WASHINGTON, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP announced today the launch of the AARP Music web site, which features customizable online radio and artist recommendations, as well as exclusive entertainment content geared towards the preferences of baby boomers and 50+ Americans. To kick off the launch, AARP joined with music superstars Patti LaBelle, Corinne Bailey Rae and Joss Stone to develop Pandora(R)-powered online radio stations featuring each artist's favorite music. These celebrity stations can only be found on the AARP Music site.
"I'm excited to be a part of the AARP family and the launch of their new music web site," says recording superstar Patti LaBelle. "AARP is important because it helps to know that someone's got your back once you cross over into mature adulthood. I can't wait to see and hear this new AARP Jukebox because they'll be playing my kind of music."
The site, which is open to all and can be found at http://www.aarp.org/music, is the latest step in a broader effort by AARP to use the power of music to build on a strong emotional connection with its members. The artists who joined with AARP for the launch represent diverse music genres and styles that were chosen not only because of their appeal to AARP's target market, but also for their appeal to multiple generations. Since the site is open to everyone, it offers unique opportunities for those 50+ to share music memories and interests across generations of family, such as the ability for grandparents to swap customized radio stations with their grandchildren.
In the coming months, additional celebrities are expected to develop and share AARP Jukebox music stations for the AARP Music site, allowing members to continually discover new genres and artists.
The playlists are from a diverse group of artists, such as:
-- Patti LaBelle - Soul diva Patti LaBelle filled her radio station with
songs by Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill, Prince, Chaka Khan, Al Green and
others.
-- Corinne Bailey Rae - The English-born neo-soul songstress showed her
diverse interests when she chose artists for her station, including
Bjork, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, The Flamingos, Michael Jackson and
others.
-- Joss Stone - At just 19 years old, singer Joss Stone showcased the
inspiration for her incredible soul talent in her choices of Aretha
Franklin, Stevie Wonder and James Brown, and mixed in more current
choices from artists like Damien Rice and Jack Johnson.
"Just like any visitor can do, these music celebrities visited AARP Jukebox Powered by Pandora to create their own personal radio stations by listing their favorite artists," said Emilio Pardo, AARP's Chief Brand
Officer. "We invite boomers and 50+ Americans to hear music they want and discover music they love through the new AARP music web site."
AARP Music Site Features:
-- AARP Jukebox Powered by Pandora - An online streaming music service
powered by Pandora that allows users to build personalized radio
stations combining their favorite artists and recommended musicians,
and to explore artists' bios, albums and touring schedules.
-- AARP Music for Grownups - Daily feature articles and commentary that
readers can respond to via comments and online discussion.
-- Entertainment Content - Exclusive information about AARP-sponsored
artists, including clips related to the AARP-sponsored Tony Bennett
"The Best is Yet to Come" tour and the ability to purchase tickets to
shows online. Additionally, AARP members have the exclusive ability to
purchase tickets to the 20 sponsored cities of the tour before the
general public.
-- Editorial Content - Resources for members, including a guide to digital
music FAQs and content from AARP Publications and AARP Radio with added
value features and multimedia.
-- AARP Music Website Celebrates Tony Bennett - The music service
highlights AARP's sponsorship of the Tony Bennett "The Best is Yet to
Come" tour and provides links to websites where AARP members can buy
pre-sale tickets to Tony Bennett's concerts and Tony Bennett's new
CD/DVD combo package.
"The new site serves as the one-stop resource when it comes to music for people 50+," said Pardo. "We know from members that traditional radio often does not offer the artists they want to hear. With AARP Music, mature music enthusiasts are able to drive their own listening and discover new artists, creating their experience."
In addition to the celebrities' AARP Jukebox stations, new features will be added to the site throughout 2007. These include the tools and content to support an online interactive community that will join members by their music interests, enable members to share created stations and allow member music reviews through blogs and online discussion boards. Visitors will also be able to integrate AARP Jukebox data into their member profiles, and access concert footage online.
"We are very excited to partner with such famous music artists to unveil AARP Music," said Pardo. "Features and relationships like these will help us to redefine our brand in new and exciting ways and contribute to our members' fulfillment. We look forward to seeing the site become a community of people connecting, sharing and having fun."
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP produces AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, its monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, its bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, its quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and the website, http://www.aarp.org/. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP
CONTACT: Scott Carman of AARP, +1-202-434-2539, scarman@aarp.org
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