Tuesday, July 31, 2012

RIP Did you know ..... Gone Too Soon!



Paul Edward Winfield (May 22, 1939–March 7, 2004) was an Academy Award-nominated television and film actor. Winfield was openly gay in his private life, but remained discreet about it in the public eye. He was best known for his portrayal of a Louisiana sharecropper who struggles to support his family during the Great Depression in the landmark film "Sounder," and as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the television miniseries "King." Winfield also narrated the show "City Confidential," on the A&E channel. Winfield died of a heart attack in 2004; he was 64. His long-time partner of 30 years, architect Charles Gillan Jr., preceded him in death in 2002. He finally won an Emmy in 1995 for a guest appearance on "Picket Fences." He played a federal judge whose rulings on busing inner-city children are challenged by a local resident.

Despite acclaim, Winfield was often relegated to supporting roles, including playing Jim in a 1974 remake of "Huckleberry Finn."
Sidney Poitier hired Winfield for his first movie role in "The Lost Man" in 1969. Other significant roles included an appearance in the Broadway play "Checkmates" with Denzel Washington, and his portrayal of Don King in a 1995 HBO movie.
A Los Angeles native, Winfield was born May 22, 1941. Until he was 8, he was raised by union organizer Lois Edwards, who later married Winfield's stepfather.
He was bused to the predominantly white Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles and was named best actor for three years in a row in an annual Southern California high school drama competition.
He later studied drama at four colleges before leaving the University of California at Los Angeles six credits short of a bachelor's degree.
He is survived by his sister, Patricia Wilson, of Las Vegas.


Frankie "Hollywood" Crocker (December 18, 1937, New York - October 21, 2000,Florida) was a famous New York radio DJ. (Coined "Hollywood" for his keen sense of showmanship and self-marketing tactics.) According to popeducation.org, Frankie began his career in Buffalo, then moved to Soul station WWRL New York before being hired by top-40 WMCA in 1969. He later worked for WBLS-FM as program director, taking that station to the top of the ratings during the late 1970's. He sometimes called himself the "Chief Rocker," and he was as well known for his boastful on-air patter as for his off-air flamboyance.

When Studio 54 was at the height of its popularity, Crocker rode in through the front entrance on a white stallion. In the studio, before he left for the day, Crocker would light a candle and invite female listeners to enjoy a candlelight bath with him. Crocker was once linked to actress Jayne Kennedy after she divorced first husband Leon Issac Kennedy. At his peak, Crocker was the most famous black DJ in the world and the first to command and receive a six figure annual salary. His popularity was so immense, he worked in NY six months and worked the remaining six months in Los Angeles for a short time. Crocker died of pancreatic cancer in 2000. Mr. Crocker had been hospitalized in a Miami area hospital, where he died. He had kept his illness a secret from his friends and even from his mother, a former colleague of Mr. Crocker's told The Associated Press.


Sadly, actor Calvin Lockhart died from complications of a stroke in the Bahamas, recently. He was 72. Calvin Lockhart was most famous for his role in 1975 movie “Let’s Do It Again” as “Biggie Smalls”. When he was 18 years old, he migrated to New York City. Here, Calvin Lockhart attended the “Cooper Union School of Engineering”. After studied for one year he left it to start a career in acting. During his efforts in building up an acting career, Calvin Lockhart ran a Carpentry Business and drove Taxi.

Calvin Lockhart made his first appearance in “The Cool World” as a gang leader. Later on he transferred to Italy where he established his personal Theater Company; in which Calvin Lockhart directed and acted. Calvin Lockhart moved to West Germany and to England, here Calvin Lockhart landed many roles on “British TV” and also some small roles in movies like “Salt and Pepper and A Dandy in Aspic”. In 1970, Calvin Lockhart played his 1st lead role in “Halls of Anger” and also performed as a former basketball superstar and an English teacher. In the same year, Calvin Lockhart also starred as “Reverend Deke O’Malley” in “Ossie Davis’s Cotton Comes to Harlem”. Calvin became an actor at the “Royal Shakespeare Company” located in “Stratford-upon-Avon, England” in 1974.
Lockhart returned to the Bahamas in the late 1990s. He worked as a director on several productions of the Freeport Players Guild. Lockhart married New York Interior Designer Jennifer L. Miles, the mother of his son Julien Lockhart Miles.  Lockhart made his last movie "Rain," which was filmed in The Bahamas and not yet released. He is survived by his mother, Minerva Cooper; his wife, Jennifer Miles-Lockhart; sons Michael Lockhart and Julien Lockhart Miles; brothers Carney, Eric and Phillip Cooper; sisters, Melba and Delores. R.I.P. Mr. Lockhart.

This is my ongoing tribute to stars who passed away with little to no fan-fare. Follow my tributes every Tuesday.  Thanks fellas for your contribution to the world and for enriching our lives, may you RIP.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Always Be My Baby ...


Dearest Whitney,

I listened to "Saving All My Love For You" this past week, and I got the same feelings that I felt 28 years ago.  You captured my heart and the love never wavered.  You came to me at a time in my life when I really needed you, and your artistry helped to shape my children into adulthood, you basically saved my life.  When you came on the scene you became my favorite singer replacing Ella Fitzgerald, Gladys Knight and Teena Marie,  all of whom I placed into my Hall of Fame.  Your voice and delivery was something that touched my soul, and gave me feelings in a way that only you could do.  I'll never forget you, and the unconditional love that we shared.  Rest easy my princess, until next week .... I'll be seeing you.

Money, $$$, Money ...


Here's how the money plays out in R & B music.  These numbers show who has deep pockets.

1.Mariah Carey - $500 Million
2.Beyoncé - $350 Million
3.R. Kelly - $150 Million
4. Usher - $140 Million
5. Rihanna - $72 Million
6. Mary J. Blige - $45 Million
7. Chris Brown - $24 Million
8. Whitney Houston - $20 Million
9. Cee-Lo Green - $20 Million
10. Keri Hilson - $20 Million

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Affirmation



Father thank you for allowing me the opportunity to live to see another day and for another chance to do your will, and share love with those I meet along the way.  Father I don't have all the answers and I'm not perfect by no means.  I want to do your will and understand your constant presence in my life.  Bless all the people in my life and those whom I love.  Heal the world for our addictions and afflictions.  Those who are walking in struggle, strife and battle, manifest to them who you are.  Heal the world from cancer, diabetes, hiv and other poisons that can be toxic to the body, mind and soul.  To God Be the Glory, If God Be for you Who can be against you.  I do give thanks in your name, and so it is! Amen!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Anita Baker gracing us once more ..


For all the soul and jazzy music lovers out there, the Jazz Princess is about to make her to return to the forefront of the music world.. Her new cd "Only Forever" drops during the fourth quarter(Sept - Dec).  So far two singles are starting to get airplay "Sweetest Love" and "Lately" both are STANDOUTS and in the classic Anita Baker tradition.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Ubiquitous/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone ... Let's Talk About It!

Ubiquitous is a great tool, it's Godly and it seems a perfect way to honor our creator, how great would our existence be if we could be everywhere we needed to be in life at the same time, to answer the call when it comes in, to have the answer when the hard questions were asked, to know what the future held, and how to go about partaking in all the many facets that are required to land at your destination. The person who is constantly late, will be the one who pouts when opportunity passes them by, you see opportunity only had one requirement, which was punctuality.

Accountability is about maturation, it means that you take ownership of self preservation. Helping to fill voids can be instinctual, its not a prerequisite, it's about a willing stance to be a participant, a vessel when you are called to duty. Awareness will get you to an understanding, to know that anything incredible will always have its share of rewards and pitfalls, the grace comes when you acknowledge what mercy is. Standing for greatness applies to your being, and thanks is given when you arrive at gratitude.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Keeping It 100


This Jackson story continues to grow and grow.  What I know for sure is that the siblings are ALL broke with MAYBE the exception of JanetMJ was 'very' leery of his family for years.  The only person that he completely trusted was his mother, which is why she's  the only one listed on MJ's will, the rest was left to his children.  In 1991 brother Jermaine wrote a song "Word To The Badd" trashing his brother MJ, talking about his skin bleaching, it was left of his failed "You Said, You Said" cd on LaFace records.  When the usual BIG mouths in the family (LaToya and Joe) are quiet you just KNOW that there's MORE to this story.  Fact is Katherine's health isnt the best AND she 'is' 82 years old, it's clear that elderly abuse is happening.  Paris, Prince and Blanket's welfare is in danger, maybe the best thing should be, that the kids should live with Debbie Rowe, and even though Blanket isn't hers I think she would do a better job of caring from them, than what those children are currently receiving.  Lastly I think that the Paris and Janet slug fest should not have happened and I fully support Janet's stance with her niece, after all she's only 14 and should NOT be disrespecting her elders, and probably needs a stricter disciplinarian.  I'm just saying!!

Singer Fantasia and lover Antwan Cook are having issues in their relationship again.   Fantasia is allegedly preggers again with her third child and second from Antwan.  Fantasia recently saw pictures of Antwan kissing all over a "Bad Girls Club" reality star, which infuriated her. Antwan recently put her on blast claiming that she cheated on him with a pawnshop owner.  Here's my take, Fantasia you cheated with Antwan when he was married, so basically no good will come to you from this relationship.  Get your focus back, which should be to rasie your children with decent standards and morals, and lastly focus on what made America fall in your with you, YOUR MUSIC!

Chris Brown and Rihanna are back together and have been smashing for the last few months, anyone who doesn't believe it, that's on you.  When they go public with their relationship again, rememeber where you heard it first.

Hollywood isn't for PUNKS, if you want the jelly, sometimes you will be put in a jam!! I'm OUTRO!!!! KK'

Command Performance


Robert Kelly (r.kelly) is the premiere r&b vocalist of our time, always consistant and his talent never wavers.  This live performance of "Feeling Single" has the same energy that it on the record, and his delivery seem effortlessly.  Such a feel good song, makes you want to  dance and shake your booty.  Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Faces .....

From toddlers to adults ... its 'clear' that black is beautiful!

Coby Mor'rae


Tika Sumpter   


Beverly Johnson   

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Keeping It 100

I had to take to my blog after watching all the craziness at the Jackson compound.  First last week Mrs. Katherine Jackson was reported missing by her nephew and MJ's' kids.  After nine days Katherine informs a sheriff deputy that she's fine.  She went to Arizona with eldest daughter Rebbie for some much needed rest, now here's where the plot thickens, it's been rumored that Mrs. Jackson suffered a minor stroke. That was the update as of late Sunday night.
This morning it started with a phote of Janet and Jermaine clearly in a very intense conversation, also their were rumblings that the “Lost Hills deputies responded to a family disturbance at the home of Katherine Jackson in the city of Calabasas. Deputies determined that a slapping match had transpired between Janet and Paris.  Janet was seen on video basically tussling with her niece trying to take the minors cell phone.

This scene is shaping up to clearly be about money, which is baffling to me that Janet would get herself involved in all the madness, when she's clearly the only one of the siblings that has an income.  Randy, Jermaine, Rebbie and Janet are the one's who know the whereabouts of their mother, while Jackie, Tito and Marlon are clueless and aren't being allowed to speak to their mother.  MJ's kids again 'still' have yet to hear from their grandmother.  What's clear is Randy and Jermaine want MJ's money, them along with Rebbie and janet are trying to get the Estate executors over turned.  Randy believes that MJ's signature was forged.  I think that unfortunately Mrs, Jackson is not doing as well as the family would lead us to believe, the siblings are fearing that they will lose a chance to get at MJ's millions from his estate, if something happens to their mother, MJ's millions will go into a trust for his three children and his 'BROKE ASS' siblings would get nothing.  Jackie the eldest Jackson brother allegedly told friends that he feels that some of his siblings are brain washing their mother.  This is such a big mess for MJ's kids. it doesn't seem that the uncles and aunts care about them at all, it's clearly a MONEY issue, and MJ"s kids are their lottery ticket to millions. 

Tito's son went to court to get temporary guardianship of his cousins, he's very close to MJ's kids and they actually are in agreement of the temporary custody order. My other questions are WHERE IS THAT JOE and LATOYA at?  HMMM

I know first handily how money can come between families, currently I'm in a heated battle with two second cousins for my Grandmother's Estate.  Clearly our loved one's life has more value than monetary.  I pray for the Jacksons and my family to 'get' it together.

Jennifer Hudson can find a little solace in the loss of her mother, brother and nephew, their killer (William Balbour) was sentenced to THREE life sentences.  JUSTICE SERVED!!! 

Sherman Hemsley dead @ 74


Actor/Singer Sherman Hemsley died today at his El Paso, Texas home.  His nurse found him.  It's being reported that he died of natural causes.  Mr. Helmsley had two very successful television shows Amen on NBC and the role of George Jefferson on The Jeffersons on CBS, which was on television for 10 seaons.  That role made him a household name.  He never married and had no children.  RIP Mr. Hemsley, he was 74 years old.

RIP Did you know ..... Gone Too Soon!


Kenny Greene (January 17, 1969 – October 1, 2001) was  the lead singer of the group Intro who recorded for Atlantic Records.  He was also a noted songwriter and was instrumental in the launch of Mary J. Blige, he wrote 'Love No Limit' and 'Reminisce' for her debut 'What's The 411' cd release, he also wrote tracks for Will Smith, and 98 Degrees. Greene (pictured middle center) revealed that he was bisexual and that he was suffering from AIDS. He died in New York City at the age of 32 due to complications of the disease.

The original line-up consisted of members Kenny Greene, Jeff Sanders, and Clinton "Buddy" Wike. The group's name stands for "Innovative New Talent Reaching Out."
In 1993, the group released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #65 on the Billboard 200 and #6 on Billboard's Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Their first single, "Love Thang" peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in January of 1993, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The second single, "Let Me Be The One" peaked at #23 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in June of 1993, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.
The third single and Intro's biggest hit, "Come Inside" peaked at #33 on the Billboard Hot 100, #15 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #9 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in August of 1993, staying on the chart for 30 weeks.

The last single, a cover version of Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon in the Sky" peaked at #11 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in February of 1994, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. During that same year, Intro was featured on Eddie F's and the Untouchables' album, "Let's Get On" on the track "Never Again" which peaked at #60 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in December of 1994, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
In 1995, Intro released their sophomore album, "New Life" which peaked at #86 on the Billboard 200 and #16 on Billboard's Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.
The first single, "Funny How Time Flies" peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #25 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in November of 1995, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The follow-up single, "Feels Like the First Time" peaked at #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in February of 1996, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. After that, it seemed as if the group faded into obscurity.
 
This is my ongoing tribute to stars who passed away with little to no fan-fare. Follow my tributes every Tuesday.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Always Be My Baby ...

Dearest Whitney,

Such a stunning beauty you were, and you always could take my breath away. It still hasn't sank in yet, and I'm not sure if it ever will.  I still find myself looking forward to appearances by you on television  at award shows, wondering what you will rock on the red carpet or how you'll kill em when you walk out on stage, then the reality sets int that I will not have that pleasure again. 
Yesterday Katherine Jackson gave the world a scare she's been missing for over a week, Randy and Jermaine said that she was fine just resting, but Paris Jackson said that she had not seen her grandmother in over a week, and that her uncle Randy was a liar.  Late last night Katherine spoke to authorities and said that she was okay.  Here's the thing, it's rumored that she had a mini-stroke. I know you know all too well, how blood sucking relatives can be, but I digress.  I hope that you and MJ are resting as the two of you deserve.  I'll see you next week beautiful, until then rest peacefully my sweet princess.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Affirmation

Thank you GOD for all your beauty, mercy and grace and for the opportunity to witness another day of your goodness!  If GOD be for you, who can be against you. Love and Light!!

Friday, July 20, 2012

So It Begins/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone .... Lets Talk About It!

It begins with a dream, its realized with someone trying to crush them. The beginning of anything is full of rose colored theories. Preparation is a must when seeking anything worthwhile, challenges will arise, those are there to keep the create juices flowing. Hard times keeps us hungry and passion helps us to overlook the stumbling blocks when they present themselves. As you embark on your life long quest, the road will seldom be easy, and few will understand your plight, the support system that you would expect to be there for you will become the naysayers.

Belief comes from within, yet insecurities tells the best unwritten stories. Make no apologies for who you are and make no excuse for what you believe in. Your path and walk is certain, finding a way to please everyone is a destination that does not exist. If you can visualize that realization, it will help all your life lessons to be more impactful. At every learning curve, the lesson is clear, it's important to pay attention and take your hits as they come. When you stand up again, the bruises are far less noticeable, but your wisdom is apparent, and as you face the next chapter you're able to say with confidence ...  yes and 'so it begins'.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Command Performance



This is a pure gut wrinching performance, when I witnessed this, I was balling, this hit waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to close to home.  At the end of the day I so can always appreciate raw talent, I wasn't expecting this song to affect me this way, but I'm so appreciative that it did.  A singer's job is to convey emotion and deliver a story from a honest vulnerable place. Heather Headley holds nothing back on "In My Mind" and she reaches every soul within ear reach of her powerful voice.  We've all loved and lost, and most of us live to tell it, some times the feelings never go away, and truth always comes out when you least expect it.  This is what WINNING sounds like.  Great job Heather.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Faces ...

Beauty comes in all forms

Pilar Sanders when she isn't fueding with her soon to be ex-husband Deion Sanders, shes a actress and model, and a certified BANGER!  She's one of the preittiest women in the game.

Tyson Beckford now in his forties is still killing the modeling game, guess there's something to the saying that black doesn't crack.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Diahann Carroll turns 77 today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the LEGENDARY  Ms. Diahann Carroll.

One of the best nights of my life was about three years ago, when I got to spend about two hours with the lovely Ms. Diahann Carroll, she was charming, she was sophisticated, she was element, she was grand, she was engaging, she was fascinating, she was lovable and about all she was a LADY!!  I came away thinking that spending time with her was very familiar to me, and that she reminded me of family, her rules and standards were very genuine and consistant to what I've known.  People from her era stood for integrity and stability, and earned their rightful place.  Ms. Carroll spending time with you that evening changed my life.

RIP Did you know ..... Gone Too Soon!

This is part II of my "Truly Unsung" tribute about entertainers whose lives were interrupted and transitioned on to their next plateau with little to no fanfare of their exit from earth ....


Born July 9 - 1050 singer Gwen Guthrie (pictured above) is best known for her hit, "Ain't Nothing Going On But The Rent," in 1986. Guthrie started her career by moonlighting as a singer of commercial jingles, sometimes with her friend Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson fame). A songwriting partnership with Patrick Grant resulted in Ben E. King's comeback single, "Supernatural Thing," and "This Time I'll Be Sweeter," covered by numerous artists. She was also the writer of Roberta Flack's "God Don't Like Ugly," and she contributed to the Sister Sledge album, "Circle Of Love." Miss Guthrie died of uterine cancer on February 3, 1999 at the age of 48.


Born March 14 - 1976 actor Marlin Santana, of North Hollywood, was shot in the head and killed as he and a friend were in a car leaving another man's home in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles on Nov. 9, 2002. The Steve Harvey Show actor was only 26 years old.


Born  July 23 - 1954 singer Renee Diggs-Phillips (pictured above) former lead singer of the group Starpoint, died at age of 50. She died on 18th march due to complications with her disease Multiple Sclerosis.  Renee met Ernesto Phillips (who died Thursday, April 1, 2004) and his brothers in the early stages of their musical careers. Starpoint were signed to the Polygram imprint, Casablanca / Chocolate City Records in 1980. On that label they recorded four albums.
During the 'Restless' tour, in 1985, Renee was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After this diagnoses Renee recorded three more outings with Starpoint under bad health conditions. After five years, in 1990, Renee decided to go solo. The U.K. based record company Expansion acquired the rights to the subsequent 1994 recording and released 'Oasis' in late 2000. Renee formed the Renee Diggs Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis.


Born April 17 - 1956 Valorie Jones of  the Singing trio "The Jones Girls," (pictured above) were sisters who sung background for Diana Ross. They rose to fame after Ross got them a record deal to go out on their own. Their hits included, "You're Going To Make Me Love Somebody Else," and "Dance Turned Into Romance." Sadly, member Valorie Jones, 45, died in 2001, cause of death is unknown.


Born on  June 12 - 1948 singer Lynn Collins (pictured above) who sung with James Brown and recorded the smash hit "Think" in the early 70's , her voice can easily be heard on Rob Base's monster smash "It Takes Two". died March 13 - 2005 of cardiac arrhythmia, she was 56 years old.  .

Monday, July 16, 2012

Always Be My Baby ...

Dearest Whitney,

It's been a little over five months since you went away.  The world  doesn't seem as bright as it use to be.  I know in my hearts of hearts, that you're in a better place, a place where you're finally at peace.  'Sparkle' opens next months, and the buzz is starting to spread with anticipation and excitement.  I watched an interview with Brandy on Showbiz Today, she spoke about her love for you and how hearing your last recording 'Celebrate' how deeply it affected her and anyone who ever loved you and your voice, she broke down in tears, when I saw that It really helped me in the coping process, it helped me to realize that I'm not alone in missing you.  I know that we'll never be the same without you here, but you left us with a lot to love and keep us company.   I played 'You Give Good Love' on my radio show Friday as my way of thanking you again for being you because that what you truly gave us "Good Love".  Until next week my beautiful princess RIP.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Affirmatoin

To GOD be the glory for all the blessings that flow in your daily life, and for the opportunity to see another day, some were not so fortunate.  GOD is ever present, in challenging times, he will see you through.  We tend to be impatient in the waiting for revelations in our life.  The story is already written, again it's about a certain walk in rhythm and not falling off beat(off course).  If GOD be for you, who can be against you.  Question is: Do you believe that GOD is able?

Friday, July 13, 2012

Arduous/TGIF

Happy Friday .... Let's talk about it!

Difficult times builds character, it shows integrity and a qualified inner strength. In the midst of troubled and challenging times, when you're in the thick of things, often you're not very aware of the end result or outcome, tenacity gives you the extra added vigor that is required to exist in those moments. We cling to prayer, GOD is ever present though not always coming at the precise time that we would like. In those impatient times, we have in our arsenal a sixth sense, sometimes we shoot ourselves in the foot by second guessing the warnings signs and not taking heed.

We have all live through some arduous times, and have encountered unfair situations, which has left angry residue, that pushed you to your breaking point where you just screamed, yelled and cried. No one ever said that life would be perfect, but if you put in the work, due dilligence rewards fairness in more cases than not, it will reveal itself. Continue to do the good work, put in the time that's required, be an angel to all that you meet even when you know that some have nothing but the devil in them, trying to drain you of every decent breath you grasp. We call that taking the high road, because experience has taught us that those lessons learned, were perfected when we were in a valley.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Chris Brown .... Back @ #1

Chris 'Breezy' Brown scored his second #1 CD with 'Fortune' on Billboard Magazine Top 200 list.  Personally I don't care for this project, he seems a bit all over the place, more techno and less pop, soul and hip hop.  His fans seems to be slacking off too, Fortune only sold 134,000 units a major dropoff from the 270.000 units that he moved with his F.A.M.E. project.  His management needs to get better control over what he does in his personal life, it's starting to effect the sales of his music, which is what he should be known for instead of his antics in the streets.  It's time to grow up 'Breezy'.  I'm still a fan, but I'm also keeping it 100.  Congrats on your #1!

Command Performance

Usher and Mary J. Blige killed it on this performance, I love the energy and how in sync the were with each other.  Paying homage to the past is defintely understanding the journey of a villiage.  No on gets there alone.  This performance was from Fashion Rocks, the show might be a little shallow in content, but this pairings performance was nothing short of perfection.  Enjoy!!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Faces ...


Tracey Ellis Ross a Brown University Graduate, a writer, an actress AND the daughter of Legend Diana Ross.   Tracey was born into royalty, I mean c'mon Diana Ross is her mother, she must have great stories.


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

RIP Did you know ..... Gone Too Soon!

I wanted to dedicate this piece to the unsung heroes who have passed away that few were aware of.  This past twelve months we lost some major heavyweights in the music industry largely black artists, and some who were major influences of r&b music. How can we forget Vesta Williams, Heavy D, Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Don Cornelius, Dick Clark, Nick Ashford, Hal Jackson, Yvette Wilson and Whitney.  Most of those names get 'real' media attention but the list below didn't get the notable mentions that they deserve.  I will continue this column to 'honor' the unsung heroes because their life mattered too, and we're greatful for their body of work.

                                           
R&B duo "Damian Dame" (pictured above) consisted of Debra Jean Hurd aka "Deah Dame," and Bruce Edward Brodus aka Damian. They were the first act signed to the "LaFace," label by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "L.A." Reid. They were famous for the following hits, "Exclusivity," and "Right Down To It".   Deah would die delivering pizza in an car accident on June 27, 1994. She was 35 years old. Damian would die on the same day (June 27th) two years later of colon cancer .


Singer Richard "Dimples" Fields (pictured above) was famous for the songs, "If It Ain't One Thing, It's Another," and "She's Got Papers On Me." Fields would die of an massive stroke on Jan. 12th, 2000. He was 58 years old.


Edmund Sylvers (pictured above) was the lead singer of the group "The Sylvers." At age 47, he would succumb to lung cancer on March 11th 2004, following a 10-month illness. The Sylvers hits include: "Boogie Fever," and "Hot Line."  Sylvers was 15 when he started singing with six other members of his family on their self-titled debut album in 1972. His high tenor voice was the centerpiece of such songs as "Fool's Paradise." From five albums, other songs by the group included "Cotton Candy," "That's What Love Is Made Of" and "High School Dance. Sylvers made a solo album, "Have You Heard," in 1980 that included the single "That Burning Love".


Actress Teresa Graves (pictured above) appeared on "Laugh-In," and starred in the television series, "Get Christie Love," she popularized the word "sugar," in the series. Graves died in a house fire on October 10th 2002. She was found unconscious in a rear addition to the house where a faulty spare heater sparked the blaze and she was pronounced dead at the scene. It took 50 firefighters, 30 minutes to put the fire out.


Kevin (Dino) Connor, 28, (pictured above) was the lead singer of the group "H-Town." He was killed along with his finacee' on January 28th 2003. Dino and his pregnant fiancee were stopped  at a red light, after they had just left the studio when their vehicle was struck by a speeding SUV crashed into the driver's side of the car, ejecting both Dino and his fiancee' into a parking lot.  The finacee' died on impact and Dino died en route to the hospital.   H-Town rose to prominence with their smash hit, "Knockin The Boots." H-Town also included Dino's fraternal twin brother Shazam.

**May they all RIP, next week I'll tell your some more stories on the industry's 'Truly Unsung' artists gone by not forgotten. Remember People will live on as long as your remember them**

Monday, July 9, 2012

Tyrone Chandler ......WHOA!!

Basketball star Tyrone Chandler is showing us another side to his game, but it has NOTHING to do with Basketball.  Chandler said that his wife didn't want him sharing his goodies with the world.  My questionn is this ..... Is this promoting BASKETBALL or something us?  Ladies I would love to hear your opinion.  Inbox me.

Always Be My Baby ...


Dearest Whitney,

Another week has passed with you no longer here. I must say that in mourning, I'm clinging to the one's who are coping with your loss too. I've met so many fans of yours from all over the world, and the general tone is consistant, we all love and miss you very badly. Your light was mesmerizing, and it will never flicker out. BET continues to air their Awards show from last week, your tribute was the highlight, in watching the segment, it's very bitter sweet, no one can sing like you, and no one sings your songs as complete and full belted like you did, though I can appreciate their attempts, because like me, they are missing you too. Thanks for being my rock for over 28 years, I only wished that I couldve return the favor.  I know that we'll meet again, this I'm certain of.  Until next week, I'm wishing you a peaceful journey my princess.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Ernest Borgnine dead at 95. RIP Sir

Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine has passed away, he was 95.  'From Here To Eternity' is one of my all time favorite movies.  RIP.

Artists who help their friends ....

                                   
Marilyn Monroe learned the Mocambo, a popular Hollywood nightclub, would not book Ella Fitzgerald because she was black. Marilyn phoned the manager and told him she would reserve a front row table every night night Ella performed there, knowing that her presence would get a lot of press and publicity for the club. Soon, Ella became the first African American to perform at the Mocambo, and as promised, Marilyn was seated up front to enjoy her favorite singer.

Affirmation


I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 1:10, Phillipians 4:2

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Serena Williams WIMBLEDON 2012 champion!!

Take that BITCHES!!  Wimbledon officials has never loved the Williams sisters and they continue to try to put obstacles in their way AND every time the Williams sisters SERVES them notice.  Congrats Serena, your last two years havent been easy, but you are truly a stateswoman for the game of Tennis congratulations on your 5Th Wimbledon title tying with your sister Venus and your 14th Grand Slam  singles title overall.

Ray Allen signs with The Miami Heat

Basketball great Ray Allen has decided to leave the Boston Celtics in hopes of winning another Championship ring.  Allen made his decision to join The Miami Heat in the wee hours of the morning.  Miami will have another spectacular season. Welcome Mr. Allen your greatness is definitely welcomed.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Evolve/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone ... Let's talk About it!

Time is constant, change is also. To evolve is to push the envelope and challenge yourself with the unfamiliar, be courageous enough to face the unknown discoveries. We must account for who were are, and our rightful place in order to fully conquer our mission purpose. The walk is meant to challenge, stimulate and press some buttons in you that reveals layers to you that you didn't know exist.

Theory and formulation should teach you about going out on a limb when the equation is not such a simple arithmetic, when you take a closer look you realize that it's more about a determination and a testament on faith. Learning more today and utilizing the knowledge that was gained, helps to make your tomorrows brighter. Wishing, wanting and achieving your desires is the beauty of evolution, growth has its rewards, and sharing your awareness with others shows gratitude.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Command Performance

Donna Summer awww what a gifted vocalist, GOD rest her sweet soul.  Here she and Seal, blend in beautifully.  This performance is a true reminder of what talent looks and sounds like. It's very sad to know that Summer is no longer with us, heaven keeps getting more and more interesting, with some super heavyweight players. RIP Ms. Summer, you helped supply a soundtrack for a generation.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy Fourth of July....

Thanks to everyone who protect and serve in our country, for providing us with safety and going above and beyond the call of duty.  I SALUTE YOU!!

Faces ...

I'm a sucker for a pretty face, and I can admire whenever I see it. The thing is beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and here are a couple of things that I'm beholding:)

Monday, July 2, 2012

Anderson Cooper outs himself.... I'm GAY!

I'm sorry but I thought was funny, and like Hil said, it's NOT news.  Anderson Cooper has always been a classy dude, and I don't think his coming 'out' will change that.

Always Be My Baby ....


Dearest Whitney
BET got your tribute right last night, WHO knew.  Still it was bittersweet, because no one can sing your songs they way you did.  I applaud Monica, Brandy, Chaka,Mariah Carey, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon,  Loretta Devine, your mother and brother.  I hope that you were smiling down.  Until next week.  Rest with the angels princess.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Affirmation ...

It's your life, so live it to the ultimate fullness, and if we should meet or pass glances .....lets give thanks for the opportunity to 'be' in the moment on this earth at the same time.  Honoring GOD's grace and mercy, it's the dawning of a new day - Kevin Knighton