Elvis Blue
| Elvis Blue | |
|---|---|
 Elvis Blue in 2013 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jan Adriaan Hoogendyk |
| Born |
28 December 1979 Linden, Johannesburg |
| Origin |
 South Africa, Johannesburg |
| Genres | Pop, Adult Contemporary |
| Occupations | Singer, musician, songwriter, philanthropist |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Harmonica, Piano |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Labels | Universal Music |
| Website | www.elvisblue.co.za |
Elvis Blue (born Jan Hoogendyk on 28 December 1979) is a platinum selling South African musician and songwriter.
Early career
Elvis Blue was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. His passion for music was already evident in his childhood when he listened to his mother’s cassettes on his Walkman until the batteries gave up the ghost. After failing miserably as a waiter he started creating music when he was 16 years old. He bought a guitar and learned to play off the internet. Singing on the streets of Johannesburg (busking) for pocket money through high school was also a great way to raise money for overseas adventures.[1] In his school years he played in several bands. He matriculated from Linden High school and traveled overseas, busking on the streets of London and Scotland.[2]
On his return, he studied contemporary music at Allenby Campus. He focused on piano, guitar, singing and songwriting. He recorded his first CD in 2001. Since then Elvis has performed alongside, and collaborated with, many well known South African artists such as Just Ginger, Karen Zoid, Heinz Winkler, Tree 63, Coenie de Villiers and John Ellis. He has recorded and released 5 albums. Three of those albums were recorded using the name “Mono”. Mono was also signed to Gallo record company and the Album “Mono in stereo” was recorded and released in 2003.[3] Elvis has also recorded two Afrikaans albums using his real name “Jan Hoogendyk”; "Diep Riviere" in 2006 and "Ontskemer" in 2009.[4]"Ontskemer" was nominated for 2010 SAMA (South African Music Award) in the category "Best Gospel Album" and "Diep Rivier" received an“ATKV Lier” award in 2007.
Idols SA
In 2010, Elvis Blue took part in 6th season of the reality show, Idols South Africa and was announced winner of the final held on 2 November 2010. He won with 64% of the votes.[5]
2010 - 2012 Debut album: Elvis Blue
Elvis' self-titled album Elvis Blue was released in November 2010. It immediately shot up the charts and received gold status 28 days after its release. The album went platinum in 2011. Universal Music South Africa stated that Elvis is the first South African Idols winner to have ever released a platinum-selling debut album.[6]
The album features the hit singles "Things my Father said" (Originally written and performed by Black Stone Cherry {Folklore and Superstition, Album} blackstonecherry.com ), "Lighthouse", "Save Me" and "Right here, Right now", as well as songs written for his wife – "Dangerous", "Lately", "Believe", "Lover" and "Lightly Tread" – and his daughter "You". It also features the song "Little Friend", a duet with Idols runner-up L'loyd Cele.[7]
The recording of the album kicked off immediately after Elvis' Idols win with two sets of studios and producers and engineers working around the clock. All three producers, Brain O'Shea, Crighton Goodwill and Jake Odendaal, are SAMA (South African Music Award) Producer of the Year Award winners. The material for the album was a combination of songs written by the world's top pop songwriters (Pam Sheyne, Jeff Franzel and Richard Harris) and Elvis' original material (Lately, Believe. I'm on Fire, Dangerous, You, Ligtly Thread, Lover, Running, Stay). The album was released 30 days after Elvis' Idols win, making him the first Idols winner world-wide to record and release an album within 30 days of winning Idols.[8]
2012 - 2013 2nd Album: "Journey"
Elvis Blue released the 1st Single ‘Lifeline’ from his 2nd album 'Journey' on Jun 13, 2012 via Universal Music. Earlier in 2012 he spent time in Los Angeles to write new material with some of America’s most successful contemporary songwriters, including Pam Sheyne (Christina Aguilera, Seal, Jessica Simpson), Jeff Franzel (Josh Groban, Taylor Dayne) and Richard Harris (Jordan Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Antebellum). [9]
Elvis was quoted on the title of his 2nd album: ‘I decided to call the album Journey, because the songs on the album where born out of the experiences I have had over the last 15 months. The songs were written backstage, on a farm, in a guesthouse, in the van and on tour...so it was kind of written on a journey. It has been a great journey for me and my hope is that the people who support me will enjoy these songs and relate to the stories on the album.’[10]
"That's what we do" the 2nd single from "Journey" was released in September 2012.[11]
The album showcases Elvis' versatility as a musician and songwriter. It features songs with a strong rock influence; "Come Alive, “Journey” and "That's what we do"; songs with a country influence: "Home” and "Be the One", as well as the beautiful love song "Closer", written for his wife on their 7th wedding anniversary, "All you need to know" and "Gotta give it to You", written for his daughter and the inspiring "Be more", “Anchor” and "Lifeline".[12]
In the CD booklet, Elvis also explains the inspiration behind each song on Journey. For the first song on the album, "Glory Road" he says: "For me this song is about looking back on my journey so far. I am glad when I look back, not because everything always went great, but because it is clear to me that everything I have been through, good and bad, has contributed to my story in some way. The struggles help me learn perserverance, the successes are to be celebrated and enjoyed." [13]
"Not gonna say Goodbye" the 3rd single from "Journey" was released on 7 March 2013.[14]
On 20 March 2013 "Journey" was nominated for the 19th SAMA (South African Music) Award in the Best Adult Contemporary Album category. The hit single "Lifeline" was also nominated for Record of the year. Elvis also was nominated in the Male Artist of the Year category.[15]
Elvis won the SAMA (South African Music) Award for best Adult Contemporary Album for "Journey" on 11 May 2013. He could not receive the award in person, as he was on stage at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, opening for the Bon Jovi "Because we can" Tour.[16]
2013 - 3rd Album: "Afrikaans"
Elvis launched the 1st single, "Rede om te Glo" (Reason to Believe,) from the forthcoming album on 22 July 2013 at the Huisgenoot Tempo Awards, held at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City, Gauteng. [17]
Elvis Blue's much anticipated 3rd Album, simply titled "Afrikaans" was released on 27 September 2013. On the day of its release the Album debut at the # 3 spot on the iTunes Charts.[18]
On 19 October 2013, the 1st single of the album, Rede om te Glo (Reason to Believe) reached the number 1 spot on the Kia Top 20 charts, beating Katy Perry's Roar to the top spot.[19]
"Spore" (Footprints), the 2nd single from the album was released on 6 November 2013. [20]
In the December 12th issue of heat Magazine South Africa it was announced that Elvis was voted by the readers as the 2nd Hottest celebrity on the Heat Hot 100 list for 2013. This list consist of both International and Local Celebs. The no 1 spot went to a woman, so this also makes Mr Blue the Hottest Male Celeb of 2013 for the Heat Hot 100. He beat local and international favourites like Ryk Neethling, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Bonang Matheba, Adam Lambert and Johnny Depp,[21]
Personal life
Elvis is married to Chireze Hoogendyk. The couple have a daughter, Lila.[22]
On 10 January 2013 Elvis made the following announcement on his Facebook page: "It's official. My wife is pregnant. I wanted to share it with you. I am super excited."[23]
Elvis became a dad again for the 2nd time when his wife gave birth to their 2nd daughter, Jua Hoogendyk, on 3 May 2013.[24]
Charities
Elvis is a patron of Rosebank Union Church community based outreach project Rays of Hope. It is a child-headed households project that focuses on helping households of children raising younger siblings within the Alexandra Township, Northern Johannesburg. In October 2011 Elvis cycled 90 km as part of a 3 day cycle tour, to raise funds for this project.[25]
Gifted and Humble - A Biography of Elvis Blue
What the world has begun to realise is that Elvis Blue resonates with a creative force that ebbs only from the most talented of artists. One simply has to listen to the hauntingly beautiful "Things My Father Said", "Lighthouse", "Save Me" or any of his original compositions for that matter, to realise that you are in the company of greatness. Balance this divine gift with great humility, a kind heart and the work ethic of Henry Ford and you begin to understand the soul within this artist.
The gifted musician’s journey started when he was a young boy, singing in school choirs, and busking in the streets of Joburg and Scotland. His one and only goal was to make and perform music. After a stint overseas as a street musician, Elvis returned to South Africa where he decided to study contemporary music.
After appearing in numerous bands Elvis started a project where he sang under the name MONO. He released three albums under this time. When MONO’s record deal came to an end, Elvis decided that he would move to George where he would become a music teacher, write his own music, and live a quiet life.[26]
After spending some time in George, Elvis was approached by a record company who wanted him to record an Afrikaans album. “The first album I did was under the name Jan Hoogendyk, my real name, and the album did really well. It won an ATKV Lier Toekening award." His second Afrikaans album, Ontskemer also under the name Jan Hoogendyk, was nominated for a 2010 SAMA ( South African Music) Award.
While living in George he met the friend whose name he would adopt in 2008. “My wife works at an organisation that is a hospice and children’s home and I met this little boy there when I used to go and play my guitar for them. He really wanted to be a keyboard player, and his name was Elvis Blaauw”, he says. When he passed away in 2009, as a tribute to this amazing young man, Jan Hoogendyk adopted his name and Elvis Blue was born.[27]
In 2010, Elvis Blue won the title of Mnet Idol for that year – sharing half the profit with runner up Lloyd [28]
Elvis Blue released the album that would change his life as a musician and consolidate all his years of hard work. This album was simply titled Elvis Blue. On the album’s release in November 2010, it shot up the radio and sales charts and reached Gold status. The album went platinum in late 2011.
Elvis was named an official global ambassador for the 46664 Bangle Initiative, educating people on the social justice ethos of Nelson Mandela. The 46664 Bangle Initiative is one of the 46664 Foundation’s key initiatives. Elvis has also partnered with Bavarian Motorcycles as their BMW motorcycle brand ambassador for the year 2012. He also won the SAMA (South African Music Award) for Best Adult Contemporary Album for the double disc special edition of his self-titled album, Elvis Blue in 2012.[29]
Elvis Blue's Journey to date
November, 2010: Elvis Blue Wins Idols In 2010, Elvis Blue took part in South African Idols and was announced winner on the finals held on 2 November 2010. For the finals, he sang " Things My Father Said". Elvis received 64% of the votes. The runner up was Lloyd Cele. L'loyd also ended up receiving R250,000.00 splitting the grand prize. In an unprecedented gesture of friendship, Elvis and Lloyd had decided before the results of the final show to share the cash prize equally. The winning song became the debut single of Elvis Blue. [30]
November, 2010: Elvis Blue releases his self-titled debut album, Elvis Blue Elvis Blue released the album that would change his life as a musician and consolidate all his years of hard work. This album was simply titled "Elvis Blue" He was the first Idols winner world-wide to record and release an album within 30 days after his win.
December, 2010: Elvis Blue goes Gold On the album’s release in November 2010, it shot up the radio and sales charts and reached Gold status. The singles "Things My Father said", "Lighthouse" and "Save Me" were massive hits.
February, 2011: Elvis Blue shares the Stage with UB40 Elvis joined the iconic British reggae group UB40 to perform live in Windhoek from 26 to 28 February 2011 at the Hage Geingob Stadium, in aid of the Hope Village Trust for the construction of a Hope Village in Rehoboth.
September, 2011: Elvis Blue shares the Stage with Westlife Elvis joined the Irish Pop sensation Westlife on stage at the fifth annual Jacaranda 94.2 Deuriemikke Karnaval. The event was held at the SuperSport Park Centurion on Saturday 17 September 2011.
August, 2011: Elvis Blue shares the Stage with James Blunt Elvis opened for international star, James Blunt on Wednesday, 24 August 2011 at the ICC Durban Arena, 26 August 2011 at the Coca-Cola Dome Johannesburg, Sunday, 28 August 2011 at the Vodacom NMMU Indoor Arena Port Elizabeth and in Cape Town on 30 August at Grand Arena, GrandWest. [31]
November, 2011: Elvis Blue goes Platinum "Elvis Blue" went platinum in 2011. This achievement made Elvis the first South African 'Idols' winner to ever release a platinum-selling debut album. [32]
November, 2011: Elvis named an Official Global Ambassador for the 46664 Bangle Initiative Elvis was named an official global ambassador for the 46664 Bangle Initiative, and through this opportunity, he helps to educate people on the social justice ethos of Mr. Nelson Mandela. The 46664 Bangle Initiative is one of the 46664 Foundation’s key initiatives.
November, 2011: Elvis named Ambassador for Bavarian Motorcycles Elvis partnered with Bavarian Motorcycles as their BMW motorcycle brand ambassador for the year 2012.
April, 2012: Elvis Blue wins the SAMA-Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album Elvis took home the award for Best Adult Contemporary Album for his special edition double CD, "Elvis Blue", at the 18th Annual MTN SAMA Awards, held on Monday, 30 April at Sun City.
July 2012: Elvis Blue releases his Much-anticipated Second Album "Journey" Journey, Elvis Blue’s second album was released on 13 July 2012. [33]
May 2013: Elvis Blue shares the Stage with Bon Jovi Elvis opened for international rock band, Bon Jovi on Tuesday, 7 May 2013 at the Cape Town stadium and Saturday, 11 May 2013 at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg.[34]
May 2013: Elvis Blue wins the SAMA-Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album Elvis took home the award for Best Adult Contemporary Album for his album, "Journey", at the 19th Annual MTN SAMA Awards, held on Saturday, 11 May at Sun City.[35]
Elvis Blue has performed over 300 shows across the country from November 2010 to date. He continues to travel and perform, bringing his music to his fans. [36]
The Elvis Blue Music Academy
Prior to his Idols Season 6 victory in 2010, Elvis Blue already had a heart for orphaned and vulnerable children. Based on this, and his passion for music, he became involved with the Non Profit Organisation Life Community Service (LCS) that operates in the disadvantaged community of the George area in the Western Cape. He spent hours every week tutoring orphaned and disadvantaged youths in guitar and building into their lives through volunteering and relationship building. The Elvis Blue Music Academy were born out of this initiative, as well as his relationship with LCS. The Academy is still running in George today. In partnership with his older sister, Kona Brown acting as coordinator, the music academy was also successfully piloted in the Alexandra Township in 2011.[37]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Event | Prize | Nominated work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19th Annual South African Music Awards | Best Adult Contemporary Album | Journey | Won | [38] |
| Male Artist of the Year | Journey | Nominated | [39] | ||
| MTN SAMA Record of the Year | Lifeline | Nominated | [40] | ||
| 2012 | 18th Annual South African Music Awards | Best Adult Contemporary Album | Elvis Blue Special Ed | Won | [41] |
| MTN SAMA Record of the Year | Lighthouse | Nominated | [42] |
Discography
Singles
- 2010: "Things My Father Said"
- 2011: "Lighthouse"
- 2011: "Save Me"
- 2012: "Right here, Right now"
- 2012: "Lifeline"
- 2012: "That's what we do"
- 2013: "Not gonna say Goodbye"
- 2013: "Rede om te glo" (Reason to Believe)
- 2013: "Spore" (Footprints)
Albums
2010: "Elvis Blue"
Track Listing
- 1. Save Me
- 2. Lighthouse
- 3. I'm On Fire
- 4. Things My Father Said
- 5. Only Wanna Be With You
- 6. Little Hero
- 7. Lightly Tread
- 8. Lately
- 9. Right Here, Right Now
- 10. Lover
- 11. Stay
- 12. Believe
- 13. To Make You Feel My Love
2012: "Journey"
Track Listing
- 1. Glory Road
- 2. Lifeline
- 3. That's What We Do
- 4. Anchor
- 5. Not Gonna Say Goodbye
- 6. Be More
- 7. Journey
- 8. All You Need To Know
- 9. Come Alive
- 10. Closer
- 11. Be The One
- 12. Never Give Up On You
- 13. Home
2013: "Afrikaans"
Track Listing
- 1. Toe Ons Jonk Was
- 2. Rede Om Te Glo
- 3. Mooi
- 4. Horison
- 5. Dromer
- 6. Vriende
- 7. Hoop In Die Donker
- 8. Liefling
- 9. Spore
- 10. Steel
- 11. R20 000
- 12. Hillbrow (ft. Mzansi Youth Choir)
Gallery
-
Elvis Blue at K-Day 2012
-
Elvis Blue at K-day 2012
-
Elvis Blue at Paul Culver Amphitheatre 2013
-
Elvis Blue at Paul Culver Amphitheatre 2013
-
Elvis Blue at Paul Culver Amphitheatre 2013
-
Elvis Blue at Paul Culver Amphitheatre 2013
-
Elvis Blue at Paul Culver Amphitheatre 2013
References
- ↑ http://southmagazine.co.za/articles/top-of-the-scales-2/: Blue Magic
- ↑ http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=6614: Celebrating the richness of SA’s Gospel tradition
- ↑ http://www.vetseun.co.za/anarkans/bladsy/janhoogendyk.htm: Jan Hoogendyk
- ↑ http://www.lookandlisten.co.za/mp3/album/10865332/ONTSKEMER/: Ontskemer
- ↑ http://www.channel24.co.za/TV/News/Elvis-Blue-wins-Idols-6-20101102: Elvis Blue wins Idols
- ↑ http://www.mio.co.za/article/elvis-sets-sales-record-for-idols-2011-11-22: Elvis' album set sales record for Idols
- ↑ http://www.litnet.co.za/Article/elvis-blue-band-at-die-boer-17-18-dec: Elvis Blue and Band
- ↑ http://www.bigtalk.co.za/index.php/bands-or-groups?pid=61&sid=404:Elvis-Blue: Elvis Blue turns Gold
- ↑ http://lovesamusic.co.za/?p=1551: Elvis Blue new single on the way
- ↑ http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/fourways/fourways-lifestyle-shopping?oid=5678589&sn=Detail&pid=4004574&Elvis-Blue-CD-on-the-way: Elvis Blue new CD on the way
- ↑ http://brianoshea.co.za/articles.php Journey
- ↑ http://www.baydu.co.za/?p=11017: Elvis Blue's new CD hits stores
- ↑ http://www.pe-express.co.za/articles/articledetails.aspx?id=36237: Express review Journey
- ↑ http://museonline.co.za/news/elvis-blues-sama-nominations/: Not gonna say Goodbye single release
- ↑ http://mnet.dstv.com/2013/03/22/sama-nods-for-idols-heavyweights/: SAMA nods for Idols heavyweight
- ↑ http://www.thegremlin.co.za/2013/05/12/elvis-blue-wins-best-adult-contemporary-album-at-sama-19/: Elvis Blue wins Best Adult Contemporary Album at SAMA 19
- ↑ http://www.jacarandafm.com/music/audioembed/elvis-blue-rede-om-te-glo-audio/: Rede om te Glo
- ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/afrikaans/id708477510?ign-mpt=uo%3D4: iTunes debut
- ↑ http://kiatop20.co.za/: Kia Top 20
- ↑ http://www.jacarandafm.com/page/friday-live/?page=2: Spore
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=658565970848833&set=np.221001760.526350339&type=1&theater¬if_t=notify_me: Heat Hot 100
- ↑ http://www.peherald.com/news/article/1042: Elvis Blue's April Fools Day
- ↑ http://www.facebook.com/Elvis.Blue?fref=ts: Announcement
- ↑ http://www.ecr.co.za/post/elvis-blue-a-proud-dad-again/: Elvis Blue proud Dad again
- ↑ http://www.roadcover.co.za/three-day-cycle-tour-of-hope/: A Cycle Tour of Hope
- ↑ http://www.myspace.com/monobandsa: Monoband Myspace Page
- ↑ http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/Elvis-Blue-Its-my-duty-to-help-20110706: It's my duty to help
- ↑ http://www.whalefestival.co.za/festivities-elvisblue.php: Elvis Blue Biography
- ↑ http://www.stfrancisvillagenews.com/blog/2012/08/gifted-and-humble-thats-elvis-blue/: Gifted and humble that is Elvis Blue
- ↑ http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2010/11/03/idols-winner-elvis-gives-away-half-his-cash-to-l_loyd: Idols winner gives half his cash to L'loyd
- ↑ http://www.coca-coladome.co.za/press-room/294-elvis-blue-to-support-james-blunt: Elvis Blue to support James Blunt
- ↑ http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/Elvis-Blue-goes-platinum-20111123: Elvis Blue Goes Platinum
- ↑ http://www.kalahari.com/music/Elvis-Blue--Journey/19738/45197051.aspx: Elvis Blue Journey
- ↑ http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/Elvis-Blue-to-open-for-Bon-Jovi-20130326: Elvis Blue opens for Bon Jovi
- ↑ http://samusicawards.co.za/: 19th MTN SAMA Awards
- ↑ http://lookandlisten.co.za/incls/cms/pagepreview.php?pageID=243: Look and Listen Elvis Blue's Journey
- ↑ http://www.ebmusicacademy.co.za/about-us/overview/: The Elvis Blue Music Academy
- ↑ http://www.thegremlin.co.za/2013/05/12/elvis-blue-wins-best-adult-contemporary-album-at-sama-19/ Elvis Blue Wins 2nd SAMA
- ↑ http://museonline.co.za/news/elvis-blues-sama-nominations/ Elvis Blue's triple SAMA Nominations
- ↑ http://museonline.co.za/news/elvis-blues-sama-nominations/ Elvis Blue's triple SAMA Nominations
- ↑ http://www.mediaupdate.co.za/?IDStory=46600 Elvis Blue wins SAMA
- ↑ http://www.tvsa.co.za/default.asp?blogname=news&ArticleID=18871 2012 SAMA nominations
External links
| Preceded by Jason Hartman and Sasha-Lee Davids co-winners |
Idols (South Africa) Winner Season 6 (2010) |
Succeeded by Dave Van Vuuren |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||