THE 2013 GRAMMY AWARDS

"MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT!"

(Los Angeles, CA.)--Tonight the champagne and the music will flow as we celebrate "MUSIC'S BEST"--nominees for the 2013 Grammy Awards!  Congratulations go out tonight to Anthony Hamilton who picked up two Grammy nods this year for "Best R&B Song"-Pray for Me and "Best R&B Album" Back to Love.

Photo: "E" aka Elpwe Ray--Essence Music Fest

Anthony's longtime writing partner and producer Kelvin Wooten is also nominated in the same category for his work on the CD entitled "Back to Love." Hands down Back to Love is some of this dynamic duo's best work. VISION/VOICE/VARION was the first to tell you a large part of the writing, producing, arrangement of this critically acclaimed project came together in North Alabama where Kelvin Wooten calls home.

Kelvin Wooten  Photo: Special Assignment Operations, Inc.

Join me in wishing "two of the coolest cats" in the industry well tonight at "The Grammy Awards," LIVE TONIGHT on CBS at 9pm EST. Don't forget to check out "Huntsville's Influence on Hollywood" and the national music scene with my story on Kelvin and Anthony Hamilton on my official website: www.varionwalton.com

COUNTDOWN TO "THE GRAMMY AWARDS 2013"

http://www.grammy.com

BREAKING NEWS: Superstar Whitney Houston Dead at 48

(Los Angeles, CA.)--Shock and heartbreak give way to happier memories of a musical icon taken too soon. Whitney Houston who dominated the pop charts in the 80's and 90's was found dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles Saturday.

According to Beverly Hills Police spokesman Lt. Mark Rosen emergency responders quickly arrived at her hotel room where attempts to revive her failed. Rosen said moment's later the legendary singer was pronounced dead at 3:55pm.  News of Whitney Houston's death comes on the eve music's biggest night--The Grammys.  Houston was reportedly in Los Angeles to attend a pre-Grammy party hosted by her long-time mentor and record executive Clive Davis. Davis is credited with jump starting Houston's career in the early 80's.

Reaction to the tragic news quickly tore through the social media sites like Facebook and Twitter with more than 10 thousand hits per minute.  Reaction to the news also hit other entertainers from Los Angeles to South Haven, Mississippi just outside of Memphis where Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown is on tour with New Edition. Concert goers report moments after taking the stage Bobby Brown said "I love you Whitney", broke down and had to leave the stage.

AP Photo

Whitney Houston, wife, mother and legendary singer sold more than 170 million albums and appeared in the movies "The Body Guard, "The Preacher's Wife" and "Waiting to Exhale, dead at the age of 48.

As I sit stunned, thinking of her career and that "angelic" voice I find comfort in one of the many social media posts where another distraught fan posted, "America's Princess has finally transitioned to her heavenly mansion."  

WHAT'S HOT!! Charlie Wilson Gets 2 Grammy Nods

(Los Angeles, CA.)  It was a big night for Kanye West and Adele, but I'm especially excited for "Uncle Charlie Wilson"on his two Grammy nods for R&B Performance as well as Best R&B Song for "You Are".  Charlie you're definitely stepping into your season, again!  No doubt you, photographer El-pwe Ray and the entire writing, producing and management staff at P. MUSIC, INC. are on cloud 9.  Way to Go!!!!

R&B Sensation Charlie Wilson and Varion Walton-Essence 2011
(Photo Courtesy: Photographer El-pwe Ray aka "E", Elpwe's Photography)