Command Performance

Whitney Houston has been to the mountain top. In this performance at the 25Th Anniversary of Arista Records, the tabloids were raping her name, the LEGEND showed up to make them eat crow. Her performance were very high powered and full of energy, she was in top form, and the crowd was eating it up. Enjoy this performance it was a night to remember and one that shows you that hard work really pays off.

Circa 1967

Sharon Tate.... a thing of beauty.
A true "army brat," Texas-born Sharon Tate moved from city to city, and from nation to nation during her formative years. She was living in Verona, Italy, when she was elected her high school's homecoming queen -- one of many such honors bestowed on the dazzlingly beautiful Tate. After extras work in Italian films, Tate decided to try her luck in Hollywood. She appeared in such TV series as The Beverly Hillbillies and was featured in films like The Wheeler Dealers (1963) and The Sandpiper (1963). While starring in the British horror spoof The Fearless Vampire Killers: Or Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck (1967), Sharon fell in love with the film's director, Polish-born Roman Polanski. She became Polanski's wife shortly after completing her best screen role, as the pill-popping, suicidal young starlet in Valley of the Dolls (1967). Her last major film assignment was a comedy lead in the Matt Helm espionager The Wrecking Crew (1969). On August 9, 1969, a pregnant Sharon Tate and several of her house guests were brutally murdered by members of cult leader Charles Manson's "family."
The saying the only the 'good' die young really rings true in this case!

He's back BIYATCHES, and he's #1

Chris Breezy Brown career was cold and over for the last two years. The kid made a horrific mistake, and the media gave it to him good. He put the hard work in to redeem his image. I would give him a solid B grade for his efforts. Last weeks setback at GMA didn't slow his record sales down. Breezy will debut at #1 on Top of the Billboard 200, his new F.A.M.E. CD has sold over 273,000 copies, and it appears that his star is back on the rise. Somewhere you just know that Rihanna is getting hot for him all over again, which makes you think about what really went down that night two years ago.
Congrats Breezy, we got our eyes on YOU, so don't FAIL! Keep it clean, and keep it right, and above all realize that FAME is about previlded and NOT your right.

POP Culture at a glance....and not in a glass!!

Prince Harry covers the May 2011 cover of GQ UK magazine with a profile on his Walking With The Wounded team.

In a world exclusive for the May issue, GQ meets Prince Harry and the Walking with the Wounded team as they prepare for their epic unaided trek to the North Pole, in an attempt to raise £2 million for charities focusing on the retraining and rehabilitation of injured British service personnel. The team, including four wounded servicemen injured in Afghanistan, have been given a 40 to 60 per cent chance of succeeding by polar experts, so with the odds stacked against them, they discuss the motivation behind the trip with GQ.
Prince Harry is Patron of Walking with the Wounded, and the team comprises Captain Guy Disney, Private Jaco van Gass, Sergeant Steve Young, Captain Martin Hewitt, Founders Edward Parker and Simon Dalglish, Logistics and Training Guide Henry Cookson, and Polar Guide Inge Solheim. Prince Harry is truly walking in the footsteps of his mommie, she would be so proud!

Blabber mouth Wendy Williams, who clearly showed us last week on DWTS that not all African Americans have rhythm. Williams is being sued by a Atlantic City resort. The promoter claims that Williams was very 'salty' to her fans and guests of the resort. She was paid 25,000 for her hosting duties, and was to make a two hour appearance. The promoters seemed shocked, and in my opinion Williams was just being her trashy self. Guess they got what they paid for.

Actress Amy Adams, who is one of my favorite actresses will play the new "Lois Lane" in the next installment of Superman. Finally some perfect casting, I can't wait.

Congratulations are in order to actress Reese Witherspoon and her boyfriend, agent Jim Toth!
The happy couple tied the knot early Saturday evening in Ojai, California, at Reese's 6 acre ranch.

It's a wrap...Renee Zellweger and Bradley Cooper are over!!
After it was announced that the couple split last week, Renee has officially moved out of Bradley's home.

The first woman to run for Vice President, Geraldine Ferraro, passed away on Saturday at the age of 75.

Is Paris Hilton a racist? This seems to be the number 1 question of the moment. Recently Hilton turned down actor Vin Diesel, supposedly because he had an ounce of black in him. This is very ineteresting because back in the day when she had her MTV show, she made some very similar remarks about being disenchanted by African Americans and even went as far as using the 'N' word. Hmmmm

Lately I've been watching A.I. actually it's the first seaons that I've ever watched the show. I must admit that Jennifer Lopez is really impressing me with he critique's of the performers, her opinion is so spot on. I'm impressed and of course she's looking damn good doing it.

Rapper Foxy Brown just can't seem to get it together, she was kicked of the Tom Joyner Cruise, according to Joyner, Foxy was acting a donkey. SMH

Diana Ross Happy Birthday... Pop Royalty

Diana Ross paved the way for the GaGa's, Beyonce's, Ciara's, Pink's, Whitney Houston's, Madonna's, Janet's, Jody Watley's, Britney Spears's and so very many other. It you ever want to see a true entertainer, make sure that you witness this lady's magic, and you will quickly be under her spell.
Happy 67Th Birthday and thanks for showing the world how it's done. I will NEVER forget your Central Park performance ..... no wind, no rain could stop you babe!!

Happy 69th Birthday to Queen of Soul

Happy Birthday to the Queen of Soul, thank you for making us your legion of fans 'feel good' for all these years. Aretha Franklin is a household name, and her music has played out in the background to the soundtrack of anyone who has been lucky enough to be a part of the 20Th and 21st Century. Often imitated, but never ever duplicated.

Consummate/TGIF

Happy Friday Everyone,
Lent season is in full bloom, its a lovely part of acknowledgment, and also a good time to do a cleansing, be it for spiritual or personal reasons. Like rain that falls, its a chance to clean up the dirt of your surroundings. To get your house is order, is about how one views oneself, as we're always constant works in progress. To be your absolute best, comes from much hard work and dedication, and even at your best, a naysayer will still try to prove your journey wrong and flaw your character. I've always said, whatever you are, the 'sexiness' about the situation is to own it, shallow Hal's never got the girl in the end. Being on top of your game, means that you understand your position and in achieving anything great, you quickly learn that the easy road is not a reality for you, in the mission and quest that you've embarked on

In life we're all works in progress, as geography has no boundaries, time and much due diligence will have to be applied. The winds of change is always shifting, it's up to you in your observation to have the wherewithal in fine tuning your plans into fruition. Do the homework, to understand a successful life, research in required, truth is a must, and by all means please understand the largest part of all will come from asking questions, that's how knowledge is aquired, along with much preparation. Each day that you open your eyes you're a living testimony that time passes by very quickly and with a blink, it can be taken away from you, so the luxury that you've grown accustomed to, is really not a right, it's a privilege, so whatever path you choose, attack it from every angle, after all it's the legacy that you leave behind, that enables another to stand on your shoulders.

What Are You Doing With YOUR Life?

Command Performance

It's gets no better than Madonna, who is ALWAYS the consummate performer.

RIP Liz Taylor....The End Of An Era

Elizabeth Taylor, the legendary actress famed for her beauty, her jet-set lifestyle, her charitable endeavors and her many marriages, has died, her publicist told CNN Wednesday. She was 79.

Taylor died "peacefully today in Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles," said a statement from her publicist. She was hospitalized six weeks ago with congestive heart failure, "a condition with which she had struggled for many years. Though she had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be."

Though a two-time Oscar winner -- for "Butterfield 8" (1960) and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" (1966) -- Taylor was more celebrated for simply being Elizabeth Taylor: sexy, glamorous, tempestuous, fragile, always trailing courtiers, media and fans. She wasn't above playing to that image -- she had a fragrance called "White Diamonds" -- or mocking it.

"I am a very committed wife," she once said. "And I should be committed too -- for being married so many times."

2001: Liz Taylor talks diamonds She was hailed, in her prime, as the world's most beautiful and desirable woman. Her affair with actor Richard Burton, which began on the set of the film "Cleopatra," fueled a paparazzi rush unrivaled in its time. The two later married -- twice -- providing gossip columns and movie magazines with a wealth of material.

But Taylor could also be an effective and arresting actress. Her harrowing performance in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" (1966), opposite Burton, showed her as shrewish, plain, embittered -- the complete opposite of her real-life image.

She also gave sharp performances in "Giant" (1956), "Raintree County" (1957), "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958) -- three films that helped build her reputation as a worldwide sex symbol -- "The Sandpiper" (1965) and "Reflections in a Golden Eye" (1967).

Taylor was a champion for a number of charitable causes, notably the fight against AIDS. She founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation after the death of her friend Rock Hudson, and plowed both her time and money into its work, especially as her acting career waned in the 1980s. The BBC once noted that her charity work had grossed as much as her film career.

Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born February 27, 1932, in London, the daughter of two wealthy American art dealers, Francis and Sara Taylor. Her mother was a former actress who had given up the career when she married, but encouraged her daughter in the pursuit. Indeed, Elizabeth Taylor and her mother were to remain extremely close until the latter's death in 1994, at age 99.

Just after World War II began, her parents moved back to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, where Francis Taylor catered to a high-level clientele. Young Elizabeth was noted early on for her looks: According to one perhaps apocryphal story, she was spotted by a talent scout who suggested her for Bonnie Blue Butler in "Gone With the Wind," but the idea was reportedly shot down by her father.

Nevertheless, she eventually made her debut for Universal, which placed her in 1942's "There's One Born Every Minute." Taylor was then signed by MGM, which was to be her home for almost two decades, and made "Lassie Come Home," opposite Roddy McDowall. The actor became a devoted friend.

But it was Taylor's next film, 1944's "National Velvet," that made her a star. The story of a girl in love with her horse earned her public adulation -- and her equine co-star, The Pie. (Her other co-star, Mickey Rooney, was taken.) For the rest of the 1940s, she was an MGM regular, some of her films winners -- the 1949 version of "Little Women" -- and others, quickly forgotten, such as "Julia Misbehaves."

In 1950, Taylor turned 18 and had her first hit as an adult, the classic "Father of the Bride," in which she played Spencer Tracy's soon-to-be-married daughter. Real life mirrored art when Taylor decided to marry hotel heir Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr., but the marriage wasn't nearly as successful as the film: it lasted just eight months.

Critical acclaim arrived with Taylor's next film, "A Place in the Sun," based on the Theodore Dreiser novel "An American Tragedy." Taylor played the beautiful woman pursued by Montgomery Clift, who kills his pregnant girlfriend (Shelley Winters) while boating. The film received nine Academy Award nominations, but Taylor was shut out.

It wasn't until 1958 that Taylor received her first Oscar nomination, for 1957's "Raintree County." By then, she was an even bigger star than before, and known as much for her off-screen romances as her on-screen talent.

She married actor Michael Wilding -- 20 years her senior -- in 1952, a marriage that lasted five years and produced two children, and then Hollywood producer Mike Todd a week after her divorce from Wilding. And after some sluggish work in the early '50s, she was appearing in some renowned films, notably 1956's "Giant" opposite James Dean and Rock Hudson. Todd suggested her for the role of Maggie the Cat in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958), and Taylor steamed up the screen, spending a good part of the movie slinking around in a slip.

Todd died in a plane crash in March 1958. Upon his death, Taylor was comforted by Todd's best friend, actor and singer Eddie Fisher. The comforting turned into an affair, complete with bold headlines, which broke apart Fisher's marriage to "America's sweetheart," actress Debbie Reynolds. Taylor was now "the other woman," scorned as a homewrecker -- and, based on box office returns, more popular than ever.

Fisher and Taylor married in 1959 and appeared opposite each other in the next year's "BUtterfield 8," with Taylor cast as a sexually carnivorous party girl. Though she disliked the film, her performance -- and a sudden case of pneumonia that threatened her life -- invited the sympathy of the Motion Picture Academy, and she finally won an Oscar. "I lost to a tracheotomy," fellow nominee Shirley MacLaine quipped.

In 1960, now perhaps the most famous actress in the world, Taylor was offered the lead in 20th Century Fox's production of "Cleopatra." Taylor demanded $1 million -- the highest fee demanded by an actress up to that time. Producer Walter Wanger agreed, and the adventure of "Cleopatra" -- which would consume the showbiz world in ways unknown in the early '60s -- began. (Fisher's ex-wife, Reynolds, would become the second woman to make $1 million for a picture.)

The movie seemed gripped by a curse. Taylor's illnesses -- there were more than one -- caused delays, forced casting changes and prompting the production to move from London to Rome. The original director, old Hollywood hand Rouben Mamoulian, was forced out and replaced by Joseph Mankiewicz ("All About Eve"). Weather wiped out days of filming and labor unrest undid more, pushing the budget, which was originally about $5 million, to $44 million -- almost $300 million in 2010 dollars, more than "Avatar."

And then there was one of the new actors, Richard Burton, who was cast as Marc Antony when Stephen Boyd had to leave the production.

Burton, who was already known as much for his philandering ways as his Shakespearean expertise, had initially thought little of Taylor beyond her beauty. But he was quickly smitten: "He tried to end it, but he kept turning around and coming back to her," Mankiewicz's son Tom told Taylor biographer William J. Mann. "He just couldn't help himself. He couldn't get enough of her."

The two were inseparable -- and very publicly so. Pictures of the couple finally prompted Burton's long-suffering wife, Sybil -- who had attempted suicide -- to file for divorce. Gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, both friend and foe to Taylor over the years, called her "sick." The Vatican released a message directed at her, saying she was guilty of "erotic vagrancy." A U.S. congresswoman even introduced a bill banning Taylor and Burton -- or "Liz 'n' Dick," as they were becoming known -- from the United States. In response, Taylor asserted, "I will never go back to America."

But America couldn't get enough of "Le Scandale." "Cleopatra" actually did well at the box office -- though not well enough to immediately escape its red ink: it took three years for 20th Century Fox to make its money back, and Taylor and Burton were now the "It" couple of the moment.

The two married in 1964, their every move a headline. Burton bought Taylor jewels, furs, baubles. The two caused near-riots when they appeared in public. Burton's tour of "Hamlet" sold out and their movies together -- "The V.I.P.s," "The Sandpiper," even the grim, groundbreaking "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" -- were hits, the latter also nominated for 10 Oscars. Taylor received a best actress trophy for her performance as the tempestuous Martha; Burton was nominated for his performance as the emasculated George.

Eventually, however, the moviegoing public tired of the double act. Taylor and Burton made four more films together -- "The Taming of the Shrew," "Doctor Faustus," "The Comedians" and the appropriately titled bomb "Boom!" -- but none had the success of their earlier work. At the same time, a new generation was latching on to a younger group of stars; Taylor, though still in her 30s, seemed part of another time.

The actress' career continued to languish as she entered her 40s. Such films as "The Only Game in Town," "X, Y and Zee" and "Ash Wednesday" did nothing for her reputation. Her marriage to Burton also faltered; the two divorced in 1974, and though they remarried the next year, the second attempt ended nine months later.

But the glamour of being Elizabeth Taylor never faded. She was a "guest" at the much-watched Luke-Laura "General Hospital" wedding in 1983 and launched several perfume lines, starting with Passion later in the decade.

Most notably, however, she devoted herself to charity. In 1985, she organized a benefit dinner to raise money for her friend Rock Hudson, who was dying of AIDS. The project eventually led to the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR); in 1991, she began the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation.

Taylor did a handful of parts in the '90s and '00s -- most notably a 1992 spot on "The Simpsons" in which her voice spoke Maggie Simpson's first word -- but generally devoted herself to social and charitable causes. She married one more time in 1991, to a construction worker named Larry Fortensky, and defended her friend, pop king Michael Jackson. She had more health woes: a trip to the Betty Ford Clinic in the late '80s -- where she met Fortensky -- as well as a brain tumor and severe back problems. The latter put her in a wheelchair.

But through all of it -- the gossip, the ailments, the loves and losses -- she remained indomitable. She even joined Twitter to send regular updates on her life.

Why not? She was born to the spotlight, and no amount of tittle-tattle was going to take it away.

"Some audience out there, and don't ask me who they are, but there are millions, like scandal. They like filth," she told CNN's Larry King in 2006. "And if they want to hear that I'm dead, sorry, folks, I'm not. And I don't plan on it."

NO Excuse for Breezy's Behavior on GMA

I'll start by saying that I'm the biggest Chris 'Breezy' Brown fan, however I don't ever give a pass to poor behavior. Yes we've all been 22 years old before, and while most of us aren't living our life under a microscope. If you are a entertainer, press and paparazzi comes with the territory. Whether you signed up to be a role model or not, your position is a privilege and not a right. The Chris Brown/Rihanna incident happened two years ago, and it's something that will never go away, it happened and the aftermath continues. Chris took anger management courses and got rave reviews, so I'm more than a little puzzled of his reactions to GMA's host Robin Roberts who inquired about the Rihanna incident.

Brown needs to address this situation head on, I don't feel that he's ever gotten the support that he's needed, a weak role model in his mother, and an even weaker management representation team. Whenever you interview on any media show, you have a set list of questions presented to you beforehand, that you agree to discuss and it's up to your management team to ensure that your interview comes across proper, MOST especially if you're trying to do damage control. Robin Roberts was there to do a job and as her journalistic duty is to get down to the bottom line and asked the questions that America wants to hear, and I think it was a personal gain for her too, she's trying to break out of Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer shadows to become her own brand, and like Whitney Houston gave life to Wendy Williams, I think that Chris Brown just did the same thing for Robin Roberts.

I will always be a fan, but Chris you've got some growing up to do, and the bigger question is do you really want this industry life and are you open to redemption? Remember if you want FAME, well FAME costs, and sometimes its your soul that suffers. You must own your actions and it starts with admittance, and lastly GET YOURSELF A NEW GROUP OF PEOPLE TO MANAGE and GUIDE YOUR CAREER, yesterday was career sabotage.

Chris Breezy Brown's F.A.M.E. in stores NOW!!

Chris Brown's F.A.M.E. in stores NOW, finally the spotlight and showcase is back to where it should be, which is ALL about the music and product.

Ladybug's take on the Illuminati....

This is from the mind of a ten year old, her name is Ladybug. This is her theory on the Illuminati....and she makes a lot of sense. Your thoughts?

POP Culture at a glance....and not in a glass!!

No longer in Kanye West's shadows Lupe Fiasco score's his first #1 CD for Atlantic records. Congrats little homie.

I've seen the Usher/Tameka sex tape.....and all I can say is OMG!! Let's see how Mr. Raymond recovers from this one.

Charlie Sheen is beyond being OUT OF CONTROL!! Odd thing is that he's selling out comedy shows across the country, and In my head, I keep asking, when did he become a comedian? SMH if someone doesn't help him, he's going to meet up with Anna Nicole, Kurt Cobain, River Phoenix and the rest who party waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to hard.

Rihanna continues to spread her love around, now she's dating A-list actor Colin Farrell. Colin you might want to strap it, just to be safe.

The late singer Minnie Riperton's daughter Maya Rudolph and her husband, director Paul Thomas Anderson, announced today that they're expecting their third child together! Congrats

Another reality show on 'singing' this time it's a show called The Voice, not very thought provoking, but at least they have real singers judging the contestants, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Ceelo Green and Blake Shelton are all on board. This show probably is a waste of time, after all we have American Idol AND X-Factor. C'mon television programmers, let's come up with REAL orginal ideas. UGH

Estranged couple Courteney Cox and David Arquette put aside their differences when they met up yesterday in Malibu. Good luck guys, I hope that you can patch things up.

Dancing With The Stars premieres tonight....seeing Wendy Williams dance, seems like a easy train wreck waiting to happen. Hey Wendy, stick to being a blabber mouth.

Lauryn Hill kicks off the second leg of her tour. Here are the tour dates. I can't wait!!!
* Mar. 19 – Miami, FL at Jazz in the Gardens Festival
* Mar. 23 – Tampa, FL at The Ritz
* Mar. 26 – Myrtle Beach, SC at House of Blues
* Mar. 30 – Atlanta, GA at Center Stage
* Apr. 03 – Oahu, HI at Aloha Tower
* Apr. 09 – Portland, OR at Arlene Schnitzer Hall
* Apr. 12 – San Francisco, CA at The Warfield
* Apr. 15– Indio, CA at Coachella Music and Arts Festival
* Apr. 18 – Los Angeles, CA at Club Nokia
* Apr. 23 – Denver, CO at The Fillmore
* May. 07 – New Orleans, LA at Jazz and Heritage Festival

Reconnaissance/TGIF

Happy Friday Everyone,
As we've all witnessed recently, the natural disasters in the world, seem to be more and more frequent. Let's continue to send prayers up and gave many thanks for where our blessings flow.

The bottom line is one's ability to get down to the naked truth, do your research, proceed with rightful actions, finding what is your just due. Secrets done in the dark always find their way to the light. Always pay attention to warning signs, when the universe leads you in a direction that you don't rightfully understand, please do not fight it, it's about a certain movement, it also speaks to knowing your core self, your higher power is there as a backup. In your search for truth, preparedness is never enough, as mystery lingers in the unknown.

Getting to the root of the problem, is about assessment, every angle must be uncovered. The breakdown is often where the revealing lies, sometimes the more obvious something is, the harder it is to see, especially when its gazing you in your face. To second guess yourself or a particular situation, mainly means that you're not ready to address the truth head on, which doesn't always mean that you will share your discoveries, as the beauty is in the knowing. The most high gives you no more than you bear.

What Are You Doing With YOUR Life?

Congrats......

Marc Jacobs will be honored for their fashion achievements at this years annal CFDA awards!

Chris 'Breezy' Brown's F.A.M.E. .......

In Stores Tuesday March 22-2011. It's time for Chris Brown to take his rightful place and lay claim to what is deservedly his!! FAME.....kick rocks RiRi.

Janet returns to acting....

Janet Jackson, has stepped into the next realm of movie-making: producing. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the singer/actress has signed a film production deal with Lionsgate. The deal will allow her to pick, develop, and produce a feature film for the studio.

The deal brings Jackson closer to movies, which she told The Hollywood Reporter are her first love. “Many people forget I started out as an actor…I have been fortunate enough to work in the film industry, though not as much as I would like.”

Jackson mentioned her love for storytelling, and that quality is what made the deal with Lionsgate work, according to Mike Paseornek, the president of the company. “She is a powerful on-screen presence, with a vast audience, and we believe she will have an equally powerful presence behind the scenes. We are honored to be able to provide a home for her ideas, passion and immense talent.”

As to what material Jackson might choose, she has stated that she has an affinity for film noir. But on the whole, she says she is attracted to, according to the article, “diverse material.”

In any case, it’ll be exciting to see what types of movies we’ll see backed by the singer/actress.

Command Performance

Nelly and Christina Aguilera, both at the height of their careers. This performance captured here was very innovative and showstopping. Unfortunately true live performances are very rare nowadays,but it's good to remember when. Check out the star studded crowd acknowledging the greatness that was laid out for them in this one time only LIVE performance. Enjoy

Retro....

Romeo Gigli is the scent that I rock, and I love it, and those who are lucky enough to get up close and personal, the love and appreciate it too.

Circle 1959

Julie London told Life Magazine in 1957 that she had “only a thimbleful of a voice, and I have to use it close to the microphone. But it is a kind of over-smoked voice, and it automatically sounds intimate.” Her vocal style has been described as being sultry, sexy, “come-hither”, intimate, breathy, warm, smoky, haunting, husky, sullen, sad, suggestive and seductive.
The majority of her album covers were graced by sultry, yet sophisticated pictures of Julie - the cover of her first album, Julie is Her Name, being, at the time, thought of as so sexy that it was described as “...generating enough voltage to light up a theater marquee”. The album Calendar Girl is graced with 12 “cheesecake” photos of Miss London - one for each month of the year, with an additional large photo for the “thirteenth” month on the inside of the foldout cover.

Julie London was born Julie Peck on September 26, 1926 in Santa Rosa, California, to Jack and Josephine Peck, a song and dance team in vaudeville and radio. In 1929, the family moved to San Bernardino, where Julie's parents had a radio show, on which she occasionally appeared. In 1941, they moved to Los Angeles, where Julie left school and went to work as an elevator operator in a department store. She began singing during this time with the Matty Malnech Orchestra. In Los Angeles, she met Jack Webb, then in the Marine Corps, and Sue Carol, an actor/agent and wife of Alan Ladd. Carol obtained a screen test for Julie, which started her on a movie career. Julie's roles during the first few years were bit parts. She soon reached star status by playing leading roles in such movies as A Question of Adultery, Task Force, and The Fat Man.

In 1947 she married Webb, who was just breaking into dramatic acting on radio. With marriage, she temporarily gave up her movie career to become a full-time wife and mother, and they had two daughters, Stacy and Lisa. Jack Webb was also a jazz fan and cornet player. He was best known for his role as Seargeant Friday on Dragnet on both radio and television, also began Mark VII Productions, producing, writing and directing many television programs. (Daughter Stacy Webb was killed in a traffic accident in 1996.)

In 1954, having become somewhat reclusive after her divorce from Webb, she met jazz composer and musician Bobby Troup at a club on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles. They married on December 31, 1959, and remained married until his death in February 1999. They had one daughter, Kelly Troup, who died in March 2002, and twin sons, Jody and Reese Troup.

London began singing in public in her teens before appearing in a film. She was discovered by talent agent Sue Carol (wife of actor Alan Ladd) while London was working as an elevator operator. Her early film career did not include any singing roles.

She recorded 32 albums in a career that began in 1955 with a live performance at the 881 Club in Los Angeles. Billboard named her the most popular female vocalist for 1955, 1956, and 1957. She was the subject of a 1957 Life cover article in which she was quoted as saying, "It's only a thimbleful of a voice, and I have to use it close to the microphone. But it is a kind of oversmoked voice, and it automatically sounds intimate."

Julie London's debut recordings were for the Bethlehem Records label. While shopping for a record deal, she recorded 4 tracks that would later be included on the compilation albums Bethlehem's Girlfriends in 1955. Bobby Troup backed London on the dates, and London recorded the standards "Don't Worry About Me", "Motherless Child", "A Foggy Day", and "You're Blasé".

London's most famous single, "Cry Me a River", was written by her high-school classmate, Arthur Hamilton, and produced by Troup. The recording became a million-seller after its release in December 1955 and also sold on re-issue in April 1983 from the attention brought by a Mari Wilson cover. London performed the song in the film The Girl Can't Help It (1956), and her recording gained later attention in the films Passion of Mind (2000) and V for Vendetta (2006).

Other popular singles include "Hot Toddy," "Daddy" and "Desafinado." Recordings such as "Go Slow" epitomized her career style: her voice is slow, smoky, and sensual.

The song "Yummy Yummy Yummy" was featured on the HBO television series Six Feet Under and appears on its soundtrack album. Her last recording was "My Funny Valentine" for the soundtrack of the Burt Reynolds film Sharky's Machine (1981).

Primarily remembered as a singer, London also made more than 20 films. One of her strongest performances came in Man of the West (1958), starring Gary Cooper and directed by Anthony Mann, in which her character, the film's only woman, is abused and humiliated by an outlaw gang.

She performed on many television variety series and also in dramatic roles, including guest appearances on Rawhide (1960) and The Big Valley (1968). Her ex-husband Webb was executive producer for the series Emergency!, and in 1972 he hired both his ex-wife and her husband Troup for key roles. London received second-billing as nurse Dixie McCall, while Troup received third-billing as emergency-room physician Dr. Joe Early. She and her co-stars Robert Fuller, Randolph Mantooth, and Kevin Tighe also appeared in an episode of the Webb-produced series Adam-12, reprising their roles. London and Troup appeared as panelists on the game show Tattletales several times in the 1970s. Julie London advertised for Rose Milk Skin Care Cream in 1978 TV spots.

London suffered a stroke in 1995 and was in poor health until her death on October 18 2000, in Encino, California, at age 74. Survived by four of her five children, London was interred next to Troup in Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery, Los Angeles. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

R.I.P. Nate Dogg

Infamous hook singer and former Death Row artist Nathaniel D. Hale, better known as Nate Dogg passed away last night (March 15) his family announced. The news was initially reported by Long Beach, Calif. newspaper the Press-Telegram. The cause of death is unknown as of press time.

Nate Dogg had been suffering serious health issues the past years after he suffered a massive stroke in 2007 followed by another in 2008. News of Nate's death sent shockwaves throughout the music industry.

The Long Beach native made a name for himself in the rap game on Dr. Dre’s classic album The Chronic followed by a breakthrough performance alongside Warren G on the smash record "Regulate." Nate went on to release numerous solo albums including G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 followed up in late 2001 with Music & Me and the latest self-titled solo album Nate Dogg. Nate also made a scene stealing appearance on producer Mark Ronson’s "Ooh Wee" that also featured Ghostface Killah.

Following his stroke back in 2008 a rep for Nate told MTV News the singer was on the mend and recovering.

"On behalf of Nate, he would like to thank all of the well wishers, both friends and fans," Rod McGrew said. "He appreciates it deeply, and he plans on fully recuperating and getting back in the studio."

"Time will tell everything, obviously. The doctor can only guess what the outcome will be," McGrew said. "But based on situations with similar people his age, and based on his health, the prognosis is good right now."

At the time, collaborator Warren G. was optimistic about Nate's recovery.

“Everybody’s just gotta keep him in their prayers, because he had two strokes and that’s real dangerous,” Warren G said. “A lot of people don’t come back from that. Luther Vandross did it, so hopefully Nate can do it. The game needs him. I need him.”

Early this morning Nate Dogg's sibling Samuel phoned in to LA based radio station KDAY thanking fans for their sentiments. According to Sam, he says he was feeling numb at the moment and that his brother had been struggling for the past three years due to his illness. Sam declined to speak on how Nate passed but said a more formal statement would be released at a later date. Rapper Snoop Dogg also called in to KDAY but spoke privately off air.

The rap star, born and raised in Long Beach, Calif. was 41.

POP Culture at a glance....and not in a glass!!

Rihanna graces the cover of Vogue magazine, and she's looking like a million bucks. I wonder how does Beyonce' feel about her getting that magazine cover. The rumor mill is reporting that Jay-Z has asked RiRi to take a break from the scene, so that his wifey's lane is clear to return. Hmph

Charlie 'DUH WINNING' Sheen has been fired from 'Two And A Half Men', but his stand up shows around the country has sold out in 18 minutes. Go Figure!! He's SCREAMING out for help, let's hope that someone is paying attention.

Usher Raymond and his ex wifey Tameka, has a sex tape floating around, not sure If I would want to see two middle age attention whores getting 'it' in.

Battle:LA was #1 @ the box office this weekend.

UK singer Adele continues to kill them on the Billboard Top 200 chart where she remains #1 status for the second week in a row, bringing her two week total sales to over 500.000 copies(gold). Adele future looks bright.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are kaput, free to date whomever. Hey JT its time to get back to the music, I'm just saying!

Rapper Da Brat was released from serving a three year sentence for a brutality, last week. Though free, she will remain on house arrest for another six months.

While at the SXSW premiere of his film Source Code, Jake Gyllenhaal got in a scuffle with an overzealous fan who tried to take pictures of him in the bathroom. And yup, he was doing his business. Maybe the photographer was trying to get a 'Brokeback Mountain' sequel. LMAO

Nick Of Time/TGIF

Happy Friday Everyone,
In the midst of a storm you must always put your best face forward and never let them see you sweat. Adversities will always arise, and through the many, many storms of your life, you will be severely tested, and pushed up against the wall. The saying of to whom much is given, much is required, has never been more accurate. Life takes its toll on you, and when you address each situation helps formulate just how far you'll go and how great you are to become. As you continue on you battle it may not be something that you share with the world, however sharing can be cathartic, surprisingly someone may be experiencing the same struggle.

When others around you are too busy starring in their 'me me' sitcom to take a moment to give you what you need, or be that friend that you've always been to them, it's not something that you should take personally, as character is not something that can be purchased, it's about the ability to sympathize with and in that understanding comes compassion and if your heart is in the right place it becomes organic. Just like playing it forward, what you give out, will always come back to you. Giving grace is easy to do when you know what your purpose and mission is, which is divine intervention, so when you hear screams and yelps, you must show up and be present.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

More from Clive Davis Pre-Grammy party...

I'm Just Sayin....Certified BANGER

Britney is Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack and ready to state her claim, this lovely blonde bombshell has been through it over the last few years, but she's lived to tell and came out of the darkness....SMOKING HOT!!!

Command Performance

Bill Withers a constant classic. This song is a staple for me, one for the simple reason that as a child growing up, my grandmother did all the things that this song reminisces about. She provided a very safe canvas for me to land. Bills approach to this song is very soothing as he takes you on a nice stroll down memory lane, and how lucky are we to have this lovely memory. Lastly if you listen closely, you'll hear where Black Street's "No Diggity" came from. Enjoy

circa 1974

Fred Williamson,one of the most charismatic action stars, Fred is known for coming at you hard in-your-face action.

Being in the entertainment industry for over fifty years his legacy continues and he's still true to his image, you can find him presently doing exactly that in DOWN ‘N DIRTY, his second in a series of films in which he stars as street-wise Dakota ‘Dak’ Smith (first starred as “Dak’ in NIGHT VISION – which he received the Dallas Forth-Worth Film Critics Assoc. Award). Fred directs this action/drama which also stars Gary Busey, Tony Lo Bianco, and David Carradine. Need more action? Fred along with his wife/partner, Linda, have just completed production on the hot urban/action feature ON THE EDGE. Produced by their company Po’ Boy Productions that also stars, Bernie Casey, Jim Brown, Ice T.

Fred is currently prepping SPATS which will be shot in Chicago next year.
Fred starred in Warner Brothers STARSKY & HUTCH (Fred is the Starsky & Hutch's boss, Det. Doby) with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, and Fred as the Police Captain Doby, opened as #2 Box-Office with 29.2 million sales the 3 day week-end, domestically over 88 million, and internationally over 163 million.

He gained a new generation of fans when starring in Quentin Tarantino’s recent cult favorite, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN that also starred George Clooney and Harvey Keitel. A recent cult film of Fred’s is ORIGINAL GANSTAS (produced by his company) that starred Jim Brown, Pam Grier, Richard Rountree and Ron O’Neal.

A 1960 graduate of Northwestern University in Architectural Engineering, Fred was also well-schooled on the football field by Coach Ara Parseghian. After university, her went on to become an All-Pro defensive cornerback, earning the nick-name “The Hammer.” Playing for the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs, Fred had the distinction of playing in the Super Bowl One.

Arriving in Hollywood in 1972, he was immediately signed to play the lead opposite Dianann Carroll on her TV series “Julia.” He move fast up the ladder, Spearchucker Jones was his character is the classic Robert Altman film M*A*S*H, then he was in Otto Preminger’s TELL ME YOU LOVE ME, JUNIE MOON with Liza Minnelli. Working with Altman and Preminger sparked Fred’s interest in directing and producing. He studied the technical end of the business and launched his Po’ Boy Productions in 1974.



Since then directing and starring in close to 40 films under this banner. Po’ Boy has expanded from the seventies classics such as THREE THE HARD WAY and ONE DOWN TWO TO GO, to films with more slick action like SOUTH BEACH (with Peter Fonda). Po’ Boy has widen its base to include many international co-productions as well, resulting in exotic locations and talent. From this he has gained a substantial world-wide following as well experience in foreign sales. No stranger to television, Fred has tackled a wide variety of genres on television. Winning an Emmy nomination for his work on “Police Story,” he had a recurring role on “The Equalizer” and had a regular co-starring role with Joe Pesci in the Glen Larson series “Half Nelson.” His lighter side has been a hit on shows from “Amen” to “The Jamie Foxx Show,” and his quick wit has made him a favorite on shows such as “Politically Incorrect.” Fred was one of the original pitchmen for Miller Lite Beer, and more recently in a series of popular Reebok commercials. For years he was the national spokesman for Anheuser-Busch’s King Cobra Malt Liquor. Fred maintains Canadian status, allowing him to work in “Canadian content” projects. He was a regular (and sometime director) on the Toronto-based Showtime/Alliance series “Fast Track” and starred with Dolph Lundgren in John Woo’s BLACKJACK for Miramax.

He is a member of the DGC and directed and starred in SILENT HUNTER (New Line Cinema) shot on location in Quebec. He resides in Palm Springs along with his wife, Linda. He is an avid golfer.

Jill Scott.....says goodbye to Hidden Beach

Jill Scott's new album 'The Light Of The Sun' will drop later this year, after the Grammy-award winning singer has just signed a new distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records.

The singer, who has sold over four million records over the past decade, has revealed that her highly anticipated LP will be an insight into her life and she's excited about sharing it with her fans.

Scott has said: "I've always looked to empower my fans through my message of love, independance and strength. A lot has gone on in my life since my last album, so I'm extremely excited to share the new music with all of the people that have supported me these past ten plus years. This album is very revealing, and I can't wait for everyone to hear it."

'The Light Of The Sun' is Scott's fourth studio album and fans were treated to a preview during her U.S. tour with singer Maxwell.

POP Culture at a glance....and not in a glass!!

Chris 'Breezy' Brown can't seem to catch a break. When a judge reduced a restraining order last month, allowing him to resume contact with ex-girlfriend Rihanna(hot kooch), new photos surfaced of the badly beaten songstress, reminding the public why Brown had been forced to steer clear of the Bajan in the first place.

Now the 'F.A.M.E.' creator, who just released a video of himself rapping, has more negative press to deal with after a nude photo leaked to the Internet on Friday (March 4).
Brown apparently snapped the intimate photo of himself with a cell phone and sent it to an ex-girlfriend of his. There's no confirmation on whether the former flame he reportedly sent it to is in fact Rihanna. The image showcases the 'Look At Me Now' singer standing in a bathroom in front of a mirror nude. A full frontal view is exposed. Any publicity is good publicity, coincidence or not, it will help his CD sales!

The big winner this year at the NAACP Image Awards was the Tyler Perry film 'For Colored Girls,' which was honored with trophies for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress (Kimberly Elise).
Holly Robinson-Peete and Wayne Brady hosted Friday's ceremony in Hollywood.
Prince announced the Best Actress winner, according to CBS News, and presented the prize to Halle Berry, who won for her movie 'Frankie & Alice.' The film (produced by Berry) was honored as the Outstanding Independent Picture of the year.
Meanwhile, Denzel Washington was named Best Actor for his performance in 'The Book of Eli.'
TV excellence was honored as Vanessa Williams took the award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series, thanks to 'Desperate Housewives'
The Image Awards could use a new voting academy, how in the hell can the "House of Pain" show and their actors be rewarded for buffoonery:( I just do NOT get it.

Reports are coming in from the UK which are stating that singer George Michael's partner Kenny Goss has left the singer.
The Sun is reporting that Goss, Michael's partner for more than 15 years, finally had enough of the singer's troubled lifestyle, especially his ongoing problems with drugs and Michael's infamous arrest and conviction last year. Hey George you might want to keep it in your pants, the word is out about you!!

Donald Trumps Apprentice returned to NBC last night with its new group of suspects, on the female side the battle is going to be between Lisa Rhinna, Star Jones and Nene Leaks, on the male side it will be between Richard Hatch, Jose Conseco and Gary(trainwreck)Busey.

DUH WINNING....the disaster known as Charlie Sheen continues to steamroll ahead. This weekend Sheen debut his self appointed talk show called "Sheen's Korner" where he continue to have diarrhea of the mouth.

S U S P E C T!!!!!!!!!

HMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!

All Hail The Queen.....

It gets NO better than the one and only Ms. Halle Berry. When perfection is this wonderful, you must recognize it and give credit where credit is due. Berry has been doing her thing in Hollywood for over twenty years,and is a constant on only Best Dressed list. Here she is captured Friday night @ NAACP Image Awards.

Going Home/TGIF

Happy Friday Everyone,
Last week I talked about "endings" and the reality is about the new beginnings and whatever that journey takes you, The roads that led up to this point is because of growth, hardships, acceptance and understanding. Some say you can't go home again, and I believe that's really the only place you can go back again to, as it truly is your beginning, the teachings, the mistakes, the security that your foundation provided. We leave the nest for greater pastures and it's the wisdom that has been instilled, that insured your safe arrival as you take flight.

As I grow in life, the goal is always to be better than I've ever been, to seek truth and harmony, in all things that I do, and in knowing your true truth, it's about not always liking what you see in you or those around you, sometimes it's about your characteristic while at other times it's about other's characteristics, however it goes, paying attention will get you to where you need to be; If you should get lost again, when it's time for you to go back to the grass roots, ground zero place where it all began for you, the ones that should and have loved you all alone when you finally make it home, open arms are awaiting to greet you as the embrace is about a 'lovely welcome'.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Circa 1969

Birth: Aug. 22, 1934
Death: Sep. 21, 1973

Diana Sands, acclaimed African-American Actress. From the Bronx, New York, her father was a carpenter, and her mother a milliner. Sands went to elementary school in Elmsford, New York, and racial discrimination forced her back to the Manhattan High School of the Performing Arts. After graduation in 1953, she toured with a carnival, returned to New York and began acting with the Greenwich Mews and in show tours while working night jobs to survive. She made her stage debut in George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara. Sands’ was spared from becoming a permanent keypunch operator at Con Edison with the 1957 role in "Land Beyond the River". In 1958 she appeared in "The Egg and I" and "Another Evening with Harry Stones". In 1959 she appeared in Daniel Petrie's film version of the Lorraine Hansberry play, "A Raisin in the Sun" (1961), playing "Beneatha Younger" beside with Ruby Dee and Claudia McNeil. 1964 was an exciting year for her. She won an "OBIE" for "Living Premise" and a Tony nomination for her role in James Baldwin’s "Blues for Mr. Charlie" and was then cast opposite Alan Alda in "The Owl and The Pussycat" which would have been unexceptional if portrayed by a white actress, but Miss Sands stepped into the role with no alteration in the script whatsoever, in a landmark performance introducing integration to the American cinema. In 1968, She garnered two Emmy nominations for "Beyond the Blues" and “Who Do You Kill,” She starred with Jeff Bridges in "The Landlord" in 1970, portraying "Fanny", a young ghetto mother who teaches her rich-boy white landlord what life is really all about. Diana performed at the Lincoln Center Theater as Cassandra in "Tiger at the Gates" and the lead in George Bernard Shaw’s "St. Joan." She and director Kurt Baker were engaged. and was to star opposite James Earl Jones in the production of "Claudine," but she fell ill during the summer of 1973, and died of cancer on September 21. She was just 39 years old.

Monumental................

Not sure if I would want to be in this building, but it makes for a very nice conversation peace!!