Motown News
MOTOWN GOSSIP
MUSIC NEWS, BREAKING STORIES 2019
Last Updated July 2019
MABLE JOHN * MARY WILSON * IRMA THOMAS * JUNE POINTER
JUNE 2006
Gold record artist, Mable John, who recently turned author, will hold a book
signing at MUSIC NOTES on Sunday, June 18th, for her just completed novel
"Sanctified Blues" from 2pm - 5pm.
Don't forget the Heroes And Legends Awards is scheduled for Sunday,
September 24th, with pre-events leading up to the elaborate culmination
scheduled for Friday evening September 22nd and Saturday, September 23rd.
We look forward to seeing you there. You can call the office to receive a
schedule for the events of each day as well as ticket cost.
Until next time ... keep the music playing.
Janie Bradford
Music Notes of Beverly Hills
9154 W. Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-285-2025
http://www.musicnotesgifts.com
Supremes Star Wilson Suffers Heart Attack
Mary Wilson, a founding member of the 1960s Motown group The Supremes, suffered a heart attack on Tuesday (16MAY06) at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The singer is still hospitalised and her condition has not been made available.
Wilson is a cultural ambassador for the US who performs over 150 concert dates per year.
The star sang alongside Diana Ross and Florence Ballard in the chart topping group, who had such hits as Baby Love and Where Did Our Love Go.
Wilson suffers from hereditary high cholesterol and is scheduled to have elective heart bypass surgery on Monday morning (22MAY06).
SUPREME PRAYERS FROM SCHERRIE PAYNE & LYNDA LURENCE OF THE SUPREMES
I believe in the power of prayer. I have been praying for Mary as I truly love her. I am in the deepest of prayer for her, and I know she is in God's loving hands and will get through this. I remember a few years ago when I had a medical scare that required surgery. Out of concern for me, Mary called and wished me well. Thanks to God and his miracle working powers the scare disappeared. Throughout the years I have admired Mary for her tenacity, her devotion to The Supremes and her career. She is a fantastic performer and I know she will be back on that stage soon. I look forward to it too! Won't you please keep Mary in your prayers as I am keeping her in mine.
With deep love, Scherrie Payne
Supreme Lynda Laurence
It is always difficult when you hear that someone you know has taken ill. It is my hope that Mary Wilson will make a full and speedy recovery from the heart attack she suffered on Tuesday. It is of course a shock to me, as well as everyone else that this has happened. We truly wish her well.
With Supreme Love, Lynda Laurence
You are cordially invited to help us celebrate the Former Ladies of The Supremes' 20th Anniversary. To commemorate The Ladies 20th anniversary, a special 20th anniversary performance and celebration has been planned in Hollywood, CA at the famed "Fonda Theater @ The Music Box." The Ladies will perform a special show on Saturday, July 29th. This special celebration will include many surprises............you won't want to miss this one!!!!! More details and ticket information will be available soon. See you there!!!
R&B FOUNDATION
Soul singers Ashford & Simpson, Jerry Butler and singer/guitarist Bonnie Raitt are among the stable of presenters for the 14th R&B Foundation Pioneer Awards. Hosted by Smokey Robinson and Patti LaBelle, the ceremony will take place June 29 at the Park Hyatt Bellevue in Philadelphia.
Honorees include Chubby Checker, Bettye LaVette, Barbara Mason and producer Thom Bell. The DelFonics and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly will collect pioneer awards, while Motown Founder Berry Gordy will receive the Lifetime Achievement honor. The late Otis Redding will be honored with the Legacy Tribute.
Each individual honoree will receive a $10,000 honorarium and groups will share a $15,000 stipend. The Rhythm and Blues Foundation is a non-profit that aims to increase awareness and appreciation of notable R&B artists. For information on award show tickets, visit the organization's official Web site.
(source: billboard magazine)
June Pointer, the youngest original member of the Grammy-winning group the Pointer Sisters, who started as a gospel singers in Oakland and reached pop music stardom in the 1970s, died Tuesday. She was 52.
Ms. Pointer died at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica from cancer that spread to her pancreas, liver and lungs, said her brother Fritz Pointer. She had been admitted to the hospital in February after suffering a stroke. She is the first member of the musical group to die.
With her sisters, Ruth, Anita and Bonnie, the quartet topped pop and R&B charts through the 1970s with hits including "Yes We Can, Can" and "How Long (Betcha Got a Chick on the Side)." The group formed a trio when Bonnie Pointer left to begin a solo career in 1977.
Ms. Pointer and her siblings honed their singing talents as children at the West Oakland Church of God, where their parents were ministers.
In school, she played basketball and ran track, displaying a natural athleticism that transferred into energetic dance performances with the Pointer Sisters.
At 15 years of age, June dropped out of Castlemont High School in Oakland to form the duo "Pointers-A Pair" with her sister Bonnie, performing in Bay Area clubs. At about that time, she was raped in an East Oakland neighborhood, became pregnant, and had an abortion, according to Fritz Pointer, sparking what would become a lifelong struggle with drug addiction for Ms. Pointer.
With their first album, "The Pointer Sisters," released in 1973, the four sisters won fans with an upbeat style, flashy costumes and eclectic sounds, drawing on soul, rock 'n' roll and jazz roots.
In 1974, they won their first of three Grammy awards, for the song "Fairytale," which was named best country vocal performance by a group.
"June started performing at 16, and she brought a lot of energy to the group," Fritz Pointer said. "She had an incredible sense of humor and an ability to make people laugh. She loved life."
Ms. Pointer's high-pitched vocals brought vibrance to the group's songs, and her youthful enthusiasm added life to their performances. Even off stage, Ms. Pointer was the energy of her family, her brother said, playing practical jokes and enlivening family celebrations with flamboyant costumes -- Halloween was her favorite occasion -- and expensive gifts.
"It was nothing for her to hand someone $100 or $150," Fritz Pointer said. "I don't think money meant anything to her. It was more what she could do with it for other people."
Ms. Pointer's appearances with the group, however, soon became sporadic. Several years ago, she admitted that she had struggled with drug addictions since the group's early years.
As a trio, the Pointer Sisters reached the height of their success in 1984, when they won Grammies for the songs "Automatic" and "Jump (For My Love)."
There were reports of infighting in the group, but Ms. Pointer publicly dismissed them as unfounded.
"Like any sisters, we get mad at each other or hurt each other," she told The Chronicle in 1985. "But we always come back and apologize. That's what our dad, the late Rev. Elton Pointer, taught us."
The next year, the sisters' hometown honored them with Pointer Sisters Day, featuring a limousine procession around Lake Merritt, speeches and musical acts at the Edoff Memorial Bandstand.
"God, I love it," Ms. Pointer said. "Oakland is our home."
Ms. Pointer also released two solo albums -- "Baby Sister" in 1983 and a self-titled album in 1989. Both had singles on the R&B charts, but neither won her the success she achieved as a member of the Pointer Sisters.
Ms. Pointer later left the group because of her drug problem. In 2004, she was charged with felony cocaine possession and misdemeanor possession of a smoking device.
Ms. Pointer was working on resurrecting her solo career and had last performed in December at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas with Bonnie Pointer, with whom she had been living a Los Angeles apartment, according to Fritz Pointer.
The Pointer Sisters, which currently includes Ruth Pointer-Sayles' daughter, Issa, canceled a concert last week in Florida to "rush to the side of their gravely ill sister," according to group representatives.
In addition to Fritz Pointer, she is survived by her brother Aaron of Tacoma, Wash.; sisters, Bonnie of Los Angeles, Ruth Pointer-Sayles of Needham, Mass., and Anita of Beverley Hills; 15 nieces; and 10 nephews.
Family members said memorial services will be held in Los Angeles and San Rafael, but the times have not been arranged.
PETULA CLARK SING'S DOWNTOWN ... March 4th and 5th
Britain's most successful solo performer of the 20th Century. Embracing every aspect of show business from critically acclaimed theatrical performances to sell out concerts around the world, Petula Clark virtually defined the term "International Superstar."
"One of a kind, with the breath control of an angel." Ella Fitzgerald
Born November 15, with "a voice as sweet as chapel bells," Petula Clark first broke into the limelight during World War II when as a child she entertained the troops, both on radio and in concert. She is said to have performed in over 200 shows for the forces all over England before the age of nine and by war's end, Petula Clark--the British "Shirley Temple" who had come to represent childhood itself--was so popular in England she was asked to sing at a national victory celebration at Trafalgar Square. In 1944, Petula made her first movie and has since appeared in over 30 British and American films.
Throughout the forties and fifties Petula was a regular guest on a vast number of radio shows and became something of a television "pioneer" in England, first appearing on experimental TV in the forties and later as host of several of her own television series during the very early years of British programming, with Pet's Parlour being her longest running and most popular. Although she sang regularly in concert, on radio and TV all through the forties, it wasn't until 1949 that she recorded her first song Music, Music, Music and that pretty much sums up her very prolific recording career.
She has never stopped recording — 50 plus years and over a 1,000 songs and still counting! Her first hits were children's songs like Where Did My Snowman Go (1952) and The Little Shoemaker (1954). To date, she has sold well in excess of 68 million records.
In answer to the rock-and-roll craze of the late fifties, Petula recorded Sailor, Romeo and My Friend The Sea and was back on the charts again. In 1957, she was invited to sing at the famed Olympia theatre in France. After one song the French crowd went wild, and an entirely new career was launched.
Asked to record in French, Petula declined at first but was quickly persuaded to do so by Frenchman Claude Wolff with whom she fell madly in love - they were married in June 1961. (They have three children, daughters Barbara and Catherine and son Patrick and a granddaughter and grandson.) By the early sixties, Petula found herself reinvented as a French chanteuse, even rivaling the legendary Piaf--during Piaf's own lifetime. (She is still classified as a "French" singer on the shelves in French and French-Canadian record stores.) In addition to her newfound French pop star status, Petula also began to enjoy success with the songs that she had begun to record in German and Italian. By the mid-sixties she'd established herself as superstar throughout Europe with Number One tunes sung in different languages in different countries all across the Continent. (Interesting to note, each of her early European hits were with entirely different songs--a feat not duplicated by any other singer since!)
Urged by her friends in Britain to record something in English, Petula allowed Tony Hatch to visit her in Paris where he presented his new song, Downtown. Petula recorded it and the rest is music history. Downtown skyrocketed to number 1 in the USA, launching Petula's American career and earning her a Grammy in 1964. She quickly followed with I Know A Place which went to number 3 and earned Petula her second Grammy in 1965. Numerous top 40 hits followed. All told, Pet has had 15 top 40 hits in the USA (two #1 hits). Internationally, Petula Clark has charted in the top 40 somewhere, sometime, with 159 recordings!
In the sixties, she starred in two Hollywood musicals (Finian's Rainbow and Goodbye Mr. Chips) opposite the likes of Fred Astaire and Peter O'Toole. Throughout the sixties she made numerous TV appearances both as a guest star and as the host of two popular variety series for British television, as well as three of her own American TV specials. She also continued a highly successful concert career, beginning with a sellout season at the Copacabana in 1966, at Caesar's Palace in Vegas and at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles before a star-studded audience that included Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra.
By the seventies she'd been well established as a Vegas superstar--garnering critical acclaim by both critics and the American public. She gave a series of concerts in France and Canada, made appearances on European TV, hosted two more popular variety series in England (for which she was awarded "Most Popular TV Star" by the TV Times) and continued to be a much sought after guest star on American television.
In the eighties she found fame as a country recording star with her top-10 hit Natural Love, before reinventing herself as a highly successful stage star in London's West End, beginning with the role of Maria in The Sound of Music and continuing with the production of her own musical Someone Like You, for which she wrote the music.
In the nineties Petula made her Broadway debut, starring opposite David and Shaun Cassidy in the highly successful production of Blood Brothers followed by a well-received American tour of the same production. In 1998 Petula returned to England, where she was presented with a prestigious CBE by her Majesty the Queen of England, in honor of Petula's legendary career. As of September 2000, Petula's most recent appearance on the stage was in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard, in the starring role of Norma Desmond, a role she has now played more than any other actress to date. After appearing at the Adelphi Theatre in London's West End she embarked on a national tour of most major cities in the U.S. with the musical.
On October 28, 2000 Petula presented a new one-woman show — a concert highlighting her life and career— to tremendous acclaim. The show made its debut at the St. Denis Theatre in Montreal, Canada.
In May 2001, she was spotlighted in a 2-hour concert spectacular as the finale to the month-long Virginia Arts Festival. The show was taped by PBS and was broadcast nationwide as part of the PBS pledge drives in December 2001. A companion documentary by MPI Home Video, "Petula Clark: This Is My Song" was also broadcast on many PBS stations nationwide. Petula's extraordinary life is chronicled in this all-new biography featuring the stories behind her upbeat, ever-popular music, including her signature song, the Grammy Award-winning "Downtown." Petula's remembrances, taped in Norfolk, VA, at the time of the concert, offer a candid and insightful look into her long and fascinating life in show business.
Early 2002 saw Petula performing in concert in California at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts and also appearing in Los Angeles in March for a tribute show to legendary composer, Johnny Mercer. She then embarked on a 24-city tour of the UK to coincide with her newest UK album, "The Ultimate Collection," which charted in the Top 20.
In 2003, she was the recipient of the Grammy Hall of Fame Award for her timeless recording of "Downtown" and hit the Top 20 in French Canada - while preparing appearances in France to promote another new release, "Kaleidoscope." In September, her return to Paris in a performance at the legendary Olympia Theatre --after an absence of 38 years-- was a smashing success. . Petula rang out 2003 and welcomed in 2004 with two concert performances in Vevey, Switzerland.
In early March 2004 Petula headed to Australia and New Zealand for a sold-out 12-date tour of major cities. Early April saw her her on U.S. shores for a highly successful 5-night slate of performances at the Atlantic City Hilton Casinoo in New Jersey. On April 23 and 24 she reprised her role as Norma Desmond in Cork, Ireland with the world-renowned BBC Concert Orchestra for a radio broadcast concert performance of "Sunset Boulevard" opposite Michael Ball. July 12 saw her returning to North America with an evening of song at the Hummingbird Centre in Toronto, Canada then on to Los Angeles where she appeared at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl in a various artists tribute to the legendary Peggy Lee. San Diego received a visit on July 15 at Humphrey's By The Bay and Miss Clark will once again return to the U.S. in late September for a series of concerts in the cabaret theater at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Performance: March 4 , 2006, 8:00 p.m.; March 5, 2006, 2:30 p.m. Individual tickets $70, $55, $45
562.944.9801, 714.994.6310
Here's a review of the "Warwick" tribute from Variety Magazine
By PHIL GALLO
David Gest, who has done little to alter the perception that he is
one odd cookie, has proffered a reminder of greatness. Staging a
tribute to a unique songstress with the intention of forging a TV
special, three-hour event was highlighted by Dionne Warwick
demonstrating the strength of her voice and repertoire, serving to
clarify her station in the pop music roles. Her music, always elegant
and sophisticated, is a curve in the roadways of each musical style
she treads -- gospel, soul, adult-oriented pop -- and
there isn't a
tune in her songbook that hasn't aged gracefully.
Warwick watched from the audience as collections of stars blazed
through her hits, starting with a choir of gospel greats raising the
roof with "What the World Needs Now." Deborah Cox, Angie Stone and
Chante Moore spread out the charms of Burt Bacharach and Hal
David's "Windows on the World," which stepped into overkill when Da
Brat rapped over the vocalists; Leslie Uggams staged a clinic on
vocal control and precise intonation with a breathtaking "I'll Never
Fall in Love Again." Ashford & Simpson wrung all the heartbreak out
of "Make It Easy on Yourself," and Gladys Knight's vocal gymnastics
brought down the house.
It was Warwick, though, who displayed the greatest command and, oddly
enough, was most open to reinterpreting her classics. "Theme
from 'Valley of the Dolls' " was note perfect and
effectively
haunting; "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" was salsafied and fun,
topped in the fun department only by a duet with Olivia Newton-John
on "Wishin' and Hopin'."
Bacharach, who found his muse in Warwick, backed her on two tunes in
the evening's most intimate perfs. A Stevie Wonder/Knight/Warwick
rendition of "That's What Friends Are For," with Wonder flubbing his
faux harmonica playing thereby forcing producers to record him live,
turned into a lengthy lovefest between Wonder and Warwick. He paid
tribute to her role as an inspiration and an employer -- she secured
his job writing songs for "Woman in Red," which yielded, ahem, "I
Just Called to Say I Love You." Wonder did play some snippets of
songs that were rejected that actually had some kick to them.
After a rousing rendition of "Then Came You" with the Spinners, with
producer Thom Bell on piano, Warwick closed the night with a version
of "I'll Never Love This Way Again," sung with the resignation of a
woman whose heart has yet to mend all these years later. Ultimately,
Warwick has delivered a powerful tribute to herself that definitely
deserves a television airing.
Original Member of The Supremes Wants to Stop Copycat Groups
Mary Wilson joins the fight
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
(Jan. 25) -- A former member of legendary Motown group The Supremes has a warning for copycat musical groups: Stop, in the name of fraud.
Mary Wilson urged Illinois lawmakers Tuesday to make it illegal for impostors to perform as original artists.
Wilson's visit was part of a national campaign to get bills passed in several states that would ban knockoff groups. The goal is to eventually make it a federal law, she said.
"They've crossed the line between imitation and flattery to becoming almost like identity theft," Wilson told a House committee, which later unanimously endorsed a bill that will be sent to the House for a full vote.
South Carolina and North Dakota have passed similar laws.
Wilson, who sang with Diana Ross in 1960s trio, said she has filed several civil lawsuits against groups claiming to be The Supremes. But she lost all the cases "because there were no laws to protect me."
Many early performers no longer have rights to their work or famous names because of the language in contracts they signed, said Bob Crosby, president of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, one of the groups behind the campaign.
DETROITER GIVES MOTOWN LEGENDS THEIR OWN PARTY DURING SUPERBOWL
(MAA NEWS) - Detroit Real estate mogul Herb Strather is making sure the Super Bowl festivities doesn't leave out the Motown sound during the Super Bowl in Detroit. "The Motown MusicFest is going to be one heck of a party" said Billy Wilson of the Motown Alumni Association. Strather who was the same person that developed the Motown 40th Celebration Party in Detroit, and has street's named after the Motown stars in Detroit, is putting on the only true Motown party in town. The property tycoon is also sponsoring a benefit fight for the Kronk Gym in Detroit. Strather is also forming an online Internet gambling casino called MotownLegendsCasino.net, LLC. Motown alum will be part owners of the casino sources say.
The following artists have been invited to attend;
Four Tops*
Martha Reeves*
The Temptations *
Miracles*
Contours*
Mary Wilson*
The Originals*
Brenda Holloway*
Funk Brothers*
Velvelettes*
Freda Payne*
FLOS (Scherrie Payne & Linda Lawrence)*
Dramatics*
( * Artists that are expected to come)
"Strather is giving the only true Motown show during the festive event." said Billy Wilson, president of the Motown Alumni Association. The party will also feature Nelly and John Legend performing in the beginning of the night, and Jamie Foxx as a possible guest for the evening.
Party information is below;
MOTOWNLEGENDSCASINO.NET
presents
2006 MOTOWN MUSICFEST
at the MASONIC TEMPLE
500 Temple Ave.
Doors open at 5:00pm. to 2:30am
Tickets from $93 to $1000
Get tickets at Ticketmaster.com
Media and press credentials call Linda Clark at: (313) 446-6900
Info on event call Alfreda Upshaw or Kevin Brown (313) 446-6900
Itinerary:
* Crystal Ballroom
Press Event (5:00p to 7:00p.)
Act: Freda Payne, Velvelettes
* Main Theater
Concert 1. - Doors open 7:00p. Begins at 8:00p.
Act: Nelly & John Legend/ Jamie Foxx (unconfirmed)
Dramatics, Funk Brothers, Miracles, FLOS
* Scottish Rites Theater
Concert 1. - Doors open 7:45p to 11:00p
Close Circuit to main theater show only
Fountain Ballroom
Concert 2. starts at 11:00p - UNTIL
Acts: Four Tops, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Joe Billingslea's CONTOURS
Freda Payne, Brenda Holloway, Velvelettes, Paul Hill
January 19, 2006, 5:10 PM ET
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Soul/R&B legend Wilson Pickett died of a heart attack today (Jan. 19) at a Reston, Va., hospital near his home, according to a spokesperson for the artist. He was 64.
Born in Pratville, Ala., Pickett moved to Detroit as a teen and joined the Falcons, singing on their 1962 hit "I Found a Love." By 1965, he had signed a solo deal with Atlantic, scoring a No. 21 pop hit with "In the Midnight Hour," which he co-wrote with legendary sessions musician Steve Cropper.
A slew of late '60s R&B/soul hits followed, including "Land of 1,000 Dances," "Funky Broadway," "634-5789," "She's Lookin' Good" and "Mustang Sally." As the '70s dawned, Pickett scored three consecutive top 20 pop singles with "Engine Number 9," "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You" and "Don't Knock My Love Pt. 1."
In all, five of his singles reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B charts. Pickett associated himself with some of the top sessions musicians of the time, and was a frequent visitor to Stax and Muscle Shoals Studios. He even hired the late Duane Allman to play guitar on his 1969 cover of the Beatles' "Hey Jude."
Pickett recorded regularly into the mid 1980s and was a 1991 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That year, his career was revived thanks to the film "The Commitments," which followed an unknown Irish soul band of the same name pursuing its dream of performing with Pickett. The artist also joined the band for performances at the Los Angeles and New York film premieres.
The artist's last studio album, 1999's "It's Harder Now," won WC Handy Awards for soul/blues album of the year and comeback album of the year, while Pickett was named soul/blues male artist of the year.
Pickett is survived by his fiance and four children. He will be buried beside his mother Lena in Louisville, Ky.
SOURCE: BILLBOARD MAGAZINE
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT FOR ANGELA BOFILL
Our good friend and much-loved soul music artist Angela Bofill suffered a stroke on January 10. She is coherent, but paralyzed on her left side and will require speech and physical therapy. She was released from intensive care January 15 and remains in Sutter Hospital in Santa Rosa, California.
Her agent, Rich Engel is organizing a benefit concert in conjunction with New York radio stations KISS-FM and CD 101.9 to be held March 11 at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey and is looking into the possibility of doing similar events in Detroit and Los Angeles.
He is also seeking words of encouragement for Angela and donations can be sent for Angela's medical care to her along with communications from fans and friends to Live At Night, P.O. Box 1140, Maplewood, NJ 07040. If you wish to make a donation, please make it out to "Angela Bofill."
SOURCE: DAVID NATHAN MUSIC STORE
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
MOTOWN LEGENDS AT THE SUPER BOWL
Contemporary urban stars Nelly, John Legend and Jamie Foxx will appear alongside a host of Motown legends at Motown Music Fest, to be held Feb. 4 at Detroit's Masonic Temple, the day before the National Football League's Super Bowl XL.
Among the Motown acts set to perform at the event are the Four Tops, the Miracles, the Contours, the Dramatics, the Former Ladies of the Supremes, Freda Payne, Brenda Holloway, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, the Velvelettes and Paul Hill. The house band will feature members of Motown's legendary Funk Brothers.
Two separate shows will be held on Feb. 4; tickets range from $93 to $1,000 and are available through Ticketmaster. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Detroit's Kronk Recreation Center. The night before, Masonic Temple will host the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, featuring Patti LaBelle, the Clark Sisters, Mary Mary and Hezekiah Walker.
As previously reported, a number of other high-profile music events are on tap in conjunction with the Super Bowl at Detroit's Ford Field. As part of Bud Bowl, Snoop Dogg and 3 Doors Down will perform Feb. 3-4 at Club 1620, a specially created climate-controlled staging area inside the Motor City's open-air Tiger Stadium.
On the day of the game, Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville will perform the National Anthem, backed by pianist Dr. John. John Legend and Joss Stone will join Stevie Wonder on stage at the pre-game show, while the Rolling Stones will play at halftime.
"The network is worried what we're going to do," Stones frontman Mick Jagger said from the stage last night (Jan. 18) at New York's Madison Square Garden. "[So] I'm going to show both my t***," he added, referring to Janet Jackson's infamous "wardrobe malfunction" during the 2004 halftime show.
SOURCE: BILLBOARD MAGAZINE
GAMBLE & HUFF REMEMBER LOU RAWLS: Legendary Producers issue Statement
PHILADELPHIA -- "It is with deep sympathy and heartfelt compassion that we send our condolences and prayers to the family of Lou Rawls.
Lou was a vital part of the star-studded roster of artists signed to our Philadelphia International Records label throughout the '70s and a tremendous contributor to our international success.
Having had the great pleasure and distinct honor of writing, producing and recording an abundance of songs for Lou, we proudly give glowing testament to his exceptional vocal prowess.
Lou possessed one of the best voices in the industry and one of the richest baritones we've ever heard. When it came time for Lou to lay his matchless voice over our tracks, the winning outcome was a consistent flow of jubilant and astonishing magic and majesty. Working with Lou was indeed one of the biggest highlights of our career, as writing and producing for an artist of his caliber helped to make us better musicians.
Beyond his magnificent voice and amazing career as a music artist, we salute Lou for his stellar reputation as a great humanitarian as demonstrated by his selfless work in raising millions of dollars for the United Negro College Fund. Lou's noble efforts opened the doors of higher education for millions of African Americans who, otherwise, may never have been introduced to the college experience. He used his star power to help others, which made him shine even brighter. Lou Rawls will forever be remembered as a remarkable human being, an outstanding recording artist, a spectacular stage performer and unquestionably, an essential part of the fabric of The Sound of Philadelphia."
Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, co-founders of Philadelphia International Records, are credited with resurging Lou Rawls' career in the '70s by writing and producing a myriad of songs for Lou, including "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine," "Groovy People" and "Lady Love." Plans are underway for Philadelphia International Records to release a number of unreleased Lou Rawls tracks sealed tightly in its vaults.
source: PRNewswire
LOU RAWLS DEAD AT 72
The great Lou Rawls, an American icon is gone. Rawls, 72, died early Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was hospitalized last month for treatment of lung and brain cancer. His wife Nina, was by his side according to publicist Paul Shefrin.
Rawls a winner of three Grammy Awards had career that spanned nearly five decades and a range of genres. His smooth baritone voice was his signature.
Lady Soul, Aretha Franklin said Rawls was a "memorable musical stylist ... who made a serious impact in the interest of historically black colleges and black folks."
R&B songstress Meli’sa Morgan conveyed to EUR her thoughts about his passing: "I am very saddened at the passing of a true Legend Mr. Lou Rawls. I was very fortunate to meet and perform on several telethons and other television shows with Mr. Lou Rawls. When my first hits “Do Me Baby” and “Do You Still Love Me?” hit the charts. I called him my Uncle in the music business. He was always a class act and just a wonderful person. I am blessed to have been able to call him a Uncle and Friend. He will be deeply missed."
"His voice was so unique," said legendary producer Kenny Gamble, who with Leon Huff wrote "You'll Never Find." "The other thing was that he had a sense of community. Thousands and thousands of young kids benefited from his celebrity."
It all began when Rawls' grandmother introduced him to gospel in his hometown of Chicago. The singer moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1950s to join a touring gospel group, the Pilgrim Travelers.
After a two-year stint in the Army, Rawls returned to Los Angeles and rejoined the Pilgrim Travelers, where he sang with Sam Cooke. He performed with Dick Clark at the Hollywood Bowl in 1959, and two years later, he opened for The Beatles at Crosley Field in Cincinnati.
His debut effort, "Stormy Monday," recorded with the Les McCann Trio, was the first of 28 albums Rawls made with Capitol, which signed him in 1962.
Not only a singer, he also appeared in 18 movies, including "Leaving Las Vegas" and "Blues Brothers 2000," and 16 television series, including "Fantasy Island" and "The Fall Guy."
Rawls was also know for his tireless efforts to raise money for the United Negro College Fund. He helped raise more than $200 million through telethons.
Rawls was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2004 and brain cancer in May 2005.
Rawls is survived by wife Nina and four children: Louanna Rawls, Lou Rawls Jr., Kendra Smith and Aiden Rawls.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Spector Drops Suit Against Former Attorney Had claimed he was cheated by Robert Shapiro
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
(Dec. 17) -- Record producer Phil Spector, who is facing a murder trial, has dropped a lawsuit that claims he was cheated by his former attorney, Robert Shapiro.
Spector's attorney filed a dismissal without prejudice Thursday in Superior Court. The move permits Spector to file another suit in the future if he chooses.
"We're very happy because the case has been completely dismissed and Bob Shapiro has been completely vindicated," said Eric Early, Shapiro's lawyer.
Calls to Spector's attorney after business hours Friday were not immediately returned.
Spector, 65, said he gave Shapiro a $1-million retainer after his February 2003 arrest for investigation of shooting to death B-movie actress Lana Clarkson at Spector's home in suburban Alhambra. Spector has pleaded not guilty to murder charges. His trial is scheduled to begin April 24.
The lawsuit claimed Shapiro did "very little legal work" for Spector and that little amount was "incompetently done." It accused the attorney and his firm of using Spector's "legal plight as an opportunity to unabashedly line their own pockets."
Shapiro denied Spector's claims. In court documents, his attorneys argued that Shapiro did "impeccable" work and gave Spector "the best possible foundation to defend against his pending charges."
Shapiro's attorney contended that Spector tried to break his contract with Shapiro by trying to get back some of the retainer after switching lawyers.
DIANA ROSS ... LADY SING'S THE BLUES
LOS ANGELES - Call it a confab of Motown all-stars: the cast and crew of "Lady Sings the Blues" gathered on the Paramount lot to celebrate the DVD release of the 1972 Billie Holiday biopic, "Lady Sings the Blues."
"You know, it's reunion time, which is so wonderful," the film's star, Diana Ross, told AP Television at the Tuesday night party. "You don't get a chance to get everybody all together. And it's so wonderful to see Billy Dee (Williams) and to see B.G. (Motown Records founder and the film's executive producer Berry Gordy) and to see some of the Motown people."
Holiday purists aside (many have dubbed the film useless as a biography), "Lady Sings the Blues" earned considerable critical praise and five Oscar nominations, including one for Ross.
"It was my first film, you know, and my acting debut," Ross recalled. "It was, like, the one that gave me a chance to believe that I could do this. It was very exciting."
Film and TV producer Suzanne de Passe (an Oscar nominee for the "Lady" screenplay) explained the film's long-delayed DVD release on Nov. 8 was "because there were aspects of the deal that belonged to Paramount and also belonged to Mr. Gordy. And I think it took all this time for people to read what they had and come together and make it happen."
(Source: www.diana-web.com)
MORE DIANA ROSS NEWS ... New Diana Ross album 2006
Diana appeared at a press screening of "Lady Sings the Blues" on the Paramount lot in Hollywood on Nov. 1, and she did reveal that she has been in the studio recording a new album. She hopes to have it released in time for Mother's Day 2006.¨
(Source: Billboard)
Lou Rawls Being Treated for Lung Cancer
Musician also has brain cancer; condition is dire
By TMZ.COM STAFF
(Dec. 16) -- LOS ANGELES -- Singer Lou Rawls is being treated for lung cancer, and his estranged wife said he also has brain cancer and suggested his condition is dire.
"Don't count me out, brother," Rawls said Thursday night from his room at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. "There's been many people who have been diagnosed with this kind of thing, and they're still jumpin' and pumpin'."
Rawls, in the interview with the Arizona Republic, said he has received alternative and traditional medical treatments for lung cancer. He said he quit his regular smoking habit 35 years ago.
The lung cancer was diagnosed a year ago and the brain cancer in May, his estranged wife, Nina, said during a marriage annulment hearing Thursday in Arizona.
"By his doctor's admission, he is not expected to live much more," she said. Rawls' attorney, Robert L. Schwartz, attended the annulment hearing, but did not discuss the singer's prognosis.
Rawls, who has lived in Scottsdale, Ariz., since 2003, said in court papers that he is trying to annul his two-year marriage and protect hundreds of thousands of dollars of assets that his wife "absconded with."
His estranged wife, who has worked as Rawls' manager since 2003, says she transferred nearly $350,000 into an account that she solely controls to prevent one of Rawls' two adult daughters from seizing the money.
Rawls, 70, has sold more than 40 million albums and won three Grammys during a career spanning more than four decades. His voice has been described as "sweet as sugar, soft as velvet, strong as steel, smooth as butter." His hits include "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing," "Dead End Street" and "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine."
He has also appeared on television shows and in movies, including "Leaving Las Vegas" and "Blues Brothers 2000."
His charitable work has included telethons that helped the United Negro College Fund raise nearly $200 million.
STEVIE WONDER: REMEMBERS JOHN LENNON
Thursday’s anniversary of John Lennon’s death approaches, Stevie Wonder says he was particularly emotional when the former Beatle was murdered on Dec. 8, 1980 by Mark David Chapman, but was not entirely surprised that it happened. Wonder had a bad feeling after hearing Lennon’s opening words in his anthem “Imagine,” which states, “Imagine there’s no heaven.” Contact Music quotes Wonder as saying: "After he died I couldn't stop crying whenever I heard “Imagine” but I wasn't surprised that he'd been shot. [Chapman] said he shot him because he said he didn't believe in Jesus, and I remember when I heard ‘Imagine,’ I thought, 'Somebody is not going to like that.'"
TEMPTATIONS SING MOTOWN CLASSICS
The Temptations finally get to perform the Motown classics they always loved but never had the chance to record. Putting a fresh spin on 15 of Motown's greatest songs, "Reflections" will be released Jan. 31 via New Door/UMe. "Motown is the soundtrack of our lives," says Otis Williams. "These are songs we have always wanted to do, and now, happily, we have had a chance to do them." This will be the 47th album of new recordings from the Temptations, and their first for New Door Records, a UMe label venture.
15 tracks include such classics as Can I Get a Witness, Reflections, How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You, Don't Leave Me This Way, This Old Heart Of Mine, Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing, I Hear a Symphony, Try It Baby, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Oooh Baby Baby, What Becomes of a Broken Hearted, Never Can Say Goodbhye, I'll Be There, Neither One Of Us, Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand
Beatles and EMI Can't Seem To Work It Out Apple Corp Claims EMI Owes Them Millions
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
(Dec. 16) -- LONDON -- Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and relatives of their Beatles' bandmates are suing EMI to recover what they claim is more than $53 million in unpaid royalties, their company said Friday.
McCartney, Starr and relatives of John Lennon and George Harrison are pursuing the case both in New York and London.
"We have tried to reach a settlement through good faith negotiations and regret that our efforts have been in vain," said Neil Aspinall, who heads Apple Corps Ltd.
"Despite very clear provisions in our contracts, EMI persists in ignoring their obligations and duty to account fairly and with transparency," Aspinall said.
EMI declined to comment on the case.
David Gest Forms New Production Company & Announces First TV Special 'Dionne Warwick: 45th Anniversary Spectacular'
LOS ANGELES, September 26 /PRNewswire/ --
- 100 Stars Set For Two Day Salute at Kodak Theatre January 26 & 27, 2006
Award-winning producer DAVID GEST is back to work after two years and has announced his new Los Angeles based international production company, Extreme Entertainment Enterprises. The company's first project is "DIONNE WARWICK: 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR," a television special that will be filmed at the Kodak Theatre on January 26 & 27, 2006. American Airlines has been set as the "official airline and exclusive carrier" for the special. More than 100 stars will participate in the All-Star Salute to the legendary Dionne Warwick, whose professional career began in 1961. Miss Warwick has had over 60 Top 100 records in her 45-year career and has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
The official launch of David Gest's Extreme Entertainment Enterprises will take place at THE Party, an All-Star Gala on Monday, October 17, 2005 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. More than 900 invited guests will attend the dinner and musical celebration hosted by Angie Dickinson and Nancy Wilson. More than 20 legendary entertainers will perform at THE Party, including a special appearance by Miss Warwick. The evening will feature a 28-piece All-Star band under the direction of Joey Melotti. Sponsors of THE Party include American Airlines, American Eagle, Drexel Chemical, Tsunami Books, Global Dining of California Inc., Gonpachi of Beverly Hills, La Boheme and Monsoon. That evening, Mr. Gest will announce the one hundred stars participating in "DIONNE WARWICK: 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR."
Gest will also be announcing two other major television specials to be produced in 2006 in the coming months. He is also producing a special event, "JANE RUSSELL: 85TH BIRTHDAY SALUTE TO AN ICON," which will take place in Beverly Hills on June 21, 2006 with an old-time Hollywood Bash for the movie legend. JANE RUSSELL, along with dozens of legendary movie stars from Hollywood's Golden Era, will be present at THE Party on October 17, 2005 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
To date, David Gest has produced more than 100 shows throughout the world and has the distinction of producing the highest rated musical special in television history "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration." He also produced the triumphant comeback on Broadway of Liza Minnelli in "Liza's Back!" as well as the American Cinema Awards for 14 years and the International Achievement In Arts Awards for 5 years.
NOVEMBER 2005
MEET ORIGINAL MOTOWN STAR LINDA GRINDER
Sunday, November 27, 2005 LINDA GRINER will be at MUSIC NOTES autographing photos and other rare memorabilia as well as introducing "The Complete Motown Singles Vol.3," which include the single recording, 'GOODBYE CRUEL LOVE" written by Smokey Robinson.
A rare copy of the original single of "GOODBYE CRUEL LOVE" recently sold in the UK for nearly $800.00.
Ms. Griner, a former Motown recording artist, has been residing in Las Vegas for 12 years. Although Linda only enjoyed mild success here in the US she has been a stable on the UK music charts for most of her recording career and remains one of the top 5 Northern Soul stars in England today.
Linda Griner who regularly performs in Vegas, has recorded on various movie soundtracks and toured with some of the biggest names in the Entertainment Industry.
Come on out and spend the first official Christmas Shopping Season, Sunday afternoon with Linda and some of her Music Industry friends at MUSIC NOTES Gifts, 9154 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 285-2025 from 1pm - 4pm.
THE VANDELLAS EXCLUSIVE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Melissa Bunker (313) 886-9074
Motown Legends Join Original Cast of Father Bingo
Detroit, MI, Nov. 2, 2005… Riding a heat wave of sales success, producers of the musical comedy Father Bingo announced the addition of the Original Vandellas to the cast of the World Premiere, debuting February 10-12, 2006 at Detroit’s Music Hall.
Rosalind Ashford Holmes and Annette Sterling Helton, the Original Vandellas, will play several roles in the musical including the Bingo Mamas. “Detroit has a history of launching musical hits - both in the recording studio and on stage. Holmes and Helton are originals and we are delighted to have them launch what we hope is another hit,” says Father Bingo executive producer Rick Beyer.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, the Vandellas hits include "Heat Wave" (#4 pop, #1 R&B, 1963) "Nowhere to Run" (#8, pop, #5 R&B, 1965), “I'm Ready for Love" (#9 pop, #2 R&B, 1966), "Jimmy Mack" (#10 pop, #1 R&B, 1967) and their biggest hit, "Dancing in the Street" (#2, 1964).
Father Bingo is generating a lot of heat among ticket buyers. “We are off to a good start, selling over 2,000 seats in the first two months,” Executive Producer Rick Beyer says. “ We have already sold out the main floor for both Saturday and Sunday matinee performances.”
“Decades ago, original musicals were launched in the City of Detroit – like “Hello Dolly,” “Sweet Chariot” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” We believe that Detroit deserves a World Premiere in the tradition of the stage hits of the 1960’s that put this city on the entertainment map,” said Beyer.
Father Bingo will premiere at the Music Hall Center for a limited engagement of four performances on February 10-12, 2006. The two evening performances take place at 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, February 10 and 11. The two matinees are at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, February 11 and 12 at Music Hall Center, 350 Madison Avenue in Detroit.
Private receptions celebrating the World Premiere will feature local dignitaries, the composer, cast, and professional and community theatre leaders, and take place after each performance as well as before the Friday February 10 Opening Night show. A limited number of tickets are available for $50. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Music Hall Center.
Ticket prices range from $49 to $19 and are available through TicketMaster online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at (248) 645-6666 or through the Music Hall Box Office. Group discounts, reception and corporate ticket packages are available through Father Bingo at (248) 981-7003.
Father Bingo is a musical tale about risks and miracles. Set in Detroit, the musical tale comically weaves political intrigue and mistaken identity into the stories of several people looking for salvation. A parish priest fights to save his church; a mayor tries to win the hearts of his voters in support of casino gambling and a woman searches for the perfect match to end her loneliness. Overseeing these foils is the Big Guy Upstairs.
Members of the media are requested to contact Melissa Bunker for biographies or photos and to arrange interviews. A photo of the original Vandellas is attached. Additional information about the production is available at www.fatherbingo.net
MOTOWN LEGENDS IN CONCERT
Reported by Louis Wendrick
Dear Friends,
Here is a Review of the UCLA - R&B & Soul Concert on October 29, 2005
The concert was great.
Jean Terrell, Brenda Holloway and Freda Payne sang, as well as Sly, Slick & Wicked, Barrington Hendersen (a member of the Temptations,) Vel Omar and an 11 year old girl named Jasmine Villegas. They also did a final closing review, and all sang a finale together.
The MCs were Lee Bailey and one of the members from Blue Magic.
Janie Bradford and Claudette Robinson were there too.
The sound quality and band were excellent, and some of the artists used tracks.
Brenda wore a red wig and gold sparkling dress. Freda wore a sheer print dress with a slit up the front.
Jean Terrell formerly of the 1970's Supremes sang "Up the Ladder to the Roof" and "Stoned Love."
Brenda Holloway sang "You Made Me So Very Happy," "When I'm Gone" and "Every Little Bit Hurts."
Freda Payne closed the show and sang "Cherish," "Bring the Boys Home," and "Band of Gold."
Vel Omar sang Sam Cooke songs, and he did the twist onstage.
11 year old Jasmine Villegas sang "Respect" by Aretha Franklin and a song by Alicia Keys.
Barrington Hendersen sang "My Girl" and "What's Going On."
Sly, Slick & Wicked who came all the way from the east coast sang "The Sly, Slick And Wicked" and "Cassanova."
You can hear Sly, Slick & Wicked songs online at
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000021WR/qid=1130695303/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-1878673-2387265?v=glance&s=music
Happy Halloween! Louis Wendruck, The Girl Groups Fan Club
PHIL SPECTOR IN TROUBLE
Prosecutors Want to Use Spector's Comments
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Prosecutors in the Phil Spector murder case asked a judge to allow statements the music producer made shortly after an actress was shot to death at his home in 2003 to be used at his trial.
Spector's lawyers have argued the statements he made after Lana Clarkson died should be thrown out because he was suffering withdrawal symptoms from seven prescription drugs when he talked to police.
But Deputy District Attorney Douglas Sortino said in papers filed with the court Friday that he plans to use a statement in which Spector allegedly said he accidentally shot Clarkson.
The prosecutors also urged Superior Court Judge Larry P. Fidler to forbid Spector's defense team from mentioning Spector's allegation that Clarkson committed suicide during key portions of the trial.
A telephone call made to Spector attorney Bruce Cutler after business hours Friday was not immediately returned.
Spector, known for creating rock music's "wall of sound," has pleaded not guilty and is free on $1 million bail. He faces life in prison if convicted.
Clarkson starred in Roger Corman's cult film classic "Barbarian Queen" and had been working as a hostess at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip.
A hearing on the admissibility of the statements is scheduled for Thursday and likely will last several days, said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office.
The judge has said he expects the trial to begin in January.
10/22/05 04:56 EDT
(SOURCE: AP)
Stevie Wonder's New Album 'A Time To Love' In-Stores Today!
NEW YORK, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 18th, Motown will release "A Time To Love;" Stevie Wonder's highly anticipated new CD featuring 15 new songs. The new disc, one of the premier Motown releases in recent years and ushering in an exciting new era for the record label, is a dedicated effort by the legendary artist to remind the world about the restorative power of love.
The long awaited album has already garnered glowing reviews, with The New York Times proclaiming that "Mr. Wonder has not lost his unparalleled sense of melody;" while Rolling Stone heralds the album, " ... Wonder at his prime." Enthusiasm for Wonder's return has been unrivaled: he's made high profile performances on TV, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Morning America; and has or will appear on the nation's top syndicated radio programs including: Tom Joyner and Howard Stern.
Among the songs included on the new album are "A Time To Love," (featuring India.Arie), "Your Love Cannot Be Moved," (featuring gospel star Kim Burrell), "Positivity," (featuring Wonder's daughter Aisha Morris), and a host of other superstar collaborations, including appearances by Prince; Narada Michael Walden; Doug E. Fresh; Sir Paul McCartney, who plays acoustic and electric guitar on the title track; Hubert Laws; Mike Phillips; En Vogue, and Bonnie Raitt on slide guitar.
Wonder once again reveals his humanitarian side on A Time To Love, with the uplifting "Shelter In The Rain." The song is an inspiring and timely anthem featuring gospel legend Kirk Franklin directing the angelic chorus, a fitting ode of healing for victims and survivors of the devastating hurricanes continuing to ravage the gulf coast. Net proceeds from the song are going to Stevie's charity organization The Wonder Foundation, which is earmarking the donations for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Stevie Wonder has remained one of the world's most profound and influential artists. Winner of 22 Grammys and the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, with more than 100 million records sold, Wonder's received hundreds of honors and awards throughout his career.
A tireless humanitarian and champion for political and social justice, Wonder was the preeminent force behind the Martin Luther King holiday and USA For Africa, as well as helping to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic and the scourge of Apartheid in South Africa. He has also been a leading figure in the "Charge Against Hunger" in conjunction with American Express, which raised over $150 million dollars to feed nearly six million underprivileged people yearly. Most recently, Wonder was honored by the United Negro College Fund's Evening Of Stars Tribute to the artist, for his longtime work on behalf of the UNCF.
ROD STEWART SINGS WITH DIANA ROSS
Q: The album features a number of duets. Were you in the studio with the other artists?
A: No, darling, we weren't. I think those days are gone. But you know that's actually a good thing because, although I've known Elton for years, it would've probably taken us hours to get settled down -- because we would've been so excited and giggling and touching each other up the bottom. It would've taken us ages to get settled.
Q: But you do miss that give-and-take?
A: That give-and-take is there, darling, swear to God. When I go into the studio, I always pretend that Diana Ross is there. I can close my eyes, drink a glass of wine, and I pretend she's standing next to me.
What happens is, I do my vocals first. And it's been the same with all of the albums. The girls and boys will come in and do their vocals, and then I'll come back and do mine again so I can hear what they've done and then I'm answering. And it's as good as them being in the studio anyway.
Celebrate the History of the "Upbeat Show."
(PRWEB) October 18, 2005 -- Be a part of Rock and Roll past as the history of the "Upbeat Show" is celebrated at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio on October 29th. This spectacular event will air live on WEWS Channel 5 and will be hosted by Don Webster. Get the opportunity to dance and dine with international celebrities.
The "Upbeat Show" was a legendary Cleveland music show that ran from 1964 through 1971. Upbeat was produced by Herman Spero, and hosted by Don Webster.
Herman Spero's son, David Spero, is actively involved with the October 29th celebration and comments, "I remember spending my youth on the set of the show rubbing elbows with the stars."
All profits for the event go to Partners for Potential (http://www.partnersforpotential.org/), a non-profit organization that provides resources and support to Cleveland youth.
Scheduled performers are Joey Molland from Badfinger (Day After Day) Andy Kim (Rock Me Gently), Ron Dante from the Archies (Sugar, Sugar) Terry Sylvester, former lead singer of The Hollies (He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother), Nelson (After The Rain), Michael Stanley (He Can’t Love You), Billy Preston (Will It Go Round In Circles), Eddie Holman (Hey There Lonely Girl), Candi Staton (Young Hearts Run Free), Martha Reeves (Heat Wave), Mark Farner from Grand Funk Railroad (Locomotion).
Also, there will be a silent auction at the event with items ranging from trips, sporting events and celebrity functions and much much more!
Tickets ranging from $25 to $400 are available through Ticket Web (http://www.ticketweb.com/) or you may call 1-866-468-3401.
MAA Contact Information
================================
Motown Alumni Association, Inc.
590 Calder Ave suite 1
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48198
(734) 485-1011
MotownAlumni.com
Billy_j_Wilson@Yahoo.com
IRMA THOMAS * MAVIS STAPLES * ANN PEEBLES
New CD Release
VARIOUS ARTISTS: I BELIEVE TO MY SOUL
Brand new Rhino compilation produced by Joe Henry features some of the most important and legendary artists in the world of R&B and soul music.
Tracks:
1. You Must Have That True Religion - Mavis Staples
2. Both Ways - Allen Toussaint
3. Tonight I'll Be Staying Here with You - Billy Preston
4. Same Love That Made Me Laugh - Ann Peebles
5. Mi Amour - Irma Thomas
6. Keep on Pushing - Allen Toussaint
7. As One - Mavis Staples
8. Loving Arms - Billy Preston
9. River Boat - Irma Thomas
10. That's Enough - Billy Preston
11. Turvalon - Mavis Staples
12. When the Candle Burns Low - Allen Toussaint
13. We Are One - Ann Peebles
You can order this new CD from www.soulmusic.com $16.99+s&h
LEGENDARY ENTERTAINER LINDA HOPKINS GETS STAR !!
By Manuel Esparza
It was a hot afternoon when around 12:00 noon (October 6) Hollywood Mayor Johnny Grant presented legendary entertainer LINDA HOPKINS with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame right smack in front of the famous Pantages Theatre where Diana Ross played almost a year ago;
and next the the star of movie actress legendary Bette Davis. Linda drove up in grand Hollywood style in a white limo looking as glamours as ever as Hollywood make up artist Rudy Calvo gave Miss Hopkins "the works." Miss Hopkins was excited as Diane Watson, Mrs. Tom Bradly,
Motown star Claudette Robinson of The Miracles, Motown songwriter Janie Bradford and soul legend Mable John were among the many stars at the event that was attended by "all family," as Miss Hopkins
said over the mic; fans, family and friends attended as they all went off into the Hollywood sunset to the after party !!
Chicano Magazine's Manuel Esparza was on the scene, "I couldn't pass up Linda Hopkins for anything. I mean, she's a true legend of our time and wouldn't have missed it for the world. My favorite memory with Linda Hopkins is when r&b rock and roll legend LaVern Baker
performed at the Cinegrill and Linda Hopkins dropped by to see her friend LaVern perform. Also there that evening was the great legendary Hadda Brooks, and Phil Spector was in the house !!
MOTOWN'S FIRST ENGINEER ROBERT BATEMAN ENTERPRISING
(MAA NEWS) - Motown's first engineer, and bass singer of the Satintones (the labels first all male group) is heading in the direction of Puffy, and the rest of the rap industry. Bateman is considering manufacturing a line of clothing called "Gordy". "The clothing line will be high fashion and classy" said Bateman. "I'm in discussion with Berry (Gordy) about the idea" said Bateman. "Gordy" is the last name of Motown record founder Berry Gordy.
Bateman is well recognized amongst the Motown elite, and is considered amongst the rarer of the Motown stars that are most visible.
The Satintones broke on the Motown scene in 1960.
When Gordy opened the company, they were the first male singing group on the label. The original members were Bateman, Charles "Chico" Leverett, James Ellis and Sonny Sanders.
Songs such as "My Beloved," "Motor City," "Tomorrow and Always," "Angel," "I Know How It Feels," and "Zing Went the Strings of My Heart" cost a pretty penny now days; a single 45 can cut into your pockets for nearly $2,000 in mint condition.
"Tomorrow and Always" created some controversy, and a lawsuit (which Motown lost); the answer song not only answered the Shirelles' hit, it ripped "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" off note for note.
MAA Contact Information, Motown Alumni Association, Inc.
590 Calder Ave suite 1, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48198
(734) 485-1011, MotownAlumni.com, Billy_j_Wilson@Yahoo.com
SOURCE: MAA
MARY WILSON'S REFLECTIONS
KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE) -The Supremes soared to the top of the music charts in the 1960s with songs such as "Stop! In The Name of Love" and "You Can't Hurry Love."
Forty years later, original member Mary Wilson said she still tingles with excitement when singing the group's hits.
"Each night, it still feels good to sing them," Wilson said. "I get a new thrill each time I sing them. It's still fun." Wilson's show represents the type of entertainment that Chicago-based Onesti Entertainment plans to bring to the theater since it assumed its management in May.
"She's a performer with passion that is keeping great music alive," said owner/president Ron Onesti. "We want to bring in more contemporary acts as well, but we thought we would start with the classics appreciated by young and old alike."
Though Wilson is no longer on top of the music charts, she still enjoys performing music.
"Sometimes it can be frustrating, because you don't play to 100,000-seat venues every night. You might only play to 5,000," said the 61-year-old entertainer. "But when you go out on that stage, no matter how many people are out there, it's still fun. I get standing ovations every night."
Roots of a girl group
For Wilson, who grew up in Detroit, the thrill of performing began when she was a teenager forming The Primettes, a girl group with friends Florence Ballard, Diana Ross and Betty McGlown.
The Primettes eventually became The Supremes, and quickly started heating up the record charts.
The Supremes are the only American group to have five consecutive No. 1 hits between 1964 and 1965. The group went on to score another four consecutive No. 1 hits between mid-1966 and 1967.
From 1967 to 1977, the group went through more evolutions.
Ballard left the group in 1967, and Ross left in 1970 to pursue a solo career and after a few more different members, the group disbanded in 1977.
Wilson's career, however, continued to flourish. Wilson said she still loves the stage and gets antsy if she is away from it for too long.
"I disbanded The Supremes in 1977, and I haven't had more than a month off, if that," Wilson said. "I've toured all over the world, and I've never really stopped. It's a job. It just happens to be a really wonderful job. It's not a 9 to 5 job, but it basically is a job."
The Motown sound
The Supremes were part of a Motown sound that still connects with people today, Wilson said.
"The Supremes' songs seem to be eternal, thank God," she said. "People, especially the baby-boomers who are now grandparents and all, they kind of raised their children on the music."
Wilson has an idea of why the music remains so enduring.
"Think about the people who made the Motown sound popular — The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye," Wilson said. "We are not talking about just one group here. It was all these different groups, and all of them were doing something different. Stevie Wonder is not doing anything like The Four Tops."
Achieving success as a teenager came at a price — Wilson did not get the chance to further her education.
"We became famous when we were in our late teens and we didn't really have the chance to go to college, although we wanted to and our parents wanted to send us," Wilson said.
But she rectified that in May 2001, when she earned her associate's degree in liberal arts from New York University.
Wilson the actress
Music is not Wilson's only interest. Wilson has performed in plays and on the television screen.
Wilson had a starring role in the Lifetime original movie, "Jackie's Back." In 2002, she produced and starred in the national touring company of "Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies" and in March 2003 she starred at "The Vagina Monologues" at the Detroit Opera House.
"That's why I like being an entertainer, because it does open up the doors for doing different types of performing," Wilson said. "It's not just about singing. It's nice to be able to open up and do another things."
Ambassador Wilson
Wilson also divides her time as cultural ambassador for the United States State Department.
"I do a lot of traveling for them, and have been to Africa and Bangladesh and places like that," Wilson said. "This year, they are sending me to Bosnia. As part of the program, I venture into the school systems and do master classes. That's always exciting because I have a chance to really see a lot of the young people and mentor them for a little while."
New musical horizons
As she stretches herself artistically, Wilson said she plans to try different approaches to her musical act with a series of cabaret shows, beginning in November.
"I will do basically all ballads and jazz standard tunes," she said. "Usually with my band I do a rock 'n' roll concert, but this will be nothing like that. In fact, I'm not going to bring my backup singers with me.
"If it is successful, I would like to take it on the road and go through all these little cities," Wilson said. "The one thing that is available is the jazz-type clubs in various cities, where people can come into an intimate setting. As opposed to doing just Supremes material, I can stretch out and can do other kind of material. Otherwise you end up being on the oldies circuit, and I don't want to do that."
SOURCE: MAA
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The musician who produced soul legend Solomon Burke's Grammy-winning 2002 album "Don't Give Up on Me" has started a label devoted to new work by veteran R&B performers.
The first release from Joe Henry's Work Song label will reach stores on Oct. 4. "I Believe to My Soul" will feature newly recorded performances by Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Mavis Staples, Ann Peebles and Billy Preston.
The album will be released in partnership with Warner Music Group's archival label Rhino Records and Starbucks Entertainment's Hear Music unit. The album will be available nonexclusively at Starbucks and sold by conventional music retailers.
Singer-songwriter Henry, who also produced the recent album "I've Got My Own Hell to Raise" by soul veteran Bettye LaVette, had nursed the idea of a label dedicated to fresh recordings by classic R&B performers for three years.
"I thought most of the great soul artists were either relegated to the oldies circuit or being stuffed into what R&B has become," Henry said. "I had in mind this idea of a long, continuing series of records."
"I Believe to My Soul" was recorded in one week of June sessions at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. The writers among the featured performers brought in new tunes, while the interpreters selected songs they had not recorded before.
Toussaint, as well known as a producer and arranger as a singer, songwriter and keyboardist, was featured on four tracks and anchored the house band as well. "He's just a heavy number," Henry said.
Thomas said of the finished product: "It goes to show you that those of us who've been around for a while still have it. Maturity comes as you grow older."
In recognition of Toussaint and Thomas' deep roots in the New Orleans music community, Work Song, Rhino and Starbucks will contribute $10 of the Starbucks purchase price ($15.95 in the U.S., $19.95 in Canada) to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts; $3 of every copy purchased at music retail stores, where the package is listed at $18.98, also will be donated. The contributions to the American and Canadian Red Cross will continue for the lifetime of the album.
Thomas, who was in Austin when Katrina hit, will appear at a hurricane benefit Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. She said: "This is a project I would be on board with, even if I wasn't on the record and even if I wasn't one of the evacuees. ... When you're blessed, you're supposed to pass it on."
SOURCE: Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
BRENDA HOLLOWAY gave her heart and soul when she performed at the Legends of Soul as she sang her hits “When I’m Gone” “Operator” “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” and “Every Little Bit Hurts,” also on show with BOBBY TAYLOR “Does Your Mama Know About Me.
Set to perform was EDNA WRIGHT of THE HONEY CONE “Want Ads” “Stick up” “Girls It Ain’t Easy,” but at the last moment was replaced by KIM WESTON who gave a powerful soul performance. Fans are wondering why Edna backed out at the last minute? Kim Weston’s new Motown Anthology is out and fans should grab it now !! Miss Weston if off to England with Brenda Holloway, and Frances Nero.
BETTY HARRIS is coming back in a big way. The soulful 60’s singer who dropped out of the scene after recording several r&b soul records including the classic “Cry To Me,” is back on stage and thrilling soul fans. AIM Records has issued 21 of Betty’s original 60’s recordings on a new CD entitled Betty Harris: The Lost Soul Queen.
LOVE ME BY NAME is one of the favorite cuts off her long-awaited CD FROM THE HEART says MAXINE BROWN, the singer who gave us such hits as “Oh, No Not My Baby,” “Funny,” and “All In My Mind.” Maxine is hot in New York where she performs to “sold out” crowds with her dynamite shows. You can order Maxine’s CD at www.soulmusic.com
MARY WILSON reunited with BRIAN AND EDDIE HOLLAND for a studio album but that was sometime ago and fans are wondering what’s happening with Mary’s album? The Holland Brothers with Lamont Dozier produced all those super hits back in the 60’s for The Supremes. Meanwhile the Supremes star is performing all over the world and recently in Los Angeles where she shared the stage with Little Anthony and the Imperials, Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons, Evelyn Champagne King, and Little Willie G.
Until We Meet Again … I Carry on
SPOOKEY
Email: chicanomagazine@aol.com
IRMA THOMAS NEEDS OUR HELP !!
Dear Music Friends,
Irma Thomas, one of the world's most soulful singers; a legend who recorded the original "Time Is On My Side," the Queen of New Orleans needs our help.
You have heard what's happening on the TV news in New Orleans, let's help Miss Irma Thomas and her family.
Any amount that you can send will help Irma and her family !!
Thank you so much
Manuel "Spookey" Esparza 714 538-4080
Chicano Magazine
Send funds payable to: IRMA THOMAS
P.O.Box 1274, Gonzales, LA 70707-1274
THE MOTOWN BOX on it’s way; becoming a box classic. Those of you old enough to remember the 4-album set The Motown Story, will be amazed with this new fresh collection of Motown hits after hits collection plus rare ‘b’ sides and extended versions put together by TJ Lubinsky of My Music, the guy who produced and hosted all the great PBS specials from Do Wop, Soul, and Motown also helping on this box was Harry Weinger who has been one of the reasons that the Motown legacy is still hotter today than it was at anytime by going into the vaults of Motown and getting product out from such forgotten greats as The Velvelettes, Brenda Holloway, The Contours, Tammi Terrell, Barrett Strong, Mable John, Kim Weston and so many other forgotten artists that the label simply thought no one cared about but US fans who read Chicano Magazine can tell Motown a few things !!
The Motown Box is here with great liner notes from author David Ritz to a special letter from Motown superstar Martha Reeves, and getting excited about the box itself which designed by Lisa Glines, along with help from Richard Foos and Garson Foos made it all happen for all us Motown music fans with exclusive photos like the ones of those marvelous Marvelettes !! Let’s not forget Tom Moulton who did the stereo mixes !!
You want the Motown Sound? Well, here it all is in this new CD collection called THE MOTOWN BOX. fans can hear all the great music that’s been put together here in extended versions and in stereo like never heard before which was TJ’s dream, who’s favorite group is The Miracles, says Claudette Robinson of the group to Chicano Magazine. Who doesn’t love Smokey and the Miracles !!
TAMMI TERRELL: MY SISTER TOMMIE
I was barely 9 years old when Tammi Terrell died in January of 1970, I always wondered about this beautiful singer that died so young and was one of the stars at Motown and how her life was; and now finally, all the pieces of her life come together in this new wonderful book entitled MY SISTER TOMMIE written by Vicki Wright, and Tammi’s real life sister Ludie Montgomery.
In September of 2002, I attended a marvelous show The Hal Awards in Beverly Hills. I was invited by the shows producer Janie Bradford, she wrote the million seller “Money, That’s What I Want,” a hit for Barrett Strong and later covered by so many artists including The Beatles, and also one of my favorites “Your Old Stand By,” for Mary Wells !!
That evening, the Beverly Hills hotel was filled with stars from the Motown galaxy. I saw real live Motown legends everyhwere !! Kim Weston, Brenda Holloway, Martha Reeves strolled by, there was Smokey Robinson talking wit Pete Moore of The Miracles, the lovely Claudette Robinson, Scherrie Payne of The Supremes, and soul legend Mable John !! Rick James was there and I was talking to him !! and so was Motown’s king Berry Gordy but as I fell into the magic spell of one of my all time favorite singers; to my surprise I happened to fall in love again. She looked so beautiful, more than supreme, I thought I was in heaven when my eyes fell upon this women. She had that special look, that famous sexy mole, Her name? Ludie Montgomery, so beautiful, and so much looking like her famous sister Tammi Terrell !!
I felt like I was standing next to the real Tammi Terrell and knowing this would be the closest I would ever get to be so close to one of my all time favorite singers in the world, the great Tammi Terrell. You could never imagine how I was feeling. I was standing next to Tammi’s almost twin, her real sister, her youngest sister Ludie, I couldn’t believe my eyes, and the way I was feeling this night. I loved Tammi Terrell so much throughout my life, here I was with her sister; who told me that night that to be on the look out for a book that she was writing on her sisters life and now finally out, that book entitled MY SISTER TOMMIE has been released and fans of Tammi’s can go out and buy the book at fine book stores or on line at amazon.com.
Tammi Terrell was such a big inspiration to me; her voice and style. I have always admired her and loved her solo work “Come On And See Me Baby,” “Too Much To Hope For,” “Tears At The End of a Love Affair,” “I Can’t Beleve You Love Me,” I played those songs over and over, and over !! Then, Tammi’s duets with Marvin Gaye, the most famous one “If This World Were Mine,” “Your Precious Love,” “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” but my real favorite was when Tammi sang “Give a Little Love,” with Marvin, that’s my song.
Then her early work before she became Tammi Terrell, she was Tammy Mongomergy, cut such records as “I Cried,” and “Sinner’s Devotion,” songs that record collectors treasure so well. My Sister Tommie is the life and times of Tammi Terrell as told by her sister Ludie, and co-writer Vicki Wright. I urge all my readers and fans of Tammi Terrell, to go out and buy this book, show some love to one of our great heroes, THE IRRESISTABLE MISS TAMMI TERRELL.
Recommended CD Releases By Tammi Terrell : TAMMI TERRELL: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION
MARVIN GAYE & TAMMI TERRELL: The Complete Duets (3 duet albums plus solo recordings by Tammi)
MARVIN GAYE & HIS GIRLS features Mary Wells, Kim Weston, and Tammi Terrell
A MESSAGE FROM IRMA THOMAS
Thanks Spooky.
Irma
Katrina Benefits Should Acknowledge Local Legends
Before NBC, MTV or anyone else puts on a telethon to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, they might want to explore some ancillary issues. To wit: New Orleans is a city famous for its famous musicians, but many of them are missing. Missing with a capital M.
To begin with, one of the city’s most important legends, Antoine "Fats" Domino, has not been heard from since Monday afternoon. Domino’s rollicking boogie-woogie piano and deep soul voice are not only part of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame but responsible for dozens of hits like “Blue Monday,” “Ain’t That a Shame,” “Blueberry Hill” and “I’m Walking (Yes, Indeed, I’m Talking).”
Domino, 76, lives with his wife Rosemary and daughter in a three-story pink-roofed house in New Orleans’ 9th ward, which is now under water.
On Monday afternoon, Domino told his manager, Al Embry of Nashville, that he would “ride out the storm” at home. Embry is now frantic.
Calls have been made to Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco’s office and to various police officials, and though there’s lots of sympathetic response, the whereabouts of Domino and his family remain a mystery.
In the meantime, another important Louisiana musician who probably hasn’t been asked to be in any telethons is the also legendary Allen Toussaint.
Another Rock Hall member, Toussaint wrote Patti LaBelle’s hit “Lady Marmalade” and Dr. John’s “Right Place, Wrong Time.”
His arrangements and orchestrations for hundreds of hit records, including his own instrumentals “Whipped Cream” and “Java” are American staples. (He also arranged Paul Simon’s hit, “Kodachrome.”)
Last night, Toussaint was one of the 25,000 people holed up at the New Orleans Superdome hoping to get on a bus for Houston’s Astrodome. I know this because he got a message out to his daughter, who relayed to it through friends.
Also not heard from by friends through last night: New Orleans’s “Queen of Soul” Irma Thomas, who was the original singer of what became the Rolling Stones’ hit, “Time is On My Side.”
Let’s hope and pray it is, because while the Stones roll through the U.S. on their $450-a-ticket tour, Thomas is missing in action. Her club, The Lion’s Den, is under water, as are all the famous music hot spots of the city.
Similarly, friends are looking for Antoinette K-Doe, widow of New Orleans wild performer Ernie K-Doe. The Does have a famous nightspot of their own on N. Claiborne Avenue, called the Mother-in-Law Lounge, in honor of Ernie’s immortal hit, “The Mother-in-Law Song.”
Ernie K-Doe, who received a 1998 Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, died in 2001 at age 65.
Dry and safe, but in not much better shape, is the famous Neville family of New Orleans. Aaron Neville and many members of the family evacuated on Monday to Memphis, where they are now staying in a hotel.
But most of the Nevilles’ homes are destroyed, reports their niece and my colleague at “A Current Affair,” Arthel Neville. She went down to her hometown yesterday and called me from a boat that was trying to get near town.
“This isn’t like having two feet of water in your basement,” she said, holding back tears. “Everything is destroyed. I am just so lucky to have been born here and to have had the experience of New Orleans."
She confirmed that there had been rumors of dead bodies floating around her Uncle Aaron’s house yesterday. So far, the Nevilles are unannounced to participate in Friday’s TV telethon.
And still there are plenty of other famous musicians associated with New Orleans who would probably like to be on TV if they’re high and dry.
The Marsalis family comes from the city, and they’ve played at most of the well known clubs like Tipitina’s, The Maple Leaf, Preservation Hall and Muddy Waters.
New Orleans is also one of the few cities with a House of Blues. And Jimmy Buffet’s Margharitaville Café chain has a local franchise that is still an attraction.
New Orleans’ trademark sounds are Cajun and Zydeco. So far none of the listed benefits have named an act that plays that kind of music.
DIANA ROSS
Diana Ross will not be performing at the World Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. The superstar called PAGE SIX yesterday from Detroit to tell us, "My father is ill. I have an 84-year-old fragile fa ther who has diabetes and he is blind, and whenever family calls, you have to run. He is my only living parent." Ross, who's in the studio recording and preparing to travel to South Africa in November to give a concert for Nelson Mandela, just got back from a European tour. WMA producer Michael Levitt said Ross gave him ample notice and added: "She called us personally to let us know the reason she had to decline. It was a very classy thing for her to do, and we were impressed by her sincerity."
WILLIAM MICKEY STEVENSON: MOTOWN LEGEND
Rhythm, Rap, and The Blues By GAIL MITCHELL Billboard
SECOND COMING: For those who don't know, William "Mickey" Stevenson was the man who put together Motown's first A&R department and helped assemble the label's infamous backing band, the Funk Brothers. But rather than rest on those laurels, Stevenson is busy overseeing the launch of his latest venture, Stevenson International Entertainment Group (SIE), working in tandem with SIE Group vice president B'Anca Henderson.
The Los Angeles-based firm comprises three divisions. Mikim Music is a publishing company/recording facility whose catalog of live old-school sessions, which spans 30-plus years, has been sampled by Jay-Z and others. B&W Management, which represents signed and unsigned artists, is working with, among others, Rawkus/MCA newcomer Novel, whose album bows in May. Stevenson Productions produces stage shows and concerts. Past projects include ``Sang Sista Sang'' and ``Glory Glory.''
Stevenson has also been chosen by the Stronghold Group to represent Motown music legends in licensing their names and images. "Artists like the Four Tops, the Temptations, and Smokey Robinson could be around for a lot more years because of this venture," he says, "and they deserve it."
Stevenson _ who was with Motown for eight years _ says his best memories are about "the love we had as a family for each other that is still going on." That will be the premise of the book he's currently penning. "I'll be talking about what made the company tick," he says. Dismissing other Motown books like Gerald Posner's new ``Motown: Money, Power, Sex and Music,'' he observes, "That's people outside talking about what happened inside. I [know] it from all angles. I was inside."
JAMES BROWN IN CONCERT
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - They still call him the hardest-working man in show business, but James Brown could just as easily be considered the Cecil B. DeMille of the concert circuit.
In one of Brown's typically large-scale productions, more than 35 people trotted out onstage over the course of Saturday's performance at the Greek Theatre. His band, the Soul Generals, naturally was big: three horn players, three drummers, three guitarists and two bass players. Add the three background singers who comprise the Bitter Sweets, frequent soloist Tanya Rae and even a near-inaudible 12-piece string section.
A James Brown show, however, requires extras, and there were plenty of them: two female dancers with sculpted abs and bikini bottoms that advertised "J" and "B" on either cheek, emcee Danny Ray, escort R.J., a woman in a cream dress and dangly diamond earrings who slow-danced with Brown during "Try Me," an official-looking guy who gave a James Brown hand towel to a woman in the front row and even a goofy accountant type who sauntered onstage to dork his way through the finale, "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine."
The 72-year-old Brown might not be as active as he once was onstage, but he still offers a fair share of his patented slide steps, mike-stand acrobatics and hammy staging. It was an exercise in excess, with lots of visuals to enhance his funk foundation: simple, repetitive bass lines; chunks of rhythm guitar; occasional blues interludes; and those familiar J.B. grunts and squeals.
The spare parts of the set list have changed just a little: "Living in America" and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," for example, were noticeably missing, while "If I Ruled the World" oddly made the cut, and a Spanish rap and a piece of OutKast's "The Way You Move" also were interjected.
Still, the core remains the same: Give 'em plenty to watch and ladle it with groove. Brown no longer is groundbreaking, and it's fair to call the format predictable. But the Godfather remains entertaining nonetheless.
Opener Michael McDonald struggled to reach an entertaining level. He unwisely started with a ballad, slowed the pace with inconsequential between-song patter and, chained to his keyboard, offered little visual content. Making matters worse, the band had little oomph, likely tied in to a lack of lower frequencies transmitted from the drum kit.
McDonald retains a uniquely haunting and smoky voice, and his skittered, passionate fills fit not only the material from his work as a solo artist and with the Doobie Brothers but also such Motown classics as "I Second That Emotion," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and especially "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." A 10-voice choir eventually joined the proceedings and added an extra level of badly needed depth as the slow-building proceedings eventually reached an infectious plateau. In essence, McDonald's gospel-inflected show worked like the devil to finally attain salvation.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
FATS DOMINO
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 2) - Rock 'n' roll pioneer Fats Domino, who went missing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, was rescued by boat from floodwaters near his New Orleans home and is "stressed out" but safe, his agent said Friday.
Domino, 77, beloved for his boogie-woogie piano style and such hits as "Ain't That a Shame" and "Blueberry Hill," ended up as one of thousands of New Orleans residents stranded by flooding after he rebuffed pleas from friends to evacuate as the storm bore down on the city, said agent Al Embry.
The rotund musician, his wife, Rosemary, and at least one daughter were picked up by rescue boat Tuesday following frantic efforts by Embry to alert authorities that Domino and his family were believed trapped in their home, Embry said.
"We heard he was on the balcony with his family and waving to people," Embry said.
He said Domino and his family initially were taken to the New Orleans Superdome with thousands of other evacuees and have since been moved to an unspecified location "because of all the media attention."
"He is doing well, he's just stressed out a little bit," Embry said in a phone interview from Nashville, Tennessee. "But praise God, he got out of the thing."
Embry said he last spoke with Domino by telephone Sunday night, hours before Katrina struck the U.S. Gulf Coast, and the musician's fate had remained a mystery until Thursday evening, when news reports first surfaced that he had been found.
A daughter, Karen Domino White, who lives in New Jersey, told news agencies she had identified her father from a photograph published by the New Orleans Times-Picayune, showing a man being helped out of a rescue boat. Embry said he confirmed details of Domino's rescue in calls to a son of the musician and the governor's office.
"He should be making an appearance before too long to talk to everybody," said Embry, who has known the entertainer for about four decades.
Domino, whose first single, "The Fat Man" (1949), is cited as one of rock 'n' roll's earliest recordings, quit active touring in recent years and had largely retired to his home in New Orleans' 9th Ward.
RAY CHARLES
Trouble Brewing Over 'New' Ray Charles Album
Monday, August 29, 2005
By Roger Friedman FOX411
Ray Charles: 'Genius II' Loves Trouble
Don't get too excited about those announcements last week of a "new" Ray Charles duets album. I'm told there's trouble brewing on this project that has not been addressed.
Earlier this year, Charles won a posthumous Grammy award for his "Genius Loves Company" album on Concord Records.
That was a collection of digitized duets, but the combination of Charles' untimely death and the movie "Ray," starring Jamie Foxx, drove the CD to sales of 3 million in the United States. It caused a Ray Charles renaissance of the first order.
So, what to do? Some at the Charles estate wanted a "Genius II," but the tracks didn't exist. Then someone remembered that Charles had recorded a bunch of duets years ago and hadn't released them.
The original tracks were recorded for Quincy Jones' now-defunct Qwest Records and produced by Phil Ramone. Almost none of the tracks were released. But "I'll Be Good to You," with Chaka Khan, was a hit in 1989. (It's unclear whether that song will be included on the new collection.)
Estate insiders thought: Wouldn't it be a great idea to release these duets? Maybe. But apparently they also felt the original collaborators were no longer relevant or commercial enough to market.
Charles' collaborators on those tracks included Brandy, Brownstone, Chuckie Booker, B.B. King, En Vogue, Faith Evans and Stevie Wonder. In fact, there's supposedly a duet between Wonder and Charles on "Living for the City" that's supposed to be spectacular.
Critics of the Charles estate, however, tell me there's such a clamor to make more money from the deceased legend that insiders have gone too far this time. Apparently, all those artists who actually recorded with Charles in the studio have been "erased" and their vocals replaced by Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross and other artists considered bigger stars now.
It is not known whether the original singers have been notified that their vocals have been eliminated.
Two of the new vocalists are Alicia Keys and Ruben Studdard, neither of whom Charles even knew, critics charge. Additionally, there's the matter of LaBelle, who — though revered by many — was not particularly liked by Charles.
Wonder, I am told, declined to sign off on releasing his duet for this new weird collection.
All of this may come as a shock to Atlantic Records chief emeritus Ahmet Ertegun, whose name was used in the press release announcing the album on Rhino Records. You can still find Internet references to an album called "Duets," which Rhino declined to release in 1998.
The release claimed that Ertegun was fulfilling a "deathbed" promise to Charles to put out his material. But since Charles had not recorded for Ertegun since leaving Atlantic in 1959, that claim may be dubious at best.
It's nothing new that dead artists are exploited. Charles seems destined to join Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and countless others now that he's gone to his great reward. I'm told he left behind hundreds of unreleased recordings that should provide lots of legal tangles.
By the way, about a month ago I heard that Quincy Jones was not up to snuff and had actually been spotted coming off a London-Los Angeles flight in a wheelchair. Everyone loves Q. Let's hope he's recovered from whatever has been ailing him.
APRIL 2005
Motown legend, diva, cue themes of reason, rhyme in Detroit mayoral bids!
By Betty DeRamus / The Detroit News/April 8, 2005
......In case you haven't heard, Martha Reeves, known for such 1960's-era
hits as "Heat Wave", "Dancing in the Streets", "My Baby Loves Me" and
"Jimmy Mack" has decided to run for the Detroit City Council. She
announced her candidacy this week. Miss Reeves has already begun
collecting signatures on petitions. "For the first time in my life, I'm
asking for autographs," she said on Thursday.
Reeves decided to leap into politics after getting a crash course in what
can happen when city departments fail to stay in touch or in tune with
each other. Her lesson in bureaucratic boogie woogie began when she
bought a tax- delinquent house at an auction and began fixing it up.
According to Reeves, some people in the neighborhood complained about the
house, branding it an eyesore. So, two years after Reeves bought the
house, it was torn down by the City of Detroit and a community activist
was born.
Reeves says the incident made her acutely aware of the need to inform
people about city procedures and all the things that can happen to
property owners. She's also concerned about the scarcity of
community-owned grocery stores and parking lots and the lack of statues
and monuments to Motown giants. And she longs for a return to the days
when amateur shows showcased local performers and gave young people a
place to sharpen their skills and file off rough edges.
.....Does the council need a member who could tell wrong-doers they have
"Nowhere to Run"? and warn citizens they're about to step into
"Quicksand"?
Who knows? By the time Detroiters go to the polls this year, Eminem might
be partying in the Manoogian Mansion while Aretha Franklin runs for
council on a platform of "respect and ribs".
Betty DeRamus' column runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Metro. Reach
her at (313) 222-2296 or BDeRamus@DetNews.com.
MARCH 2005
CHICANO MAGAZINE was invited by the Knitting Factory in Hollywood to see a living legend in action. The super talenetd and glamours Rockabilly Queen, MISS WANDA JACKSON !!
The legendary singer performed her many hits that she made famous in the 50's to a "sold out," crowd. Miss Jackson, one of the 1st women of Rockabilly once dated Elvis. Chicano Magazine
greeted the singer backstage in her dressing room; the exclusive photos with be featured in our next hard-copy issue of Chicano Magazine.
Tammi Terrell: Come On And See Me, Baby
Motown star Tammi Terrell Story About to Unfold !!
The mystery surrounding Tammi Terrell’s death has been kept under lock and key until now and within the next few months, Tammi’s sister Ludie Montgomery and writing partner Vicki Wright will be bringing Tammi Terrell’s life story to book form and film.
Those of you not old enough to remember Tammi, she was truly a beauty. A wonderful gifted voice filled with sweet, strong soul, a cross between Diana Ross and Martha Reeves.
It’s time we get to know Tammi all over again, lets start back in the early 60’s, when Tammi was recording under her real name which is not Tammi Terrell, but Tammy Montgomery.
During this time that Tammy was making her first records, she recorded for the Wand label and did a few things for the Try Me label which was owned by her then boyfriend, soul singer James Brown, where Tammy cut the track; hard-to-find and sought after, “I Cried.”
In was 1965, when Tammy came to the attention of Berry Gordy over at Motown Records. During that time, Motown had a winners circle of great female stars with names that would now make a who’s who of soul music; namely The Supremes, Martha and The Vandellas, The Marvelettes, Kim Weston, Brenda Holloway, and The Velvelettes were hitting the charts with their Motown releases and Tammy had those same hopes as she did when she changed her name to Tammi Terrell and was sign to the Motown label.
Tammi’s first recordings were produced by Harvey Fuqua and Johnny Bristol. One of the tracks that Tammi did was a version of The Spinners, “That’s What Boys Are Made For,” while taking on the Mary Wells classic, “He’s The One I Love,” giving that song a more upbeat fast sound as she did with The Isley Brothers, “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You),” but it was with “Come On And See Me,” “I Can’t Believe You Love Me,” that won fans over and accurse the gem, “Tears At The End Of a Love Affair.”
LITTLE WILLIE G is Heaven Bound, that's the title of his new just-relaeased CD. Insiders from the Willie G camp tell CM that the new CD is one of his best. Fans have already been buying the new
release and it's selling like hot cakes !! Check out Willie's website at www.littlewillieg.com
MARTHA REEVES and BRENDA HOLLOWAY are just a few of the Motown stars starring in an up-coming PBS special with The Contours, Kim Weston, and a rare apperance from
Gladys Horton, original lead singer of The Marvelettes also Mary Wilson will co-host with Martha Reeves. The PBS Motown Special is due to air this summer or by December 2005.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIANA ROSS March 26. Diana has recorded new tracks that will soon be relaesed; it's said to be a collection of love song.
REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN ANGELS ... Gone But Not Forgotten
LOU RAWLS
JOHNNY MOORE
JUNE POINTER
ROMEO PRADO OF THEE MIDNITERS
WILLIE HUTCH
WARREN PATTON OF THE PIPS
OBIE BENSON OF THE FOUR TOPS
LUTHER VANDROSS
TYRONE DAVIS
LYNN COLLINS
LALO GUERRERO
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, I CARRY ON
MANUEL SPOOKEY ESPARZA Tel 714.409.7983 USA
MANUEL ESPARZA
Visit with Spookey and Mary Wells !!
MARY WELLS & HER GIRLS
CHECK OUT THE LATEST PHOTOS ON YOUR FAVORITE SUPERSTAR
SOUL STARS & CHICANO STARS!!
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CONTACT: MANUEL ESPARZA 7104.409.7983
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