Aretha 72 years YOUNG

Aretha Franklin raised the roof of the Ed Sullivan theater last night with a 'rousing' rendition of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep".  She received a standing ovation.

Queen Of Soul

NEW YORK — Aretha Franklin is showing some R-E-S-P-E-C-T to her fellow divas: The Queen of Soul will release an album Oct. 21 covering classic songs from other female singers.

"Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics" will include songs such as Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia," Barbra Streisand's "People" and Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman."

The most contemporary track is a reworking of Adele's colossal hit "Rolling In the Deep," which is the first single off the album. It will be available digitally Monday, when the 72-year-old will also perform the song on "Late Night with David Letterman."

"Great Diva Classics" reunites Franklin with longtime collaborator Clive Davis.

"I mean, it is great," he said in an interview. "For her to do all these songs, it's very exciting."

Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Andre 3000 are among the album's producers. Other songs covered by Franklin include the Supremes' "You Keep Me Hangin' On," Alicia Keys' "No One" and Dinah Washington's "Teach Me Tonight." The icon's version of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" will incorporate some of Destiny Child's "Survivor."

The opening track is Etta James' signature song, "At Last," and Franklin closes the 10-track set with Sinead O'Connor's (Prince) "Nothing Compares 2 U."

Affirmation

Dear Heavenly Father,

I humbly come to you with Love and Gratitude.  Through all of my imperfections, you love me unconditionally.  Revealing to me that with everything, there's Grace, something to behold, and something new to discover.  On the path of life, some days I'm not at my best, I honor you.  With you all things are possible, no problem too great, nor too small.  Please continue to guide me, protect me and forgive me of my faults, sins and shortcomings.  

I'm merely a Vessel to spread the word of you Goodness and Mercy's.  Please continue to let me be an Angel to those who I encounter, that are in need of my services.  BLESS and Protect my Family, my Friends and my Foes.  If GOD be for Ye who can be against you.  No Weapons formed against me shall prosper.  For this IS the Day, that The Lord hath made ...

For ALL the Blessings in my Life and for the opportunity to witness another day ... I do give thanks. AMEN~

Remembering Don Cornelius ...

Remembering - Don Cornelius, thanks for giving my life a joyous jolt on Saturdays, and for the continued Education to the world of music, because of your vision, you introduced the world to artists, who may not have ever been seen or heard. A true VISIONARY!!!
Life can be a slippery slope and in a moment of temporary despair .... 
RIP

Stamina/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone, ... Lets Talk about It!!

Don't let your pain prevent your breakthrough and the path that is directed specifically for you.  No weapons formed against ... Prosperity is yours, the gift of knowing, that strength comes in all forms.  Stamina and steadfastness says that you're a believer in the mustard seed, to give up is not an option.  Mile after Mile, and many mountains to cross and climb.  Without perseverance and realization, nothing is ventured, and all is a loss, we're here to earn the foundation of knowledge, thats where understanding becomes the 'gain'.

Forecast teaches that tough times wont last forever,  endurance is a characteristic that preps you for the unknown.  Understand this, the answers wont always come easy, if at all.  At those times anger, and rage is the constant apparent, 'why' is the easy go to question.  Hurt allows you a certain way to grieve, to realize that with closure, is and ending, but yet also a beginning.  The heart provides us just the right stamina, its the driving force to pushing through. The pulsing, the flow, are all reasons to be, to get up and stand strong in your convictions, be them right for you, or wrong for everyone else.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

http://youtu.be/zLha43Tqc9M

Best'

Kevin Knighton

https://www.facebook.com/KevinKnighton360

www.Instagram.com/KevinKnighton_Callins

Jennifer Hudson ...

Tanked - Jennifer Hudson third CD on RCA records entitled 'J.Hud' tanks the 'flashdance disco driven' project is on par to sell less than 25,000 units in its first week. How do you spell disaster ??? .... Clive you've got some s'plainin to do.

Hudson still seems lost in finding her direction, her approach feels out of character, like she's still on 'Idol' singing other people's songs.  Davis seems hellbent on trying to make her the 'next' Whitney Houston, which is clearly absurd.  Hopefully Hudson will do some soul searching musically and artistically before she goes into the studio again.

Who is 'J.Hud' ....

So Long Eric Holder ...

WASHINGTON -- Attorney General Eric Holder, the first African-American to hold the nation’s top law enforcement position, today he announced that he will resign the post he’s held for nearly six years as soon as a successor can be confirmed.  The 63-year-old will call his tenure as attorney general the “greatest honor” of his professional life, according to a Justice Department official.

President Barack Obama, who has a close personal relationship with Holder, will not name his successor and has not decided on a replacement. Holder discussed his plans with Obama on several occasions over the last few months, and finalized his decision at the White House residence over Labor Day weekend, according to a DOJ official. If Holder stays in office until December, he will become the third-longest serving attorney general in the history of the United States.

Flashback Who's That??

Flashback Who's That Thursday:

SInger Lyfe Jennings born Chester Jermaine Jennings on June 3, 1978.  His voice is very reminiscent of Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. Jennings is a platinum-selling American soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and instrumentalist. He plays the guitar, bass, and piano.  The New York Times referred to him as a "socially minded R&B singer".  His love for music led him to join a group that included two cousins.  Lyfe lost his father at a young age.   In 1992, Lyfe Jennings went to prison for ten years for felony arson, he was 14.  As Jennings refers to many times in his music, he turned his life around while in prison. There, Jennings continued to write music and rekindle his faith in God.  In 2004 Jennings released his debut cd "268-192" (represents the identification number he was given while incarcerated) attached to the end of his debut album went platinum and he's known for hits like "S.E.X." And "Never Never Land".  His star was on the rise, in 2006 saw the release of his sophomore project entitled "The Phoenix" peaked at #2 on the Pop charts and #1 on the R&B chart. After non stop touring, in 2008 Jennings released his next opus "Lyfe Change" showed growth in Jennings music, he was taking chances by working with outside producers.  "Change" peaked at #4 on the Pop chart.  While on the road to promote his cd, all hell broke loose, the R&B crooner went back to prison for three years and a half years in Atlanta.  The sentence stems from an altercation Jennings had with the mother of his child in 2008 . The singer kicked down the door of a house in Smyrna, Georgia, in an attempt to find Joy Pound and later fired a gun outside. Smyrna police saw a red 2005 Corvette fleeing the scene, and Jennings was caught after a high-speed chase that ended when the singer smashed the vehicle. He refused a sobriety test. Upon release from prison he released his fourth and fifth cd (I Still Believe and Lucid) his core audience was still there, but there was an apparent change in him, the successes seem to taper off.

Currently Lyfe is touring the country with Ginuwine, 112 and some dates with Fantasia and will release his sixth studio album 'Ten Years Later' by years end, its vintage Lyfe Jennings.

(http://youtu.be/N_cdYT3kUto)(http://youtu.be/GkpN3uiZ-Ew)(http://youtu.be/PTkRNFv8Ifw)

The Voice!!!

Pharrell, Adam, Gwen & Blake

Affirmation

Dear Heavenly,

I love you with all my life and my being.  Thank you for the gift of life.  Its always an interesting ride.  The peaks and the valleys.  Im merely a vessel to spread the word of you goodness and mercy. To live in gratitude is to understand life on a higher plane. Please continue to give me Favor, Mercy and Grace.  This is the day that The Lord Hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!!  If God Be For You, who can Be against you.  For all the blessings in my life - I DO GIVE THANKS!! Amen~

#faith #Blessed #Belief #Affirmation

Lenny Kravitz ...

A visual celebration of one of rock’s sexiest, most magnetic stars. Lenny Kravitz is the quintessential rock god: he has musical chops, glamorous style, and sex appeal for miles. Kravitz’s talents as a writer, producer, actor, and multi-instrumentalist are without question: he has won four consecutive Grammy Awards, setting a record for the most wins in the "Best Male Rock Vocal Performance" category, has sold more than thirty-eight million albums worldwide, and remains always in the public eye by appearing in blockbuster films. Not only is Kravitz a talented musician, he is also a style icon. Lenny Kravitz is a pictorial tribute to one of the sexiest faces in rock and roll. This book includes photographs spanning Kravitz’s time in the public eye, from his earliest days kicking around in New York City in the 1980s to traveling the world; from shots of Lenny composing in hotel rooms to performing in front of massive crowds; and from fashion shoots to intimate personal settings—and it is easy to see why the camera loves him. This glamorous book showcases images from every top name in fashion and art photography, including Mark Seliger, Patrick Demarchelier, Ellen von Unwerth, Anton Corbijn, Jean Baptiste Mondino, Ricky Powell, Per Gustafson, Bettina Rheims, Matthew Rolston, Roxanne Lowit, Terry Richardson and Mathieu Bitton, to name only a few, and includes a conversation with Pharrell Williams. Lenny Kravitz illustrates the raw sensual power that has captivated his fans all over the world.

Vagaries/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone, ... Let's Talk about It!!!

Whatever the day throws at you, having that armor and shield will get you through it all.  Evil and the trouble of this world keeps demons constantly at work.  Anointed powers is your ability to see through everything and enables you to rise above, on occasion something might get missed, a simple retooling prepares you for the next round.  You know the saying 'fool me once'? Yeah that one:-) The suspense and thrill of the unknown continues to make the wheel of life ALL the more intriguing.  Nothing simple ever proves worthwhile, sure fun exists there, but no real weight or meaning. 

Glory to our Heavenly for life and the hereafter.   We come to be, for a short time, it goes by very swiftly and the wonderment of it all, is did I have enough time; what did I have to give; and how did I enrich others?  Thoughts like these have so much more importance, to me these days.  Its about connecting on a higher plane, for purpose and balance.  The world has gone wild, with few heroes to try to save a nation, that seem content with confusion and anger, its as if hope no longer is offered as an option.  Mass confusion, lives in the gutter, use your options.  For every problem there's a solution, its only a temporary obstacle.

What Are You Doing a With Your Life?

http://youtu.be/bhYsEGG39ic

Best'

Kevin Knighton

https://www.facebook.com/KevinKnighton360

www.Instagram.com/KevinKnighton_Callins

Corruption Plot Thickens ...

Anthony Bartie, Cecelia Marie Mitchell-Bartie and Wilford Carter .... starring in the "On The Run' Tour.  Michelle Breaux and Ralph Williams, terminated from the Succession of Oleava Knighton, new delays and stall tactics, continue to prevail.  Stay tuned ...

Flashback Who's That ...

Flashback Who's That: Thursdays

Vanessa Williams a former Ms. America, singer and actress.  After being forced to step down as 'Ms. America' in her tenth month.  Williams at the urgency of her then manager ( who later became her husband) Ramon Hervey II, set her sights in a recording career.  Which would prove to be a wise move.  After all she was a 'Musical Theatre' major at Syracuse University.  Williams.  After Lending her vocals on 'funkster' George Clinton's 'Do Fries Go With That Shake', she signed a recording contract with the Mercury records imprint 'Wing' label.  Williams released her debut album 'The Right Stuff' it went gold' and spawn four Top Ten r&b singles.  In between recording, the former Ms. America got bit by the acting bug,  It became time to record her second album The Comfort Zone on August 20, 1991, the first single was a 70's disco inspired 'Running Back To You' becoming a #1 r&b record, peaking at #18 pop.  She was just getting warmed up, the album received rave reviews,  after two well received r&b singles, 'Save The Best For Last' was released as the third single, it exploded on the charts peaking at #1 on the Pop charts for five weeks.  The Comfort Zone sold over three million copies, and was nominated for five Grammies.  Not bad for a former 'Ms America' who was stripped of her crown.  Ironically because of Williams successes, the Ms. America pageant organization 'still' lists her as 'Ms America' asking her back, time and time again to appear, which she always declines.  Today this beauty continues to act (Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, Soul Food, Eraser) and record as time permits.  Proving that  you can turn a negative into a positive, she is the most successful and most recognizable Ms. America EVER!!

(http://youtu.be/m3Urr8J3RYQ)

(http://youtu.be/d3PzWGLkZLo)

(http://youtu.be/uTYsUJW7D8M)

WINNING ...

Eye On The Prize - For those of you who have endured this journey, with me and for holding me up, when I might have faltered, I give thanks to the Heavenly Father and my ride or dies.  Today is the final day.  It's time for my close up.  Growth, awareness, heartbreak and realization, has all been revealed, which has given me Closure, triumph and Victory.  Let's Go Get em!!!! #WINNING

Letter To Clive Davis ...

WHACK WHACK WHACK!!! Clive Davis clearly its time for you to have a seat (many).  I've seen Whitney Houston LIVE in concert over 15 times.  Hell I even recorded her first concert as a headliner, in 86/87 and its a GEM.  You should have enough footage of her LIVE in concert performances, that would allow you to do Whitney Justice, this sh*t that you're bolstering about is at best good for the 'NOVICE' Whitney fan, (all of those performances are available on youtube) not the true diehards.  I could provide you a REAL song list, that WOULD sell millions, one that would capitalize on this great woman's voice, music and legacy.  Once again, you've managed to out due yourself in the DISAPPOINTMENT department. #Disgusted

Whitney E. Houston

Remembering Amy ...

Happy Birthday Amy Winehouse. Your memory and music will 'forever' live on.

(http://youtu.be/namFjcOgHSE)
(http://youtu.be/PLuf3VsrO4g)

Amy Winehouse .... RIP

Affirmation ...

Happy Sunday Everybody ...

... remember that "This Is The DayThat The Lord hath made, let's us Rejoice and be glad in it" Amen

Colossians 1 15-16
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

No Good Deed

Despite the critics trying to rip 'No Good Deed' to shreds.  Audiences proved differently with a #1 debut at the Box Office this weekend. Taraji P. Henson is not your average 'victim' and Idris Elba captivated the female audience attention. Both are Executive Producers of the movie. Congratulations to both!!

"Sony reports that No Good Deed posted a strong opening. Early word of mouth appears decent with a 74 percent Flixster score this morning, flying in the face of critics' lowly 10 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. BoxOffice is projecting a $23.5 million weekend finish in first place, far exceeding the film's $13 million production budget." -

Rest In Peace ...

Joe Sample ...

A member of a The Crusaders 

At 9:50pm (Houston,TX time), September 12, 2014, Joe Sample passed. His wife Yolanda and his son Nicklas would like to thank all of you, his fans and friends, for your prayers and support during this trying time. Please know that Joe was aware and very appreciative of all of your prayers, comments, letters/cards and well wishes.

Spellbound, Ashes to Ashes my faves

Rest In Peace Joe Sample

Paul Walker ...

Thinking of you ... Happy Birthday

Calvin Calvin Calvin

Calvin Klien gets 'it' in!!

David Geffin's boy toy Marky Mark

Everybody rocks Calvin's

GUILTY ...

PRETORIA, South Africa — Oscar Pistorius, the disabled track star who once commanded stellar heights of international competition at the Paralympic and Olympic Games, was found guilty on Friday of culpable homicide, equivalent to manslaughter, after being acquitted of murder charges for killing his girlfriend.

But he was granted bail and will remain free, at least until a sentence is announced. Sentencing procedures are set to begin Oct. 13.

The verdict, pronounced by Judge Thokozile Matilda Masipa, was the culmination of a closely watched drama that transfixed many around the world. Mr. Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, 29, in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2013, saying he believed an intruder had entered his home.

Wielding a handgun loaded with hollow-point ammunition, he opened fire on a locked toilet cubicle door only to discover when he broke the door down with a cricket bat that Ms. Steenkamp was inside. The prosecution sought to prove that he intended to kill her, but he called her death an accident and a mistake.

Emancipation/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone, ... Let's Talk about It!!

In the wake of 911, Michael Brown, and the elevator beatings, to name a few.  Contrary to what you might be led to believe, all Black men are not wife beaters, drug dealers or killers.  Our world seems to be cluttered with chaos and confusion.  The Government continues to paint a picture that glamorizes the 'haves' and reduces the 'have nots'.  Finding ways to take a stand seems to become a mainstay struggle.  The message is clear that not all are wanted and not all are counted.  This world today is not of GOD, but marketed by Man for 'some' not all.  Emancipation allows you to stand on your own, it says that you are declaring, accountable for self.  It says that you understand the rules and that you will conduct yourself accordingly.  The bylines fail to mention, the injustices, the racists, the bigotry and just the down right unfairness that this world can offer, you will come to realize that its all listed in the 'fine print, which we all know is seldom read.

I say to the world, that conveniently believes in calling someone, and not leaving a message, only to believe that its an acceptable forum of dialogue, or to the 'new' world that believes that texting has trumped LIVE communication.  For the feeble one that fails to address their personal issues, or those that choose to live in a world to merely exist through rose color glasses.  Im sorry, I didn't sign up for that.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

http://youtu.be/TeVaa35Al7U

Best'

Kevin Knighton

https://www.facebook.com/KevinKnighton360

www.Instagram.com/KevinKnighton_Callins

Flashback Who's That ..

Flashback Who's That Thursday:

Straight from Newark, New Jersey, singer Raheem DeVaughn has been compared to Dwele, Van Hunt, D'Angelo, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. DeVaughn has described himself as a R&B hippie neo-soul rock star.  "Stating 'I'm my best marketing tool'. I'm building the brand Raheem DeVaughn.  I have to do it." 

He worked on the street to spread the word around, sold mixtapes.

With the help of DJ a Jazzy Jeff and Kenny Burns, Raheem's music debut 'The Love Experience' saw the light of day in 2005  on Jive records, the project moved a quarter million units, setting up for his followup 'Love Behind The Melody' in 2008 which is his most successful project to date, scoring the #1 position on the r&b album chart and #5 on Top 200 chart. After three releases on Jive records, he moved to a new label in 2013 'A Place called Love Land' was released, with a little buzz, but not the fanfare he received on Jive records.  Never one to be pigeonholed DeVaughn has appeared on a slew of hip hop artist projects. (Leela James, Guru, Wale. T-Pain, Jazzy Jeff, Musiq, Ghostface Killah, Kindred the Family a Soul, Dwele, Game, Method Man)

Though clearly respected by his peers and having four official music releases under his built DeVaughn continues to be one of musical best kept secrets.  

(http://youtu.be/0SBANwOlEoI)

(http://youtu.be/9zrASviP7rQ)

September 11, 2001 ....

In Remembrance - September 11, 2001.  Innocent lives wasted, but never forgotten.  Families lost loved ones and never fully recovered from the pain and loss.  We the world at large was forever changed.  The terrorist  deadly attack from the middle-East is not a memory that we will ever forget.  As a collective whole, we all loss and all mourned.  Rest In Peace to those lives lost.  You did not die in vain.

Rest in Peace ...

Rump Shaking Wednesday

Happy 'Rump' Shaker Wednesday. Before J.Lo and the silicon of Nicki Minaj and the KKK's sisters.  Janet Jackson has ALWAYS gave 'back'.  Her 'dunk' is LEGENDARY!

#therealdealJanetJackson

Janet 'Damita Jo' Jackson

Keep Pushing On ...

Started from the bottom NOW ....

Tennis Royalty - Serena Williams

18th Grand Slam ...

Congrats Serena Williams ...

You Did it!!!!! A 6th time US Open Champion and 18th Grand Slam Winner!!!! Changing the his tire books.

Game ON Bitches!!!

My house ... Say my Name!!

A Final Bow ...

Joan Rivers was an amazingly vibrant and relevant woman, who lived to make the world laugh.  Always proving the odds wrong.  She was masterful at reinvention.  Rivers went out on top of her game.  She was 81 years young, and always very age conscious.  A true trailblazing ICON, business woman and philanthropist.  I am truly sadden by the passing of Joan Rivers.  I was a fan before it was 'in' fashion to love and adore her.  Here's to a job well done Joanie.  Take your final bow lady, you've earned it.  Rest in Heavenly Peace. 

Fiercely Iconic Ms. Joan Rivers

Chris 'Breezy' Brown

'X' drops September 16 ... Breezy

Returns/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone, ... Let's Talk about It!!!

No regrets, you'll never get a second chance to make a first impression.  Be intentional, considerate and very well versed, as you approach every life situation.  Make the most of the time that you're given, hug a little longer, apologize if needed, express your heartfelt feelings.  These are all things that most of us are aware of, so often we get caught in just trying to 'be' whatever we're seeking out at the time, those genuine moments can't be rushed, when you do something gets missed.   Doesn't make us a bad people, we have just allowed what society has thrust upon us, the hustle and bustle of life.  Social media dictates that everything has to be NOW,NOW, NOW!!!  Are you being your authentic self; or are your presenting a mirage?

Standing still in your consciousness is aligning yourself with the universe for a singularly centered purpose.   I've often thought about 'return', what you present, is what you hope to get back.  Many times Ive questioned who returns to repeat mistakes, of the lessons that one has failed conquer.  Upon completion, its my belief that when you have served your purpose, you finally get what is righteous.  The next phase is to be with God in the Holy land for reunion time.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

http://youtu.be/qSUd_iypgXU

Best'

Kevin Knighton

https://www.facebook.com/KevinKnighton360

www.Instagram.com/KevinKnighton_Callins

(RIP) Joan Rivers ...

Rest in Peace Joan Rivers

Rest In Peace Ms. Joan Rivers. Legendary comedienne and business, she was 81 years old.

Thanks for the Laughter!!

US Open - Gael Monfils

US OPEN has their eyes on Gaël Sébastien Monfils born 1 September 1986.  His antics on the Tennis courts are legendary.  He is a true acrobatic showman, with mega-watt personality.  Monfils is a French professional tennis player.   As a junior Monfils compiled a singles win/loss record of 83–22, reaching the No. 1 junior combined world ranking in February 2004. In 2004 he won the Boys' Singles titles at the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon.  He was crowned International Tennis Federation youth world champion.  A former French No. 1, reaching a career-high singles ranking of World No. 7 and winning 5 singles titles. He was the runner-up at the Paris Masters in 2009 and 2010 and a semifinalist at the 2008 French Open.  

Tonight he faces 17 grand slam winner Roger Federer in their QF's showdown.  All eyes are pointing to Roger, but Im rooting for the upset.  Gael Monfils skill set is MUCH better than the rankings list him.  If his hunger for the kill in Tennis was stronger, he would be much higher ranked, but he plays strictly for the love of the sport.  Quite remarkable is the fact that Monfils reaching new strides WITHOUT a coach.  I feel that he time is 'now' ready for his close up.

Gael Monfils ...

Flashback Who's That ...

Flashback Who's That Thursday:

Singer, Songwriter & Producer - Trina Broussard is a Houston, Texas native.  A seasoned session player she sang background vocals for Bobby Brown, Pebbles, Babyface, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, Rahsaan Patterson and BeBe & CeCe Winans.  Broussard began career in 1997 when she covered Minnie Riperton's song "Inside My Love, on the 'Love Jones' movie soundtrack.  A year later in 1998, Broussard signed a record contract with Jermaine Dupri's label So So Def, unfortunately after her first album was stalled In 2002, she left the label. Broussard released her debut album Inside My Love on Motown/Universal Records, with singles "Sailing" and "Love You So Much". In 2004, Broussard released her single "Dreaming of One" as the lead single from her second album, Same Girl. The album's release was later followed by the release of two additional singles "Losing My Mind" and '"Joy". In 2009, Broussard returned to music industry and embark on a short promo tour.  Announced by Broussard, her third studio album Life of a Libra would be released in 2010.  Trina Broussard's voice is sweet buttered soul, sadly she hasn't gotten the deserved attention.  Today she continues to write music and tours, when the opportunity presents itself.

(http://youtu.be/zjm7KYftSB8)

(http://youtu.be/KCkJk88Toog)

(http://youtu.be/-l5lhSe2ScM)