Hidden Beach Recordings

Last updated
Hidden Beach Recordings
Founded1998
FounderSteven McKeever
StatusActive
Distributor(s) Epic Records (2000–06)
Universal Music Distribution (2007— )
Genre Soul, R&B
Country of origin United States
Location Beverly Hills, California
Official website hiddenbeach.com

Hidden Beach is an American independent record label known for R&B, soul, inspirational and contemporary jazz genres. Hidden Beach was formed in 1998 by Steve McKeever [1] and holds a distribution deal with Universal Music Group.

Contents

History

Steven McKeever, a former lawyer and producer, founded Hidden Beach Recordings (HBR) in 1998. [2] With a staff of two, McKeever solicited Charles Whitfield to join him to handle production and artist relations. A graduate of North Carolina Central University, Whitfield had been hired as a paid intern with no record label experience. Whitfield introduced McKeever to professional basketball star Michael Jordan, who became one of the lead investors in Hidden Beach.

Previously, Hidden Beach had four label imprints, focusing on different genres of music. Still Waters, a Hidden Beach Experience is the label imprint dedicated to inspirational music releases which includes gospel music, motivational music, and inspirational speeches. The debut release[ which? ] on Still Waters was nominated for a Grammy, Dove and Stellar Awards. Hidden Beach Celebration Series focuses on specialty-themed albums such as Christmas and Mother's Day releases. HBR's first Celebration Series released was Bebe Winans' My Christmas Prayer which was very successful.

On September 18, 2008 Hidden Beach released the Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement compilation with proceeds benefitting the 2008 Barack Obama presidential campaign. The compilation included Kanye West, Stevie Wonder and Sheryl Crow. [3]

Following the election of President Obama, Hidden Beach produced the official inauguration collection commemorative CD-DVD set. Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise includes 17 tracks by various artists and eight of President Obama's speeches. Artists include Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, James Taylor, will.i.am, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5, India.arie and more.

In 2014, Hidden Beach Recordings changed its umbrella imprint to Hidden Beach Experiences, still keeping Hidden Beach Recordings for the signed artists.

Hidden Beach's first artist to sign to the label was Jill Scott, who, to date, is their bestselling artist. The inaugural release, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 , has sold 2.4 million units according to Nielsen, [ citation needed ] and was nominated for four Grammy Awards. Other artists include a capella group Naturally 7, Kindred, saxophonist Mike Phillips, and Angie Fisher.

One of its newest divisions is Guardians of Soul, created to house estate deals. The company works with estates of noted celebrities, starting in 2015 with The Power of Love: Luther Vandross Experience, a tribute to the musician in conjunction with his estate.

Compilations

Unwrapped music series

An ongoing series of albums, Unwrapped, has at least eight volumes.[ citation needed ] The series features instrumental versions of rap/hip-hop hits by contemporary jazz artists.

Box sets of volumes 1 through 4 and volumes 5 through 7 have been produced.

List of artists

listed alphabetically


Discography

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References

  1. "My name is bond, Candace Bond". Trinidad Express. Retrieved 2023-01-12. My amazing husband of 27 years, Steve McKeever, is a highly accomplished music executive, entertainment attorney and founder of Hidden Beach Recordings.
  2. "Steve McKeever". thehistorymakers.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2009.
  3. "NME News Barack Obama releases album with Kanye West". nme.com. NME. 2008-09-23. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
  4. Mitchell, Gail (October 2, 2004). "Rap, Jazz Mingling More Than Ever." Billboard.com
  5. "Hidden Beach, Collipark Package New 'Unwrapped'". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2015-03-17.