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Music Recommendation: Alice Russell "My Favourite Letters"
- By James Rawls
- Published 10/19/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By James Rawls
The term "blue-eyed soul" has been used for the last 40-something years to describe soul music performed by white singers. What frequently went with that distinction was an air of diluted or inauthentic quality to the music. In other words, it just didn't sound like "the real thang." Well, Alice Russell smashes through that restrictive mold like no other since Teena Marie. (Maybe her mother watched episodes of "Good Times" while she was pregnant.)
| Lush, bluesy, funky, sassy, smooth, jazzy, powerful, provocative, in the pocket, confident, vulnerable, soulful, raw...and thems just the appetizers of the succulent delicacies she brings to her musical table. Her genre-hopping style will provide you with a well-balanced variety to feast on; leaving you full and satisfied. (Okay, I'll stop with the food metaphors.)
Seriously, I'm always a little nervous when an artist attempts to give you multiple genres on a single CD. It's a risky venture that frequently ends in mediocrity or disaster or both. However, when it works, something truly special happens. That's exactly what this British singer achieves on My Favourite Letters, her second solo release.
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Interviewing Hollywood Goes to the "House"
- By Kevin McNeir
- Published 07/26/2009
- Music
- Unrated
Papa Joe Aviance talks about his music and his dreamsBy: D. Kevin McNeir
Shahid Manning is at it again: this time hanging out with Papa Joe Aviance - a recording artist and performer whose newest song "Now!" is on its way to topping the Billboard dance charts.
Manning, the host and senior entertainment correspondent for "Interviewing Hollywood" has been getting rave reviews since airing his first episode here on www.gbmnews.com when he interviewed popular author and playwright Stanley Bennett Clay. This time it's about the music and the "house community" that is unique to the Black SGL community - Aviance embodies both.
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| "I met Papa Joe and told him about the show and immediately knew that he would be perfect for the show," Manning said. "We want to showcase those in Hollywood who are working hard at their craft - both those are struggling to make it as well as those who have established themselves. The objective is to give folks publicity and access to our viewers and at the end of the day we believe we are providing a real service to our community." Aviance's story of how he was discovered is one of those "fairy tales do come true" tales. "I was working at a video store here in Hollywood when international hit DJ Eddie Amador came in to rent a movie," Aviance said. "He asked how I was and I told him I was an Aviance [House of Aviance]. The next thing I knew, he asked if he could record my voice and the rest is what you see before you - I mean, I'm living my dream." |
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Interview with Papa Joe Aviance
- By Shahid Manning
- Published 07/26/2009
- Music
- Unrated
In this episode of Interviewing Hollywood, we chat with the innovative Papa Joe Aviance. Papa Joe acually allows us to debut his new music video "Now".Check it out!
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Michael Jackson Names Diana Ross
- By John Frazier
- Published 07/1/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By Senior Entertainment Correspondent, John FrazierBreaking 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.
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| 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 |
"Goodbye", to hello from artist, Ms. Kristinia DeBarge
- By John Frazier
- Published 05/21/2009
- Music
- Unrated
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.
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| 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. | ||
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| 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: | ||
| You read it here at GBMNews.com | ||
Music Review: Unklejam
- By James Rawls
- Published 04/26/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By James Rawls |
Band: Unklejam CD Title: Unklejam Label: Virgin Record |
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Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I'm so glad I was alone when I finally heard the debut CD from this funky UK trio. I don't like many to witness me screaming like a schoolgirl, though that's exactly what happened. This CD hit my musical spot and has rocketed up my list of favorite releases. It's unfortunate they haven't generated a larger following because they're great! They're great! They're great! (And since you have great musical taste, I can count you as a new fan, right?) Okay, let me take a break, put my poms poms down and try to be intelligent for a second.
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Unklejam, whose name is taken from Funkadelic's 1979 album Uncle Jam Wants You, describe their sound as a mix of 80s pop, R&B, funk and soul with influences ranging from P-Funk to Prince to Sly & the Family Stone. When you add their playful spirit to the mix.... oh, f*ck it... IT'S "G"!.... IT'S "R".... IT'S "E-A-T"! IT'S GREAT! IT'S GREAT! IT'S GRRRRREAT!! YAYYY FANTASTIC MUSIC! Now watch the video while I roll out of this split and go to the emergency room.
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| If you like this artist, check out other music recommendations at Me Like Good Music |
Blues Legend, Ms. Linda Hopkins
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/26/2009
- Music
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Rating:
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.
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| 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. |
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HOWARD STERN ATTACKS BEYONCE & SHE LAUGHS
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/26/2009
- Music
- Unrated
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.
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| 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.
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| 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 John Frazier
- Published 04/26/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier
The "Dreamgirls" Oscar and Grammy winner, Ms. Jennifer Hudson, is expecting her first child. This according to Essence Magazine.
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Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holliday Surprise
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/26/2009
- Music
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Rating:
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).
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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
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A BABY BOY FOR NEO-SOUL DIVA, JILL SCOTT
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/26/2009
- Music
- Unrated
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.
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| 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
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Chit Chat with Freda Payne
- By Alan Mercer
- Published 04/20/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By Correspondent & Photographer , Alan Mercer
Freda Payne has always been the embodiment of glamour, beauty, grace, and talent. Her 1972 hit "Band of Gold" is still played all over the world. When I first started taking photos many years ago I dreamed of working with her. I have been photographing her for eight years now. We did this most recent set by the pool of her Hollywood Hills home.
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THE INTERVIEW |
| Alan: Hi Freda. You are always traveling so where are you going next?
Freda: I just came back from the UK. I will be doing a one night performance in Detroit at the St. Regis Hotel for President Obama on May 8th. Then in May I am at Catalina's in Los Angeles from the 22nd to the 24th. Alan: How often do you get to perform in Detroit? Freda: I don't perform in Detroit often at all. As a matter of fact I haven't performed in Detroit in a few years. Alan: What does it feel like to go back to Detroit? Freda: That's my home town so it feels good to be back in your home town. Alan: Detroit is suffering right now. Freda: Detroit is going through a lot of upheavals and down trodden hard economic times, as the whole country is going through now. But it's still my home town where I have relatives and hopefully a lot of friends, and then people who might remember me and want to come out and see me perform now. |
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OnMyRadio - Musiq Soulchild
- By Community Change
- Published 04/19/2009
- Music
- Unrated
Reviewed by Bad Ilisho - Music Correspondent  |
| OnMyRadio Atlantic Records |
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| By now, you may have heard Musiq Soulchild's duet with Mary J. Blige, If You Leave [on your radio]. This track is just one of the great songs found within Onmyradio. There is an apparent shift in Musiq's artistry, but he manages to deliver just enough to keep you on board. Musiq came to us by way of Neo-Soul, and attempts to hold on to his Neo - roots with joints like Special.
Special is a head-bobber, but definitely not a dance track. The tune is busy and Musiq delivers the lyrics in sing-song fashion, with an attempt towards rap. Special is one of the few tracks that qualify as Neo-Soul. Backagain - This jam is #1 on the playlist and is hot enough to boil eggs. Apparently, there is still a good use for drum machines! Backagain is reminiscent of a Bobby Brown track, My Prerogative. Patience is something you'll need with Deserveumore. Deserveumore is a blend of the traditional urban ballad and modern word-phrasing. Musiq attempts to bridge two eras, but the song doesn't fight for your attention. Musiq's in his comfort zone with Someone, as he gives you pure emotion…complimented by hot beats. | ||||||
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| This track is a clear pull away from Neo- and a potential nudge towards a new sound for Musiq. Think Maxwell, D'Angelo and Terrance Trent D'arby. Sobeautiful creeps into your ear with a familiar sound that made people stop and listen to Musiq. On this track, he gives you sensual falsetto, and holds on to it for several bars. If you need a track to enhance an active romantic evening, this is it! Iwannabe is the official hip-shaker of the album. It's radio, club, and fan friendly. One would wonder why this wasn't the first release. The cut has a hint of island flavor and is certified with a brief contribution by Damien Marley. The album closes with a track entitled Radio. Musiq may have struggled to find a way to tie all of the songs together, but this was a tired attempt to remain current and relevant.
While there are some great jewels within Onmyradio, the album lacks synergy. You'll get the impression that Musiq is trying to bring along his old fans, develop new ones, and is leaning back in a chair sipping on a glass of Crunk.
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| Listen to: "Iwannabe" featuring Damian Marley | ||||||
| Other Releases by this artist: | ||||||
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Lyric Genius, Ms. Carole Bayer Sager
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/19/2009
- Music
- Unrated
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.
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| 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."
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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. | ||
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The Release of Teena Marie's "Congo Square" CD
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/19/2009
- Music
- Unrated
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.
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| 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. | ||
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| 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.
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For more information or for a quick listen, click below:
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| You read it here at GBMNews.com | ||
"Just Friends" Ms. Vanessa Williams Sings
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/19/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier
I've just received this link of Ugly Betty's, Ms. Vanessa William's new single, "Just Friends". It has a light jazz flavor and the diva's voice is top drawer beautiful, just perfect.
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Madonna To Adopt Another African Child
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/5/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier
The Material Lady, Ms. Madonna has decided to adopt another Black African child, a four year old girl. This will be the second black child who will soon have the international star, Madonna, as her mother.
| Some media are calling adopting from Africa a new trend, in like if one were to purchase a piece of jewelry. I would imagine that some of the laws may not be as difficult as in the USA, when it comes to adoptions. However, if you, the adopter has enough love in your heart for another child, that's wonderful and you are a blessing.
Unfortunately, we haven't heard or read about our "people of color" adopting our Africa children. Sounds like something we need to be discussed, a little chit chat, indeed. What's your opinion on this subject? Let me know. You read it here at GBMNews.com |
Natalie Cole Announces She Needs Kidney Donor
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/5/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier
Natalie Cole appeared on the Larry King Live show, where she announced to the world that she is in search for a kidney. Many may recall that the singer has been undergoing treatment for Hep C.
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| The Larry King show has received e-mails from fans after the showing, who are willing give a kidney. Ms. Cole was quite shocked, amazed and grateful. Back in February 2009, it was reported that her son might be a possible match, however, the star appears to still be searching.
Moving forward, let's continue to pray for Ms. Cole in that she finds a compatible kidney. You read it here at GBMNews.com | ||
DIANA ROSS AT 65 YEARS OLD, ENDLESS BEAUTY
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/5/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier
Another on-site-magazine mentioned that the diva Ms. Diana Ross has turned 65 year old and that now she's senior citizen.. He failed to show you what the diva looks like at age 65. This photo was taken in Paris when Ms. Ross performed at "The Monster 2009 Retailer Awards in January of this year. She doesn't look a day over 40.
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| Ms. Ross been showing the world how to work it for years! M.A.C. should use have jump on this, when she did the Central Park Concert, her make-up did not run even in the rain.
Ms. Ross is the second international star to represent M.A.C, the first is Ms. Liza Minnelli, but Ms. Ross is the first African American Female to receive this honor. You read it here at GBMNews.com | ||
INDEED A QUEEN, MS. ARETHA FRANKLIN
- By John Frazier
- Published 04/5/2009
- Music
- Unrated
By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier
I'm sitting here at my computer listening to some fierce Ms. Aretha Franklin music, when I decided to check around, to see if Ms. Franklin had any new gossip about her exciting and blessed life. I came across an article posted on the "Associated Content". It was from one of her fans and it really touched my heart.
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| If was refreshing and beautiful to read such a touching letter. The media loves to print the diva parts of our personalities, but in the end, we are all human. Ms. Franklin touched this person; it was a meeting of the minds. Ms. Franklin felt her pain, heart to heart. I bet Ms. Ree even said a silent prayer. Now have a chit chat about that!
You read it here at GBMNews.com | ||
