
