www.freddiebell.com

Morning Show Update

April 28, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and former station manager of Solid Gold Radio (KSGS – 950) is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist and speaker who is also a National Voice Actor. His vast voice over credits, include hosting several radio programs including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Love Train, It’s The Gospel, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.

Prince in the Red

Reclusive pop superstar Prince dined and partied during a weekend visit to
Las Vegas, Nev., nightclub Pure and was given the key to the club's Red Room.The singer then spent the evening sipping  Long Island ice teas and port with a mystery female.  Here’s my question. When you mix Long Island ice teas and port, does it make purple?  

A NOTE FROM FREDDIE BELL 

I’d love to hear your comments at the Morning Show Update. Just drop me a line by writing, newsletter@voiceunique.com. To all my readers in The Twin Cities, Tampa and DC,  “makes some noise!!!”

Reports Say Rock Hired Private Investigator

Comedian Chris Rock hired Hollywood detective Anthony Pellicano to find incriminating information on a woman who filed a paternity claim against him.The private eye allegedly searched confidential criminal databases for incriminating information on Hungarian model Monika Zsibrita, according to court records.Rock's spokesperson, Matt Labov, confirmed Monday that the comedian's representatives had hired Pellicano, after the model alleged she was pregnant with Rock's child in 1999.Rock was separated from his wife when he met Zsibrita and two subsequent DNA tests revealed that he was not the child's father.Labov said that Pellicano, at the time he was retained, had an "excellent reputation" as an investigator and that no one associated with Rock had any idea he would illegally access police files, as federal authorities have alleged.Labov explains, "No one from our camp would have ever knowingly entered into an agreement with Pellicano to do anything illegal."Zsibrita is planning to file a claim against the City of
Los Angeles, alleging that her civil rights were violated because her confidential records were turned over to Pellicano.

According to her lawyer, Neville Johnson, "She is very upset to learn that her privacy was violated in various ways."Pellicano, 61, is currently behind bars awaiting trial for the illegal wiretapping of powerful Hollywood stars, including Sylvester Stallone, Keith Carradine, Garry Shandling and producer Aaron Russo. He has pleaded not guilty.

TONY PANKEY OF STATE FARM INSURANCE 

A big shot out to Toney of State Farm Insurance, in Burnsville, Minnesota.

Whoa Nellie! Keith Jackson is Retiring 

Jackson, widely regarded as the voice of college football, has decided to stop broadcasting games, The New York Times reported Thursday. "I'm finished with play-by-play forever," he told the newspaper.
Jackson spent some 40 years calling the action in a folksy, down-to-earth manner that made him one of the most popular play-by-play personalities in the business. He also announced he would retire after the 1998 season, but ended up continuing with ABC Sports. He said this time is different. "This is the perfect time," Jackson told the newspaper. "I don't want to get back into the pressure cooker of play-by-play and worry about travel. I don't want to die in a stadium parking lot."  Jackson, 77, began calling college football games with ABC in 1966. He also worked NBA, NFL games and the Olympics, but was always best known for college football. An ABC Sports executive said they tried to keep Jackson, but respect his decision.

Copperfield Robbed at Gunpoint

Magician David Copperfield and two female assistants were robbed at gunpoint on Sunday night after a performance in
West Palm Beach, Fla.At 11:15 pm, the illusionist and his assistants, Cathy Daly and Mia Volmut, were walking back to their tour bus when a black car pulled up beside them.According to a statement issued by Copperfield's representative, "At first we thought they were just more people wanting autographs."They told us to give them money and our stuff. At that point we realized that there were guns in our face."His assistants handed over money, plane tickets and other items.Copperfield turned his pockets inside out to show he had nothing on him — a sleight of hand by the illusionist, who later showed police he was carrying a passport, wallet and cellphone.As the assailants drove away, Copperfield and Daly took down the car's license plate numbers and called the police.Officers quickly arrived on the scene and captured the suspects, who were later positively identified by the victims.Police say four teenagers were arrested, charged with armed robbery and held without bond and all stolen property was recovered.Copperfield's statement added, "I look forward to coming back to Palm Beach in the future, knowing that crime can happen anywhere, but from what I witnessed from the officers that night, we were lucky to be in Palm Beach when it did happen."  

SNOOP OUT ON BAIL

Rapper Snoop Dogg was released on bail, without charge, this afternoon after he and five other men were arrested during a disturbance at
Heathrow Airport in London. According to police, a fight broke out after the rapper's entourage was refused entry to the British Airways first class lounge. One police officer suffered a broken hand, while seven others received cuts and bruises. "[Snoop] will now continue his onward travel to
South Africa to complete his concert commitments," Snoop's lawyer Peter Binning told BBC's 1Xtra. "He has not been charged with any offence."

LL Cool J to Write Fitness Manual

Rapper LL Cool J is set to storm the world of fitness with the release his own training guide, called "Platinum Body."The toned star, real name James Todd Smith, has teamed up with his personal trainer Dave "Scooter" Honig to write the book which is slated for release early next year.LL Cool J will share his personal workout tips as well as outlining fitness schedules for both men and women in Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum difficulty levels.He tells AllHipHop.com, "This workout program changed my life — both physically and emotionally. Now I want to share with others how they can achieve their own personal version of a Platinum Body."  

FEUD ON AMERICAN IDOL 

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest has downplayed his onscreen feud with Simon Cowell, insisting his real nemesis is Paula Abdul. The TV star admits relations on the hit talent show are "icy," with the former pop star even refusing to speak to him when the cameras stop rolling.Seacrest tells People magazine, "It's awkward. I don't know what the deal is. It's very awkward. You know, I walked past her dressing room the other day and there was a group of people gathered in front of the door, so I can't even talk to her."Simon and I go back and forth with each other, but it's in a different way."Difficulties began when Seacrest appeared on the "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and intimated Abdul was a heavy drinker, saying, "Hey look, I don't look in their cups to see what's sitting before them on that table. But at times I feel like we have reeled her in."When Abdul appeared on the same show earlier this month, she hit back, sniping about his rumored romance with "Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher: "He only kisses the mirror, and honestly, do you think Teri Hatcher is that desperate of a housewife?"The Associated Press reports that Abdul issued a statement to them denying that there's a feud between Abdul and Seacrest. 

Rogers Mortified by Plastic Surgery Mishap

Country music star Kenny Rogers is devastated by the appearance of his face after a botched plastic surgery procedure.The 67-year-old singer became self-conscious about lines around his eyes and decided to have an eye operation last year.He explains, "I went in and got my eyes done, and I'm not happy about it. "(The surgeon) is going to go in and fix that for me. They're too tight around the eyelids for me. It drives me crazy!"The music legend admits he's had plastic surgery throughout his career, but could be having second thoughts about doing anything else after the debacle.He adds, "If we can fix that, then I'll be glad I did it. If we can't fix it, I'll regret it or get used to it." 

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Celebrity Birthdays

Rapper Too Short is 40.Rapper Big Gipp of the Goodie Mob is 33.

_________________________________________________________

Black History Fact

In 1992, Mutinous troops in
Freetown, Sierra Leone, overthrow the government of president Joseph Momoh.

___________________________________________

Words to the Wise

Never Give Up!!

___________________________________________

Contact Information

Freddie Bell

PO Box 650961

Sterling, VA 20165

703-856-4720

newsletter@voiceunique.com

www.freddiebell.com

Morning Show Update

April 27, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and former station manager of Solid Gold Radio (KSGS – 950) is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist and speaker who is also a National Voice Actor. His vast voice over credits, include hosting several radio programs including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Love Train, It’s The Gospel, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.
Paris Moves Into the Final Five

Never has an American Idol performed so poorly that Host Ryan Seacrest  denied them a chance to sing their final swan song. Instead Kellie Pickler thanked her fans who kept her in the competition until this week. She along with Paris Bennett received the fewest votes from the national audience. With her extended family in the audience,
Paris moves on to the final five in her quest to be named the next American Idol.

Jennifer Lopez Being Sued

A television writer has filed a lawsuit saying Jennifer Lopez and UPN stole his idea for a series based on his move from Brooklyn to
Miami and involvement with the modeling and nightclub scenes. Jack Bunick's lawsuit claims " South Beach," a TV series executive-produced by Lopez that debuted Jan. 11 on UPN, mirrors a script he wrote in 1999 for a pilot episode of a show that would have been called "South Beach Miami." Bunick's script was about two young men from Brooklyn who travel to South Beach, where one of them quickly gets involved with the club and modeling scenes, according to the federal suit. A recurring theme in his script "is that the main character is from Brooklyn, New York, and that he is, in many ways, out of his element in South Beach, Miami," the lawsuit said. UPN's Web site says "
South Beach" is about best friends Matt and Vincent, who "abandon their world as they know it and head to the alluring paradise of sandy beaches, beautiful people and hot spots in glamorous South Beach." Bunick claims his agent spoke to a UPN executive and sent a copy of his script to her in February 2000 but he never was contacted by the network. He is seeking monetary damages and an injunction barring further broadcasting of "South
Beach," which aired Wednesdays at 8 p.m. but has been canceled. An e-mail sent Tuesday to a spokeswoman for Lopez and a telephone call to a spokeswoman for UPN were not immediately returned.

Carey Buys Marilyn Monroe's Piano

Singer Mariah Carey paid $662,500 for a piano owned by Marilyn Monroe, because she identifies so closely with the legendary star. The singer splurged on the piano at a Christie's auction featuring Monroe's memorabilia and put it in her newly remodeled penthouse in
New York City.She explains, "I could have gotten the 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress or whatever, but that would have represented Marilyn Monroe's stardom."The piano belonged to her mother and was a piece of her childhood."Carey has also decorated one of her bathrooms with photographs of the star and other Monroe memorabilia.

Jackson Reopens Neverland 

Pop superstar Michael Jackson has reopened his Neverland Ranch — only a month after closing the
California residence.The singer was ordered to shut down the 2,800-acre estate by local authorities in March after he fell behind in paying his employees' salaries and their insurance policies.
Jackson's 49 workers at the ranch — which includes a theme park and zoo — complained they hadn't been paid since December 19.The singer has been living in
Bahrain since he was acquitted in his child molestation trial last June.The New York Post reports
Jackson has hired 10 members of staff through a local agency to care for the zoo animals after paying $49,000 in fines. 

Rogers Mortified by Plastic Surgery Mishap

Country music star Kenny Rogers is devastated by the appearance of his face after a botched plastic surgery procedure.The 67-year-old singer became self-conscious about lines around his eyes and decided to have an eye operation last year.He explains, "I went in and got my eyes done, and I'm not happy about it. "(The surgeon) is going to go in and fix that for me. They're too tight around the eyelids for me. It drives me crazy!"The music legend admits he's had plastic surgery throughout his career, but could be having second thoughts about doing anything else after the debacle.He adds, "If we can fix that, then I'll be glad I did it. If we can't fix it, I'll regret it or get used to it."

 Janet Jackson Watch

All the Janet Jackson fat jokes can stop now. I saw her at an NBA game and she looks great. She’s got to be well under 125 pounds.
Jackson’s new CD is in the final mix now. ( by Freddie Bell) 

Tiger Bungy Jumps 

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - Tiger Woods conquered
New Zealand's highest bungy jump Sunday, diving 440 feet from a cable car a day before racing in a dirt-track car.Woods and caddie Steve Williams both made the jump from the Nevis Highwire near the South Island township of
Queenstown during a flying visit to the resort by helicopter and private jet. Woods is in New Zealand for Williams' wedding. The cable car is held by 1,247 feet of tension wires spanning the Nevis Valley, but the canyon's walls narrow to about 100 feet at river level. Jumpers free-fall for about 8.5 seconds, and the leap is regarded as one of the world's most daunting challenges for adventure tourists. Woods will drive a powerful stock car in a 12-lap celebrity race at a dirt-track speedway south of Auckland on New Zealand's  North Island on Monday. The race has been organized by Williams, through his Steve Williams Foundation, to raise funds to provide sporting careers for disadvantaged youth. Woods, the best man Friday in Williams' wedding to Kirsty Millar, said he expected to be involved in crashes during the race, but added his insurance was "taken care of." Union Gives Up on Saving Marriage

Actress Gabrielle Union has given up on saving her marriage to football star-turned-businessman Chris Howard after giving her estranged husband a lot of "space" during their separation.The star fears the sportsman has already moved on and she accepts their five-year marriage is well and truly over.She tells Sister 2 Sister magazine, "I gave him so much space … I'm choking myself with it."I'm just learning very recently what my mistakes were. And unfortunately it's a little too late. I learned too late."But
Union refuses to be bitter about the split, and still remains close to Howard — but she isn't ready for another romance, even though rapper The Game has publicly declared his love for the actress.She adds, "I'm still in mourning. … It's like your father dying and somebody being like, 'Well, I want to be your surrogate parent.' I'm not ready for that."I'm so wounded … and I feel like such a failure as a person for what I was supposed to bring to the table that I didn't."

Freddie’s Note: I have to agree with Gabrielle about what she wasn’t able to bring to the table. When I saw her last summer she seemed as if she was well past her marriage to Howard. The word was circulating then she was separated.  Let me put it this way, sister knows how to shake it up. There’s nothing wrong, however, with having a great time at a party.   

RICKY WILLIAMS WILL NOT PLAY

Admitted drug head Ricky Williams of the Miami Dolphins Football organization has been suspended by the NFL for the entire upcoming season. In so many words, Williams says it must been something in the herbal food he was eating. Perhaps it had more to do with the herbs he was smoking.(by Freddie Bell)

Nelly Playing Softball

Grammy Award winning rapper Cornell "Nelly" Haynes, Jr. will be heading to
Richmond, Va., next month to team up with the Richmond Braves minor league baseball team, for a celebrity softball game to raise money for inner city youth. The event is scheduled to take place May 2 at The Diamond as part of Nelly's efforts to raise funds for his 4Sho4Kids foundation.
Richmond radio stations 106.5 The Beat, Q94 and Sports 910 will host the event, along with Downtown Lockeroom and the Richmond Braves.

Ruben Preparing New CD

Don't call it a comeback, folks, he's been here all along. But vocalist Ruben Studdard does plan to call his next album Return Of The Velvet Teddy Bear, a reference to the title bestowed on him by guest judge Gladys Knight during his time on American Idol. The "return" part is an answer to all the fans who feel he's been out of the limelight too long. "I had an album that came out in 2004 that is almost about to go platinum, my first album went double platinum, I had a Number One single on Christian radio for a long time, and everywhere I went people were asking me where I was," Studdard told VH1.com about his 2003 debut Soulful and his 2004 gospel album I Need An Angel. He added, "I thought maybe I just need to name this album something that will catch their attention."  

New Edition Tour Kicks In New York Tonight 

Veteran R&B group New Edition kicks off its new tour with two shows, tonight and tomorrow, at
New York's Beacon Theater. Lincoln Presents … Spend the Night With New Edition will roll through nine markets over the next month with original members Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant and singer Johnny Gill. Most stops on the tour will feature opening performances by R&B sibling duo K-Ci & JoJo. New Edition's last album was 2004's One Love on the Bad Boy Records label. Their previous set, 1996's double platinum album Home Again, included original member Bobby Brown.Dates for the New Edition tour include:

April 27-28 - New York, NY - Beacon Theater
April 29-30 - Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall
May 3 - Baltimore, MD - Hippodrome Theatre
May 5 - Merrillville, IN - Star Plaza Theatre
May 6 - Detroit, MI - Fox Theatre
May 7 - Virginia Beach, VA - Verizon Wireless Virginia Bch. Amp.
May 19 - Atlanta, GA -Chastain Park Amphitheatre
May 20 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre

May 21 -Los Angeles, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre   _________________________________________________________Celebrity Birthdays

Cuba Gooding, Sr., member of the Main Ingredient and father of actors Omar Gooding and Cuba Gooding, Jr., 62 _________________________________________________________

Black History Fact

• In 1903, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld clauses in the
  Alabama constitution which disfranchised blacks.
• In 1903, The Souls Of Black Folk by W.E.B. DuBois was published.
• In 1903, Maggie L. Walker became the first black woman to head a bank when she was named president of
  Richmond's St. Luke Bank And Trust Company.
• In 1903, a total of 84 blacks were reportedly lynched.
• In 1963, "Take These Chains From My Heart" by Ray Charles entered the Top 40 chart.
• In 1968, "I Got The Feelin'" by James Brown peaked at Number Six on the pop chart.
• In 1985, "Basketball" by Kurtis Blow peaked at Number 71 on the pop chart.
• In 1985, "Rhythm Of The Night" by DeBarge peaked at Number Three on the pop chart.
• In 1999, "No Scrubs" by TLC was certified gold.
• In 1999, Usher Live by Usher was certified gold.

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Words to the Wise

Hold the Vision!!

___________________________________________

Contact Information

Freddie Bell

PO Box 650961

Sterling, VA 20165

703-856-4720

newsletter@voiceunique.com

www.freddiebell.com

Morning Show Update

April 26, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and former station manager of Solid Gold Radio (KSGS – 950) is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist and speaker who is also a National Voice Actor. His vast voice over credits, include hosting several radio programs including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Love Train, It’s The Gospel, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.

Jay-Z Associate Pleads Guilty

Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith, who's a close friend of Jay-Z, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct charges on Monday (April 24th) for pepper-spraying R. Kelly during the infamous Best Of Both Worlds concert at Madison Square
Garden in New York City on October 29th, 2004. Allhiphop.com reports that in exchange for the guilty plea, Smith, who is a vice-president at Def Jam Records, will have to complete four days of community service and two days of anger- management counseling. If Smith successfully completes the community service and anger management classes, he will be exonerated of all charges. Smith's guilty plea is part of a larger civil lawsuit that R. Kelly filed against Jay-Z and the Best Of Both Worlds tour promoter. According to Kelly, he allegedly saw two men in the audience atMadison Square Garden with guns, so he left the stage. When the singer attempted to return, he was hit with pepper spray by Smith. The next day, Kelly was booted from the tour.

Kelly initially sued Jay-Z, Smith, and the tour promoter for $75 million. He later raised the amount to $91 million, claiming that Smith was working within his scope as an employee of Jay-Z. According to sources close to Kelly, he is close to settling the lawsuit for $16 million.

 New Project Features Rap Stars 

Kurupt, Daz Dilinger, and the rest of Tha Dogg Pound Gangsta Clique were in full effect on Saturday (April 22nd) as they shot the video for "Cali Iz Active" in Elysian Park in
Los Angeles. MTV.com reports that Too Short, Ice Cube, WC, Strong Arm Steady, Warren G, Xzibit, Evidence, Dilated Peoples, JT the Bigga Figga, and DJ Quik all showed up to lend their support to the new project. DJ Quik told MTV.com, "This reminds me of the ("Nuthin' But A) G Thang" video, and that video is like 12 years old."  

Heather Speaks Out While On Tour

Singer Heather Headley is currently on tour to promote her sophomore album, In My Mind. Performing live nightly for big audiences is nothing new to Headley, who starred on Broadway in The Lion King and earned a Tony Award for her role in Aida. But Headley says the hardest thing she's had to adjust to are the differences between the
New York theater world and the world of the music industry. Headley says that initially her Broadway colleagues were less than supportive about leaving the small circle. And being used to throwing her voice in perfect pitch night after night was a skill that didn't suit the recording studio, where a more intimate style is needed and mistakes could be fixed. "I can sing badly and then sing it again, which was a whole new world," she told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about studio recording. "All the senses you were depending on go away. For me, it was tough to put that emotion in my voice. Now I can just breathe, and the mike picks it up." 

New Reality Show Featuring Keyshia Cole

Feisty R&B singer Keyshia Cole will be the star of the new BET reality series Star Time: Keyshia Cole. The new show was revealed as part of the revamped channel's slate of brand-new shows for the summer and fall, announced at its annual Upfront presentation to the TV industry and press in
New York on Monday night.The show was described as an inside look at "the roller coaster world of Keyshia Cole as her private life and music career ignite."The Second CD is Hot!!

Barbados-born artist Rihanna, who just released her sophomore album A Girl Like Me this week, says that growing up she had a huge crush on pop star Usher. The 17-year-old "Pon De Replay" singer told MTV
UK, "I was in love with Usher when he first came out. I was just like, 'He's so fine!' I was a little girl too, I was real young." She added, "But I really loved Usher; I thought he was the hottest thing. I think he was my first crush definitely."

A Behind-The-Scenes Look

Want to catch behind the scenes footage of artists like Eminem, Mary J. Blige, or Beck rehearsing on the west coast? You may soon have your wish, since Universal Music Group has pacted with Burbank, California, rehearsal and recording facility Center Staging and its website, rehearsals.com, for the studio to produce high-definition original content of UMG artists at its facilities and digitally stream the performances on its site. Rehearsals.com has already begun streaming rehearsals by other artists as they prepare for tours, television appearances and live performances, and when they conduct recording sessions. The site is currently showcasing the debut of The New Cars performing their first single, "Not Tonight," as well as a rehearsal performance of "Serpentine Fire" by Earth, Wind & Fire and a performance by emerging artist Taylor Hollingsworth. The site also runs interviews, news streams, and music workshop sessions.   _________________________________________________________Celebrity Birthdays

• Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, rapper, of TLC, 36
• Marianne Jean-Baptiste, actress, the first black British actress nominated for an Oscar, (Secrets & Lies, Without a Trace), 39
• Aaron Meeks, actor, (Soul Food), 20
• Jet Li, actor, (Cradle 2 the Grave, Romeo Must Die, Lethal Weapon IV, Kiss of the Dragon), 43

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Black History Fact

• In 1844, Jim Beckwourth discovered a path through theSierra Nevada
  Mountains that now bears his name.
  Beckwourth
  Pass between Reno, Nevada, and Sacramento, California, made overland travel to the gold fields of
  California possible.
• In 1886, blues musician Gertrude "Ma" Rainey was born.
• In 1945, "I'm Beginning To See The Light" by Ella Fitzgerald entered the Top 40 chart.
• In 1964, the African nations of Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form
  Tanzania.
• In 1975, "Supernatural Thing - Part 1" by Ben E. King peaked at Number Five on the pop chart.
• In 1985, "I Wonder If I Take You Home" by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam was released.
• In 1988, In Effect Mode by Al B. Sure! was released.
• In 1989, actress, comedienne, and TV producer Lucille Ball died at the age of 77.
• In 1991, Maryann Bishop Coffey was named the first woman and the first African American co-chair of the National Conference Of Christians And Jews.
• In 1994,
  South Africa held its first all-race elections for the national assembly and provincial parliaments, which eventually gave the power of government to the African National Congress and President Nelson Mandela

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Words to the Wise

All good things don’t come easy!!___________________________________________

Contact Information

Freddie Bell

PO Box 650961

Sterling, VA 20165

703-856-4720

newsletter@voiceunique.com

www.freddiebell.com

Morning Show Update

April 25, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and former station manager of Solid Gold Radio (KSGS – 950) is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist and speaker who is also a National Voice Actor. His vast voice over credits, include hosting several radio programs including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Love Train, It’s The Gospel, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.

Black-Eyed Peas Finalizing Concert Details

 The Black Eyed Peas will head to South Africa next month for The Peapod Benefit Concert Featuring The Black Eyed Peas & Friends, which is scheduled for May 28th at Johannesburg Stadium At Ellis Park. The concert is the first major event for the non-profit Peapod Foundation, which has been doing philanthropic work in the region for some time.The group's Will.I.Am said, "Two years ago, we played to commemorate 10 Years of Freedom in
South Africa, and I made a promise that we would return to give a free show for the people who may never have the chance to get down and celebrate with The Black Eyed Peas, in the true spirit of The Peapod."

The rapper added, "It is with great pride that we bring The Peapod to South Africa thanks to the generosity of fellow Peas: Fergie, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, and our band Bucky Jonson."  

Michael Teams Up With G Unit

  

Michael Jackson will take his first shot at a comeback with the help of some friends. According to Billboard.com, the embattled pop star is coming out with a new song called "Trial Of The Century" that will feature 50 Cent, Lucy Diamonds and DJ Whoo Kid. The track is expected to appear on Whoo Kid's mixtape, MJ Unit — The Takeover, which will also include five unreleased
Jackson songs, as well as mashups of his hits with songs from G-Unit. It will also include exclusive tracks from 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Mase, Young Buck, Mobb Deep, M.O.P. and Lucy Diamonds. Jay-Z has also been contacted about the project.  

Beyonce’s Back in the Studio 

Beyonce is hard at work on her next solo album, the follow-up to 2003's Dangerously In Love. According to MTV.com, she's putting in 12-hour days, with producer Sean Garrett describing her new songs as "sick." He added, "She's in a place I've never seen her in before. She's very vibrant, very happy, and her mindset is incredible. She's in a zone." There's no word on when the album will be released.

Mariah Is Open to Working With Janet

   Usually divas can't co-exist, but recently Mariah Carey shared that if her frequent collaborator Jermaine Dupri can work it out, she'd be receptive to doing a song with Dupri's girlfriend Janet Jackson. Carey told MTV.com, "He never talked to me about that. But if Jermaine has a concept, we should go and write something. I love Janet. I've been a big fan of Janet since 'Con-tro-ol!'"Jackson is currently working on her new album, which is tentatively titled 20 Years Old, in honor of the 20- year anniversary of her 1986 breakthrough release, Control.

Employees File Lawsuit 

A racial discrimination lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court, alleges that pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co. paid black employees less than white employees, according to the Associated Press, and seeks class- action status on behalf of more than 1,000 black employees. The lawsuit also claims a human resources staffer told an employee, who was complaining about racist comments, that her previous corporate supervisors were too accepting of blacks and they could no longer address her concerns against racism. The four plaintiffs have complaints pending with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Cassandra Welch, one of four plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit, found a dark-colored doll with a noose around its neck on her desk. She also said that racist comments against black employees were common in the manufacturing department. The lawsuit also alleges Welch was paid at a grade lower than her responsibilities merited.

 Hook Maury to the Lie Detector 

Talk show host Maury Povich and several members of his staff are being sued by a former producer who says she was sexually harassed on the job. Bianca Nardi said in court papers filed yesterday (April 24th) that during the six years she was at The Maury Povich Show, she was forced to do demeaning things like expose her breasts and have them photographed on the show, tape the breasts of female guests to make them look larger, secretly videotape married men in bars agreeing to have sex with her, and watch porn videos with an executive producer. All this and more happened under the eye of Povich, who according to the suit, was having an affair with staffer Donna Benner Ingber that "created a hostile workplace that was sexually abusive to women." Povich is married to newswoman Connie Chung, and representatives for his show deny that the aforementioned activities took place. A spokesperson said, "We do not believe that Ms. Nardi was a victim of unlawful sexual harassment and intend to defend this lawsuit vigorously."   _________________________________________________________

Celebrity Birthdays

• Tim Duncan, NBA star, 30
• Al Pacino, actor, (The Godfather Trilogy, Serpico, Scarface, Carlito's Way, Any Given Sunday, The Devil's Advocate), 66
• Gina Torres, actress (The Shield, Alias), 37

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Black History Fact

• In 1918, the "First Lady Of Song" Ella Fitzgerald was born.
• In 1950, Charles "Chuck" Cooper became the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team. He was picked by the Boston Celtics.
• In 1970, Freda Payne released "Band Of Gold".
• In 1970, "ABC" by the
  Jackson 5 peaked at Number One on the pop chart.
• In 1981, "A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)" by Ray Parker, Jr. entered the Top 40 chart.
• In 1987, "Sign 'O' The Times" by Prince peaked at Number Three on the pop chart.
• In 1990, saxophonist Dexter Gordon, the last of the beboppers, died of kidney failure in
  Philadelphia.
• In 1994, Snoop Doggy Dog was named Rap Solo Artist Of The Year and A Tribe Called Quest won the Group Of The Year Award at the first annual Source Hip-Hop Awards in
  New York City.
• In 1996, All Eyez On Me by 2 Pac was certified gold, platinum, and five-times platinum.
• In 2002, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, member of the Grammy-winning trio TLC, died in a car crash in
  Honduras at the age of 30.

___________________________________________

Words to the Wise

 All good things don’t easy!!___________________________________________

Contact Information

 Freddie Bell

PO Box 650961

Sterling, VA 20165

703-856-4720

newsletter@voiceunique.com

www.freddiebell.com

Morning Show Update

April 24, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and former station manager of Solid Gold Radio (KSGS – 950) is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist and speaker who is also a National Voice Actor. His vast voice over credits, include hosting several radio programs including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Love Train, It’s The Gospel, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.

Snoop Gig at Center of $20 Million Lawsuit

Rappers Snoop Dogg and The Game are being sued by a former fan who alleges he was assaulted, humiliated and robbed onstage during a concert in
Seattle, Wash., last year.Richard Monroe II has filed a $20 million lawsuit against Snoop, The Game, Kurupt and Snoopafly.The 25-year-old claims he was encouraged to jump onstage during the May 2005 show at Seattle's White River Amphitheatre, where Snoop's co-performers and security personnel "restrained, dragged, kicked, punched and jumped" him until he was "beaten unconscious."
Monroe says the rappers further humiliated him in front of a cheering audience by pouring drinks on him, while performing Snoop's hit "Gin and Juice."The musicians then stole his rings, diamond earrings, wallet and cell phone, according to the lawsuit.
Monroe doesn't accuse Snoop — real name Calvin Broadus — of taking part in the alleged attack, but claims he let the incident occur and is responsible for having poorly trained bodyguards.A spokesman for Snoop, Meredith O'Sullivan, tells the New York Daily News, "In December 2004, a fan jumped onstage at a (Damageplan) rock concert in
Columbus, Ohio, and shot and killed a band member ("Dimebag" Darrell Abbott) and three others."A few months later, Richard Monroe jumped onstage during a concert and ran directly at Snoop. He now claims he should have been 'welcomed onstage as a loyal fan.'"This attempt to parlay criminal conduct into a financial windfall is a blatant abuse of the legal system."

Diddy's Cooking Show Collapses

Rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs' celebrity cooking show has been axed by TV bosses at NBC after just four shows.Despite intense publicity and four prime-time slots, the reality show "Celebrity Cooking Showdown" failed to serve up ratings, and NBC bosses have told producers there will be no more episodes.The show fell flat on day one when Naomi Campbell was forced to pull out at the last minute due to her legal troubles.Celebrities who appeared on the show included Patti Labelle, country star Big Kenny and former O-Town singer Ashley Parker Angel. 

Swift Jailed for Attending Pal's Funeral

D-12 rapper Swift has been jailed for probation violation after skipping a court hearing to attend the funeral of bandmate Proof earlier this week.An arrest warrant for the rap star — real name Ondre Moore — was issued after he failed to show up in court, and Swift was arrested Thursday in
Novi, Mich.District Court Judge Brian MacKenzie sentenced
Moore to 93 days in jail for violating terms of his probation in a drunk-driving case.
Moore, 31, tested positive for alcohol despite a condition of his probation that he remain free of alcohol or drugs following a guilty plea he accepted last October for drunk driving.In court in October, the rapper failed a court drug test and was jailed for two days.The rapper attempted to explain that he was forced to miss the court hearing after being asked to be a pallbearer at his friend's funeral in
Detroit, Mich., but the judge refused to be swayed by the circumstances behind his decision to stay away from court.

Nelly Settles Lawsuit 

Nelly has settled his lawsuit with a photographer who said he was violently attacked by the rapper's bodyguard during a performance at the Arena At Harbor Yard in
Bridgeport, Connecticut, on April 12th, 2005. Allhiphop.com reports that Nelly reached a settlement with freelance photographer Jerry Livingston on Friday (April 21st), in which Nelly agreed to pay
Livingston $20,000 in exchange for being dropped from the lawsuit. Livingston is moving forward with his lawsuit against the other defendants in the case, which include the city of
Bridgeport and the Arena At Harbor Yard.According to the lawsuit,
Livingston was standing near the stage taking photos of Nelly when the rapper's bodyguard Brian Jones grabbed him by the right arm and took him to the rear of the stage, where he claimed to have been violently hit.
Livingston allegedly sustain serious injuries. 

T.I. Tour Schedule Set

T.I. launched his national tour this weekend in
Nashville. Allhiphop.com reports that the rapper also performed at the 2006 Jordan All-American Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday (April 22nd). The game showcased the best high school basketball players in the country and a portion of the proceeds went to The Children's Aid Society. T.I. will be joined by his label mate Young Dro on select dates, as well as newcomer Yung Joc, who will release his debut album called New Joc City on May 23rd.T.I recently shot a video in Hawaii for his new single "Why You Wanna." The clip will be hitting video outlets in the coming weeks.T.I.'s latest album, King, continues to perform well. The set is currently Number Five on the Billboard 200 albums chart and has sold over 800,000 copies since its release three weeks ago.

The T.I. itinerary (subject to change):
April 25 - Cleveland, OH - House Of Blues
April 27 - Detroit, MI - State Theater
April 29 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave/Eagles Club
April 30 - Maplewood, MN - Myth
May 2 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's
May 3 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
May 9 - New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues
May 24 - Anaheim, CA - House Of Blues
May 25 - San Diego, CA - 4th & B Concert Theatre
May 26 - West Hollywood, CA - House Of Blues
June 1 - New York, NY - Apollo Theatre
June 2 - Washington, DC - Love Nightclub
June 3rd - North Myrtle Beach, SC - House Of Blues
June 5th - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House Of Blues

Chris Brown Releases First DVD Title

Teenaged singing sensation Chris Brown will star in his very first DVD, titled Chris Brown's Journey. The new disk is due May 30th from CBE/Jive and will include a collection of the singer's music videos as well as behind-the-scenes footage and a bonus CD featuring rare tracks, according to Billboard. Included on the DVD are the videos for "Run It!" featuring Juelz Santana, "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)," and "Gimme That (Remix)" featuring Lil Wayne. Fans can also view dance demos by the artists as well as a half-hour documentary of Brown's first-ever overseas promo tour in the U.K. and
Japan, as well as his rehearsals for this year's Grammy Awards.The bonus CD features an international version of "Run It!" and the track "So Glad," which was previously unavailable in the U.S. Brown's self-titled debut album is already platinum, with sales of more than 1.27 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.  

Who Is He and What Is He To You

Christina Milian recently tried to clear up rumors about her personal life. Last week, she denied having a relationship with a young actor named Eric West. Milian explained on her MySpace blog, "I probably shouldn't give this that much attention but…I have NO idea who Eric West is. There is a rumor I am dating this guy and I have no idea who he is! No offense to the guy, but I just had to get that off my chest." According to the New York Daily News, however, Milian and West hosted an event for Elton John's AIDS foundation last summer, and were spotted together at the last New York Fashion Week.

Prince Dancer Arrested in Drug Bust

One of Prince's back-up dancers has been arrested on suspicion of trying to smuggle 44 pounds of cocaine aboard a flight out of
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.British dancer Cecilia Maximilia, along with Jennifer Salgnac, was picked up by cops at the city's airport on April 17. They were due to board an Air France flight to
Paris.The pair were caught when X-ray machines reportedly detected bags of cocaine hidden in their luggage beneath false bottoms, reports the
New York Daily News.

 Rapper Urges Financial Responsibilty

LL Cool J is urging fans to be financially responsible.The platinum-selling rap star spoke over the weekend at the Hip Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment.The event, organized by multi-millionaire entrepreneur Russell Simmons, mixed stars like LL Cool J, Alicia Keys, Nas and T.I. with financial experts to provide advice on home ownership, budgets, credit cards and other financial issues."The biggest misconception probably comes from the hip-hop community itself … that the money lasts forever," LL Cool J said on Saturday. "You have to do the right thing with it."Fellow chart-topping rapper Nas said it was important to teach young fans about financial responsibility."It's time that we do something to educate our kids," he said. "We've got to think about our future, think about tomorrow. It's beyond the corner, it's beyond the jails. We've got to think about growing old in this game." 

Glover In Paparazzi Punch-Up

 "Lethal Weapon" star Danny Glover has lashed out a paparazzi photographer, allegedly branding him a "mother[bleep]" and throwing punches.The Hollywood star, who is in
London to promote and star in the death penalty play "The Exonerated," was leaving the West End restaurant Cipriani with a female companion when he reportedly launched the attack on a waiting snapper.Punching wildly, Glover ranted, "No, no, not tonight."If you take another shot, you mother[bleep] …"The paparazzo escaped uninjured after Glover fled to the nearby hotel Claridges.The actor, one of a list of celebrities including Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins and Alanis Morissette to star in "The Exonerated," is due on stage Friday night.

 _________________________________________________________ Celebrity Birthdays

• Cedric The Entertainer, actor, comedian, (The Original Kings of Comedy, Barber Shop 1 & 2, Johnson Family Vacation), 42
• Djimon Hounsou, actor, ( In
  America, Gladiator, Amistad), 42
• Derek Luke, actor, (Antwone Fisher), 32

_________________________________________________________

Black History Fact

• In 1867, black demonstrators staged ride-ins on
  Richmond, Virginia streetcars. Troops were mobilized to restore order.
• In 1867, the first national meeting of the Ku Klux Klan was held at the Maxwell House in
  Nashville, Tennessee.
• In 1884, the National Medical Association of Black Physicians was organized in
  Atlanta, Georgia. In 1944, the United Negro College Fund was founded.
• In 1944, Smith v. Allwright, the Supreme Court rules that a "white primary" law that excludes African Americans from voting is a violation of the 15th Amendment and thus unconstitutional.
• In 1969, Soulin' album by Lou Rawls was certified Gold.
• In 1972, James M. Rodger, Jr., the first African American to be named National Teacher of the Year, was honored at a White House ceremony.
• In 1976, "Can't Hide Love" by Earth Wind & Fire peaked at Number 39 on the pop singles chart.
• In 1991, Freddie Stowers, a black World War I corporal, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to become the first black to receive the highest medal for valor in combat.
• In 1993, "It Was A Good Day" by Ice Cube peaked at Number 15 on the pop singles chart.
• In 1998, "A Rose Is Still A Rose" single by Aretha Franklin was certified Gold

___________________________________________

Words to the Wise

Stand By Your Convictions!!___________________________________________

Contact Information

Freddie Bell

PO Box 650961

Sterling, VA 20165

703-856-4720

newsletter@voiceunique.com

Could He Be The Next Quincy Jones?

Will.I.Am Adams is known as the front man of Black-Eyed Peas, however, lead vocalist is but one of the many titles this talented young man bears. You can include, clothier, rapper, producer, songwriter, remixer-arranger, keyboardist, drummer, and dancer in the mix and that may not be all.

 He is recognized as one of the top creative forces in the music industry today.  He has worked with Mary J. Blige, John Legend (with whom he co-wrote “Ordinary People”), Carlos Santana, the Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, the Pussycat Dolls and Sergio Mendes. 

Other folks wooing
Adams for their projects include, P. Diddy, Nas, Too Short and Snoop Dogg to name a few. 

Industry insiders who know of Adams' work say at this pace he will be mentioned in the same breath as Quincy Jones although
Quincy was never a lead vocalist. 

Right now Adams is working with Black-Eyed Peas vocalist, Stacey Ferguson (Fergie) and Ciara on their respective solo albums. No doubt one of his own is in the not-too-distant future. (Compiled by Freddie Bell)

www.freddiebell.com

 Morning Show Update

April 21, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and former station manager of Solid Gold Radio (KSGS – 950) is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist and speaker who is also a National Voice Actor. His vast voice over credits, include hosting several radio programs including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Love Train, It’s The Gospel, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.

 Diddy’s News CD Coming This Fall 

 Sean "Diddy" Combs is currently working on what he is billing as his final album. MTV.com reports that Diddy will release the new album on September 19th. So far, the untitled album will feature guest appearances by Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Brandy, Busta Rhymes, Nas, and Will.I.Am. Diddy said, "I'm taking from what I've learned from dance music, electroclash, techno, hip-hop, soul, and pop, and kind of fusing it together. It's like everything in hip-hop is so hardcore with guns and problems and beef, and nobody is being romantic — not in a corny way, but just giving all of yourself. It's still going to have that gangster vibe to it, but it's a musical journey. It's going to feel good." The mogul added, "We are going to bring a lot of high fashion, a lot of energy, a lot of sex, a lot of drugs, spirituality, good times. We're going to have something for the kids, but it's really an adult thing. It's definitely pornographic, orgasmic, gangster, to the point where your soul feels good. It's like a spiritual revolution. It's like being sanctified."

Ludacris Puts Oprah On Blast  

Rapper and actor Ludacris visited The Oprah Winfrey Show to promote his Academy Award-winning movie Crash, but the rapper wasn't happy with Winfrey's rule that she doesn't promote rap and rappers. Ludacris told GQ magazine, "She edited out a lot of my comments while keeping her own in." He added, "Of course, it's her show, but we were doing a show on racial discrimination, and she gave me a hard time as a rapper when I came on there as an actor. I don't see why people like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, who I am huge fans of, it's OK for them to go on Oprah. They speak the same language as I do, but they do it through comedy, so I guess that's acceptable."One thing Winfrey doesn't have to worry about is Ludacris turning the situation into a big deal. The rapper might take a shot at the talk-show host through his music in the future, but for now he's continuing to record his new album Release Therapy and focusing on being a businessman.Snoop Sued

 Snoop Dogg, the Game, Daz Dilinger, Soopafly, and Kurupt were all named as defendants in a $22 million lawsuit filed by a concertgoer from Kent, Washington, who was allegedly beaten up onstage during Snoop's How The West Was One tour last May. The man, Richard Monroe, allegedly suffered bruised ribs and a broken nose during the incident, which occurred at the White River Amphitheater in Auburn, Washington. In the lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Monroe alleges that that he was invited on stage during Snoop's performance of "Gin & Juice" but was then assaulted by several men and "ruthlessly attacked."

 Reports Say Whitney In Rehab Center 

Embattled singer Whitney Houston, dogged by unflattering tabloid reports about her alleged drug abuse, has reportedly checked herself into rehab. The singer was said to have entered the Sierra Tucson clinic in Tucson, Arizona last week, according to TV newsmagazine show Extra. Sister-in-law Tina Brown, whose tattling to The National Enquirer resulted in a series of sensational stories about Whitney's habits that caused gasps around the world, now tells the tabloid that even Whitney's husband Bobby Brown didn't know that the singer had checked herself in. He returned to their home April 14th from a concert to find Whitney gone.Kinda Like-a Family

  

Producer Rodney Jerkins has produced a new all-star CD slated as a benefit for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The lead-off single will be a new version of the 1979 classic "We Are Family" featuring the original members of Sister Sledge performing together for the first time in 20 years. The single also features special guests Patti LaBelle, George Clinton, Ciara, Christina Milian, Chris Brown, Lyfe Jennings, Mary, Mary and Ray J, among others. The "We Are Family" single will be released to radio the third week of June.

 Brian McKnight To Perform

 Vocalist Brian McKnight is set to perform at the Jackie Robinson Foundation's second annual Celebrating Excellence Gala, being held May 11th at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. McKnight is slated to sing his many hits, including material from his 2005 Motown album, titled Gemini.The Celebrating Excellence Gala will pay tribute to former Dodger and community activist Don Newcombe and entertainment executive Suzanne de Passe. The evening will raise funds for The Jackie Robinson Foundation's Education and Leadership Development Program, which provides college scholarships to students of color.

Oprah’s Legend’s Coming To Television 

America's favorite talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, will be drafted for ABC's all-important sweeps period next month when she hosts a one-hour primetime special for the network. Oprah Winfrey's Legends' Ball, will feature footage culled from her much-publicized three-day celebration of African-American icons held last May in Montecito, California, as well as recent interviews with the participants. The special will air on Monday, May 15th at 8 p.m. ET/PT, leading into the two-hour season finale of Grey's Anatomy. Winfrey had hosted a special weekend of events to help honor 25 women who had influenced her. Among the women honored by Winfrey were the late Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks, as well as Aretha Franklin, Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou, Leontyne Price, and Tina Turner. The weekend included a special women's luncheon, a white-tie gala at the exclusive Bacara resort, and a gospel brunch. Dozens of other celebrities were invited to the events, including Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, and Mary J. Blige.The show will be followed by the two-hour finale of the NAACP Image Award-winning Grey's Anatomy, which moves from its regular Sunday time slot to Monday for the occasion.

Director Says The Public Didn’t Understand

 Phat Girlz director Nnegest Likke (neh-GACE LEE-kay) says she's disappointed that audiences didn't come out to support the film, which opened April 7th. Calling the box office numbers for the heartfelt comedy "a disgrace," she noted in a letter to EURweb.com columnist Morris O'Kelly that while African American audiences call for more positive screen material they don't always support it, making it that much harder for positive African American stories to be told in Hollywood. "I was deeply disappointed by our people's lack of support of my first film, and because of it, I now fully understand why so many films that portray us in a negative light get put out there," Likke wrote. "Because when we make something progressive and positive that promotes black love, we simply just don't support it. We neglect the promotion of our own healthy images and we are our own worse enemies."Likke added that the title and the studio's marketing campaign for Phat Girlz may have given audiences the impression that the film would be a "substanceless comedy," but that she made sure that the story would be positive and uplifting. "I set out to portray Black men, Black women, and Africans/Nigerians all in a positive light," she added. "I also set out to boost women and young girls' self esteem, and show that we are ALL beautiful no matter what size or shape we are. I am very disappointed and sad that our people did not get that."

Actress-comedienne Mo'Nique stars in and co- executive produced the film, which follows a smart- mouthed fashion designer wannabe and a friend who are frustrated and obsessed by their weight. Their lives turn around when they meet the men of their dreams in unexpected ways.

 _________________________________________________________

Celebrity Birthdays 

• Michael Franti, rapper, spoken word artist, of Spearhead, 39

_________________________________________________________

Black History Fact

• In 1958, "Twilight Time" by the Platters peaked at Number 1 on the pop singles chart.
• In 1960, Heavenly album by Johnny Mathis was certified Gold.
• In 1966, Milton Olive, Jr. awarded Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery in Vietnam.
• In 1979, "Knock On Wood" by Amii Stewart peaked at Number 1 on the pop singles chart.
• In 1980, Gap Band II album by Gap Band was certified Gold.
• In 1989, As Nasty As They Wanna Be album by The 2 Live Crew was released.
• In 1989, "Baby Don't Forget My Number" single by Milli Vanilli was released.
• In 1998, Rated Next album by Next was certified Gold.
• In 2001, Toni Braxton wed Mint Condition keyboardist Keri Lewis in a private outdoor ceremony.
• In 2003, singer Nina Simone died in Paris, France at the age of 70

___________________________________________

Words to the Wise

Be true to yourself!!___________________________________________

Contact Information

Freddie Bell

PO Box 650961

Sterling, VA 20165

703-856-4720

newsletter@voiceunique.com

www.freddiebell.com

Morning Show Update

April 20, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and former station manager of Solid Gold Radio (KSGS – 950) is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist and speaker who is also a National Voice Actor. His vast voice over credits, include hosting several radio programs including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Love Train, It’s The Gospel, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.

Ray Charles Remembered In Music

Grammy-winning vocal sextet Take 6 dedicates its brand-new a cappella vocal album, Feels Good, to the memory of the late Ray Charles. Member Claude McKnight explained that the dedication was a natural, as the group had recorded and toured with Charles in his last years. McKnight told me: "It made sense to dedicate it to Ray. We had worked with Ray a couple of times. He sang on our Beautiful World CD, which was mid-'90s, and we had done a few live shows with him in
Europe. And could actually call him a friend."

 Avant’s New CD Coming Next Week 

Singer and songwriter Avant will be celebrating the April 25th release of his fourth studio album, Director, with a series of retail store visits in Los Angeles and
New York. On Monday, April 24th, and Wednesday, April 26th, the singer will appear at several music retailers throughout the Los Angeles area, and will fly to New York to make an April 28th appearance at the Circuit City in

Union Square. Check his website, avant-music.com, for a complete list of locations. 

Paris Makes Happy Fuel!

 Paris Bennett was in the bottom three but escaped
America’s voting axe as the results on Tuesday’s voting were announced last night. How he was cut and the Pickler girl remains is beyond me!

Alicia Keys Still On the Road  Singer and songwriter Alicia Keys extended her humanitarian visit to Africa Tuesday (April 1 with a stop at an AIDS healthcare facility in
Durban, South Africa, sponsored by her Keep A Child Alive Foundation. The singer visited the Ithembalabantu (Zulu for "people's hope")Healthcare
Center, which cares for thousands of South Africans, most of them women with children. More than 1,500 of the center's patients receive lifesaving anti-retroviral therapy through the facility.  

Mariah in the Ring Tone Business!

Superstar Mariah Carey, riding the crest of her multi- platinum album The Emancipation Of Mimi, has signed a deal to write and record 20 original ringtones that will be available exclusively through the Pepsi Cool Tones & Motorola Phones promotion this summer. The singer is also set to appear in a number of commercials promoting the new ringtones beginning in May. "I had a lot of fun with this project," noted Carey. "It was a great creative outlet because musically I could do things here that I would never think to do for one of my albums. This was a great idea by Pepsi, and I'm happy to be a part of it."

Someone Got It Twisted

Hip hop mogul Master P allegedly exchanged words with rapper Bow Wow backstage at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards show on April 1st. Master P was allegedly upset with Bow Wow for dissing him and his son, Lil Romeo, on the song "Fresh Az Im Iz," so he approached the teen rapper about it. Master P told SOHH.com that reports describing the run-in have been exaggerated. The mogul added that one of Bow Wow's bodyguards used to work for him and his conversation with the rapper wasn't confrontational.  

LL Still Cool But Not Particularly Hot

LL Cool J's latest album Todd Smith entered the Billboard 200 albums chart at Number Six this week after selling more than 116,000 copies its first week out. For most artists, sales of 116,000 copies would be impressive, but for LL Cool J it reflects a significant drop-off from his recent releases. MTV.com reports that LL Cool J's 2000 album G.O.A.T. sold more than 209,000 copies to debut at Number Two, while his 2002 set called 10 sold 154,000 copies to also enter the charts at Number Two. LL's previous release, 2004's DEFinition, debuted at Number Four after moving 173,000 copies its first week out.

 It’s Spring and Time for a Tour

Juvenile will hit the road in support of his latest album, which is called Reality Check. SOHH.com reports that Juvenile will be joined by Bubba Sparxxx, Dem Franchize Boyz, and Webbie on certain dates. The tour kicks off May 5th at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California, and wraps on June 3rd in
Kansas City, Missouri.Reality Check is Juvenile's first album since leaving Cash Money Records and inking a label deal for his UTP Records with Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances by Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Trey Songz, Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, Fat Joe, Eightball, Bun B, Brian McKnight, Ludacris, and UTP.

  Big Names Attend Proof Funeral 

Eminem, D12, Dr. Dre, Xzibit, Trick Trick, Obie Trice, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and Naughty By Nature were among the 2,000 people who turned out to pay their final respects to Proof at Detroit's Fellowship Chapel yesterday (Wednesday, April 19th). The Oakland (
Michigan) Press reports that the rapper's gold-colored casket had his real and rap names etched into it. The casket was taken by horse-drawn hearse to Detroit's Woodlawn Cemetery after the service. Eminem and D12, who served as honorary pallbearers, were scheduled to join family and friends for a private get-together at a downtown Detroit bar after the funeral.  _________________________________________________________

Celebrity Birthdays

• Ali Jones, member of St. Lunatics, 30
• Carmen Electra, dancer, actress, (Scary Movie, Starsky and Hutch), 34
• Shemar Moore, actor, (Young & the Restless), 36

_________________________________________________________

Black History Fact

• In 1871, the Third Enforcement Act defined Klan conspiracy as a rebellion against the
  United States, and allowed the president to declare martial law in rebellious areas.
• In 1899, Edward "Duke" Kennedy Ellington was born.
• In 1923, bandleader and Mambo King Tito Puente was born.
• In 1951, Singer Luther Vandross was born. He died last July at age 54.
• In 1968, "Dance To The Music" by Sly & The Family Stone peaked at Number 8 on the pop singles chart.
• In 1971, U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that busing was a constitutionally acceptable method of integrating public schools.
• In 1985, "We Are The World" by USA For Africa peaked at Number 1 on the
  U.K. pop singles chart.
• In 1990, Janet Jackson received a star in the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
• In 1993, LaToya Jackson's husband and manager, Jack Gordon, was arrested after he allegedly beat her with a dining room chair in their
  New York apartment.
• In 1999, the
  Columbine
  High School massacre took place in
  Littleton, Colorado, as students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold shot and killed 12 classmates and one teacher and wounded 26 others before taking their own lives.

___________________________________________

 

Words to the Wise

It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp !!___________________________________________

Contact Information

Freddie Bell

PO Box 650961

Sterling, VA 20165

703-856-4720

newsletter@voiceunique.com

www.freddiebell.com

Morning Show Update

April 19, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and former station manager of Solid Gold Radio (KSGS – 950) is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist and speaker who is also a National Voice Actor. His vast voice over credits, include hosting several radio programs including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Love Train, It’s The Gospel, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.

What’s This New Smack

DMX, B.G., Juvenile, Bun B, Redman, Erick Sermon, and Keith Murray are some of the artists featured on the latest edition of SMACK DVD. SOHH.com reports that SMACK DVD will be packaged as an album called S.M.A.C.K. The Album: Volume 1, which drops May 23rd. The set will be distributed by Koch Records. The DVD portion of S.M.A.C.K. The Album: Volume 1 will include performances and interviews with Paul Wall, Mike Jones, E-40, Murder Inc, and Funkmaster Flex. The DVD will also include an exclusive video for each artist featured on the audio portion of the project.

The SMACK DVD magazine series debuted in 2002 and has sold approximately 750,000 copies since its inception.

Man Allegedly Shot by Proof Dies 

Keith Bender, Jr., the man who was involved in a fatal altercation with slain rapper Proof, died early yesterday morning (Tuesday, April 18th) from the gunshot wound he sustained to the face. MTV.com reports that Bender had been in critical condition and on life support since the shooting. Authorities believe that Proof fired first at Bender, who was a bouncer at the CCC nightclub on
Detroit's

Eight Mile Road

, when the two got into an altercation over a pool game last Tuesday (April 11th). Another bouncer at the nightclub, Mario Etheridge, who is Bender's cousin, then opened fire on the rapper, hitting him in the head and chest.  

Paris Makes Happy Fuel!

 

Paris Bennett should sail through tonight’s results show as Idol icons sang from
America’s Songbook last night with help from the legendary Rod Stewart. Looking classy with a long pony tail and wearing a red suit
Paris belted out These Foolish Things to the delight of the judge triumvirate and to the standing ovation and cheers from the Kodak Theatre audience. Randy Jackson called Paris’s performance her “greatest night ever,” and a “reminder of why
America fell in love with you,” according to Paula Abdul and “terrific,” says the unusually polite Simon Cowell. Host Ryan Seacrest says Cowell must have been sipping happy fuel.

J. Prince Hit With Summons 

James Prince, who is more commonly known as J. Prince, the owner and CEO of Rap-A-Lot Records, was hit with a subpoena while watching a recent championship fight in Las Vegas. Prince, who also promotes boxing matches, will give his deposition in regards to
Marion "Suge" Knight's Death Row Records ownership lawsuit tomorrow (Thursday, April 20th). Prince will be deposed by Steve Goldberg, a lawyer for convicted drug kingpin Michael "Harry O" Harris, who allegedly provided $1.5 million in start up cash to launch Death Row Records.

  

Mary J. Blige and Her Material Things

Mary J. Blige says she's a spiritual and religious person, and that's part of the reason that she loves material things. She told May's issue of Blender magazine, "My God is a God who wants me to have things." She added, "He wants me to bling. He wants me to be the hottest thing on the block. I don't know what kind of God the rest of y'all are serving, but the God I serve says, 'Mary, you need to be the hottest thing this year, and I'm gonna make sure you're doing that'."Blige also told the magazine that she's proud of her success, saying, "I do consider myself part of black history. Since 1991, I'm still doing this and I'm successful. And I haven't hurt anyone in the process."

Blige currently has the Number One song on the Radio & Records CHR/Pop chart with "Be Without You." Her latest single from last year's The Breakthrough is "Enough Cryin'."

Michael Jackson Back in the Studio

Michael Jackson is working on material and hopes to release a new album next year. According to Billboard.com, he's signed a recording contract with Bahrain-based Two Seas Records. Jackson, who's been living in Bahrain since getting acquitted on child molestation charges last spring, said, "I am incredibly excited about my new venture and I am enjoying being back in the studio making music."Jackson's last studio album, Invincible, came out in 2001.

The album news come shortly after
Jackson announced that he had reached an agreement with creditors to refinance nearly $270 million in loans and perhaps sell some of his publishing rights to Beatles songs.

  

Is Labelle Regrouping

  

LaBelle is back together again and working on a new album, which will come out next year. The group, which consists of Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sara Dash, reunited last year for an appearance on UPN's An All-Star Salute To Patti LaBelle: Live from Atlantis TV special and recorded a tribute to late civil rights activist Rosa Parks titled "Dear Rosa." Hendryx explained how the reunion plans came together: "Patti has been saying, you know, for some time we're going to get together, and we've done a couple of things together. And each time it becomes like, 'Oh we got to do this.'"

 June Pointer Remembered

Fritz Pointer, the older brother of the late June Pointer of the Pointer Sisters, has made his first public statement since the death of his sister on April 12th. Fritz told the San Francisco Chronicle that June, who battled substance abuse problems as well as the cancer that ultimately claimed her life, was among the most generous people he knew, recalling that, "It was nothing for her to hand someone $100 or $150 I don't think money meant anything to her. It was more what she could do with it for other people… She had an incredible sense of humor and an ability to make people laugh. She loved life."  

New Report on Jamaica 

Jamaica already has the highest murder rate in the world, but a new report in Time magazine says that rampant violence against gays and lesbians on the island have led human rights groups to also call it the most homophobic place on Earth. Anti-gay mobs have murdered two of the country's most prominent gay activists in the past two years, with a crowd celebrating over the mutilated body of one of them, Brian Williamson. In another instance, a teen was almost murdered when his father discovered he was gay and invited a group to lynch the boy. Witnesses say that police encouraged a mob to stab and stone a gay man to death in
Montego Bay.  _________________________________________________________

Celebrity Birthdays

Marion "Suge" Knight, record executive and Death Row Records founder, 41

_________________________________________________________

Black History Fact

• In 1866, the African American citizens of
  Washington D.C. celebrated the abolition of slavery. Four to five thousand people assembled at the White House to hear an address by President Andrew Johnson.
• In 1910, the National Urban League was formed in
  New York City. The league was born out of a merger of the National League for the Protection of Colored Women, National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes and the Niagara Movement.
• In 1960, Major General Frederic E. Davidson assumed command of the Eighth Infantry Division in
  Germany and became the first African American to lead an army division.
• In 1972, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" single by Roberta Flack was certified Gold.
• In 1980, "With You I'm Born Again" by Billy Preston & Syreeta peaked at Number 4 on the pop singles chart.
• In 1988, Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'arby album by Terence Trent D'arby was certified Platinum.
• In 1988, the
  Philadelphia 76ers honored Julius Erving prior to a home game against the Bucks, retiring his uniform Number 6 and unveiling a larger- than-life Dr. J statue.
• In 1990, "Past And Present" video by New Edition was certified Gold.
• In 1991, Evander Holyfield won a unanimous decision over George Foreman, to retain boxing's heavyweight title in
  Atlantic City, New Jersey.
• In 1995, The Best Of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. II album by Earth, Wind & Fire was certified Gold.

___________________________________________

Words to the Wise

Cherish the Good In Others !!___________________________________________

Contact Information

Freddie Bell

PO Box 650961

Sterling, VA

703-856-4720

newsletter@voiceunique.com

www.freddiebell.com

Morning Show Update

April 18, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and former station manager of Solid Gold Radio (KSGS – 950) is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist and speaker who is also a National Voice Actor. His vast voice over credits, include hosting several radio programs including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Love Train, It’s The Gospel, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.

JUDGE MABLEAN EXIT DUE TO MONEY, HAIR ISSUES 

 Fox demanded that hairstyle and salary stay the same. At a press conference last week to explain her reasons for leaving the syndicated Fox Television series “Divorce Court,” Judge Mablean Ephriam said the syndicator was unwilling to pay her as much as the other TV judges, and had the nerve to demand that her hairdo not change for the entire season. Ephriam also said the salary Fox offered her for season eight was
substantially less than all of the other court show judges.  “Though I made several offers of reduction from my initial demand, in an effort to reach a settlement, Fox remained firm in its ‘low-ball offer’ and finally, its ‘take-or-
leave it offer’ which contained a very small increase from its initial position, coupled with some other unreasonable demands,” she said. Ephriam thanks Fox “for the last seven years, for the opportunity, for the exposure.  I also thank Fox for refusing to pay me what I know I was worth.  It set me free to ascend to higher ground.  To go beyond before.  I firmly believe that God has a better plan for my life.” 

Ashanti’s Cousin Killed By Drunk Driver 

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) —
Ashanti pulled out of a concert over the weekend after her cousin was killed by a 17-year-old drunken driver, authorities said.Quinshae Snead, 20, was on her way to
Ashanti's hotel to fetch something for the Grammy award-winning singer ahead of the concert Saturday when the car she was riding in was rear-ended, police said.Snead was flung from the car as it rolled over and thrown into the path of another car in the opposite lane.The 17-year-old unlicensed driver had stolen his mother's car, said
Johannesburg metro police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar."He was also under the influence of liquor," Minnaar told the South African Press Association.The teenager was arrested for drunken driving and hospitalized. The driver of the car Snead was riding in also was injured and taken to hospital.
Ashanti's debut album garnered a Grammy Award in 2003 for best contemporary R&B album. 

Suspect Arraigned in Proof Shooting 

DETROIT (AP) — The suspect in the shooting death of rapper Proof, a hip-hop artist and Eminem confidante, was arraigned Saturday on a pair of weapons charges.Mario Etheridge, 28, of
Detroit, is charged in the shooting with carrying a concealed weapon and discharge of a firearm in a building. His lawyer entered not guilty pleas on his behalf at Saturday's hearing.Etheridge was arraigned via video by Magistrate Steve Lockhart in 36th District Court in
Detroit. He remained jailed Saturday night in lieu of a $70,000 bond. A preliminary hearing in the case was scheduled for April 26.The Wayne County prosecutor's office said that without the weapons charges, which were issued Friday, authorities would have had to release Etheridge. The shooting remains under investigation.Etheridge has been in custody since he surrendered Wednesday; his lawyer has said the shooting was in self-defense."If it wasn't for Proof trying to harm someone, we wouldn't be here today," said Etheridge's lawyer, Randall Upshaw.
Detroit police said they were told by witnesses that Etheridge shot Proof early Tuesday after Proof shot Army veteran Keith Bender inside a nightclub in a strip of businesses along Eight Mile Road. The thoroughfare, which divides Detroit and its northern suburbs, was made famous in the 2002 film 8 Mile, which starred Eminem.   Mad Linx is Back

 Go to www.allhiphop.com to read an interview on my friend Mad Linx, who was my Stable Mate at WTMP Radio in
Tampa, Florida. He’s doing well and has been signed for another season on Rap City.  (by Freddie Bell)

Tony Terry Moves to Gospel

Tony Terry began his career as a secular R&B performer, and has previously been nominated for two Soul Train Awards.  Terry has appeared on 12 different Billboard charts 37 times. With his upcoming release, CHANGED, Terry is looking forward to singing Heavenly Praises, with the same smooth groove, but this time sprinkled with a touch of the Baptist tradition, while backed with a strong complimentary urban sound. Studio 25 Recordings and Jordan Entertainment Group artist Tony Terry is releasing his debut gospel album titled Change. It’s in stores today. He ‘s come a long way since I interviewed him on my Minneapolis Morning Show as he was featured as The Tin Man in  the stage play, The Wiz.  (By Freddie Bell)

Ann Nesby’s (Grandma’s Hands)  

It will be a while longer before American Idol's Paris Bennett gets her chance to record an album. But I heard a sample of her grandmother’s latest release, Grandma’s Hands and it’s hot. The Bill Withers remake sizzles proving that Ann Nesby, former Sounds of Blackness lead singer, still brings the heat. American Idol judge Randy Jackson raves about Nesby whenever her granddaughter, contestant Paris Bennett, takes the stage. On her first traditional gospel album, Ann shows why she's worth shouting about. She still singing with so much power and passion that such well-known hymns as In the Garden and Pass Me Not sound almost new. Her fervent interpretation of Stevie Wonder's Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away. She retains all that feeling with a gentle handling of Donald Lawrence's If I Can't Say a Word. It seems that everything this R&B hitmaker sings brims with soul. She also makes this a family affair. Her daughter, and Bennett's mother, Jamecia Bennett, sings and arranges background vocals. Tonite the lucky remaining seven would be Idols sing the American Songbook with advice from Rod Stewart who returns tomorrow to perform on the results show. (By Freddie Bell and Steve Jones)
Berry Gordon Still on the Job

A new musical written by Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., based around 30 of the label's greatest hits, will open in
Los Angeles next year. Variety reported that Gordy' musical, titled Ain't No Mountain High Enough after Diana Ross' 1970 Number One hit, will not be based on Gordy's life, but will focus on an original story of "young love, the search for self- identity and the urge to rebel." Ain't No Mountain High Enough will open at
Los Angeles' Ahmanson Theater in the summer of 2007. There's no word yet on a possible Broadway run for the show.

A Hot Year For Stevie 

Stevie Wonder is the latest performer to sign on for this weekend's second annual Plymouth Jazz Festival in
Tobago. Newsday, the official newspaper for the festival, reported that Wonder and actor Chris Tucker have been added as last-minute additions to Saturday night's lineup (April 22nd). The festival will also feature other headliners over the weekend including Sting, Patti LaBelle, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, and many more international and local acts.

 _________________________________________________________ Celebrity Birthdays

• Carl Gilliard, actor (Coach Carter, Wifey), 48
• Tony Terry, R&B singer, 39
• Cara Mia Wayans, Damon Wayans's daughter, 19

_________________________________________________________

Black History Fact

• In 1941, Dr. Robert Weaver was named director of Office of Production Management, charged with integrating blacks into the National Defense Program.
• In 1941,
  New York City bus companies ended a four-week boycott by agreeing to hire black drivers and mechanics.
• In 1946, Jackie Robinson debuted as a second baseman for the Montreal Royals and was the first recognized African-American in organized baseball.
• In 1955, Bill Russell was named coach of the Boston Celtics basketball team and became the first African-American to coach an established team in professional athletics.
• In 1955, James B. Parsons was named Chief Judge of the
  
  Federal District Court

  in
  Chicago and became the first African-American to hold that position.

• In 1974, "The Payback" by James Brown was certified gold.
• In 1977, Alex Haley, the author of Roots, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize.
• In 1983, Alice Walker was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her novel The Color Purple. Ten days later, the novel would also win the American Book Award for fiction.
• In 1989, 2 Hype by Kid 'N Play was certified gold.
• In 2000, The Will Smith Music Video Collection video was certified gold.

___________________________________________

Words to the Wise

Don’t Give Up on Yourself !!___________________________________________

Contact Information

Freddie Bell

PO Box 650961

Sterling, VA 20165

703-856-4720

newsletter@voiceunique.com