LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Michael Jackson estate has sent a letter to the U.K.’s Channel 4 warning that a documentary on two men who accuse the singer of molesting them as boys violates the network’s programming guidelines. The letter written by estate attorney Howard Weitzman and released Monday to The Associated Press states that […]
Eubie Blake was one of the popular pianists and composers of the early 20th Century, and helped usher in the ragtime sound of that era. Today is the Baltimore native’s birthday. James Hubert Blake was born in 1887 and raised in Baltimore. He began playing music at a young age, getting lessons from a local […]
Was the Godfather of Soul murdered? A new CNN investigative series is set to explore just that; as over a dozen people close to late singer James Brown have said they want an autopsy or a criminal investigation of his death. Dr. Marvin Crawford, who signed Brown’s death certificate at an Atlanta hospital in 2006, is reportedly among the […]
Etta James was a powerful, dynamic vocalist who found fame in her teens, nearly lost it all, and returned to stardom on the back of her formidable talent. Today is her birthday. Jamesetta Hawkins was born in 1938 in Los Angeles to a teen mother. James’ childhood wasn’t perfect as she was raised by foster […]
Before they were known as The Supremes, the trio of Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, and Diana Ross were part of a group known as the Primettes. On January 15, 1962, the trio was signed to Berry Gordy’s Motown Records en route to a stellar career and a number of hits. The Primettes were an off-shoot […]
NEW YORK (AP) — The long-gestating Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” is going ahead with stage director Liesel Tommy set to direct. MGM announced Thursday that Tommy will helm the film, which is to star Jennifer Hudson. The “Dreamgirls” actress was cast as the late Queen of Soul in January 2018 after Franklin selected […]
LOS ANGELES (AP) — An attorney representing two Michael Jackson accusers who appear in an upcoming documentary says their sexual-abuse allegations have not been discredited as the Jackson estate says, and deserve to be heard. Vince Finaldi, who represents Wade Robson and James Safechuck in lawsuits alleging Jackson molested them, said the suits were dismissed […]
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A documentary film about two boys who accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival later this month. The Sundance Institute announced the addition of “Leaving Neverland” and “The Brink,” a documentary about Steve Bannon, to its 2019 lineup on Wednesday. A description of […]
NEW YORK (AP) — The Queen of Soul will get a royal tribute from Alicia Keys, Patti LaBelle, Kelly Clarkson and more next month. The Recording Academy and music mogul Clive Davis will put on the special concert — “Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul” — on Jan. 13 at the Shrine […]
The Grammys are just around the corner and with the passing of Aretha Franklin, they’ve already lined up a tribute.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Stevie Wonder wants to raise money through a benefit concert for California fire victims impacted by the catastrophic wildfires. The R&B legend announced his plan Tuesday to help firefighters and first responders who assisted with the fires at the 22nd annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert on Dec. 9. The […]
While W.C. Handy didn’t invent the blues, he most certainly helped propel it to wider audiences. Today is the composer and “Father of the Blues’ birthday. William Christopher Handy was born November 16, 1873 in Florence, Ala. Growing up in a deeply religious household, Handy was forbidden from playing and listening to secular music but […]
