19 - Serena Williams takes DOWN Maria Sharapova for the 17th straight time. Congrats Serena Willams Leaving Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova in the dust!!!
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
D'Angelo plays SNL
SNL - Tomorrow musical guest D'Angelo performing tracks from his 'Black Messiah' opus!!!
SNL
Return - Eddie Murphy hasn’t appeared on Saturday Night Live since the Reagan years, but he says he’ll be on the show’s anniversary show next month. The second-generation SNL castmember spilled the news in a phone interview with TV One today. “They are having a 40th anniversary, I think, in two weeks,” he told host Roland S. Martin. “I’m going to that. That will be the first time I have been back since I left.”
Murphy was a popular SNL regular from 1980-84, leaving the show as his movie career took off. Will viewers get a return trip to “Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood”? Might Buckwheat sing again? Did Gumby somehow fake his death? NBC will air the Saturday Night Live 40th anniversary special on February 15.
Murphy was a popular SNL regular from 1980-84, leaving the show as his movie career took off. Will viewers get a return trip to “Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood”? Might Buckwheat sing again? Did Gumby somehow fake his death? NBC will air the Saturday Night Live 40th anniversary special on February 15.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Remembering ...
Swan Song - The late actor Paul Walker's final movie 'The Fast And Furious 7' opens this year. Its the best one of the series. When released it will be bittersweet, for obvious reasons.
Remembering Paul Walker ...
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Affirmation ...
Heavenly Father,
Giving thanks from where my Blessings flow. Father I thank you for the opportunity to greet another day, and to live to do your will. Not always on my time, but in your time. I know that you will give me, no more than I can bear. Please continue to guide and direct my path. Honor me with favor, mercy and grace. Protect me from hurt, harm, fear and danger. Jesus of Nazareth please give me dominion and authority over all things concerning and regarding me. can do all things because of you. If GOD be for you ...
Amen~
Down Under ...
Tennis newcomer Nick Krygrios is doing the damn thing down under in Melbourne, Austraila at the Australian Open. After being down, the first two sets, he came ALIVE!!! The Australian crowd looooooooooooooved it!! He's into the Quarterfinals where he'll meet Andy Murray! L'eggo
Australian Open ...
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Contracts 101
Contracts 101 - Upon entering the Recording Industry. Its imperative that you have educated lawyers on your team, NOT family members who perceive to understand business. Lil Wayne is being help prisoner by his record Label AND perceived 'family/friend' Baby, who is holding up his 'Sorry 4 The Wait' cd release. Frustrated rapper 'Wayne' decided to take matter into his own hands by releasing .... By releasing a 'Sorry 4 The Wait 2' mixtape. It features 2 Chainz, Drake, Christina Milian, iLoveMakonnen, Nicki Minaj, Mack Maine and more.
Is Lil Wayne being help captive???
Monday, January 19, 2015
How You Like Me Now!!!
How Ya Like Me NOW - The Washington Post detailed how President Obama's approval rating just hit 50 percent for the first time since the spring of 2013. That's the biggest -- and most surprising -- takeaway from a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
The last time he hit the half-century mark was in May 2013, when WaPo-ABC and a few other pollsters showed him there just a few months into his second term.
But while other pollsters have shown Obama's approval rating getting slightly better, none have shown him recovering to the extent that this survey does. In fact, the new poll represents Obama's biggest approval bump since the mission that killed Osama bin Laden in May 2011. His approval rating has risen nine percentage points in the past month alone, while his disapproval has dropped by 10 points.
The gains are pretty even across the board, but the biggest are among Democrats (10 points), moderates (10), Hispanics (22), and even white evangelical Christians (10), who generally tilt heavily toward the GOP. Obama also has gained 19 points among adults younger than 30.
The last time he hit the half-century mark was in May 2013, when WaPo-ABC and a few other pollsters showed him there just a few months into his second term.
But while other pollsters have shown Obama's approval rating getting slightly better, none have shown him recovering to the extent that this survey does. In fact, the new poll represents Obama's biggest approval bump since the mission that killed Osama bin Laden in May 2011. His approval rating has risen nine percentage points in the past month alone, while his disapproval has dropped by 10 points.
The gains are pretty even across the board, but the biggest are among Democrats (10 points), moderates (10), Hispanics (22), and even white evangelical Christians (10), who generally tilt heavily toward the GOP. Obama also has gained 19 points among adults younger than 30.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Affirmation
Happy Sunday Everyone ... Im thankful for another day to do his will. Trust in GOD and he will reward your life. Give GOD some of your time, he will answer your prayers. Acknowledge the presence of GOD his beauty is EVERYWHERE. If GOD brings you to it, he surely will pull you through it ...Trust in him!
Living in Gratitude ... Im Grateful
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Remembering ...
Done With Dinah: The Death & Funeral of DINAH WASHINGTON
Friday, December 13, 1963 started off like most days in Dinah Washington's life. She woke up being her fabulous self and decided to go shopping for Christmas presents, dropping $2,400 in one store alone. Later that day, a mink-trimmed sofa was scheduled to be delivered to the Buena Vista Ave., home she shared with Dick "Night Train" Lane on Detroit's west side. Her sons, Bobby and George, were to arrive home from a prestigious Michican prep school, and Washington looked forward to a quiet evening at home with family and maybe a friend or two. The friends left, the boys went to bed and the Lane's retired for the evening with the television still running in their bedroom.
Dick woke up around 3:45 a.m., and found Dinah on the floor. He tried to revive her but all she let out was one long last blue moan. Lane called "the doctor" instead of an ambulance, and soon the whole household was upset because they already sensed what the doctor was soon to pronounce: that the Queen had finally abdicated her throne at the age of 39. Sitting over on the nightstand was one glaring object that wasn't there the night before - a brand new, open pill bottle. It wasn't suicide! She had taken just one pill too many.
There were pills to loose weight, pills to gain weight, pills to sleep, pills to wake up, nerve pills - you name it, there was a pill for it and the doctors were only too happy to prescribe them. Dinah Washington had an aversion to the use of street drugs and there are people who want us to know that her drugs were legal drugs as if that makes it any better. Her system finally weakened under the strain. The medical examiner's report showed an excess of barbituates in her blood, more than twice the normal dosages of amobarbital and secobarbital - two different types of sedatives. It is thought Washington took them by mistake because they were not properly identified.
She wanted to be laid to rest in Chicago, her exciting adopted hometown. But that monday after her death, there was a memorial service at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit. The Rev. C. L. Franklin handled the services and his daughter Aretha sang a solo as thousands braved the below zero temperatures to pay their last respects. By the time Dinah's body arrived in Chicago to lay in state at the United Funeral Home on Sacramento Blvd., thousands more were gathering. The actual funeral was scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m., at the St. Luke's Baptist Church, seating capacity 600.
By 2:00, literally thousands of people had jam-packed the church. Mourners had to be escorted from the balcony for fear it would collapse. Between the two cities, it is estimated that 25,000 to 30,000 or more people viewed Dinah's body with many more outside freezing in the brutal winter temperatures.
Dinah was laid out in a solid bronze casket wearing a diamond tiara. She was dressed in a yellow chiffon evening dress, a white mink stole, white evening gloves, and her feet were covered in jeweled slippers. (Top, Dinah's father, Ollie Jones says goodbye to his daughter. Below, Dick Lane views his famous wife one last time).
One writer called the funeral a "soul-wrenching, heart-draining, foot-stomping, rocking and shouting going away party." Gospel stars Sallie Martin and then the Roberta Martin Singers rocked the house. Mahalia Jackson (left) sat forlorn and alone & then brought everybody to hysterics during her solo. Clara Ward (ab0ve) had to be restrained in her seat.
There were many celebrities in the church including Ella Fitzgerald, who was spotted in the back of the church with her head hung in grief.
Flamboyant ministers such as the Rev. Clarence Cobb and the infamous Prophet Jones made themselves known in other ways. Fans grabbed for souvenirs and funeral programs while Rev. Clay Evans grabbed the mike and sternly reminded everyone that "THIS IS NOT A SHOW."
(Crooner Brook Benton, often at odds with Dinah in life, reached out to caress her cheek.)
(Dinah's sons, George and Bobby, grieve for their mother at the funeral.)
Comedian George Kirby was an honorary pallbearer. Slappy White and Redd Foxx helped to carry the casket. Foxx had jokes when his foot slipped and he told the funeral directors to double-check the body because "she's probably laying on her side by now." (L-R, Redd Foxx, Slappy White, Prince Spencer, George Kirby and Herman Roberts.)
Rev. Eugene Ward of the Temple Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH eulogized Dinah and whipped the crowd into an emotional frenzy. It was said that he "screamed, cried, pleaded, jumped and bounced" in his delivery. Three or four hours later, the steps of the church were icy and Dinah's mother had to be helped into her limousine. There were at least 25 Cadillac limousines, and more than 100 other cars in the procession that tied up traffic for 7 blocks. (Dick "Night Train" Lane helps Dinah's mother, Mrs. Alice Jones Kimbrough from the church with Dinah's brother George at her side. Friend and agent, Ruth Bowen is in the white mink hat.)
By the time the funeral was over, the sun had gone down and The Hawk was whipping through the Windy City streets. The mourners finally assembled at Burr Oak Cemetery on the city's southwest side. It was fourteen degrees below zero and well past closing time. Cemetery workers tried and tried again to lower the casket into the open grave but the winch was frozen solid.
Just a few weeks earlier while watching President Kennedy's funeral, Dinah remarked that "nobody will ever see the Queen lowered into the grave like that" and she was right. They had to leave the casket in the snow overnight until the grave attendents could lower the Queen deep into the bitter earth from which she came and often sang of.
Extra photo:
(Pallbearer Slappy White views Dinah, Night Trane leaves the casket while unidentified girl stares into the camera. There were over 100 flower arrangements throughout the church.)
Remembering ...
Margaux Hemingway, Died
July 1, 1996, Santa Monica, CA
The badly decomposed body of the actress and model Margaux Hemingway, who was once described as the face of a generation, was discovered by friends on Monday in her home in Santa Monica, Calif., the police said. She was 41.
Santa Monica police investigators arrived at Ms. Hemingway's apartment at 1:52 P.M., said Sgt. Gary Gallinot, a department spokesman. Ms. Hemingway, a granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, had not been seen since Friday, and friends were concerned, the sergeant said. He said there were no signs of forced entry or foul play.
A spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner's office, Fred Corral, said yesterday that autopsy results would not be available for about two weeks but that a preliminary investigation pointed to death by "apparent natural causes," possibly linked to Ms. Hemingway's history of epilepsy. Ms. Hemingway had also struggled publicly with alcoholism and bulimia.
When Ms. Hemingway did not respond to phone calls or knocks on the door, friends asked a laborer working in the neighborhood to get a ladder so they could enter the home through a balcony, Sergeant Gallinot said. Ms. Hemingway had recently moved into the studio apartment near the beach.
Her agent, David Mirisch, told CNN that she had recently finished narrating a series on animals.
Tall, blond and glamorous, Ms. Hemingway achieved nearly instant renown in the 1970's as a supermodel. She began her career at the urging of a former husband, Errol Wetson, a film producer and a founder and former owner of the Wetson hamburger chain.
Joe Eula, the New York fashion artist, said in 1975 that Ms. Hemingway had "the face of a generation, as recognizable and memorable as Lisa Fonssagrives and Jean Shrimpton."
Later that year, she signed what The New Yorker called "the largest single advertising contract ever involving a female personality." The $1 million contract made her the spokeswoman for Babe, a fragrance line developed by Faberge.
She made her screen debut in "Lipstick" in 1976, opposite her younger sister, Mariel. The film, which received negative reviews, was about a young model who seeks vengeance after she is raped, then humiliated when a jury acquits the defendant. Ms. Hemingway's acting career faltered, while her sister fared better, appearing in films like Woody Allen's "Manhattan."
Ms. Hemingway was born in Portland, Ore., in 1955, the second of the three daughters of John Hadley and Byra Whitlock Hemingway. She was said to have changed her name from Margot when she learned that her parents drank Chateau Margaux on the night of her conception.
The family spent several years on Ernest Hemingway's farm in Cuba. They then moved to San Francisco, where her father was a stockbroker. In 1967, the family moved to mountainous Ketchum, Idaho, where Ernest Hemingway had committed suicide six years earlier.
Ms. Hemingway's two marriages, first to Mr. Wetson, then to Bernardo Faucher, a French-born film maker, ended in divorce.
In addition to her sister, she is survived by her father and stepmother.
Remembering ...
Actress Carole Landis suicide...
JULY 6, 1948
THE TIMES-PICAYUNE, New Orleans, Louisiana, July 6, 1948
* Actress Carole Landis suicide
"Carole Landis Kills Herself, Leaves Note".
Carole Landis (January 1, 1919 – July 5, 1948) was an American film and stage actress whose break-through role was as the female lead in the 1940 film One Million B.C.. Landis has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 1765 Vine Street.
In 1945, Landis married Broadway producer W. Horace Schmidlapp. By 1948, her career was in decline and her marriage with Schmidlapp was collapsing. She entered into a romance with actor Rex Harrison, who was married to actress Lilli Palmer at the time. Landis was reportedly crushed when Harrison refused to divorce his wife for her; unable to cope any longer, she committed suicide at her Pacific Palisades home by taking an overdose of Seconal. She had spent her final night alive with Harrison. The next afternoon, he and the maid discovered her on the bathroom floor. Harrison called a doctor and the police. According to some sources, Landis left two suicide notes, one for her mother and the second for Harrison who instructed his lawyers to destroy it. During a coroner's inquest, Harrison denied knowing any motive for her suicide and told the coroner he did not know of the existence of a second suicide note.
Remembering
Dorothy Jean Dandridge
September 8, 1965, West Hollywood, CA
Dorothy Dandridge, Died
(November 9, 1922 – September 8, 1965) was an African-American film and theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is perhaps best known for being the first black actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1954 film Carmen Jones. Dandridge performed as a vocalist in venues such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. During her early career, she performed as a part of The Wonder Children, later The Dandridge Sisters and appeared in a succession of films, usually in uncredited roles. In 1959, she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Porgy and Bess. She is the subject of the 1999 HBO biographical film,Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. She has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Dandridge was married and divorced twice, first to dancer Harold Nicholas (the father of her daughter, Harolyn Suzanne) and then to hotel owner Jack Denison. Dandridge died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 42.
Regal beauty ...
Remembering ...
June 23, 1969
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
ONDON, June 22- Judy Garland, whose successes on stage and screen were later overshadowed by the pathos of her personal life, was found dead in her home here today.
The cause of death of the 47-year-old singer was not immediately established, and an autopsy was scheduled. [Reuters reported that police sources said a preliminary investigation revealed nothing to suggest that Miss Garland had taken her own life.]
Miss Garland's personal life often seemed a fruitless search for the happiness promised in "Over the Rainbow," the song she made famous in the movie "The Wizard of Oz."
Her father died when she was 12 years old; the pressures of adolescent stardom sent her to a psychiatrist at the age of 18; she was married five times; she was frequently ill; her singing voice faltered, and she suffered from the effects of drugs she once said were prescribed either to invigorate or tranquilize her.
She came here at the end of last year to play a cabaret in another of the "comeback" performances that dotted her last 15 years.
Three months ago she married Mickey Deans, a discotheque manager. It was Mr. Deans, her fifth husband, who found Miss Garland dead on the bathroom floor in their home in the Belgravia district.
Also surviving are three children, Liza Minnelli, the singer and actress, and Lorna and Joseph Luft.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Happy Birthday ...
Hero - Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King. Your Dream, Beliefs and Efforts were not in vain.
Celebration for a King!!
Flashback Who's That:
Hailing from the Washibgton DC area and a Howard University Alum. R&B crooner Kenny Lattimore was gigging locally and getting attention. Being of a lover of Frankie Beverly of Maze fame, he often entered shows singing 'Beverly' songs.
Lattimore got his first break as the lead singer of the now defunct group 'Maniquin' who were signed to Epic records with a project produced my Charlie Wilson. Their debut received little fanfare, and shortly disbanded. A few years later Kenny materialized on Columbia Records in 1996 to much fanfare. That set boasted a pair of Top 20 hits: "Never Too Busy" and the Grammy-nominated perennial wedding favorite "For You," written by high school friend Kenny Lerum. The huge success of the album eventually achieved Gold sales status. Seemingly Lattimore was on his way. He followed up his debut with From the Soul of Man, another critically acclaimed set of classically styled soul music in 1998, featuring "Days Like This" and "If I Lose My Woman" along with a standout cover of The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."
A label switch to Arista records under the direction of Clive Davis, seemed the perfect fit, unfortunately he never got to work with 'Davis' who was ousted from Arista and replaced by L.A. Reid. I can't help but wonder, given the chance to work with Davis, where his career would be now. Lattimore released his Arista label debut 'Weekend' to dismal sales. Reid was no Davis. Next came a couple duet albums with 'then' wife singer Chante Moore, which were warmly received, but nothing like his debut on Columbia Records. Lattimore formed his own record label 'SincereSoul' and released his 8th album 'Back 2 Cool'. In keeping with the "lover man" image that came to the fore with the hits that launched his career, Lattimore is known for his dramatic stage shows, vocal agility, and romantic ambiance.
Its a 'Lovely' thing ..
LOCKED FOR KEYS: The first performers have been announced for what will be a uniquely awesome night of music: Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life — An All-Star Grammy Salute. Taking the stage to pay homage to Stevie's groundbreaking album will be Coldplay's Chris Martin, Janelle Monáe, Willie Nelson, Ed Sheeran and Usher. The star-studded celebration will be taped live at the Nokia Theatre on 2/10, two days after the Grammy and will air 2/16 onCBS in a two-hour prime-time special, just like last year's post-Grammys Beatles tribute. The extremely busy Ken Ehrlich will once again be executive producer, talent procurer and matchmaker for both specials.
From the Book of Genius ...
Monday, January 12, 2015
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Affirmation
Happy Sunday Everyone. Lay your burdens and give GOD the Glory. He will reward you with divine unconditional love.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Venus she's Got 'it' ...
AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- Venus Williams turned back the clock with a vintage performance to beat Caroline Wozniacki 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in Saturday's final of the ASB Classic, displaying her advanced preparation for the upcoming Australian Open.
Wozniacki swept through the first set in 30 minutes on the back of a series of unforced errors by Williams and she seemed headed for her 23rd career title when she broke in the opening game of the second set.
But Williams turned the momentum from the middle of the set, breaking back and then going on the offensive with a more accurate serve and with powerful forehand groundstrokes.
Wozniacki continued to fight, but Williams assumed the upper hand, breaking Wozniacki early in the third set, then clinching the match with a further service break after her opponent had saved two match points.
Williams was playing in her first tournament since September and won a WTA title for the first time since Dubai last February, improving her head-to-head record against Wozniacki to 6-1. She reached the final in Auckland last year, losing in three sets for former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic.
"Caroline and I were training next to each other in Florida recently and I saw how hard she works," Williams said. "She'd do half an hour of fitness work before she even started training and I thought `I should be doing that'...but I didn't. I knew it would be a tough match.
Williams had swept through into the final without dropping a set, beating Jana Cepelova 6-1, 6-0,Kurumi Nara 6-4, 6-1, Elena Vesnina 6-2, 6-4 and compatriot Lauren Davis 6-0, 6-4.
Wozniacki, in comparison, struggled at times to assert her authority over lower-ranked opponents, making unforced errors which left her often having to fight her way back into games.
"I've played a lot of tennis here this week and done a lot of running and a lot of returning and that will be good for me in the Australian Open," Wozniacki said.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Declaration/TGIF
Happy Friday Everyone, ... Let's Talk about It!!!
Years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 left some battle scars, the comfort is knowing that I am built for Battle!! Sometimes I felt I was on a team, looked around and I was solo. As an only child, Ive come to realize that traveling solo is one of my attributes. Through it all Ive stayed in the fight. Had I not 2015 would not look so promising and BRiGHT. My mantra is to never give up. My head is big and hard, thankfully I have some wisdom there, or else it would be useless. Anyone or anything that is a detriment to your vision, leave them behind. Thats the PAST. Walk away!! Any doubt and distractions that you create for yourself ... Walk Away. Your gifts and abilities are Blessed from GOD! Lean on GOD, trust in GOD, count on GOD lay your burdens before GOD!!
This will be my last TGIF. I started this vision in 2008. Hopefully Ive touched a place in your life, or at least provided food for thought. Its my hope that your dreams, desires, and hardships will lift and manifest into a fulfilling richness in your life, that brings you love peace and Joy. Lastly at this stage of my life I'm only interested in consistency, stability, loyalty and respect. For those in your life who fall short in their ability to connect with you, its okay to leave them in yesterday and love them for what they were/are despite of their journey, its no longer on part with yours. The glass is full!
This will be my last TGIF. I started this vision in 2008. Hopefully Ive touched a place in your life, or at least provided food for thought. Its my hope that your dreams, desires, and hardships will lift and manifest into a fulfilling richness in your life, that brings you love peace and Joy. Lastly at this stage of my life I'm only interested in consistency, stability, loyalty and respect. For those in your life who fall short in their ability to connect with you, its okay to leave them in yesterday and love them for what they were/are despite of their journey, its no longer on part with yours. The glass is full!
Kevin Knighton
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Rest In Peace ...
One of Gospels great contemporaries has been called home. Rest in Peace Andre Crouch!
Farwell faithful servant ...
Flashback Who's a That:
Musiq Soulchild or Musiq born Taalib Johnson; September 16, 1977. He is an American soul/neo soul singer-songwriter. As a part of the 'Neo Soul' movement Musiq Soulchild released his debut album, Aijuswanaseing, in 2000, featuring "Just Friends (Sunny)" and "Love". 2002 his Juslisen project debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and went platinum, featuring "Halfcrazy" and "Dontchange".
Musiq took a four-year break and changed his management as well as his record label from Def Soul to Atlantic Records.
In March 2007, Musiq's released his Atlantic debut album Luvanmusiq featuring the feel good anthem "B.U.D.D.Y." and the melodic "Teachme".
His fifth album OnMyRadio was released on December 2, 2008. The lead single "Radio" tanked. The following singles were the duet IfULeave featuring Mary J. Blige; and the powerhouse ballad SoBeautiful. A reggae duet album with singer Syleena Johnson failed. A rap persona fizzled. The music industry is VERY fickle HOT today, cold as Ice the next. Current day this artist has found himself, an Indie Artist lost in search of direction.
Soulchild has had 2 platinum albums, 2 gold albums and 7 hit singles.
(http://youtu.be/jLccOv7QPPA)(http://youtu.be/tnm36Z5JxEE)(http://youtu.be/6Zld-WQSBNg)(http://youtu.be/LgPpowVNEfE)(http://youtu.be/i7zsG3XFUd8)
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)