By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sean Levert

Sean was arrested for not paying child support. He became ill last Sunday, March 30th, while in jail. He collapsed and was rushed to Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland where he died within one hour of his arrival. At this time, the reason for his passing is not available. An autopsy is expected.

Sean was one-third of the famous R&B guy group, "Levert". His brother, Gerald passed away in 2006 at the age of 40, due to an accidental mix of prescription and over the counter drugs.

Brothers, Gerald, Sean and childhood friend, Marc Gordon burst on to the music scene with instant hits, "Casanova", "Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop, Goes My Mind", and "Baby, I'm Ready."

The Levert brothers, Gerald and Sean's father, Eddie Levert is from the famous group, the legendary "O'Jays, whose hits are "Love Train", "For the Love of Money", "Back Stabber", to name a few.

On a personal note, I can not imagine what it must feel like to lose, not one but two children. To the Levert family, be hard in the Lord.

We, at GBMNews.com send our love, prayers and condolences.

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Baby face grammy-nominated British beauty, singer Corinne Bailey Rae's husband, Jason Rae was found dead, according to the Associate Press. Her husband, Jason, played with the funk group, The Haggis Horns. He's also played with recording artist, Amy Winehouse.

He was found dead in his apartment, officers are still waiting on test to decide the reason of his death. It's believed that Jason Rae is another talent that left this sometimes bitter earth too soon. My heart just ache's for his wife, Corinne, who is enjoying sweet success, now must experience the loss of her partner, her soul-mate, her husband.

Police arrested a man believed to have supplied drugs to Jason, however, he's been released and this case is still on-going. Corinne's 2006 release of "Put Your Record On", brought her national fame. The couple married when Corinne was 22 years old.

Our love, prayers and condolences go out to the Rae family and friends.

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Chaka Khan (meaning "fire" in many African languages) came onto the music scene like a warrior. No one sounded like her. Chaka and Rufus created a new sound. It was rock, soul and gospel. Hits were " Tell Me Something Good" penned by Stevie Wonder, "Whoever's Thrilling You Is Killing Me", "Once You Get Started", and many more hits before Chaka stepped out on her own. Then there was the Ashford and Simpson classic, "I'm Every Woman", Chaka could do no wrong, or so we thought. Then there were the years of drugs, and hard living, all the makings of a true diva. And like most divas, there's a younger sister. Chaka birth name: Yvette Marie, her younger sister, Yvonne aka Taka Boom.

Taka Boom was the lead singer for Motown recording artist, The Undisputed Truth, who had a club hit, "You Plus Me" and Taka also sang lead for The Glass Family, another group that never really got off the ground. During the 80's the club kids were excited to discover that Chaka's had a younger sister, Taka. She, like her sister, a small woman with a big, loud, strong, power voice. The unique thing was that she didn't sound like her older sister, whereas a lot of the other divas, the younger siblings reminded you of the older. But Taka did borrow the wild hair and sexy warrior look.

If you go onto "YouTube", check out Taka (Swahili word for "love of my people") listen to her sound and you may wonder why she was not allowed to have an unique career like her sister. Perhaps its because of the bad pairing of second rate song writers and 80's music. Her first solo album was released in 1979. Also interesting is that the two sisters have never recorded together but maybe one day. Many may not know Taka Boom, here in the states but in Europe, where you are known based on talent and not your latest recording, she's a superstar in her own right.

The wonderful thing about the sisters is that as they have matured, they have made their careers a family business, as Chaka's mother is her manager and Taka has the other sister, Tammy, as her manager- all live in Europe and here in the United States.

You heard it first at GBMNews.com

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Perhaps every background singer or someone who's a part a church choir dreams of singing the lead. Sometimes dreams come true and other times it just remains a dream.

David has made his dream come true with his new release of "Love Passion Heartbreak". Thought-out the years he's opened for recording artist like Jennifer Holiday, Amy Grant and Andre Crouch. He's also worked under the direction of the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark (mother of the famous Clark Sisters) and Mrs. Jean Jones Anderson of "The Great Lakes Jurisdictional Choir", and also artist such as the late Phyllis Hyman to name a few.

This is his seventh offering of music and song. David brings to the table 30 plus years of experience as he is known to sing, write and arrange all kinds of music. He has allowed his talent to be used for several concerts for HIV/AIDS and cancer benefits. David believes that his purpose on this earth is to spread the "word" in song, so that many will come to know his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. In his latest work its not only to praise the Lord, it also speaks of the human condition.

To hear David's latest CD titled, "Love, Passion, Heartbreak" and to learn more about this artist, go to:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/hiswayrecords

By Entertainment Editor, John Frazier

According to the Detroit Free Press, The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin may lose her slate-roofed brick $700,000 mansion to the IRS. This mansion was built in 1927. Her attorney's are to blame per Lady Soul, as the mansion fell into foreclosure over $445 in 2005 in taxes and late fees.

Last Thursday, it was reported Ms. Ree owes a total of $19,192 in back taxes on the property through 2007. Records show that the Queen of Soul owes $18,746 in back taxes plus fees for 2006 and 2007, and that foreclosure proceedings on those debts wouldn't begin until next year.

Whatever the truth and the correct amount, Ms. Franklin plans to pay up by March 31, 2008.

It's been no secret that the "Queen" doesn't like to pay taxes. Years ago, this was the reason why she would not perform in New York City, due to IRS issues. As a friend of mine once said, "Much wants more."

Xavier Kurt Naidoo (born October 2, 1971 in Mannheim, Baden-W rttemberg, Germany) is a German singer and songwriter of South African Indian Tamil descent, who sings in German and occasionally in English. He is known for his soulful voice and has collaborated with several famous artists such as the Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, Deborah Cox and 3-P's Sabrina Setlur, along with the Swiss artist Stress.

He sings in a number of styles, including R&B, soul, pop and occasionally rock. His most famous releases include "Ich kenne nichts", "20,000 Meilen", "Souls on Fire" and "Sie sieht mich nicht", which was featured on the German release of the film soundtrack for Asterix. Naidoo's popularity has massively increased since he joined groups like S hne Mannheims, and Brothers Keepers and the charity project Zeichen der Zeit in the early 2000s.

Ich kenne nichts (das so schön ist wie du) (i've never seen) 
in English and German with intro by rapper RZA

 

 

 

 

  I'd be waiting

 

 

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By Entertainment Editor, John Frazier

I just heard that Ms. Whitney Houston will be ready for her close up. On May 8, 2008, Ms. Houston will be doing a benefit performance for the Caudwell Children Legend Ball at Battersea Evolution in London. I hope someone "You Tube's" it. I would love to hear what she sounds like now.

There have been rumors that she was about to release a new CD for Spring 2008, but now I hear that she's currently still working on it and it wont be released until November, 2008. As a Whitney Houston fan, way back to the days when she was modeling for Seventeen magazine and she was singing background vocals for her mom, Ms. Cissy Houston, I'm disappointed. Only because I'm so ready to hear her sing again, ready for her to reclaim her crown as Pop Diva, ready for her to kick some mean butt vocally and musically.

The Whitney outings of late, have shown a beautiful, healthy looking Whitney. Even her mood appears to be different, like mellow, happy, at peace with herself and the world. Since the divorce, Bobby Brown has been up and about as well, stating that he's going to Nashville to do a country western CD. Bobby, I hope you know what you're doing. Yes, there's a thin line between R&B, and country music, sometimes, especially back in the 60's, like there was a country western, Stand By Your Man, and Candi Staton, R&B, Stand By Your Man, but times have changed. But Bobby, I ain't hating on ya, if you can pull this off….

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By Entertainment Editor, John Frazier

When the publisher of GBMNews.com telephoned to ask me to do an interview with Ms. Bonnie Pointer, for a brief moment I thought, "what questions could I ask?" Almost everything is public record, the truths and the lies. The highs and the lows of this sister group, the horse was already out of the barn, "what could I add to their history of record?" Then I remembered the first time I heard them, it was in 1973.

I was in my mother's bedroom, my mother and I were talking about something and listening to the radio. All of a sudden, we heard this funky, unique New Orleans bass beat. We looked at each other in wonderment. I spent a lot of my free time in the record stores, reading liner notes etc., and for some reason, I knew immediately who was singing. I told my mother, "It must be the Pointer Sisters!" And, indeed, I was right! From the bass line, Anita started to sing, and Ruth, Bonnie and June followed, the harmony was out of this world as they sang, "Yes We Can Can." The sound was something new, yet something old. Blue Thumb Records had a winner. The album cover had the four sisters dressed in old, antique clothing. They were in their late teens, early 20's, yet the album cover photo could have been taken in the 1940's. This first album is certified gold.

The second album, "That's a Plenty" is also certified gold. Each sister could and did sing lead. "Live at the San Francisco Opera House made them the first contemporary act to every perform there, and another first is that the sisters are the first Afro-American female group to ever receive a Grammy for a country song, written by Anita and Bonnie Pointer.

Bonnie Pointer

Ruth, Anita, Bonnie and June were not finished with being a first of everything they touched, the performance at the Grand Ole Opry awarded them with this honor as well. The sisters could sing and have sang any and everything, from jazz to blues to gospel to rock to soul. "How Long (Betcha Got A Chick On the Side)", made the R&B charts. This was a time when there was black radio and white radio, music wasn't just music. The sisters would not be pinned down to any one style of music and should be given credit for one of the groups that made the records companies realize that the new breed of singing would not be boxed in. Yes, the Pointers Sisters should be thanked for they part in this revolution.

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By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

It's an old church saying, that "The Lord may not be there when you want Him, but He's right on time."

Earlier today, a close girlfriend of mine, named Tina, telephoned to informed me that a close friend of ours had passed away. I knew our friend, Marge, was battling cancer and because of my faith, I just knew that she was going to survive this. Then a few months ago, when I called Marge, she informed me that the cancer had returned and she asked that I continue to pray for her.

In my heart of hearts, I believed, I knew that the Lord was going to grant us this healing. When I spoke to Marge a few weeks ago, we laughed as I told her, that she have to stick around, since I had attended her 60th birthday party, she would have to attend mine. We laughed, and then seriously she said, "John, I don't know.", meaning she didn't know if she had that much time on God's planet earth. I didn't want to hear that and just brushed it off.

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By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sisters: Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft

Liza is like all the other divas. They are known by just one name. For example, Aretha, Streisand, Dionne, Patti, Ms. Ross, Cher, you get the idea. If you are a diva, you have staying power, in other words, you are not based by your latest CD or movie. You are known not just in America but around the world.

With Liza, she was born famous. A famous mother, Judy Garland and a famous father, Vincent Minnelli. So when she decide to go into the same industry, she had to be at the top of her game from the beginning, otherwise, you would hear things like, "She's good but not as good as her mother" or "She's only making it in show business because of her father."

Ms. Liza, from the first note, singing with her mother on her mother's variety show, the audience immediately felt that Judy had passed her gift on to her daughter. In years to come, Liza would become an actress, dancer, the triple threat. And again, she mirrored her mother with the drugs, booze, partying and men. One of Judy's husband's was suppose to be gay. The same with Liza.

Now little sister, Lorna Luft, came from a talented offspring as well, she and Liza, had the same mother, Judy Garland and Lorna's father Sidney Luft, the director. I've seen Lorna perform and she's amazing but unfortunately, her older sister's light is much brighter, probably because Liza is so much like her mother. Like when Liza sang, "Maybe This Time", the movements reminded the public of Judy. Plus just like her mom, Liza has a huge gay following. Even her ex-husband might be gay.

Lorna has done some Broadway but not as the star. It's said that Lorna needs to be in control of everything and that she doesn't let anyone near, not even her children. Strange but Liza is very trustworthy and believes in loyalty. And there have been times when she and big sister were not talking to each other. On the other hand, Lorna's seems to be more normal, whatever that is. But being Judy Garland's daughters, how can you be normal?

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sisters: Barbra Streisand and Roslyn Kind

What can be said about the voice of the century? I've always wanted Barbra Streisand and Aretha Franklin to do a recording together. If you are a true Streisand fan, you will be aware of some of her soulful singing. On one recording, she sang, "It's Crying Time Again", which was unbelievable. She was hitting Aretha's blues kind of notes. On the other hand, Aretha & Barbra, can you imagine the ego's. They would have never left the recording studio.

The thing about Ms. Streisand is that she created her on destiny. She wasn't considered beautiful during her teen years, but the talent outshined anything else. Funny as society beauty has changed. Barbra is now considered a beautiful lady. Her fans knew this back in the 60's and that's probably one of the reasons for her huge gay following. We know what it feels like to be considered different.

Years later, I heard this beautiful voice, I don't recall where I was, but I was beside myself. I had everything recorded by Barbra Streisand, and yet this voice reminded me of the diva. It was then that I discovered that the voice I heard was Roslyn Kind, Barbra's younger sister. It was almost the sound voice. And if you don't believe me, check her out on her "my space" website, and you have to do a double take. Now how do you market something like this? You can't.

However, Roslyn has her own following, and believe it or not, she's extremely busy with concert dates etc. If you look at her, she looks like her older sister and the eyes, the same beautiful eyes. Roslyn may not have ever had a number hit, but she's holding her own.

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

R&B and jazz Diva who sang, "I'm On Your Side", needs your help. I'm sure that many of you have heard that Ms. Bofill suffered two strokes. One stroke on January 10, 2006 and a second stroke on July 10, 2007.

Angela Bofill

Unfortunately, Angela did not have medical coverage. According to her support team, medical and physical cost are mounting up. She has a long road ahead of her as she's paralyzed on her left side. The good life can be wonderful and a lot of us in good health don't realize how that can change with a blink of an eye.

There was a benefit in her honor and the amount received totaled $49,805.00. Sadly this is not enough and its extremely expensive for speech and physical therapy plus her normal living expenses.

For those of you, who don't know Angela's music, you are in for a treat. If you like Phyllis Hyman or Anita Baker, you will love Angela. Now for the old school brothers and sisters, you know Angela's music. I'm sure a lot of you have her albums. Lets move forward to a new day, replace the albums for CDs. Most of her music has been re-issued on CD.

Raised in the Bronx, New York City with a father who's Cuban and a Puerto Rican mother, coming from this kind of background, Angela was introduced many different kinds of music. During her teenage years she began singing professionally, as she was a featured lead soloist for the Dance Theater of Harlem. Her unique and distinctive alto style earned her 6 albums in the top 40. Her signature songs are "I Try" and "I'm On Your Side."

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By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sisters: Freda & Scherrie Payne

Ms. Freda Payne, I think I fell in love with her. She was right up there with Diana Ross for me. I can recall the album cover where she wore the sky blue jumpsuit and she looked so sad but beautiful. Plus, according to the sing, "that night on our honeymoon, we stayed in separate rooms." I remember, thinking is her husband gay? Was it an arranged marriage or something? How could he not want to make love to Ms. Payne?

Scherrie came behind with a group called, "Glasshouse," I remember my high school friend, Ben Torres, invited me over to his house. He played this sound called, "Stealing Moments From Another Woman's Life". Who is it? Sounds like Freda, but it was different. This was the first name I had heard Scherrie Payne. Big sister continued to have hit records, and on black radio she was the bomb. Sexy, smart, and could hit anything from jazz or R & B. She even stepped on the toes of our government, when she recorded, "Bring The Boys Home."

Glasshouse broke up and I don't believe that "Stealing Moments", made it to NYC radio. Years later, Scherrie would join the Supremes, which was a wonderful blend of voices, she, founder Mary Wilson and Susaye Green. Later Scherrie and Susaye recorded a LP, called "Partners", which Scherrie was able to show her writing ability. Unfortunately, Motown didn't rush or promote this LP. Scherrie wrote a song called, "Another Life From Now." Excellent! On this song you become aware of her range and power. Too bad that Scherrie is now touring as "Formerly of The Supremes." Freda has always been number one, again, older sister. Perhaps Scherrie was blinded by her older sisters success, but if the industry are not willing to listen, great voices get lost in the sauce.

Freda is still recording music and has a new CD out called, " On the Inside." I saw her walking down Lexington Avenue in NYC. She's still so beautiful. I think from my reaction, she knew that I was a fan. She smiled and walked into one of the deli's. I followed, she was with a young man, probably her son, and she stopped, looked at me, then opened the New York Post. The gentleman with her said, "You aren't in the Post today?" She didn't answer, she just smiled at me. Now I regret not saying something to her. Perhaps one day I will see her again, and trust me, I wont give up a second change to say, I have all of your music Ms. Payne. I know a lot of people know her because of "Band of Gold", listen to me when I tell you, please find her LP, "Payne and Pleasure" - excellent! Wonderful! I believe Edna Wright is one of the background vocals. Favorite cuts are: "Shadows On The Walls" but all of the songs are great!!!

Freda has also appeared in movies, television and some of the Gay Pride celebrations in San Francisco. Even today, with the war, I'm sure Ms. Payne is singing, "Bring The Boys Home." Out of "Payne" comes Pleasure.

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sisters: Darlene Love and Edna Wright

Darlene Love and Edna Wright

I first time I saw Darlene Love was when I was a child watching our black and white television, a show called, "Shindig". Shindig was like the Dick Clark show. You had the recording artist lip-syncing to whatever their latest record was. There was also a girl group who could sing their hearts out named the Blossoms, who were Afro American The one who held my attention was the blond in the middle, Ms. Darlene Love. I couldn't believe it. They were just like the Supremes, to me, in the sense that they were making history. Soon after Darlene's gospel voice was able to cross over to the pop stations, with "River Deep, Mountain High." Darlene sang lead vocals on "He's a Rebel," as the Crystals, and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah," as the Bob B. Soxx and the Blue-jeans.

A few years later, Darlene's younger sister, Edna Wright, was a part of a singer group called, The Honey Cone and they recorded a number one hit with, "Want Ads", but my mother had already turned me on to this group. They has a song before called, "Take Me With You." The lead singer reminded me of Freda Payne (of Band of Gold fame). I was hooked immediately. It was years later when I read Darlene's autobio, that I discovered Darlene and Edna are sisters. Darlene had changed her last name from "Wright" to "Love". Both sisters celebrated number one hits but Darlene has had staying power, recording gospel, starring on Broadway and every year she is David Letterman's Christmas holiday guest. Once Edna's group, the Honey Cone", break up, her LP, "oops", did just that, not a great solo album. Edna also sang background vocals with Andrae Couch. While Darlene recorded a solo gospel CD.

The great thing about Darlene and Edna, no one compared them because they didn't make the connection that "Love" and "Wright" were related. Darlene went on to become an actress in the "Lethal Weapon" movies.

And in like sisters do, Darlene continues to sing background vocals with Edna. It gets no tighter than that.

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

"Blues In The Night"

My mamma done told me, when I was in pigtails, My mamma done told me, Hon, A man is a two-face he'll give you the big eye, And when the sweet talking's done. A man is a two-face, A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing, The blues in the night

Music: Harold Arlen Lyrics: Johnny Mercer

Starring the perfect package of beauty, talent, class, elegance and brains, Ms. Freda Payne in the revival of "Blues in the Night." My understanding is that its set to open on August 7th, 2008. Performances will be at San Francisco's Post Street, and hopefully it will find its way to Broadway, in NYC. This play in set in the 1930's, a time full of gangsters, hard drinking, living and loving.

Freda will be breathing new life into classic songs made famous by Alberta Hunter, Bessie Smith, followed by the likes of Dinah Shore, Rosemary Clooney, Eva Cassidy, and most recently Ledisi on the "Celebration of the Lady of Song, Ms. Ella Fitzgerald." Ms. Payne is in the company of some pretty heavy hitters, however Freda's first love of music was singing jazz. This was way before her classic one number hit, "Band of Gold."

She fell in love with the music that her mother listened to. Because of her musical talent, during her youth, she was blessed to have traveled with the greats such as Pearl Bailey, Bill Crosby, Quincy Jones, to name a few and just recently have completed, to standing room only, a tribute to again, her idol, Ella.

On top of that Ms. Payne has just completed, produced, and released a new CD, entitled, "On the Inside." It's hard to believe that this ageless diva will be 66 years young. Whatever her magic is for staying young and beautiful, it should be bottled and marketed. Records show that she was born September 19, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan. And her voice is just as rich as when she recorded Band of Gold. By the way, Freda's CD is manufactured and distributed by Band of Gold Records & Entertainment. FYI: "On the Inside" CD, Ms. Payne redid her classic hit, "Bring The Boys Home."

So if Ms. Freda Payne arrives in your city with "Blues in the Night" or her tribute to Ms. Ella Fitzgerald or perhaps she's singing songs off of her current CD, "On The Inside", go see her, you will be in for a wonderful treat!

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sisters: Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick

Dionne Warwick comes from a long line of gospel singers as her mother, her mother's sisters, of which Ms. Cissy Houston is one, were born to sing. The other family members had more of a gospel sound, Dionne's voice was not defined by being black or from the church, it was just so unique and classical . Ms. Warwick, laughed as she spoke about her hit, "Walk On By", where she didn't sound black or white. In Europe the record label put a white blond woman on the jacket cover of her hit. The audience was totally surprised when this beautiful, striking black woman walked up to the microphone and started to sing, "Walk On By".

Dionne's younger sister, Dee Dee, her voice is more soulful, but not as much as her Aunt Cissy. I've played some of Dee Dee's music through out the years and the listener would always say, "It sounds like Cissy but, it sounds like Whitney but…" or "It sounds like a more soulful Dionne." It's amazing how family will have that sound tone and will have the best harmony because of it.

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By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sisters: Aretha, Emma & Carolyn Franklin

For centuries, we have had famous families, but not to my knowledge has anyone written about famous sisters and their younger female siblings. Perhaps this article will win the lesser famous sister to a whole new group of fans.

I can recall growing up in East Harlem where even in the 60's, Aretha was and remains the Queen of Soul. It seemed that every few months Ms. Franklin had a new single release. This was before CD's, so it was nothing to go to the local record store and purchase a 45 single. Before long the fans of Lady Soul knew that she had younger sisters, Emma and Carolyn.

Emma had a hit, called, "Piece of My Heart", this was before Janis Joplin recorded it. Perhaps if the times had been different, Emma would have had a crossover record, instead of this powerful song reaching to about number 9 on black radio. Back in the day, you had black radio and white radio. Aretha's light was so bright, that I believe the other Franklin sisters were never allowed to show what they were made of vocally. I would imagine that no matter how fierce the song, the music industry would market the younger sisters as Aretha Franklin's sisters. This could be a blessing or a curse, a kiss of death.

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By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

I'm still trying to rap my brain around the fact that Hollywood has cast Beyonce Knowles as the legendary Etta James. First of all, to play Ms. James you have to be an actress of the highest level. When word went out that Hollywood was looking for someone to play Tina Turner, they didn't ask a singer, they went for the actor first.

I love Beyonce but she's not an actress yet, I don't care how many movies she appears in. Beyonce, thus far, has played Beyonce and that's ok. From where I'm sitting its going to be a while before Ms. Knowles will be respected as such, perhaps some more life experiences and a lot more acting classes.

Perhaps her people should look up the Lee Strasberg's school of acting. Marlon Brando, Shelly Winters, a lot of actors of yester year attended this remarkable school. Now don't get me wrong not every singer has to attend acting school, like Ms. Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues. But this wasn't just handed over to her, there are articles where Ms. Ross knew that the world was ready to claim her wrong for the part and she, ate, slept, dreamt and read every book, every article on Lady Day, to the point where you didn't know where Diana ended and Lady Day started, and to me, that's a real actor.

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By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Janet has always been accepted by the Gay community. Our black brothers love her, the gay brothers want to be her. She crosses race, greed, color, and at the same time remains true to herself. GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) will be honoring Ms. Jackson during its 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards celebration this coming Spring 08.

Interesting but I've never felt connected to GLAAD, but maybe it's just me. Perhaps I didn't see enough color in the mix. I'm not saying that everything has to be about color, however, it's the kind of world we live in. And when attending different gay gatherings or affairs, its always comfortable to see someone who looks like you. I'm not talking about the honorary token blacks of the evening. I'm guilty, there have been times when I've looked around and said to myself, "OMG, I'm the only one here of color!" I would like to believe that organizations such as GLAAD are making an attempt to create a real rainbow.

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By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

In regard to Amy Winehouse: "I don't think she should have won. I think it sends a bad message to our young people who are trying to get into this business, the ones who are trying to do it right and really trying to keep themselves together. We have to stop rewarding bad behavior." quote Ms. Natalie Cole

"I'm sorry. I think the girl is talented, gifted, but it's not right for her to be able to have her cake and eat it too. She needs to get herself together." I mean, she could die. This isn't something that's cute and fun just to throw around in the press" continued Natalie Cole

"The girl really has a problem, and I think for those of us who have been in the business long enough, we know the sacrifice it takes. This is about discipline and hard work, and you don't get to just do your drugs and go onstage and get rewarded.", and finally the end of Ms. Cole's opinion.

It think amazes me, when Whitney Houston was going thru her situation, there was Nalatie Cole talking to the media and now Amy Winehouse has her demons to deal with and there is Natalie Cole again. When did Ms. Cole become the Dr. Phil of music and drugs? When she had her drug drama, everyone remained quiet in the industry. You didn't see Chaka, or any other recording diva giving their pearls of wisdom. And Natalie's fan base were prayerful and unconditional.

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