Grammy® Award-winning Bassist Esperanza Spalding to Host “Groundbreaking Music” for Magic Johnson’s New ASPiRE TV Network | Oct. 5th, 2012

ASPiRE, the television network from Magic Johnson Enterprises, today announced its fall line-up of hosted weekly prime time program blocks featuring the best African-American films, music and comedy. A new weekly feature, “Groundbreaking Music,” hosted by Grammy® Award-winning bassist, vocalist, composer and bandleader  Esperanza Spalding, premieres Friday, October 5 at 8:00 pm, with “Earth Wind and Fire Live.” Other music and performance specials the show will air include “Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater” and “Dorothy Dandridge Singing at Her Best.”

Esperanza Spalding has become the first lady of jazz. She played with Stevie Wonder for President Obama at the White House and went on to become the first jazz musician to win a Best New Artist Grammy®. On March 20, 2012, Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group, released, Radio Music Society, her most diverse, ambitious and masterful recital yet. Radio Music Society has spent over thirteen weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart.

Eleven of the twelve songs are accompanied by conceptual short films, which further express Esperanza’s inspiration and story behind each track. Shot in various locations including New York City; Barcelona, Spain; and Portland, Oregon; all films are available to purchasers of Radio Music Society as a digital download or on a DVD in the deluxe version.

About ASPiRE

ASPiRE is a television network targeted to African-Americans and celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of our past, our now and our next.  ASPiRE offers a diverse programming mix of movies, series and specials featuring music, comedy, drama, faith/inspiration, theater/performing arts, lifestyle and news/information. The network was launched June 27, 2012 by Magic Johnson Enterprises, which acts as a catalyst for driving unparalleled business results for its partners and fosters community/economic empowerment by making available high-quality entertainment, products and services that answer the demands of ethnically diverse urban communities.   For more information, visit, www.aspire.tv.