Jam & Lewis...

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Honored With Seventh Grammy Nomination for "Producer of the Year"; 2002 Marks Milestone Year for Transcendent Hitmakers

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2002--It was announced on Friday, January 4, 2002, that the most successful songwriting and production team in pop music history, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, were honored with a Grammy award nomination in the coveted "Producer Of The Year" category for the 44th Annual Grammy Awards (which will be held on February 27, 2002 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles).

This year's nomination marks the seventh time overall and the second year in a row the songwriting and production team were nominated for "Producer Of The Year." They earned their first "Producer Of The Year" Grammy in 1986 and earned a second Grammy in 1993 for "Best R&B Song" for Janet Jackson's "That's The Way Love Goes."

After 20 years of musical excellence, 2001 proved to be one of Jam and Lewis' most critically and commercially successful years. Their diverse production credits span the music spectrum. From MTV icon Janet's #1 All For You album and single to rock legend Sting's Oscar nominated "My Funny Friend and Me" to classic soul diva Patti Labelle to resurgent R&B legends Isley Brothers to contemporary hit makers like queen of hip-hop soul Mary J. Blige's powerful "No More Drama" to "the ultimate entertainer" Usher, whose #1 hit "U Remind Me" topped both the pop and R&B charts. With other production credits in 2001 including vocal powerhouse Mariah Carey, soulful newcomer Blu Cantrell, R&B crooner Case, pop princess Mya, and gospel superstar Yolanda Adams, Jam & Lewis' songwriting and production prowess this past year is unrivaled.

In 2001 alone, Jam & Lewis scored both their 15th and record-breaking 16th #1 Pop hits with Janet Jackson's "All For You" and Usher's "U Remind Me," respectively. "U Remind Me" propelled them to the #2 ranked producers of all time (tied with Steve Sholes, who produced Elvis) and also marked their 40th top 10 Pop hit and 25th #1 R&B hit. Jam and Lewis' midas touch is manifested in the fact that Sting, Janet Jackson, Shaggy, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Yolanda Adams, Case, and Blu Cantrell all received Grammy nominations this year.

As a testament to their consistency and longevity, this year commemorates the 20th Anniversary of Jam & Lewis' company Flyte Tyme Productions, which is home to Flyte Tyme studios, the #1 recording studio with the most #1 hits, as recognized by Billboard Magazine. The hit making production company was formed in 1982 with a handshake deal between Jam and Lewis and the hits have been consistent ever since. This year they also celebrate their 30th anniversary together as best friends. They are currently working with new artists signed to their label, Flyte Tyme Records, including 16-year old pop sensation Nodesha, and male neo soul band Morrison Slick. Planned projects for 2002 also include Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, TLC, Mya, Deborah Cox, Jordan Knight and Boyz II Men.

NEWSFILE: 10 JANUARY 2002