Eminem Amongst Detroit Music Awards Nominees

Grammy winners The White Stripes, Eminem, new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bob Seger, Kid Rock and Aretha Franklin are among the nominees for the annual Detroit Music Awards, which will take place Friday, April 23rd at The State Theater in downtown Detroit.

Several local artists received multiple nominations, including the bands RIB and the Brothers Groove and their individual members, singer songwriter Audra Kubat and international fiddle champion Jeremy Kittle. A number of artists, including Sista Otis and Liz Larin, received nominations in a multiple award categories, a testament to their versatility and to the diversity of Detroit's music scene.

Final ballot voting for the 2004 Detroit Music Awards is underway. Nominees have been selected in 65 categories representing the best of the Motor City's rich array of musical talent. For the convenience of qualified voters from the Detroit music community, voting can now be done online. Those wishing to participate still have time to do so by visiting http://www.DetroitMusicAwards.com.

The White Stripes' ‘Elephant’, Kid Rock's ‘Kid Rock’, Aretha Franklin's ‘So Damn Happy’, Alice Cooper's ‘Eyes of Alice Cooper’, Iggy Pop's ‘Skull Ring’ and Obie Trice's ‘Cheers’ comprise the Outstanding National Major Label Album category. Franklin is also nominated in the Outstanding Anthology/Compilation Reissue category for her Platinum and Gold collection, along with Bob Seger's ’Greatest Hits 2’, George Clinton's ’Six Degrees of P-Funk: The Best of George Clinton’, ’The Marvin Gaye Collection’, the Temptations' ’Psychedelic Soul’ and the various artists set ’Motown 60s’.

Two singles by Rock -- ’Picture ’, his duet with Sheryl Crow, and his cover of Bad Company's ’Feel Like Making Love’ -- are nominated in the Outstanding National Single category along with the White Stripes' ’Seven Nation Army’ Iggy Pop's ’Little Know it All’ and a pair of songs by Eminem, ’Sing For the Moment’ and ’Superman’.

The first Outstanding National Small/Independent Label Recording category features the Romantics' ‘61/49’, the Electric Six's ‘Fire’, Robert Bradley's ‘Still Lovin' You’, Audra Kubat's ‘Million Year Sand’ and self-titled releases by the all-star Detroit Experiment and the Go.

This year's Detroit Music Awards, presented by the Motor City Music Foundation and sponsored by the Detroit Metro Times, will also honor electronic pioneer Juan Atkins and blues greats the Butler Twins with special Distinguished Achievement Awards. Performers at this year's show include Forge, The Motor City R&B Pioneers featuring Joe Weaver, Kenny Martin and Stanley Mitchell, country stalwarts the Wrenfields with special guest Rachel Williams -- finalist in the Nashville Star 2 competition -- Jeremy Kittle and an all-star blues tribute to the Butler Twins. Second City Detroit cast members Nate DuFort and PJ Jacokes will host the show. More performers and Distinguished Award Winners will be announced shortly.

Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket prices are $10 and $25. Special main floor tables are for sale by contacting Motor City Music Foundation administrator Linda Lexy at 248-762-7003.