Movies To Checkout Part II

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo: There is so much hype around this movie, but any movie with Daniel Craig in it is a go for me. The movie is a remake of a foreign movie which is based on a book. No offense to American cinema, but sometimes we fail miserably at remakes of foreign films. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping this is one of the rare times this not true.

Release Date: December 20, 2011


Safe House: Denzel is back! And what do we love more than Denzel?....Bad Denzel! I am quite excited for Safe House. I know this will be good, because I have never seen a disappointing movie with Denzel Washington in it.....Period. I can say that I have seen bad Ryan Reynolds movies, but Denzel cancels that out, so I'm not worried.

Release Date: February 10, 2012


Red Tails: This movie is based on the historic and inspiring Tuskegee Airmen. George Lucas had to fund this movie himself and I am so thankful he did because these men broke racial barriers and other adversities, and they need to be celebrated. Terrance Howard and Ne-yo are a part of the cast.

Release Date: January 20, 2012

Movies you should check out!

There are a lot movies coming out, so I thought I would share with you some of the ones I am particularly excited to see. First up.....



The Three Stooges: There's going to be some good slap-stick humor. So if you love that, this is the one for you.

Release Date: April 13, 2012



Mission Impossible 4- Ghost Protocol: I personally love Tom Cruise, so that alone will make me see this movie. Plus the Mission Impossible franchise has not let us down yet, and I hear that this one won't either. The action is supposed to be the "Bomb." Pun intended.

Release Date: December 21, 2011


A Thousand Words: I love Eddie Murphy as well, but I will admit that he has been in a funk lately. Tower Heist did fairly well so I think it's good that he is piggy backing on it's success. He was funny in it, which made me happy because I was worried that he wouldn't be. He needs something else since he isn't hosting the Oscars...rolls eyes. I am hopeful for this movie. I'm hoping Eddie comes through with this one.

Release Date: March 23, 2012

Taylor Mallory | New Song! “Boo Season”

 Local Chicago Artist, Taylor Mallory, has a new song. I had the pleasure of interviewing him last Spring and he is a great person, and of course he has a great voice. Check out this new holiday song that he has recorded. I suggest you download it while you can. It literally makes you want to cuddle up with your Boo!

Happy Birthday Lucy!!!!!

       

Today is Lucille Ball's Birthday. She would have been 100 years old. Ball was born August 5, 1911 in Jamestown, New York. She is known as the funniest woman ever in showbiz. Lucy began her career as a model. In 1940, she married Desi Arnaz. Lucy soon found her niche as she was cast in comedic roles. One of her earliest appearances was on The Three Stooges. In 1948, Lucy was cast as wacky wife, Liz Cooper, on the popular radio show My Favorite Husband. Lucy and Desi soon came together and pitched the idea of a sitcom featuring them as a married couple, to CBS. CBS was not enthused about the idea because they believed the American public would not buy in to a program featuring an American woman and a Cuban bandleader married. Of course they were very wrong. This idea turned in to I love Lucy and first aired October 15, 1951.
     Lucy would have several successful films and the two successful shows, The Lucy Show, and Here's Lucy. In the 1960's, Lucy also become the first female head of a Hollywood studio. She died at age 77 on April 26, 1989. Lucille Ball is a comedian for all generations. Her comedic genius will always be relevant.
     Personally, I think she created the best television show ever. I never get tired of watching it. I have purchased almost all of the seasons(I'm missing one) and I never get tired of watching the episodes. They continue to make me laugh. I truly Love Lucy. Happy Birthday Lucy and thank you for all the laughs. Here's a few Lucy clips for you all. Enjoy!

Source: Wikipedia

Amy Winehouse Passes Away

 

Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London apartment today. And although we all know about her drinking and drug problem, I have to say that I am shocked she is gone. She was such a great talent and I had been actually listening to her a lot lately. We all saw her going down this road but I was rooting for her. I was hoping that she would prove everyone wrong and get herself together. I am really saddened by her death, but like other talented people who have gone before her, she left an everlasting impression behind, and the genius of her music will be around for generations I believe. God Rest Your Soul Amy. 

Babyface Concert

On June 19th, the  black-owned Chicago newspaper, N'digo had their annual gala. This year the entertainment for the gala was non other than Babyface. As a Fathers Day gift to my uncle, my mom and I got tickets for him to attend the concert, and of course I had to accompany him. The gala was at the beautiful Symphony Center. I had never seen Babyface in concert before so I was eager to see what his performance would be like. I love his music but I wasn't sure how his performance would be , since he's such a soft singer, at least on records. I was pleasantly surprised when Babyface started crooning his heart out. He was sanging, to say the least. I really enjoyed when his brother, Kevon Edmonds, made a guest appearance as well. I truly enjoy his voice and his stage presence. Babyface opened with Cool In You, but he only heated up after it. Some other highlights were his performance of a medley of songs which he wrote for other artists, such as New Edition, Bobby Brown, and Boyz II Men. There was a great part when Babyface started dancing. He also told a story about how El Debarge motivated him to start writing romantic songs. I was already a fan, but Babyface really blew me away. He left the audience wanting more. He had true showmanship.

DuSable Museum's Arts and Crafts Festival

On July 8-9th, DuSable Museum held it's annual Arts and Crafts Festival. It was definitely fun for the whole family. I went both days. On the 9th I was literally there all day. The highlights for me were seeing Isaiah Washington up close and personal, as well as The Kindred Family Soul. If you have never been to this festival you need to make it a habit and go next summer. You will not be disappointed. Admission for the festival and museum were free, there were tons of venders, and great food. Here's some pictures and video from the festival. Enjoy.

I'm BAAAACCCKKK

Hi Everyone,

   I know I have been M.I.A. but I'm trying to get into the swing of things again. This has been an interesting summer to say the least, but I'm not going to get in to all of that. I'm going to start posting more that's for sure. So the next post will have some great photos and info for you, since you have been so deprived lately.

Taylor Mallory | “Sunni’s Outside” Music Video Release & Shoe Drive to Benefit Soles4Souls

Level Next & AKIN will be helping donate shoes for Soles4Souls, Inc.. Bring in gently worn shoes between April 15 – 24th to AKIN Chicago and fill out a raffle card. You’ll receive 15% off merchandise and qualify to win up to $150 in free merchandise.
Thursday April 21, 2011 7p-10p
FREE Admission
AKIN Chicago
1313 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60607

DJ winds up ‘The Musicbox’ at The Blaze

By Tyeshia Pinckney

Roosevelt Torch Staff reporter

Published: Monday, March 28, 2011

Updated: Monday, March 28, 2011 15:03

On this Tuesday afternoon, the Chris Brown incident at "Good Morning America" is the topic of discussion, with Mariah Carey and Bruno Mars in rotation on airwaves at WRBC The Blaze, Roosevelt University's student radio station.
This is a sample of what listeners will get if they tune into Samantha Pass's radio show, "The Musicbox." Pass, whose alias on-air name is "S.K.P The Voice," describes her show as a little bit of everything, but not your typical mainstream radio show. Instead, a wide range of music spanning several genres and generations.
The show airs from noon to 2 p.m. every Tuesday on WRBC The Blaze, and can be heard on iTunes or at the WRBC page on Roosevelt's website.
"I don't play what's on the radio right now. I'm a little picky because I don't really like what's out now," the self-proclaimed Michael Jackson fanatic said. "You're going to hear a lot of stuff from the '90s and early 2000s. I even take it back to the '50s."
Pass attributes her love for music and dance as the inspiration for her show and what led her to become involved with The Blaze in the spring of 2009. "I listen to a lot of old school music and that usually amazes my peers, so I thought it'd be great to share it with a younger generation. It feels good to know that I'm introducing them to new music and they like it," she said.
Pass, a graduate student, also serves as music director at the station. "I monitor the other DJs' shows, approve any guests and solve any other problems that may arise."
An education major in undergraduate, Pass is now pursuing a master's in journalism but hopes to apply both degrees in whatever career path she takes. "I don't want to be in the classroom everyday, but if I did, I'd prefer to work in the private sector," she said.
For now, Pass is enjoying her role in the studio. "I admit that I was nervous about doing this because I'm really shy, however I'm really happy I did because I truly enjoy it."

Music History: Michael Jackson Premieres The Moonwalk on Motown 25

On March 25, 1983, Motown 25 was taped before a live studio audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. Michael reunited with his brothers Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine, Randy and Tito on stage for the first time in eight years for a medley of their greatest hits, "I Want You Back," "The Love You Save," "Never Can Say Goodbye," and "I'll Be There."As the other members of the Jackson 5 left the stage, Michael transitioned dramatically into his own solo spot. Widely hailed as Michael's breakthrough performance as a solo artist, he performed "Billie Jean", which at the time was in the middle of a seven-week run atop the Billboard Hot 100 music charts. This was also the first time he performed the famous, signature move, the moonwalk.  This was a pivotal performance in Michael's career and it cemented him as force to be reckoned with. So here is the clip of Michael wowing us with his Moonwalk for the first time enjoy!

Source: Wikipedia



the Jackson 5  - Live Motown 25 - by papafonk

More Legends of Black Music

Yesterday I posted some influential Black artists. Well, I'm keeping my word and posting some more today. Below is Miles Davis, Little Richard, The Supremes and Marian Anderson.

Miles Davis was an American jazz musician. He was a trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and a major influence on jazz in the 1940s.

Little Richard is a singer, composer, and musician. A rock stride pianist, Little Richard's hit songs of the mid 1950s were defining moments in the development of Rock & Roll.

The Supremes were a music group that gained tremendous popularity with a broad audience and made it's members among the most successful groups in the 1960s. The Supremes were the flagship act of Berry Gordy's Motown Records.

Marian Anderson was an opera singer and one of the finest contraltos of her time. Anderson broke the color barrier by becoming the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera.
(Source: Biography.com)

February is Black History Month!

Yes, I know I'm posting this with a week left of Black History Month, but everyone knows that Black History should be celebrated year round. Make sure to stay updated on Black History in general, but since I love music I figured I would share some great artists with you. Below are some clips of Sam Cooke, The Staple Singers, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole. I want to post some more artists later this week, but I can't make any promises. Enjoy!!!!!

Sam Cooke was a singer and songwriter. He is a major figure in the history of popular music and one of the most influential black vocalists of the post World War II period.

The Staple Singers were one of the most successful gospel to pop cross-over acts ever. They collected several top 20 hits in the early 1970s.

Dinah Washington was a blues performer who was widely noted for her excellent voice control and unique gospel-influenced delivery.

Nat King Cole was hailed as one of the best and most influential pianist and small group leaders of the swing era.
(Source: Biography.com)

"We Are the World" Was Recorded Today in 1985

"We Are the World" is a charity single originally recorded by the USA for Africa, which brought together some of the most famous artists in the music industry, such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Lionel Richie. It was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and co-produced by Quincy Jones.  The song was released on March 7, 1985, and was a worldwide commercial success, and became the fastest-selling American pop single in history. It was also the first ever single to be certified muli-platinum, recieving a 4x certification by the Recording Industry of America.  It won three Grammy Awards, one American Music Award and a People's Choice Award. The song raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa and the US.
Wikipedia
Here is the original video that was recorded today 26 years ago.


USA For Africa - We Are The World
Uploaded by GMRedskins. - Explore more music videos.

Gladys Horton, member of Motown group The Marvelettes, has died

Glady's Horton was a founding member of one of Motown's first girl groups, The Marvelettes. She died in a nursing home in Sherman Oaks, Calif.  She was 66 years old.
The Marvelettes were signed to Tamala records a division of Motown. They earned Motown it's first number one hit on Billboard's Hot 100 chart with the song, "Please Mr. Postman." Horton continued to perform until 2009.