#ASHSAIDIT Luvs Some Noel Gourdin!
Soul and R&B singer Noel Gourdin (Gor-Deen) emerged on the music scene with his number one hit song “The River” which stayed on the Urban AC charts at number one for 15 weeks! Noel’s childhood was not a traditional one; he was born in Brockton, MA but spent his summers with family Pachuta, Mississippi. The result is a man who is city to the heart but southern to the soul! Noel scored a deal with Sony Music at age 24, his first exposure to the vocal arts came in church and he was introduced to the larger audience of soul music by his father (who introduced him to the classics, such as Otis Redding) and his brother (who turned him on to the sounds of new jack swing). Noel is influenced by classic soul as well as the contemporary sounds of R&B and hip-hop. Making his music is a seamless blend of each genre. “Listening to so much music from so many different eras really helped me put my style together,” explains the gifted singer- songwriter.
In 2004 Gourdin contributed the song “Family Reunion” to the soundtrack of the movie “The Cookout”. In 2005 a meeting with Sony Music led to a summer showcase which landed Noel on Sony Music’s roster and resulted in his 2008 debut album "After My Time". Which is a refreshing mix of timeless R&B music with a modern, youthful feel which produced his number one hit song “The River.” The album is armed with Noel’s commanding rich vocals and a solid collection of intimate, soulful songs. The hit song, “The River” was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins.”
Noel’s sophomore album “Fresh: The Definition” released in 2011 was filled with refreshing blend of
live instrumentation, organic production, and lyrical content which is reminiscent of classic old soul yet relatable to current music and lyrics. “Fresh: The Definition” produced “Beautiful, “which reached the Top 10 on the Urban AC charts.
In 2012 Noel finished a successful run of sold outs shows in the UK. He is currently working on his third project entitled “City Heart, Southern Soul” set to be released February 18, 2014. “City Heart, Southern Soul” is a musical expression of my life. This project is a culmination of creating and molding Retro-Relevant music, with underappreciated producers and writers,” said Gourdin. This project is already producing hits like “FOXXXY” which is currently top 10 on UK’s urban radio soul charts and also in getting heavy rotation on UK radio. The single “Don’t You Wanna” which was featured on VH1”s “Love and Hip Hop – Atlanta, “show is also becoming a fan favorite. “Heaven Knows” is Noel’s latest single to be released which is currently trending to become another soulful signature hit! Noel Gourdin is also featured on Brian Culbertson’s single “You're My Music" off the “Dreams” album which is also in heavy radio rotation.
“I grew up on music that had meaning and it’s still around today; that music was made in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. That’s something that my father had me grow up listening to. I just want to be a positive black role model as well as a role model for anyone, regardless of their ethnic background as my music transcends across all color lines. It’s really important for me to be respectful and have music that can speak to the masses, from a two year old to your Great GrandMAMA! Musical integrity is extremely important to me, for when I leave the industry my musically legacy is what I want to be remembered for..... Timeless, Real and Soulful, music “said Noel Gourdin.
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