As some of you may know, and some of you may not, we started a record label last year: Hard Rock Records. So far, we've got two bands on the label, Rosco Bandana and Flashlights (who've just released their first EP on Hard Rock Records; check 'em out by clicking here!) with a few more waiting in the wings for their time in the spotlight. You might've read the press release or visited the website, but we wanted to delve a little deeper into the label and the reasoning behind its creation. So, we sat down with James Buell, Co-Head of A&R with Blake Smith, and talked to him about Hard Rock Records.

1. What was the impetus for the creation of Hard Rock Records?
   
   Music and philanthropy have always been at the core of what we do and this felt like the natural progression for us.  Hard Rock Records gives us another avenue to connect with fans and artists alike.  And we’re able to find musicians who inspire us and give them the tools to pursue their dreams.  Which is really the coolest part.

Bite a Legendary™ Burger, Snap a Picture, Post it Socially and Win a Trip to
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana Every Day in May

The hamburger has long been considered America’s unofficial food, and since its founding by two Americans in London more than 40 years ago, Hard Rock Cafe has served as a burger ambassador – bringing its “Legendary” selection of delectable American burgers to 57 countries around the world.

To celebrate National Burger Month this May, Hard Rock surveyed fans around the globe to determine international burger-eating habits and gain some insights as to why this American-staple has become an international favorite.

State of the Burger – Statistics

• One for the money, two for the show ... 73 percent of people surveyed eat at least one and up to five burgers per month
• Cheese please … 22 percent of fans cited cheese as their favorite burger topping, with Cheddar being the top cheese of choice for more than 55 percent of respondents (a shocking upset for American cheese lovers everywhere)
• International relations … the American burger is best suited for a French companion with 60 percent of those asked naming the French fry as their burger’s perfect mate  (a mild surprise to shake lovers)
• Buns won … even in a carb-conscious world 89 percent of respondents wouldn’t think of enjoying a burger without a bun
• Well played … 30 percent of burger connoisseurs surveyed prefer their burger cooked medium-well – with a slight pink center  
• Legendary griller … 26 percent of fans thought Bon Jovi would be perfect to man the burger grill at a summer-concert tailgate – beating out musical competitors like Justin Timberlake  and Beyonce

The Hard Rock Cafe Margarita performed the cleanup and recovery of Narvaez Square in Pampatar, Margarita Island, as part of our Save the Planet program. On Earth Day, with the help of the Town Hall of the municipality Maneiro, the Mayor Darvelis Avila and her staff, the local Ambassador team helped with the recovery of this square with the planting of plants for all the neighboring community. Our commitment along with the Town Hall is to maintain this Square so that this initiative will continue over time. SAVE THE PLANET.

04.30: On this day in 1933 William Hugh “Willie” Nelson was born. 80 years old! Holy cow, what a guy. We could go on and on and on about Willie, but we shan't. Instead, we'll just say that Willie is one of the most down-to-earth, vibrant, original and amazing guys ever to command a stage. And he smoked a joint on the roof of the White House. Nuff said. If you can name the president who invited him there, without looking it up, you are a true fan. Happy birthday, Willie! We love you, man!

05.01: On this day in 1967 Elvis Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu in Las Vegas. And they lived happily ever after.

05.03: On this day in 1969 Jimi Hendrix was arrested on drug charges at Toronto International Airport after officials found heroin and hashish in his luggage. Hendrix was released on $10,000 bail and acquitted of the charges at a jury trial in December. His argument that convinced the jury? The drugs were slipped into his bags by a fan. Right, Jimi. A "fan." Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIE!

HARD ROCK CELEBRATES WILLIE NELSON’S 80th BIRTHDAY WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW PARTNERSHIP

NELSON AND HARD ROCK PARTNER TO BENEFIT TWO HAND SELECTED CHARITIES: THE SUSTAINABLE BIODIESEL ALLIANCE AND THE ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE, THROUGH AN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT SERIES.

TO LAUNCH ON JUNE 6, 2013 WITH A PERFORMANCE BY WILLIE NELSON AND FAMILY BAND AT HARD ROCK CAFE NEW YORK.

Limited-Edition Bandanna, T-Shirt and 2 Unique Pins available June 6, 2013 Online and at Hardrock.com and at Participating Locations, for more info please click here.

ALL IS ONE.

Original Photo Credit: Danny Clinch

The Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh, Scotland celebrated their 15th Anniversary with a fundraising initiative with Big Country, in support of Nordoff-Robbins.  Nordoff-Robbins is a music charity dedicated to helping the lives of vulnerable children and adults in need.  ALL IS ONE.

Students from Carver Middle School in Orlando held a "Car Wash" Fundraiser in the parking lot of the Hard Rock Corporate office in Orlando, FL.  The event helped raise much needed funds for the school music program.  ALL IS ONE.

Orlando, Fla. – Hard Rock International – owner of one of the world’s most recognized and iconic brands – announces today it has entered into a long-term agreement with New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC. As part of this agreement, Hard Rock will make an equity investment in New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC, which extends to any projected future developments at the racetrack.

“Hard Rock International has a long standing relationship and strong fan base in the state of New Jersey and we will continue to strengthen our presence through this collaboration with New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. “Our company welcomes this opportunity and looks forward to leveraging our brand to potentially expand the region’s gaming offerings and sports betting through this alliance. We also believe this investment would sit comfortably alongside potential projects in the future, such as Atlantic City, in the event we establish a viable long-term entry plan for the market.”

The Local Ambassador Team from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, FL supported the local initiative "Paint Your Heart Out, Tampa!" - a city-wide program that enables citizens, businesses, clubs, and organizations to lend a helping hand to low-income, elderly citizens in the community. Over the past 24 years, volunteers and sponsors have given of themselves to paint the homes of more than 2.400 grateful and deserving homeowners.  The Hard Rock team did so well they were able to paint TWO houses that day! TAKE TIME TO BE KIND.

The Local Ambassador Team from the Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas, TX donated their time to help purchase and deliver much needed supplies to the community in West, TX.  For more on how you can help click here.  ALL IS ONE.