Following two months of planning, Michael Jackson will finally be laid to rest on Thursday evening in California’s legendary Forest Lawn Glendale where he is expected to be interred in a hidden monument in a mausoleum made of marble and mortar.
The private memorial for family and friends will reportedly find the “King of Pop” entombed beside his childhood idols, Walt Disney and Larry of the ‘Three Stooges.’
“The family believed this is what Michael would have wanted,” a source close to the family told the New York Post.
While the iconic singer expected to be honored in the highest regard, including a performance by soul legend Aretha Franklin, an appearance by mentor and dear friend Diana Ross, and 12 burial spaces being purchased, Jackson’s mother, Katherine, requested the judge to sign off on the funeral expenses.
This morning Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff granted the current administrators of Jackson’s estate to pay for Jackson’s funeral and interment. The Associated Press reported that no one contested who would pay the costs, however Beckloff expressed concerns about whether Jackson’s estate could afford it.
The current attorney for the administrators of Jackson’s estate, Jeryll Cohen, stated that the estate had enough funds to cover funeral services in full. “The expenses are extraordinary, however, Michael Jackson was extraordinary,” she said.
As for the increased security of the 13th Century Italian patterned cemetery, observers can expect the streets surrounding Forest Lawn to be closed to the public 24 hours prior to service, in addition to restricted airspace over the venue.
The multiple Grammy Award-winner’s three children Prince Michael, Paris, and Blanket are all expected to place written letters alongside his signature white glove that read, “Daddy, we love you, we miss you,” said Jackson’s brother, Marlon.
He went on to tell UK newspaper, ‘The Mirror,’ that the King of Pop will be given a special wig of long black locks to wear in his gold coffin and a makeup artist has been hired to render his facial features.
Remembering Michael Jackson June 25, 2009 marked the passing of the one and only “King of Pop.” With over four decades in the spotlight, he never ceased to amaze us. Fittingly, we’ve witnessed his incredible highs and tragic lows with rapt attention. In tribute, we take a look at the life of pop music’s greatest entertainer.
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer’s look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is Mischa’s look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim’s look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn’t stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
Whether her divorce decree from Usher was signed off by the judge or not, Tameka Foster‘s near-two-year marriage to the international music superstar is still over.
That’s a fact!
Yet, the 40-something-year old single mother of five children (allegedly by three different men) says she was not given a fair shot in the way she was being “judged.”
The Oakland native (pictured above with beautiful dark-skinned actresses Keshia Knight Pulliam and Tasha Smith last year) spoke to Isoul Harris for Upscale magazine’s September/October edition.
That’s a fact!
In the Atlanta-based Bronner Bros.-owned magazine, she tells the esteemed former Rolling Out newspaper editor that she didn’t fit the image of the kind of woman people thought Usher should marry. Usher Raymond That’s a fact!
Oh, is that why it didn’t work? That’s a question asked by some. That’s a fact!
“I understand where all the negativity comes from,” she said. “Unfortunately I think that some black women are – subconsciously – not in love with the image they see in the mirror. Therefore in turn they do not love someone like me. I look too much like them.”
Hmmmm.
The only woman that I think Tameka Foster Glover Raymond looks like is one of my all time black spiritual leaders: Prophetess Juanita Bynum. That’s a fact!
What about you?
Like Foster, Bynum appeared on the cover of best-selling women’s magazine Essence.
That’s a fact!
A renowned best-selling author and televangelist, the 50-year-old Chicago native is also a regular motivational speaker during Essence Music Festival’s Empowerment Seminars in New Orleans, which is populated mostly by black women.
That’s a fact!
“People passed judgment without getting to know me,” Foster opined to Harris, then asked, “How can you get the entire concept of who I am from a blog?”
The September/October edition of ‘Upscale’ magazine — with actress Taraj P. Henson on the cover — is on some newsstands now.
That’s a fact!
Below, BV Newswire takes a look at other women who were/are spouses to famous men – who are not judged and have successful careers for their own talents. Check out these bold soul sisters who are off on their own…
Doing Their Own Thing While gold digging hoochie mamas vying to marry rich and successful men will never get old, there is a flip side to that: women with talent and skill and a drive to stand on their own. Blackvoices.com takes a quick look at the successful spouses of famous men.
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer’s look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is Mischa’s look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim’s look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn’t stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
A rep for Chris Brown sent the following statement to BV Newswire today regarding the reports of the singer’s televised interview for ‘Larry King Live’ due to air Sept. 2 on CNN.
Unlike other outlets, we are running it in its entirety:
“There have been reports on the internet that I didn’t remember what happened that night with Rihanna. I want to try and set things straight.
That 30 seconds of the interview they used of me was taken from a one hour interview during which that same question was asked something like 4 or 5 times — and when you look at the entire interview you will see it is not representative of what I said. “
“The first four times – or how ever many times it was – I gave the same answer — which was that I didn’t think it was appropriate for me to talk about what happened that night. I said it was not right for me and it really wasn’t fair to Rihanna. The fifth time – or whatever it was – I just misspoke. I was asked, “Do you remember doing it?” and I said, “No.”
“Of course I remember what happened. Several times during the interview, my mother said that I came to her right afterwards and told her everything. But it was and still is a blur. And yes, I still can’t believe it happened because it is not me or who I am or is what happened like anything I have ever done before.
Chris Brown“As I have said several times previously, I am ashamed of and sorry for what happened that night and I wish I could relive that moment and change things, but I can’t. I take full responsibility for my actions. What I have to do now is to prove to the world that this was an isolated incident and that is not who I am and I intend to do so by my behavior now and in the future.” Embedded video from <a href=”http://www.cnn.com/video”>CNN Video</a>
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (R) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (R) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (C) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Media attend a press conference after Chris Brown leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (C) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (R) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
For the second consecutive year in a row, Tyra Banks has scored a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Informative Talk Show.
During the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, the former model turned media personality shared the talk show category respectively with Rachael Ray, who brought home an award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show.
Since the show’s debut in Sept. 2005, Banks has consistently dedicated her show to women with low self-esteem, in which she expressed during her acceptance speech.
“I love daytime television,” Banks said. “I learned the birds and the bees from watching [‘General Hospital’ characters] Luke and Laura. I learned my ABCs, 1-2-3 from ‘Sesame Street.’ This [Emmy] is for the women out there that do not feel beautiful . . . that do not have time to do their makeup. . . . This is for you guys.”
They say if you’ve got it, flaunt it. That’s exactly what Miss Tyra was doing in 1999 with a barely-there bandeau top and a skin-tight long skirt. Over the years, Tyra has taken some flack in the tabs for her fluctuating weight, but back when she was in her modeling prime, she was eager to show off the banging bod.
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl “Mel B” poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the ‘In My Name’ global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of “Pose for the Cure” web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the ‘Susan G. Komen for the Cure’ fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O’Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O’Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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This year’s annual awards show, which was hosted by ‘Ugly Betty’ co-star Vanessa Williams, also honored ‘The View’ and co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Sherri Shepherd and Barbara Walters who nailed the Best Talk Show Host award for the very first time.
The ‘View’ ladies managed to snap Ellen DeGeneres‘ four year winning streak along with beating out the likes of Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa (‘Live with Regis and Kelly’) and Ray for the competitive ballot.
Below is the complete list of winners from this year’s 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Drama Series The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS
Game/Audience Participation Show Cash Cab, Discovery Channel
Morning Program Good Morning America, ABC Talk Show/Entertainment Rachael Ray, Syndicated Talk Show/Informative The Tyra Banks Show, Syndicated
Lead Actress In A Drama Series Susan Haskell, One Life to Live, ABC
Lead Actor In A Drama Series Christian Leblanc, The Young and the Restless, CBS
Supporting Actress In A Drama Series Tamara Braun, Days of Our Lives, NBC
Supporting Actor In A Drama Series Vincent Irizarry, All My Children, ABC Jeff Branson, Guiding Light, CBS
Younger Actress In A Drama Series Julie Berman, General Hospital, ABC Younger Actor In A Drama Series Darin Brooks, Days of Our Lives, NBC
Game Show Host Meredith Vieira, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Syndicated
Performer In A Children’s Series Kevin Clash, Sesame Street, PBS
“It didn’t go down the way it was reported: [They said] I was airlifted, I was beat. Honey if I’m beat, that place would have been on fire. I am a South Side Chicago girl, ain’t nobody putting their hands on me, and getting away with it – at all.”
— Actress and former First Lady of Turks & Caicos Islands LisaRaye McCoy-Misick on the publicized altercation with her ex-husband Premier Michael Misick. (Jet)
Top 30 Sexiest Actresses of All Time: First off, we acknowledge that ‘sexiness’ is extremely subjective, but since when has that stopped anyone from offering their opinion? It certainly hasn’t kept us from taking note of the women who have served it up to us over and over again on the silver screen. That kind of consistency deserves recognition. That’s why Black Voices took time out to compile a list of the top 30 sexiest actresses of all time. Although many of the women on our list have excelled in various media throughout their careers, we decided to rank each actress based on their “sex appeal in feature films, roles and scenes.” Whether you agree or disagree with our rankings, we want to hear your opinion. Why not give us your own top 30 sexy actresses list? Please post your thoughts, comments and/or opinions in our community message board. Let the sexiness begin!
Getty Images / WireImage / Getty Images
30. Thandie Newton It’s fitting that British actress Thandie Newton got the lead slot in our countdown. After all, compiling a list like this is sort of a ‘Mission Impossible’ given the fact that sexiness is completely subjective. Still, Newton sizzles on screen when the role calls for it, whether playing the femme fatale opposite Tom Cruise or the violated wife of Terrence Howard in the 2005 drama ‘Crash.’ No matter what your taste, leaving Newton off our list would have been an injustice.
Ferdaus Shamim, WireImage.com
29. Tracy Camilla Johns Tracy Camilla Johns first came to our attention in Spike Lee‘s debut feature, ‘She’s Gotta Have It’. The mere fact that she hasn’t left our consciousness since then is a testament to her sex appeal. Oh yeah, we forgot to mention that she played a nymphomaniac dating three men at the same time. She followed that up with a scene-stealing striptease in 1991’s ‘New Jack City.’
Island Pictures, Everett Collection
28. Vivica A. Fox Vivica Fox managed to heat up the screen even when playing an ice queen a la Mr. Freeze’s lusty assistant in ‘Batman and Robin.’ We should’ve expected as much from a character named Miss B. Haven. It seems Ms. Fox is destined to live up to her real name, having played sexy roles in ‘Booty Call’ and ‘Two Can Play That Game.’
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27. Robin Givens As if posing in a 1994 issue of Playboy Magazine wasn’t sexy enough! Robin Givens actually played a sex siren opposite Eddie Murphy in ‘Boomerang.’ Givens’ character Jacqueline ultimately seduces Murphy’s character Marcus Graham. Some say she played the same role in real life with her former husband, boxer Mike Tyson.
Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
26. Paula Patton We can see why fellow R&B crooner Robin Thicke decided to put a ring on the finger of this sultry actress (let alone write a song about her). Of course we’re sure that’s not the only reason, but it couldn’t have hurt. Paula Patton makes the list for roles in ‘Déjà vu’ and ‘Idlewild.’ Her leading men would be lost without the light she brings to the screen.
Jim Spellman, WireImage.com
25. Nichelle Nichols We couldn’t possibly leave the original intergalactic hottie off of this list! If Nichelle Nichols were the future of space travel, what self-respecting Trekkie wouldn’t want to get beamed up? We would mention that she was hot enough to entice Captain James T. Kirk into TV’s first on-screen interracial kiss, but that wouldn’t be saying nearly enough. In her prime Lieutenant Uhura was light years ahead of the competition.
Fotos International, Getty Images
24. Eartha Kitt Eartha Kitt epitomizes sexiness. Just her name evokes the signature purr she unleashed as Catwoman. The eyes, the hands, the voice, the legs — they all add to her allure — yet her sexiness is even greater than the sum of her parts. We’ll admit we haven’t seen most of her movies, but it doesn’t take much to be convinced. Besides, have you ever seen her performance of the song Santa Baby?
Michael Ochs, Getty Images
23. Vanity Even though she was a ‘Nasty Girl’ in Prince‘s off-shoot group Vanity 6, Vanity (born Denise Katrina Matthews) had everyone in awe over her the 1985 flick ‘The Last Dragon.’ Leroy Green wasn’t the only teenage boy in pursuit of Matthews’ character Laura Charles. Sho ’nuff! Whoever plays her role in the upcoming remake has some pretty sexy heels to fill. (That’s right, we said heels.)
Lynn Goldsmith, Corbis
22. Lauren London When people hear the letters “L.L.” they may automatically associate them with rapper-actor L.L. Cool J. Well, not this time! Hot 24-year-old vixen Lauren London comes in at number 22 for her role as “Erin ‘New New’ Garnett” in the 2006 film ‘ATL.’ She may not have many roles to her credit, but something tells us she’ll more than live up to any future billing.
Do you ever wonder how some of these rappers are maintaining in between dropping albums? Well Yonkers resident and lyrical beast Jadakiss is one of the most respected in the game. However respect doesn’t equal sales, and he is also one of the most underrated MC’s ever when it comes to the Soundscan game. An arrest yesterday though is making many people wonder if Kiss has been getting it in through other means…
Yesterday two men were arrested inside of Jada’s apartment holding weed, heroin, cash, and guns. Jada himself was not on the scene and police do not believe he lives in the actual apartment but his name is on the lease and he is the owner. Police executed a search warrant on the house and found 6 pounds of weed, 5 grams of heroin, large sums of cash and a few guns. Two men were in the apartment and have been charged with everything that was found. At this time Jada is not a wanted man but the Yonkers police department has issued a statement that they would like to talk to him.
These damn rappers… I guess when all else fails right? Hopefully Kiss can keep his nose clean on this one, we don’t need to lose another great one.
Vibe magazine seems to be rapidly rising from its proverbial ashes with new owners, who this week announced that Jermaine Hall will helm the resurrected title. A native of St. Lucia, raised in Queens, Hall is the former editor-in-chief of King magazine, and previously served stints as a music editor of The Source, and a webmaster of Vibe. He will now serve as the editor-in-chief of Vibe and its website. “I’ve always been very confident about anything dealing with editorial, so I’m definitely not intimidated,” the Iona College graduate told the website mediaite. “I’m very excited. I love all the eras of Vibe but one of my favorite eras is Alan Light‘s tenure [1994-1997] – the book was at its broadest during that time. I’m looking to recapture that feel, but bring it up to date.” The Quincy Jones-founded urban music magazine shuttered in June, after 16 years of publication, when its previous owners could not find new buyers or restructure the company’s debt. It was bought earlier this month by InterMedia Partners, a private equity fund and now is managed by the Vibe Lifestyle Network, led by Vibe’s original business leaders Robert Miller and Leonard Burnett and Uptown magazine co-founder Brett Wright. A new issue is planned for November/December.
It’s time to pay Ola Ray. Or that’s what she says. The original music video girl, who starred in Michael Jackson‘s seminal ‘Thriller’ video and appeared in its best-selling ‘Making Of’ home video, is seeking unpaid royalties for her work from 25 years ago. Ray’s attorney filed Los Angeles court documents stating she is a creditor to the singer’s estate and is owed an undetermined amount of money.
The actress, whose most recent “acting” credit dates back to 1987, sued Jackson in April, claiming he had failed to pay her royalties that she was due for the past four years. That suit, and two others filed by the video’s director John Landis, remains unresolved.
According to reports, one of Landis’ lawsuits claimed he also hadn’t been paid royalties on the “Thriller” video for several years.
When Jackson died in June, the St. Louis native – who has a Grammy Award in her possession (that she accepted on his behalf) made the media rounds. “I am freaking out, I can’t believe that he is gone,” she said. “He was my hero as well as my mentor. And I really respected him as an entertainer and we made history together, and he will always be the best.” Now she’s listed as one of the creditors of his estate.
*****
Now that Chris Brown has been officially sentenced and ordered to stay away from Rihanna for five years, his mother is speaking out – in the name of Jesus. “I just want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you for your continued support. I’m sorry I wasn’t allowed to speak to anyone as this case was ongoing,” Joyce Hawkins wrote on her son’s official web site TheChrisBrownFanClub.com. “I made a promise. I would never be ashamed of him no matter where I am or who I talk to. You see this whole thing isn’t about Chris, it’s about God. He wants to show all of you the goodness of him through Chris. Chris will be addressing all of his fans very soon. We love you so much and so does God.” During an interview last year on ‘The Tyra Banks Show,’ Brown revealed he witnessed his mother being physically abused by her spouse.
*****
LaToya Jackson will not be doing ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (as previously rumored in the press), but will be spread like butter on other ABC-affiliated shows. This week, the network announced that the best-selling author and former Playboy magazine cover girl will guest co-host ‘The View’ on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18. The woman comedian Paul Mooney once referred to as “La Dangerous” will also sit down with Barbara Walters for a one-on-one interview on the network’s newsmagazine ’20/20,’ scheduled to air on Sept. 11. She will discuss her relationship with late brother Michael Jackson and to explain for her belief that he was murdered.
6/1/09: Minnie Riperton A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series ‘Unsung’ hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad ‘Lovin’ You,’ the Chicago-born singer/songwriter’s career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton’s cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. ‘Unsung’ premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.
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6/1/09: Grace Jones The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the ‘We Love’ festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ singer will grace the Spanish island’s celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company’s 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled ‘Hurricane’ on the United Kingdom based label. “We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget,” Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.
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5/28/09: Chaka Khan Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation’s capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at ‘The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest’ running June 5 – June 7. The ‘I Feel For You’ chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.
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5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. “Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today,” said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.
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5/21/09: Jay-Z Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. “I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely,” he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. “I’ve been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique ‘negotiations’ ever…I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music.”
Frank Micelott, Getty Images
5/19/09: Mary J. Blige Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry‘s ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama ‘Precious,’ due out in November.
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5/19/09: The Dream Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, ‘Love King.’ The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album ‘Love vs. Money’ in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. “I have to pace myself ’cause there’s so much time between here and then,” he said, “but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it’s not really going to matter what kind of records they are.” In between recording sessions for ‘Love King,’ fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.
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5/19/09: The Whispers After releasing classic hits such as ‘In The Mood’ and ‘Rock Steady,’R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. “We’ve been wanting to do this for ten years,” explained founding member Nick Caldwell. “God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God.” The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.
5/19/09: Mariah Carey On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
5/19/09: Will Downing Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, ‘Classique.’ The balladeer’s 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the ‘After Tonight’ singer for Marvin Gaye penned ‘Baby I’m for Real.’ Other album highlights include ‘Love Suggestions,’ ‘More Time,’ ‘Something Special’ and Barry White‘s classic hit ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.’ ‘Classique’ hit stores June 16.
Just check out what Nicki Minaj said on “Lip Service,” when she discusses her 5 female characters who may happen to show up in the bedroom and why it’s necessary:
“Lisa is the b*tch that comes and f*cks you for 1 night when your wife is gone… you gotta be like that and you gotta stay in character …if you go there the guy will go there. What I’m saying girls is, step your p*ssies up get some role playing names and get a certain thing that each girl does. You have to have 5 personalities and all those girls are known for something.”
YOU WANNA SEE THE WOMAN WHO CAUSED THE FIGHT BETWEEN JUELZ SANTANA AND HIS BABY’S MOTHER … SHE’S A CUTE LATIN CHICK!!!
August 28, 2009. MediaTakeOut.com reported to you that earlier this week, rapper Juelz Santana and his baby’s mother got into an argument. As a result of the argument, Juelz was arrested for making terrorist threats towards his baby moms.
Well now MediaTakeOut.com is getting some details on what happened. Apparently the argument was over Juelz’ relationship with the below woman:
I spoke about Chris Brown on CNN not too long ago, and I am sure I’ll be talking about him now. Given his shocking 5-year probationary smackdown by a judge, I am sure that Chris has been humbled beyond belief. Even I was surprised to see him get this kind of punishment. But the truth is that when we make personal decisions, there is a piper to be paid, and sometimes that piper wants more compensation than we wish to deliver.
But Chris Brown is far from finished, and I expect him to be back on top in no time. The Chris Brown brand is still worth hundreds of millions of dollars, since corporate America is very good at working around the emotional to secure the logical value of their financial assets. Here are some things to keep in mind as Chris tries to rebuild his damaged career.
If R. Kelly can make a comeback, anybody can. I confess that R. Kelly honestly sickens me. I hate to say it this way, but the idea of a man doing what he is alleged to have done to that little girl makes me as angry as you can ever possibly imagine (and yes, I do believe that was him in that video). What disturbs me even more is that the American public let the entire issue go as soon as Kelly released another hit song. This sends a horrible message to young black women, reflecting the fact that our culture does not value their well-being as much as we value a hit song about going to the club, getting drunk and having irresponsible sex at the end of the night. Sorry homeboy, but you can’t serenade your way into my good graces or that of any other conscientious African American. There are simply some lines entertainers cannot cross and being found “not guilty” is not the same as being found innocent.
In spite of the obvious critique one can thrust on R. Kelly, the oddest thing is that R. Kelly’s model of career recovery can serve as an instruction manual for Chris Brown. The first segment of that lesson came during R. Kelly’s first BET interview after the child pornography allegations were made. During the interview, I noticed that the singer kept repeating the phrase, “Just focus on my music.” He repeated the phrase several times, as if his business manager had coached him to do so. Upon processing things later, the translation here was simple: If you are focused on his music, you will forgive him for the fact that he’d been accused of doing nasty things to someone’s 13-year old daughter. Yes it’s sick. Yes, it bothers me. But yes, it’s the truth and it has worked quite well for R. Kelly and his business model (notice that it took him a while to release his latest album after the trial – the public typically cools off and forgets almost anything you’ve done if enough time passes).
Similar to the R. Kelly situation, I’ve noticed that many female music fans really don’t care that Chris Brown is a man who seems to believe that it’s O.K.to use a woman’s face as a punching bag. The report that he used the big ring on his finger to inflict even more damage to Rihanna reminds you of the late Ike Turner. I hope he takes his domestic violence counseling seriously, since he can’t go on living like this.
In the music industry, fans are quick to accept eccentric behavior from celebrities. The public took no issue with Michael Jackson’s problematic relationships with children and there are many other scenarios in which a hit record is enough to take value judgments off the radar screen. Personally, I find myself in constant shock at the kind of language Lil Wayne’s female fans allow him to use to consistently disrespect them. It almost seems that a polite Lil Wayne would not sell nearly as many records as the drunken, outlandish rapper who appears to have a serious drug problem.
Value systems aside and with the focus back on business, a black entertainer can rebuild his career after an arrest by doing the following things:
1) Just say that Jesus healed you. People always buy that one. It worked for R. Kelly. References to God, even when insincere and blatantly hypocritical, invoke deeply entrenched sensibilities within African Americans. Personally, I need proof that you’ve really changed, not just your statement that Jesus came to you in a dream.
2) Sincerely apologize. People always love a good apology.
3) Make a really hot song. If people are dancing to your music, they usually forget that you might want to punch out their daughter or think that she’s a garden tool. Unfortunate, but true.
4) Remember the truth: People really don’t care that much about the celeb’s personal life and are looking for an excuse to forgive him anyway. I recall speaking to someone who works for a major network, and I was in awe over how nonchalant she was about the R. Kelly situation. All she kept saying was, “Well, he ISSSS talented,” as if his talent forgives him for any sin committed in the present, past or future. I bumped into a radio exec at a major station in Chicago and listened to him essentially say the same thing when explaining why his station adjusted its policy against playing R. Kelly music shortly after the allegations. The fact is that people just don’t care.
Chris Brown’s brand will remain strong in the music industry. From a business standpoint, it is also ironic that being arrested may actually be a “coming out” party for him, reinventing him for the world as the tough, borderline thug that many women seem to love (remember when Lauren London said she had a crush on Ol Dog from Menace to Society – a man known for being the craziest gang banger in entertainment history?). These coming out parties are common, as you typically see young actresses do sexy magazine covers on their 18th birthday (i.e. when “Simply Raven” became “Sexy Raven” and when Rudy Huxtable played a prostitute in her latest film), or male entertainers trying to look mean and “tatted up” to break away from their good boy image (i.e. Lil Bow Wow….I mean, Bow Wow). It’s all about branding. The craziest thing about the Chris Brown situation is that being arrested for beating a woman could actually work to his advantage. So, our adoration for Chris Brown (actually, other people’s adoration, since I don’t respect any man who would do that to a woman) is a reflection of our society and a nasty look in the mirror for all of us. I should say, however, that I consider Chris Brown to be far different from R. Kelly: He is still a very young man who makes mistakes and could possibly become a decent adult with guidance and significant intervention – which spoiled celebrities seldom receive.
Don’t be surprised to see Chris hanging out with more rappers, where it’s actually a good thing to be arrested. He’s going to have a few more tattoos, a meaner “mug” on his next album and present a brand that embraces the hardcore image, yet not so hardcore that you won’t believe him when he sincerely apologizes and says that Jesus saved him. The new Chris Brown will be interesting.
Posted by: LittleMissDivasWorld Aubrey is currently preparing for her Las Vegas debut in “Peepshow,” as well as working on her very own reality show. “There’s a lot of problems I’m having doing it, in the sense that everyone’s really used to making 15-minutes-of-fame-type shows, shows that have train wrecks,” she told MTV News. “I don’t want to play a role to get ratings…I don’t want to make up story lines. We’ve made up enough story lines for Making the Band. I want to make a reality show. I want to tell people the truth. I’m doing some gritty things.”
So, I’m in my office, minding my business and in comes my boss Russell. He’s wearing American Classics pique shirt which retails for $14 at Wal-Mart. I must admit, the shirt was fly! I had on my Billionaire Boys Club Stripped Helmet Polo which retails for $130. Now before I continue, the RUSH offices are family oriented. There’s so much love in this office its ridiculous! Now back to my story. Would you believe in the midst of the conversation Russ called me a “Bum A** Nizzle”. My funniest humble response him was “Now this is what I’m trying to explain!”. I know that response sounds silly but we laughed so hard you would’ve thought Dave Chapelle told his best joke. Now although my shirt was more expensive, the $14 American Classic shirt was the better looking one! I could’ve brought 10 of the American Classics shirts, and I would’ve, had I known.
Check out http://www.americanclassicsbrand.com/
The point I’m trying to make is that humility breeds success. Its obvious I knew he was joking when he made the comment, which actually made several colleagues laugh and feel rejuvenated at end of day. Life teaches us things in funny ways. I realized that its so important to keep your head down and do the work at all times. Its better to see the beautiful things in life than focusing on the negative things. But this can only happen if your willing to be ego free and willing to learn. I’m happy that Russell has taught me to breathe, smile and show love always. In the words of Russell “Be still. See God everywhere.”
The King of Pop will be buried on what would have been his 51st birthday, a spokesman for Michael Jackson’s family said Tuesday.
Jackson will be buried at a private ceremony at Forest Lawn-Glendale on Aug. 29, spokesman Ken Sunshine said in a statement. Guests will be limited to family and close friends, Sunshine said.
Ex–Cheetah Girl Kiely Williams is breaking her silence about her 2003 relationship with Shia LaBeouf.
“We’re still friends,” shares Kiely, who met Shia at the 2003 premiere of the original Cheetah Girls TV movie. “We have the same best friend, so it’s hard to avoid each other.”
These days, Kiely won’t date celebrities. “I need to be the center of attention!” jokes Kiely, who will celebrate her first anniversary with her current “not famous” boyfriend in October.
Kiely adds, “It’s hard to see how two artists who are building their careers can really date. They’re going to be constantly hogging the spotlight.”
R&B crooner Chris Brown was sentenced to five years’ probation and six months’ community labor for assaulting his girlfriend, pop star Rihanna. He was also ordered to stay away from Rihanna for the next five years.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg told the Jive Records singer that he could be sent to state prison if he violates any terms of his sentence, including an order to stay 100 yards away from the Def Jam Records chart topper unless they’re attending the same music industry event.
According to the Associated Press, a probation report prepared for Tuesday’s sentencing described two previous violent incidents: the first happened about three months before the February beating while the couple was traveling in Europe. Rihanna allegedly slapped Brown during an argument, and he shoved her into a wall. In the second instance, Brown allegedly broke the front and passenger side windows on a Range Rover they were driving while visiting Rihanna ‘s home country of Barbados.
Neither attack was reported, the probation report stated. Rihanna Brown, 20, plans to serve out his sentence in his home state — Virginia — and his community labor will be overseen by the police chief in Richmond.
Schnegg said she wanted to ensure he performs physical labor instead of community service (such as mentoring young people). Brown will also undergo a year of domestic-violence counseling.
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (R) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (R) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (C) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Media attend a press conference after Chris Brown leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (C) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Entertainer Chris Brown (R) surrounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s depuites leaves his sentencing at Los Angeles Criminal Courts on August 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Brown’s probation was 5 years probation and 180 days of community labor, as the result of a plea deal, after he was charged with two felonies for assault on then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, during an argument that occurred on February 8, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
After three years in the studio, Whitney Houston will release her sixth studio album, ‘I Look to You,’ on Aug. 31. Already being streamed online, the album is creating award buzz and could be the makings of a strong comeback for the six-time Grammy-winner. So could a much-anticipated appearance on the upcoming season premiere of The Oprah Winfrey Show, when Houston will give her first interview in nearly seven years. The show will air on Monday, Sept. 14.
Since releasing her 1985 self-titled debut, the chart-topping diva’s life in the spotlight has created plenty of sensational tabloid fodder. However, Black Voices decided this is the perfect time to remind fans of how she got to this point on the road of success. What follows are our favorite facts and trivia about the woman born Whitney Elizabeth Houston.
The gallery below provides a candid look at her throughout the years, with rarely seen images and additional facts. Scroll down for videos that show the sweet, young Whitney being interviewed at age 21, and a more troubled diva who sparred on the radio with then-radio show host Wendy Williams at age 39.
Since releasing her 1985 self-titled debut, Whitney Houston has become one of the best-selling female artists of all time — and one of the most talked about celebrities of the day. Here’s a look at her Through The Years.
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
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Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer’s look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is Mischa’s look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim’s look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn’t stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
Julien Hekimian, WireImage
IN THE BEGINNING
— Her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, was a successful background vocalist for both Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
— As a teenager, Houston spent her free time as a model and became one of the first African American women to grace the cover of Seventeen magazine.
— A duet with Teddy Pendergrass on his R&B hit ‘Hold Me’ prevented Houston from being eligible to win a best new artist at the 1984 Grammy Awards.
— The Newark, N.J., native became the first female recording artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at number one with her sophomore release, ‘Whitney,’ in 1987.
— Houston is the only artist to chart seven consecutive number-one Billboard Hot 100 hits and seven consecutive multiplatinum albums.
BRANCHING OUT IN THE 1990s
— Her rendition of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ at Super Bowl XXV in 1991 remains the only version of the national anthem to become a Top 20 pop hit. Houston graciously donated her share of the proceeds from the single to the Red Cross.
— She dated one of Hollywood’s top actors, Eddie Murphy, before tying the knot with New Edition singer Bobby Brown in 1992.
— She has appeared on three motion picture soundtracks in the 1990s (‘The Bodyguard,’ ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife) and also starred in all three films.
— Her cover of Dolly Parton‘s ‘I Will Always Love You’ in from ‘The Bodyguard’ soundtrack 1992 became the biggest-selling commercial single in history and took home Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
— She sang background vocals on Chaka Khan‘s hit single ‘I’m Ever Woman’ when she was only 15 years old and later remade the song for ‘The Bodyguard’ soundtrack. In the music video for the track, in which Khan made a cameo, Houston was pregnant with daughter Bobbi Kristina.
— In 1993 and 1994, ‘The Bodyguard’ star made the Forbes list of highest-earning female entertainers, behind Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Streisand.
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD
— Sure, Halle Berry earned a Golden Globe for her portrayal as Dorothy Dandridge in the made-for-television movie ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,’ but at one time, Houston was rumored to have obtained the rights to Dandridge’s story. After Berry’s version was released, Houston scrapped her movie making plans.
— Houston was scheduled to perform ‘Over the Rainbow’ at the 2000 Academy Awards, but the show’s musical director, and her longtime friend, Burt Bacharach fired her. Her voice was said to have been shaky, and rumors surfaced that she was jittery and distracted at rehearsals.
THE NEW MILLENNIUM
— The 2002 ‘Just Whitney’ album remains the first and only studio album in which Houston’s mentor, Clive Davis, did not serve as a producer. Instead, Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, helped produce some of the new material. — Houston has been romantically linked to actor-singer Ray J. He is nearly 20 years her junior.
When it came to “living off the wall” and making “doves cry” all through the night, Michael Jackson and Prince were in a league of their own during the late 1970s and early ’80s.
The careers of the two music icons mirrored each other, from their timeless chart-topping classics to their individual artistry.
In our latest round of Tale of the Tape, we stack up the “King of Pop” and “The Purple One” to see whether they had more in common than just their cultural influence.
(M) Full Name: Michael Joseph Jackson (P) Full Name: Prince Rogers Nelson
(M) Alias: “King of Pop” (P) Alias: “The Purple One,” “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince”
(M) Also Referred to As: “Wacko Jacko” (P) Also Referred to As: “The Kid”
(M) Date of Birth: Aug. 29, 1958 (P) Date of Birth: June 7, 1958
(M) Feature Film Appearances: ‘The Wiz,’ ‘Moonwalker’ (P) Feature Film Appearances: ‘Graffiti Bridge,’ ‘Under the Cherry Moon,’ ‘Purple Rain’
(M) Alleged Stolen Traits:Jeffrey Daniel of Shalamar revealed on TV One’s ‘UnSung’ that he originated the backslide, which later became known to the world as the moonwalk. (P) Alleged Stolen Traits: Rick James alleged that Prince stole his style and stage persona early in his career.
(M) Famous Rivalries: Prince, Paul McCartney (P) Famous Rivalries:Michael Jackson, Rick James (M) Record Label Riffs: Following the lackluster sales of his 2001 opus ‘Invincible,’ Jackson blamed his record label, Sony Music Entertainment, and industry executives, including producer Tommy Mottola, whom he called a racist and likened to Satan. (P) Record Label Riffs: Beginning in 1993, Prince used a symbol in place of his name because he considered his longtime record contract with Warner Bros. Records to be oppressive. He ended his recording strike in 1999.
(M) Notable Quotes: “Music has been my outlet, my gift to all of the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever.” (P) Notable Quotes: “Cool means being able to hang with yourself. All you have to ask yourself is, ‘Is there anybody I’m afraid of?’ ‘Is there anybody who if I walked into a room and saw, I’d get nervous?’ If not, then you’re cool.”
(M) Seminal Album: ‘Thriller’ (1982) (P) Seminal Album: ‘Purple Rain’ (1984) (M) Notable Collaborations:Quincy Jones produced ‘Off the Wall,’ ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ even though — according to Berry Gordy — the record label didn’t want him to work on the project because he was “too jazzy.” Jackson also co-produced and sang on Diana Ross‘ hit single ‘Muscles’ and Rockwell‘s singular hit ‘Somebody’s Watching Me.’ (P) Notable Collaborations: Prince crafted hits for Vanity 6, Sheena Easton and Sheila E in the 1980s. In 1986, he produced songs on Patti LaBelle‘s critically acclaimed albums ‘Burnin’ and ‘Be Yourself’ (even singing with her on ‘Yo, Mister’). In 1998, he executive producethrillerd Chaka Khan‘s ‘Come 2 My House,’ which was released on his NPG record label.
(M) Songs Covered By Others, Maybe Better: ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ by Isaac Hayes, ‘Got to Be There’ by Chaka Khan (P) Songs Covered By Others, Maybe Better: ‘Do Me Baby’ by Me’Lisa Morgan, ‘I Feel for You’ by Chaka Khan
(M) Other Standout Covers: ‘She’s Out of My Life’ by Shirley Bassey (P) Other Standout Covers: ‘Purple Rain’ by Randy Crawford, Fantasia; ‘How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore’ by Stephanie Mills, Alicia Keys
(M) Modern-Day Samples: ‘Please Don’t Stop the Music’ by Rihanna (‘Wanna Be Starting Something’), ‘Right Here’ by SWV (‘Human Nature’) (P) Modern-Day Samples: ‘To Live & Die in L.A.’ by 2Pac (‘Do Me Baby’) (M) Suggestive Song About Women: ‘Dirty Diana’ (P) Suggestive Song About Women: ‘Darling Nikki’ (M) Random Factoid: Was reported to perform a duet with Prince on his album ‘Bad’ but could not decide on the words to the project’s title track. (P) Random Factoid: During his high school days, he was reportedly in a band called Champagne with his cousin Morris Day and friend Andre Cymone.
(M) Super Bowl Appearances: Super Bowl XXVII (P) Super Bowl Appearances: Super Bowl XLI
(M) Hair Over the Years: Afro, Jheri curl, long and straight (P) Hair Over the Years: Afro, Jheri curl, dry curl, long and straight, feathered cut (M) Connection to Madonna: Made headlines with her after stepping out on the town. (P) Connection to Madonna: Record companies shared the same parent company, Warner Bros. (M) Trademark: White sequined glove (P) Trademark: Purple attire (M) Connection to Janet Jackson: She’s Michael’s youngest sibling. (P) Connection to Janet Jackson: Prince helped launch The Time, which featured Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who later went on to produce Janet’s breakthrough album ‘Control.’ The duo later crafted the megasuccessful follow-ups ‘Rhythm Nation’ and ‘Janet.’
(M) Connection to Spike Lee: The filmmaker directed the music video for Michael Jackson‘s controversial song ‘They Don’t Care About Us.’ (P) Connection to Spike Lee: The soundtrack for the filmmaker’s 1996 movie ‘Girl 6’ featured all songs by Prince, who also produced the project.
(M) Solo Albums Released: 11 (P) Solo Albums Released: 30
(M) Most Memorable TV Appearances: ‘Motown 25,’ ‘Oprah Winfrey Prime-time Live Interview’ (P) Most Memorable TV Appearances: Appearing on stage alongside Michael Jackson and James Brown during a 1983 concert.
(M) Known Ailments: Vitiligo (P) Known Ailments: Epilepsy (as a child)
(M) Major Industry Introductions:Gladys Knight helped get the Jackson 5 an audition at Motown; Diana Ross presented their debut album. (P) Major Industry Introductions:Prince was the opening act on tours for Rick James (1980) and the Rolling Stones (1981).
(M) Religion: Jehovah’s Witness (P) Religion: Jehovah’s Witness (M) Short Films (Milestone Music Videos): ‘Thriller’ (P) Short Films (Milestone Music Videos): ‘Sexy MF’
(M) Trends: Red leather jackets, slick pop-locking dance moves, sequined gloves (P) Trends: Big hair, lace, eye patches
(M) Musical Influences: Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, James Brown (P) Musical Influences: Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, and Sly & the Family Stone
(M) Famous Satire: Weird Al Yankovich (‘Eat It’) (P) Famous Satire: ‘The Prince Show’ on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘Chappelle’s Show’
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer’s look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is Mischa’s look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim’s look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d’Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn’t stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.