Baby Baby, Sweet Baby ... Loving Aretha Franklin

Hits, Hits and More Hits.  That VOICE, That DELIVERY, was unparalled .  The daughter of a Preacher man, lost her battle to Pancreatic Cancer, on August 16th 2018.  It was a very sad day for the Entertainment Industry and Global World.  The death of Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, was the end of an era.  A singer, songwriter, producer, social and civic activist, and philanthropist.  

Performing for Kings, Presidents, Heads of State and the Global world.  Franklin was a blueprint staple for any female singer, covering all genres.  Tweets came in from all over the world, Former Presidents, Bush, Obama, Clinton, Mic Jagger, Lenny Kravitz, Anita Baker, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Annie Lennox, Britney Spears, Smokey Robinson, Pattie LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Carole King, Tony Bennett, Time Magazine, Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Riatt, Cyndi Lauper, Nas, Stella McCartney, Lionel Richie, David Foster, Wynonna, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Ledisi  and many others. 

As a black male, growing up, the legacy of Franklin always provided comfort for me and my family.  I can never recall a day in my life, where her music wasn't showcased.  Saturday morning chores, her beautiful vocals, was always showcased and highlighted.  Having realized that I got to roam the earth at the same time that Aretha Franklin was a creative force, brings such warmness to my heart, she was a prominent force in the soundtrack of my life.  Thank you Aretha Franklin … I'll "Never Let You Go". Rest In Peace.  KK

TGIF

Create your own Sunshine. #TGIF

TGIF

You have the Power, to fight, to stand, to speak your worth.  #TGIF

It's finally HERE ....SOVO// Baby!!!

You have the Power, to fight, to stand, to speak your worth. #TGIF

I will love you anyway ....

even if you cannot stay .... she LIVED!!! Only one Whitney!!1

"Hit The Floor" season 4 on BET .... coming soon.

McKinley Freeman and Katherine Bailess


Logan Browning and 'creator' James Larosa

This Beyonce' had me Hooked!!!!

Can't nobody compare to you ... "DeJa Vu"

Paris Hilton in Red ... Sexiness

Powerhouse Fantasia Barrino "STILL" here ....

From the moment singer Fantasia takes to the stage, she commands your attention. That’s the sign of a true entertainer.  She came to perform, and boy oh boy does she ever, truly captivating from start to finish.  Fantasia Monique Barrino born June 30, 1984), known professionally simply by Fantasia, who is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame as the winner of the third season of the reality television series American Idol in 2004. Following her victory, she released her debut single, "I Believe," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Subsequently, she released her debut album, Free Yourself, which went on to be certified Double Platinum.

In 2006, she released her second album, Fantasia, which featured the single "When I See U" which topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for eight weeks.  Turning her sights to Broadway she played 'Celie' twice in two different runs of 'The Color Purple' selling out night after night.  

From her Church house humble beginnings days, to the stage, Barrino has weathered many climates.  Coming out victorious.  A modern day Patti LaBelle, Tina Turner and James Brown all rolled into one, that energy is animalistic and ferocious.  Fantasia’s truth and commitment is evident. The 'American Idol' winner 14 years later, showing  no signs of slowing down, she is the real deal.

Rest in Peace ...

The Rev. Billy Graham, the Christian evangelist whose worldwide crusades and role as adviser to decades of U.S. presidents made him one of the best known religious figures of his time, died Wednesday at age 99 at his home in Montreat, N.C, Todd Shearer of DeMoss Associates told Fox News. Graham, who had been in ill health for a number of years, was regularly listed in polls as one of the "Ten Most Admired Men in the World."Shearer told Fox News that Graham died from "natural causes."

Remembering Powerhouse Vesta Williams ...

Close your eyes and resonate on the voice of Vesta Williams. Take a stroll with me to Oprah Winfrey's mini-series 'The Women Of Brewster Place'. A song with no words just 'moans' and you're drawn into the vocal stylings of the singing chanteuse, then flash to rock singer Sting's song 'We'll Be Together' you hear the background vocals again of Williams 'wailing'. As a session singer she sang jingles for 'Revlon', 'Diet-Coke', 'Nike'. Having backed Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Sting, Stephanie Mills, Anita Baker and Gordon Lightfoot, earning her chops.

Her debut album was released on A&M entitled 'Vesta' was warmly received. Her debut album '4 U' featured the single 'Sweet Sweet Love'. She was known for her four-octave vocal range. Although Williams never had any albums certified gold plagues, nor any Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. She scored six Top 10 hits on the Billboard R&B charts. Williams best known for songs "Sweet Sweet Love", "Don't You Blow A Good Thing Baby", and her signature song "Congratulations". During her A&M records stay, she released four CD's. The singer's weight was always the issue that her Record label focused on, instead of her voice, which made things difficult, for Vesta at times. A&M’s last stitch effort for the powerhouse singer, was teaming her with then 'new' come singer and record producer Brian McKnight, along with  Anita Baker's producer Michael Powell, for her 'Everything-N-More'  project, though a 'very' solid offering, it went nowhere.

After being dropped from her label, Williams very frustrated, she lost over one hundred pounds (going from a size 26 to 6) thinking this would satisfy label and marketing heads. A few years later signed to a new label Williams released her 'Relationships', another stall. Needing to bring money in, she became a radio jock. It would take almost a decade before she recorded another CD on ANOTHER new label0  Her 'Distant Lover'  project was released.  Vesta was now older, and her audience was older too, the climate had changed. Yes though STILL a great singer, with no airplay. Later years found Williams depressed, she lost her residence after 18 years of living in the 'Miracle Mile' section of Los Angeles,

On September 22, 2011, Williams was found dead living in a hotel room in El Segundo, California. The coroners ruled 'her death of 'natural causes' from 'hypertensive heart disease'. Take a moment and close your eyes, lets remember the beautiful song stylings of Vesta Williams. A voice like hers, comes along only once in a lifetime. Truly "Gone Too Soon".

Black Panther Crushes at the Box Office ....

let's GO!!!

Kyrie, Kevin and Russell coming together for LeBron at ALL Star  Weekend

It was ALL love ....

Happy 92 Birthday Grandmother Oleava

It's been a long hard seven years without you here in the flesh, lots of things have happened.  Many of them you would be shocked and appalled by, but mostly you would be proud of the man, I've become.  Funny thing is that you always knew that I had it in me, so no surprises there.  I find solace and comfort in knowing that you're with some of the ones, in whom you loved the most, Pops, Granny and your Father.  I know that you continue to keep a restful eye on me.  I miss you now and always, but I forever carry your teachings with me.  You were a strong proud businesswoman, mother, grandmother, Christian, Sister and Wife.  Your legacy will forever live on in my heart, mind and soul.   The impact that you have left on all those, who you have come in contact with, has forever be greater for having spent time with you.  Love always Your Grandson ~Kevin~




In Loving Memory of You.- Oleava Knotts Callins Knighton 1/17/26 - 4/5/11

New Horizons Happy New Year 2018 Let's Go!!!

With the Blinking of an eye, we say goodbye to the horrific 2017, and we welcomingly say hello to the possibilities that 2018 has to offer.  Everyone has committed to being MORE and doing MORE!!!  I raise my glasses, to all who believe in growth and accomplishment.  Upward mobility ...