Judges: Artists

Melissa Etheridge:

Showcasing a tough-as-nails vocal style, highly personal lyrics and sweat-soaked attitude to spare, Melissa Etheridge has earned numerous Grammy Awards, the respect of her peers and legions of adoring fans.

Neither her battle with cancer nor her failed attempt to install a new administration in the Oval Office during last year’s election has slowed down this superstar powerhouse one bit. With still a half a year to go before 2005 is history, Etheridge remains ahead of the pack having been named one of Time Magazines “Most Influential People.”  Her Janis Joplin tribute duet with Joss Stone was considered the highlight of this year's Grammy celebration.

Joe Perry:

Founding member, (co)songwriter and electrifying lead guitarist of Aerosmith, Joe Perry has achieved permanent iconic stature in the pantheon of Rock. His blistering licks and riffs are responsible for creating Rock classics, such as "Walk This Way" and helped the group sell more than 100 million albums, snag four Grammy's earn Aerosmith a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work with Aerosmith, Perry has released two well-received solo albums and started his own label, Roman Records. Joe has taken his mastery of hot licks further than most accomplished players and launched his own “Rock Your World” brand of hot sauces.

Bill Wyman:

Author, astronomer, Blues aficionado and, oh yeah, The Rolling Stones’ bassist for over 30 years, Bill and his mates helped define Rock music, Rock attitude and Rock style.  Mick and Keith may be credited as the composers of “Jumpin Jack Flash” and “Bitch,” but it was Wyman who chiseled their unforgettable bass riffs into Rock history.

In addition to recording over 30 Stones albums and relentlessly touring the world as a member of what is still unarguably "The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band," Bill has released several solo albums and formed the critically acclaimed Jazz/Blues band, The Rhythm Kings.

George Clinton:

The “Father of Funk” and "Godfather of Urban Music" is without a doubt, the funkiest individual on the planet.  By experimenting with rhythm, melody and harmony in the 70's, George and his band Parliament, led popular music into a decidedly different direction of his own design.  Clinton’s groundbreaking Rock outfit, Funkadelic, fused psychedelic guitar distortion, bizarre sound effects, and rants to dance beats and booming bass lines that became the defined the term “funk.” And his live shows, well they're legendary.

George continues to shake things up. He claimed his latest victory in court as he was awarded control of four of his groundbreaking albums.  An early and active supporter of Rap and sampling, Clinton’s insistent beats can be heard in hits by Dr. Dre, De La Soul, Snoop Dogg, Tone Loc, Geto Boys, Xclan and Yo-Yo, among countless others.

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, chanteuse, Jonatha Brooke’s signature blend of Folk and Pop music has made her a hit with fans, AAA and alternative programmers.  As a solo artist since, 1995, after the break up of her first band, The Story, Jonatha writes, produces and performs songs that are as accessible as they are sophisticated.

Though she began her professional life as a major label artist, she assumed control of her career in 1999 with the formation of her own label, Bad Dog.  Throughout her career, Brooke has earned the respect of a diverse group of musicians and producers who’ve worked with her in recent years, including Neil Finn, Michael Frante, Mitchell Froom, Marcus Miller and others.

Chris Thile:

Nickel Creek's virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and songwriter began his career as a child prodigy. His prodigious mandolin picking skills delighted audiences around the world and enabled him to release two successful solo albums while he was still in his teens. Nominated 4 times, his band Nickel Creek, finally won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album this year.

Having mined Bluegrass, Pop, Rock and Jazz with the band, Thile recently expanded these stylistic horizons on his recent solo record, “Deceiver.”  Given his youth and apparent desire to discard convention, Thile, like his sometime collaborators Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, is among the few contemporary musicians who seem poised to reinvent and re-imagine the possibilities of music and song for the next generation.

Hubert Sumlin:

Literally learning at the feet of the late, great Howlin Wolf, Blues guitarist, Hubert Sumlin is a living legend. Lord knows, he has played with them all and inspired many (Keith Richards and Eric Clapton are just two of his many disciples). Hubert's playing is original, personal and recognizable, capable of breaking your heart or making it soar. His work on Howlin' Wolf's mid-1960's recordings such as “Built For Comfort,” “Shake For Me,” “300 Pounds of Joy,” “Louise,” “Goin’ Down Slow,” “Killing Floor,” and “Wang Dang Doodle are seminal recordings that are built to last.

At the ripe, young age of 73, he continues to tour - domestically and internationally - as a bandleader and in all-star tributes to Howlin' Wolf.  His much- anticipated Muddy Waters tribute album, “About Them Shoes” was conceived and produced by Keith Richards and features Richards and other greats including Levon Helm and Eric Clapton.  It was released to great critical acclaim earlier this year.