John Frazier

I would like to believe that I'm a student & teacher of life. At the beginning of 2007, I relocated from NYC to Charlotte, NC. I've written 4 books of poetry and have just completed my 1st novel. I would like to believe that my life experience may be able to educate others by seeing the world thru my eyes. There's always a point of view, & I'd like to add my flavor. I'm an extremely private person, however, I believe that I can speak for the voices that need to be heard.
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 Articles by this Author

Fans Can Say Goodbye to Michael Jackson

By Senior Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Finally the truth comes out, but at what cost? Debbie Rowe, the mother of Michael Jackson's two older children has broken her silence and confirmed what everyone thought, the children are not Mr. Jackson's biologically. Ms. Rowe has gone on record as to say that she offered Michael her womb as she was artificially inseminated by an anonymous donor. This is to believed happened with the third child as well, with a different mother. I saw a journalist on one of the nighttime magazine shows state that he believes that Mr. Jackson was A-sexual, meaning that he wasn't sexual or perhaps only sexual with himself. Who knows? In years to come there will be more articles and books written about this extremely gifted and sometimes tortured icon, Mr. Michael Joseph Jackson.

 

What I find interesting is that as far as Michael's solo career, there are only five albums that he recorded. It's been said that he has over 100 songs recorded in his secret library. Now I don't believe it was a secret, perhaps it was none of our business, or maybe it wasn't time for the music to be released.
As for his drug use, his nanny came forward and informed the media that she had to pump out his stomach many times after he mixed medications. And to stop the question, "Where was the family?" The nanny spoke about how his family tried to intervene, Michael wasn't having it. Since he didn't want to be rescued, his family couldn't make it happen.

I'm sure most of you have been following this Michael Jackson saga, we heard that the he is to be buried at "Neverland", then we heard that the family were having a private service for only family and close friends, leaving the fans with no closure.

Thank God that plans have been changed as a memorial will take place on Tuesday, July 7th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
It's a lottery of tickets that will be given to his fans. Unfortunately, some of the winners are now trying to sell their tickets on e-bay, some are asking thousands of dollars. Here's someone else trying to make money on Mr. Jackson's behalf, even in death. As for the memorial service CNN will have coverage starting at 12:00 noon, eastern standard time. I'm sure the other networks will follow suit.

Now some Republican Congress man, I'm not even going to mentioned his name, since I feel that he's trying to become known, on the coattails of Mr. Michael Jackson's celebrity, has stated that he doesn't understand the world's sorrow, since the entertainer was accused of child molestation. However, Mr. Jackson was found not guilty and cleared on all other charges. Yet, I don't think that he ever recovered from that. We will not concentrate on the "hater's" of our King of Pop.

Rev. Al Sharpton said that Michael Jackson belonged to us. I feel that Michael Jackson came from us, but he belonged to everyone who loved him. "Black or White", Gay or Straight", Young or Old", "Rich or Poor". And he will be remembered forever.

Love you Mr. Michael Jackson, rest in peace.

You read it here at GBMNews

 

Michael Jackson Update: No public viewing

By Senior Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

For those of you who planned to fly out to California for the rumored, public viewing at Neverland, for Mr. Michael Jackson, his family has decided that there will be no pubic viewing.


I would imagine that his family would like for his fans to remember him, when he was at his best. Many may recall that in his last days, he no longer looked like the handsome young man of his youth.

There were reports early that on Friday, July 3, 2009, Mr. Jackson's fans would be able to view and have some kind of closure. It's been reported that plans are being made for a public memorial. A date has not been set, no release on who will be responsible for this gathering.

You read it at here GBMNews


Michael Jackson Names Diana Ross

By Senior Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Breaking News from Michael Jackson's will:

The 2002 document leaves Michael Jackson's entire estate to a family trust. It names his mother, Katherine Jackson, as legal guardian of his three children and executor of the trust. The shocking news is that if Ms. Jackson becomes incapacitated or dies, the singer Diana Ross would get custody of Jackson's children.

 

March 1981 at the "53rd Annual Academy Awards" A young Michael Jackson escorts Diana Ross.  Photo by Curt Gunther
Not with standing her sometimes stormy professional life, Ross has been a wonderful mother. By leaving his children's care to the women he trusted the most, Jackson in death is showing that his children actually were a priorty in his life.

You read it here at GBMNews.com
 

Another One Bites the Dust: Vibe Magazine

By Senior Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

It was announced today that the most popular black magazine in America, "Vibe Magazine" is closing its doors forever. Yes, Vibe, a formidable success story for the entertainment world and black community meets a disastrous demise. For black business this is another tragedy. For print media it is another sad commentary on our times.

"Vibe" was published for 16 years. This ground breaking magazine was founded, in 1993, by the great, Mr. Quincy Jones.
During its run, it gave urban- hip hop artists an outlet and tapped into the hearts of younger Afro America. However, on the news stand, the magazine was a bit pricey and may have been unaffordable for many potential readers.

Back in the day, I can remember buying this magazine. What I found unsettling was the many advertisements before you got to the featured stories. Other than this, the magazine was excellent. However, after a while, the uniqueness of the groundbreaking magazine started to lose its shine
The top 5 magazines for people of color (black/asian/other) ranked by audience/ circulation were Vibe: 1,856,000;  Ebony: 1,643,000; Jet: 1,327,000, and Essence: 1,302,000.

Vibe's analysis was based on 2003 market data.
Right after its first issue, Jones had this to say:

"Through the prism of Urban Music, VIBE chronicles the celebrities, sounds, fashion, lifestyle, new media, and business born from this art form. With an authoritative voice, VIBE creates treads as much as it records them. VIBE covers music, educates its reader, and gives back to the community. VIBE serves as a portal to a growing, young trend-setting, multicultural audience. By being excellent journalist and innovative marketers, we are champions of urban music and culture."

I believe that Vibe magazine was able to do what it set out to accomplish. It reached most of the people, but unfortunately it was not friendly to the LGBT community. That being said, I still wish all concerned, the best.

With the closing of Vibe magazine,  many people that made "Vibe" the success that it was will face layoffs. We wish them well.

You read it at GBMNews.com

 

Farewell To Michael Jackson

By Senior Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

As I write up this information, thousands upon thousands are lined up at NYC's Apollo theatre on both sides of the street, as 600 people are allowed to enter for 45 minutes, where they can say their goodbye's to the King of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson. Once inside there's a huge screen on the Apollo's stage, showing different photo's of Mr. Jackson, as his music, alone, and with his famous brothers, play. The Rev. Al Sharpton will speak later during this celebration and memorial. Fans are allowed to write their thoughts on a huge wall within the theatre, that will honor Mr. Jackson. This fixture will become a part of the theatre in memory of Mr. Michael Jackson.

 
 
 
 
It was also announced that on Friday, July 3rd, 2009, the funeral will take place at "Neverland", the Michael Jackson estate which will be opened to the public, with an open casket. On that following Sunday, July 5th, there will be a private service for the family and extremely close friends.

It was just released that Joe Jackson, his father gets nothing, he was cut out of the will, as Mr. Michael never got over how his father abused him, when he was a child. Strangely, Mr. Joe Jackson has been granted legal control of the Michael Jackson estate. The interesting thing is that the Michael was in disagreement with his father, most of his adult life. Only recently Mr. Joe Jackson wanted a reunion tour with Michael and his brothers, but Michael was not interested. There was also talk of Mr. Michael Jackson headlining in Vegas. Ms. Janet Jackson, his younger sister, said that if this were to happen, she would love to open for him. As for Mr. Joe Jackson handling anything belonging to the gloved one, I'm sure he would not approved.

At the Apollo, during the day, as thousands & thousands waited in the hot sun, umbrella's were opened in honor to the King of Pop. It's believed that thousands waited for 2 days outside of the theatre, to insure entrance. Now its raining, still thousands patiently wait to enter the famous theatre. At 5:26 pm, on Thursday, June 25th, everyone in NYC and LA, stopped for a moment of silence, as we, of one mind, focused, prayed and thanked God for sharing this musical genius with us.

Please continue to Full Story


Tortured soul, Mr. Michael Jackson

By Sr. Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

It's only been 24 hours since the world was informed that Mr. Michael Jackson passed away. Most of us are still in shocked, grieving, but perhaps the great gloved one gave us signs throughout his time here on earth, the signs within the last few years of his complex, confused life.


 

I was invited to an afternoon lunch in NYC, my hometown. The lunch was on Fire Island, a place where the rich, chic and famous, get together to gossip, trade stories and catch up on who did what, while drinking champagne with fabulous friends. Of course the subject that's on everyone's mind is "What happened to Michael Jackson?" Like many of us, this wonderful group of people grew up listening to his music. In many ways his professional life mirrored his idol, Ms. Diana Ross. Once he left the brothers behind he went from star to superstar. Now the question is at what price?
As he became more famous, the stranger he became. The "Off The Wall" album, where he worked with legend, Mr. Quincy Jones, showed his brilliance.
It's the LP that also showed his new nose. Everyone loved the new look. Unfortunately Mr. Jackson didn't. With each album, he became lighter and the nose became much thinner.

Now many of you are probably saying, so what happened at lunch? But I think it's important to give a little history. After this breakthrough album, perhaps the pressure was on, plus he had his own demons caused by his father, Mr. Joe Jackson, it's been released that father dearest use to tell the musical genius that he had a big nose. (The damage that some parents cause to their children should be against the law.)


Please continue to Full Story


"Gone Too Soon", Michael Jackson Dead At 50

By Sr. Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

My nephew telephoned me, informing me that Michael Jackson was rushed to the hospital and now dead. This couldn't be true. Another telephone call, it was my brother with the same information. No, not Mr. Michael Jackson, not our legendary King of Pop. I changed the television channel. I sit glued, watching CNN, listening to Anderson Cooper speak, giving the viewer, Mr. Michael Jackson's history. The telephone rang, again, it was the publisher of GBMNews, he expressed the sadness that he felt, he also wanted to know if I would write an article on the King of Pop. For a moment, I become angry, as the thought of writing such a thing would make this situation more real. Writing about Mr. Jackson would also force me to reflect, as the Jackson Five are from my generation. I hang up the phone quickly, as I promised that I would think about it. My partner said to me, that if I wrote the article, it might help me to deal with the grief. 


 

Mr. Jackson's life story, his history has been written about. Everyone has an opinion. His musical talent speaks for itself. Future generations will be able to examine his greatness. We are reminded of child abused charges that were later dropped, however it still left a dark cloud. It appears that Mr. Jackson was an easy target, because of his pure heart. As it seems that people with an extraordinary gifts (as such Howard Hughes), burn out in time. It became apparent that Mr. Jackson was in trouble emotionally. He went from being called the "gloved one", to being called Jacko Yacko. When he was out in public, he was seen being pushed in a wheelchair, while his children were seen wearing veils. What I find troubling, is that no one in his close circle, his camp, realized that he was crying for help. He sometimes appear bizarre and he continued to change his look by having surgery. But no matter what, his fans remained loyal.

There are reports that Michael's situation is much worse than the belated Ms. Anna Nicole Smith. Shocking yes, as we are now told that prescription drugs may have be instrumental in his sudden passing, coupled with a broken heart. The media in the last few years, broke his heart.

My sister told me recently that when Michael Jackson's tickets became available here in the United States, she and I had to get tickets. Mr. Jackson told that press that this tour would be his last. Many wondered if he could break his own record, as "Thriller", went 4 platinum.

Shy of a few weeks, the great gloved King of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson's comeback tour, will not happen as he was called home to live with God. The world will shed tears for this wonderful gentle spirit. He will be missed and his music will be played forever. He's been compared to the late Mr. John Lennon and Elvis but there's no comparison, Mr. Jackson stands in his own light.

I pray that if there's a hereafter, that Mr. Jackson is able to feel that love from his many fans from all around the world. My heart also aches for his family. I'm sure there will be stories written about his private life, but lets concentrate on his career, the gift that he shared with us.

Mr. Michael Jackson, you are a great talent that made the world a better place. Rest in peace.

You read it at GBMNews.com

 


"Goodbye", to hello from artist, Ms. Kristinia DeBarge

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

I just happen to catch one of the nighttime gossip television shows, when Kristina DeBarge, 19, and "Baby Face" Edmond were interviewed. At that time, it was announcement the latest addition to the entertainment world is Ms. Kristinia DeBarge, daughter of James DeBarge (who once was married to Ms. Janet Jackson), from the famous DeBarge family, has been working on her first CD. The CD "drop" will be released this summer.

The first single released is "Goodbye". At first listen her vocals remind one of recording superstar, Rihanna, yet more polished, if you will.

The "goodbye" vocals and hook is borrowed from a song called, "Na Na Hey Kiss Him Goodbye".
Bio: "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" is a song written and recorded by Paul Leka, Gary DeCarlo and Dale Frashuer. Attributed to a fictitious band they named "Steam," it was released under the Mercury subsidiary label Fontana.

It became a number one pop single on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1969. Although subsequent recordings and a quickly assembled touring band Steam met with little success, "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" remains a perennial favorite. Just in case you are on the television game show, "Jeopardy", you will be prepared.

Ms. DeBarge instead of saying "goodbye", she's opened her musical door with a huge successful hello, as if it hasn't happened yet, it will, the radio stations will be burning up the sound waves, with this single, "Goodbye. She has a bright future in front of her.
Mr. "Baby face" Edmonds has signed Ms. DeBarge to his new label, Soda Pop" on Island Def Jam, and is one of Ms. DeBarge's producer's and songwriter's on this project. It will be interesting to watch what happens.

Now if you've heard the Nivea Products commercial, the music in the background, the voice singing, "Na Na Hey Kiss Him Goodbye", is guess who? Yes, Ms. Kristinia DeBarge.

For more information on Kristinia, click:

MySpace/Kristinia DeBarge

Kristinia DeBarge.com

You read it here at GBMNews.com
 

G.U.I.L.T.Y. for stalking Ms. Tyra Banks

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

On April 30th, Brady Green was charged, found guilty of stalking the television/model diva, Ms. Tyra Banks.

 

The Associated Press said that Mr. Green, who arrived from Georgia, was also charged with criminal trespass, harassment and attempted aggravated harassment.

The model superstar lived in fear as Mr. Green sent her flowers, letters, even showed up at the studio where the "Tyra Banks" show is filmed.
Many of you may remember when I wrote about Mr. Green sitting at MacDonald's, across the street from Tyra's studio, where he waited for her to exit. Now Green claims that he didn't mean to scare her and he did not intend hurt her. He claims to have felt a connection when Ms. Banks spoke about homelessness (and other topic's), his mind told him to go to NYC, to be close to his friend, "Tyra Banks".

Mr. Green faces 90 days jail time. His lawyers are suppose to appeal. If he's convicted 90 days, what happens after he has served his time? Perhaps the "system" should enforce mental health care.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

 

Ms. Beatrice Arthur Dies From Cancer

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Checking on line for the latest news, I was suddenly sadden to read that actress, comedian, and singer, Ms. Beatrice Arthur had passed away from cancer on Saturday, April 25, 2009. I can recall that early this year I had seen a photo of her, and wondered if she was ok.


  

Ms. Arthur was born on May 13, 1992. This is two years after my grandmother's birth, as Ms. Arthur is part of my grandmother's generation but because of her extreme talent she was able to be a part of everyone's generation, no matter the age, race, class and gender.
The first time I became aware of Ms. Arthur was when she did her series, "Maude", which was a spin off of " All In the Family". From that moment I was a fan. I also remember enjoying her performance, as Mame's best friend, Vera, in the movie "Mame" with Ms. Lucille Ball. The interesting thing is that Ms. Arthur played Vera, the best friend to Angela Lansbury's "Mame" on Broadway, of which she won a Tony Award. But her legacy will be "Golden Girls". She won Emmy's for her character, "Dorothy" in Golden Girls and also her lead character in the series, "Maude".
 
Ms. Arthur born name is Bernice Frankel, who was born in New York City but raised in Cambridge, Maryland. In 1947 Ms. Arthur studied drama at the New School in New York City. Her resume shows that she performed in various plays on and off Broadway. After "Golden Girls", I was happily surprised to see her on cable series, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" where she played actor, Larry Davis', mother.


Please continue to Full Story

Blues Legend, Ms. Linda Hopkins

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

As a child, I can remember the first time, on television, I heard this Blues and Gospel diva sing. She sang a blend of blues and gospel. There's something about her, something in her eyes that appeared happy, blessed and strong. There's a strength she has within that she shares in a song.


 

Years later, I treated my grandmother, to two theater tickets, to see the Broadway play, "Bessie And Me". I didn't realize that we had front row seats. It was a perfect evening with my grandmother and Ms. Hopkins performance was excellent!!

I also purchased the soundtrack of the play which was enjoyed by my Nana and me.
As many of you may know, I love to write about the celebrities, the legends that our youth driven society may not have ever known or have forgotten. I remember you, Ms. Linda Hopkins.

Lets go back to where it all began, Ms. Linda Hopkins birth name is Melinda Helen Matthews. She was born on December 14, 1924 in New Orleans, Louisiana to her parents, her father, Fred Matthews Sr., who was a preacher and her mother, Helen Smith.

Gospel great, Ms. Mahalia Jackson, discovered Linda when she was only 11 years old. This encounter started her career. Blues legend, Ms. Bessie Smith, Ms. Hopkins saw perform "Empty Bed Blues" in 1936. Ms. Hopkins understood the blues to well, as in 1947, her boyfriend married another woman, causing the diva to run away to California to live with her brother. This is really when her career started to take off.

According to her bio on CDBaby.com/Linda Hopkins: Ms. Hopkins said, "I never dreamed I'd be in show business," she says wide-eyed, in a voice high-pitched with rural animation. "I auditioned during the Sunday evening cocktail hour with Willie Diamond & The Dominos' '60 Minute Man' - the only secular song I knew. I got a standing ovation. I didn't know anything else...so I sang it again! That Monday, Slim called me for the job and I had to learn five more songs by Friday!" This was January 6, 1950.


Please continue to Full Story


HOWARD STERN ATTACKS BEYONCE & SHE LAUGHS

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

The uncensored shock radio host, Howard Sterns claims that Beyonce, when she appeared last year at the NBC plaza in New York City, that Ms. B. was lip-syncing, that she was not really singing. And he claims to have proof. Some kid named Matt, (not Matt Lauer), thought that it would be funny to create a fake recording of Ms. Beyonce singing, "If I Were A Boy" and singing all the notes off and wrong.

Television night time celebrity show, "Inside Edition" played a recording that sounded like Beyonce with an extremely bad cold. However what the audience heard was a perfect pitch singing Beyonce.

Mr. Stern's people claimed to have a recording, untouched, without all the extra's which included an overdub Ms. B.'s voice, leaving an extremely bad singing job by the diva when she sang, "If I Were A Boy".
Mr. Knowles, B.'s dad, called this claim foolish and nothing but lies. But hey if she lip-synched to her own voice, who cares? I guess Howard Stern cares.

 

 
When Beyonce was interviewed Matt Lauer, NYC reporter and anchor, she thought the idea was funny as she's already proven that she can sing. Beyonce has never lip-synced and her fans know that she's a true singer, not a studio singer as they are more comment today. If nothing else I believe that Ms. B. is coming into her own and has learned the trappings of superstardom, as she's handling the rumors with grace.

As for this Matt person, there's no real reason on why he decided to do this to Ms. Beyonce. He's probably never even gone to one of her concerts. I guess he wanted his 15 minutes of fame.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

 

RUMOR, BABY FOR JENNIFER HUDSON

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

The "Dreamgirls" Oscar and Grammy winner, Ms. Jennifer Hudson, is expecting her first child. This according to Essence Magazine.

 

 

 
Now her rep's claim that the rumor isn't true.

Yet Essence's claim to have not one but two sources that confirm this rumor to be fact.

 

Only time will tell, lets start counting the months.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

 

Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holliday Surprise

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

As many of you already know, Jennifer Hudson is on tour, opening for blue eyed soul singer, Robin Thicke. While performing in Atlanta, Ms. Hudson surprised her fans by introducing Ms. Jennifer Holliday, the original "Dreamgirl", to the stage to sing, "And I'm Telling You (I'm Not Going).

 

The wonderful performance has become the latest You Tube hit, over 220,877 thus far. Many may recall that during the filming of "Dreamgirls" Ms. Holliday was displeased as she was not ask to appear in the film. But all the negative feelings are gone. 

Ms. Hudson reached out to Ms. Holliday asking her to help her surprise the Atlanta fans. Ms. Hudson is a class act.

On the You Tube recording, you can hear the totally shocked fans, screaming, "Oh my god, oh my god, as the two divas battled vocally. Another night Ms. Hudson surprised the fans with Ms. Fantasia, where they performed their recording of "I'm His Only Woman."

If nothing else, its wonderful to see our sisters unite instead of fight.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

 


Mike Tyson Speaks On Chris Brown & Rihanna

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

When the former boxer was asked about the Chris Brown & Rihanna drama, he told the reporter that it was none of his business, but then he answered the question anyway. Mr. Tyson said that Chris is still a baby. He also stated that he understands the passion and also the environment comes into play.

 

 
"Do I feel that it's right to hit a woman?" "Hell no". "Have I ever hit a woman?" "Hell, yeah!" "Will I ever hit a woman again?" "Hell no!"

I'm not surprised that finally someone asked Mr. Tyson his opinion, as his ex-wife, Robin Givens spoke about her experience when she was married to the champ.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

 

A BABY BOY FOR NEO-SOUL DIVA, JILL SCOTT

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

7 lbs 8 oz and 20 inches long baby boy for recording artist and actress, Ms. Jill Scott and her baby daddy, Lil John Roberts. The 36 year old, Philly native gave birth on April 20th, a few days before her due date.



 
Ms. Scott is also riding high on the success of her HBO series, No 1 Ladies Detective Agency.

Her fiancé, Lil John Roberts was present and its said that the two will marry next weekend. This will be the second marriage for Ms. Scott.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

 

 

Lyric Genius, Ms. Carole Bayer Sager

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Lyrics are defined as expressing feelings on paper. Be it poetry or a short story, it can be defined as lyrics. The first time I became curious about this extremely gifted lady, Ms. Carole Bayer Sager, was when I went to the movies to see "Making Love". At the end of the movie, I heard Ms. Roberta Flack sing the theme and title of the movie. The lyrics pulled me in. I had to know who wrote it.

 

I made a mad dash to the closest record store, found the soundtrack, and there right in front of me, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager.

I was hooked.

According to her bio: Born March 8, 1947, in New York City, she wrote her first songs while attending New York's High School of Music and Art during the early '60s; discovered by producer Don Kirshner, she signed to his Screen Gems publishing company and in 1966 authored her first hit, the Mindbenders'oft-covered "A Groovy Kind of Love."

After penning a number of songs for the Monkees, Sager wrote the lyrics for the 1970 off-Broadway hit Georgy; in 1975, she co-wrote "Midnight Blue" with singer Melissa Manchester, who took the song into the Top Ten. They later reunited on the smash "Don't Cry Out Loud". Sager's own recording career was launched two years later, when she issued her self-titled debut LP on Elektra; the album scored a British hit with the single "You're Moving Out Today."

 

Carole & Quincy Jones

The first time I heard her sing, she appeared on the Merv Griffin show. She had just released the "Sometimes Late At Night" album. She sang, "I Don't Think That We Can Be Friends". Mr. Michael Jackson sang this beautiful song with her. Now I had to find all of her albums (three in total). Yet almost every performer, like Dionne Warwick, the late Peter Allen, Ms. Barbra Streisand, the Queen of Soul Ms. Aretha Franklin, to name a few, have recorded and/or sang of Ms. Sager's music.

She will probably always be associated with "That's Why Friends Are For". Again, fantastic lyrics and beautiful music. Some of my favorite songs recorded by Ms. Sager are "To Make You Smile Again", "I'm Coming Home Again", which was later recorded by Ms. Gladys Knight and the whole CD of "Sometimes Late At Night" is a masterpiece, of which I have this wonderful album, two on vinyl and one CD.

 

Please continue to Full Story

The Release of Teena Marie's "Congo Square" CD

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Ms. Teena Marie is back in full force. The first single from her new CD, "Congo Square" is off the hook. And before I forget to mentioned it, the name of the single is "Can't Last A Day".

According to her bio: TEENA MARIE CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH CONGO SQUARE, HER FIRST COLLECTION FOR LEGENDARY STAX RECORDS ON JUNE 9TH. Groundbreaking R&B artist's 13th career album features special guests Faith Evans, Howard Hewett, George Duke, MC Lyte, Pastor Shirley Murdock, Terri Lyne Carrington and Teena's daughter, Rose LeBeau.

 

Congo Square
Teena Marie

 

Teena penned and produced all sixteen tracks on CONGO SQUARE, the title of which is a reference to the sacred area of The French Quarter in New Orleans where slaves were allowed to dance and sing in the wardrobe of their mother country on Sundays. Teena penned the songs during a period of extended personal darkness that somehow manifested positive and loving art.
"I've been through quite a few trials and tribulations over the last two years,"

 

Teena shares regarding the time between her acclaimed 2007 release, Sapphire, and now. "I spent many of those hours in prayer and felt like God was putting his arms around me. I started thinking about the music I grew up on - how inspired it was. Each song I was coming up with began to sound like the style of some favorite artist of mine from the past... Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye, Billie Holliday, the old Chicago soul of The Emotions and the new Chicago vibe of Kanye' West… Ice Cube's bumpin' in the trunk vibe and of course, Rick James. It's all in there."

Teena Marie's career has been nothing short of a sensation. Making her debut on Motown Records in 1979, she swiftly earned a hallowed and singular place in the hearts of R&B purists with her soulful singing and poetic songwriting. The fact that this new record will be released by the other most revered soul label of all time, Stax; is poetic justice. CONGO SQUARE is a nod to all that came before and to the ones who will follow in her footsteps, firmly reiterating the obvious: there is only one Teena Marie.

 

 I would like to thank "Fly Life Inc." for the heads-up on Ms. Marie. Now mark your calendars, as on June 9th, the long awaiting CD, "Congo Square" will have arrived. Ms. Marie's vocals have not changed since her first hit, "Behind the Groove". Ms. T. is about to show the young-uns how it's done. Carry on children, carry on!

 

 

For more information or for a quick listen, click below:
Concord Music Group Official Teena Marie.com
You read it here at GBMNews.com
 

Cosby baby girl, Rudy signs for reality show

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Now come on people. We should stop watching television. Keshia Knight Pulliam better known as Rudy from the Crosby show is said to be finalizing the details for her reality show for cable television.

 

The reality show will star Ms. Pulliam and her live-in boyfriend, Kaseem Penn, an entrepreneur. According to the Associated Press, the show will focus on what its like to be young, rich, rich, young, young, rich, what's wrong with this picture?
The economy has gone down the toilet, people are losing their jobs, homes, families are becoming homeless, many don't have food to eat and we want to watch young rich folks be rich. I don't think so. This is a stupid idea.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

 

 

Fantasia To Do Reality Show In 2010

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Enough already!!! Another reality show, say it isn't so. It's been released that the American Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino will return to television on a VH-1 reality show.



Now I love Fantasia but why would I be interested in her personal life?
Well, maybe, since she's a single mother, a recording artist and what might be interesting is that all of her family members can sing. So you know during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, you are going to hear some serious heartfelt singing. At present, she's touring with the "Color Purple".

Stay tuned, we can chit chat later.

You read it here at GBMNews.com

 

 

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