Meet Raheem DeVaughn, an 'R&B, Hippie, Neo-Soul, Rock Star'

HOST: Welcome to AMERICAN MOSAIC in VOA Special English. I'm Doug Johnson. Today, we play music by Raheem DeVaughn … HOST: Raheem DeVaughn sings and writes songs that include several musical influences. He describes himself as an "R-and-B, hippie, neo-soul, rock star." Barbara Klein tells more about the singer and plays some of his music. BARBARA KLEIN: Raheem DeVaughn has loved music since a very early age. But he did not begin his musical career until he was in college. He attended Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Raheem joined a singing group and began writing and recording songs. He soon left the university and the singing group to begin singing on his own in nightclubs in Washington, D.C. DeVaughn's first album, "The Love Experience," was released in two thousand five. The songs are influenced by soul music made popular in the nineteen seventies. Here is the hit song "Guess Who Loves You More" from that album. Raheem DeVaughn's latest album is called "Love Behind the Melody." Music critics praise his singing and song writing. They say his smooth voice and the important messages in his songs are a welcome addition to the music industry. His hit song "Woman" honors women for the many important parts they play in life. We leave you with another song from Raheem DeVaughn's new album "Love Behind the Melody." This is "Butterflies." HOST: I'm Doug Johnson. I hope you enjoyed our program today. It was written by Lawan Davis, Elizabeth Stern and Katy Weaver, who was also the producer. To read the text of this program and download audio, go to our Web site, voaspecialenglish.com. Join us again next week for AMERICAN MOSAIC, VOA's radio magazine in Special English. Source: Voice of America