PATTI LABELLE CANCELS GOSPEL TOUR!

www.freddiebell.com

Morning Show Update

December 21, 2006

Welcome to the Update

Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent and General Manager of Z 1470 Totally Gospel (KZTG – 1470) 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 in Tampa, The Freddie Bell Morning Show in radio on KSGS – 950AM, Solid Gold Soul in Minneapolis, plus This is Music, The Freddie Bell Countdown Show and The Minneapolis NAACP Community Affairs television Programs in Minneapolis.
Invite Freddie to your next event or seminar as a Keynote Speaker, covering topics including You Gotta Have H.E.A.R.T., Tuning In to R.A.D.I.O, Maximizing Your Potential, Imagination, The Secret Key To Success, Winning Through Community Service, Dreaming Your Way to Success and a variety of topics related to sales and sales management. Freddie shares ideas and techniques he used to propel Solid Gold Soul Radio into a household name and the launch of Totally Gospel radio in the Twin Cities. Call today for booking details. 888-639-9738.

Listen to the Freddie Bell Show, 4 to 7pm, weekdays on Z 1470 KZTG, Totally Gospel, or on the web at www.totallygospel.com.

Totally Gospel On the Internet

To enhance your gospel listening experience, you can now hear Z 1470 Totally Gospel on the new www.totallygospel.com website. Click on the web stream and then click on the link for KZTG.
No matter where you are, lock it in and write it down. The dedicated Minnesota stream for Twin Cities listeners is up and running. Tell a friend that Z 1470 Totally Gospel is now on the radio and on the internet. Churches, Pastors, Ministers and Evangelists in the Twin Cities and from around the country looking to expand their electronic ministries are invited to partner with Totally Gospel. Call 888-639-9738 today for rates and availabilities.

MIRACULOUS ENTERTAINMENT INC., PRESENTS GOSPEL WORKSHOP AND CONCERT

The second annual 3-day workshop takes place this week, now through Saturday at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis, 7pm nightly. The concert is the 23rd at 6pm and features a host of local and national gospel acts. Event organizer Gregory Washington of Miraculous Entertainment says the workshop brings the community together and helps fine tune the skills of vocalists and musicians alike. Washington expects at least 250 singers to perform in the Workshop Choir on the 23rd which includes Greater Friendship’s Voices of Praise, Mt. Olivet’s Praise Dancers,
James Grear and Company, Marie Graham and a host of other performers. The workshop fee is only $15 and the concert is free to the public.

GOSPEL CLASSIC CD’s ON SALE NOW!!

Calvin Records presents This is Gospel, is a collection of more than 20 CD’s of old skool gospel artists. The likes of James Cleveland, C.L. Franklin and Shirely Cesar are included in the collection which includes a DVD track, commentary by Bobby Jones and at least 20 selections by gospel greats on each CD. Order the catalogue to learn more by calling 800 BUY CDS2. Listen to the Freddie Bell Show to win free copies of these classics.

THE STEELES HOME FOR CHRISTMAS THIS WEEKEND

Billy Steele says the annual Chirstmas show produced by his sister Javeeta is unplugged and presents the Steele family as they have never been seen. Tickets for the family spectacular are on sale now at all ticketmaster locations and at the venue, the Fitzgerald Theater box office, in St. Paul. The concert is staged over two nights, December 21st and 22nd and the Steeles expect a quick sellout. Listen to the Freddie Bell Show on Totally Gospel to win tickets.

STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENT TONY PANKY ON TOTALLY GOSPEL

Christians need insurance too and Tony Panky of State Farm insurance delivers. For some families it’s tough to talk about end of life issues. Tony softens the blow with frank talk about the need to insure the lives of loved ones. Whether its life, home, car or health insurance, Tony can help. Call him today at 952-891-2774. Tell him you read about it here or heard about his services on Totally Gospel.

LUDACRIS AND BIG BOI WEIGH IN ON HIP HOP IS DEAD DEBATE

Ludacris and OutKast’s Big Boi are the two latest rappers to weigh in on the debate sparked by the title of Nas’ latest album, Hip Hop Is Dead…The N. Ludacris told MTV.com, “I don’t feel that hip-hop is dead. I feel like the South is keeping it alive. What we do is hip-hop. Some people may not feel that way. You gotta respect some people’s opinion, but hey. You gotta stay to your opinion in the game.”

Ludacris added, “Because the South is dominating it right now. Saying that hip-hop is dead is like saying the South is dead too. They may not like some of the music going on in the South. But everybody in the South is saying, ‘We are keeping it alive.’ … At the end of the day, hip-hop is what you make it. What we do in the South isn’t hip-hop — that’s what some people think. We think it is. Some people say it’s country-rap tunes. Hip-hop is what you make it.”

Big Boi also shared his thoughts on the state of the game. He said, “Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but if it’s dead, why is the South boomin’? We got the ball right now. … But nobody better never come out their mouth wrong about me or my homeboy [Andre 3000] ever. Ever! Tell them. We don’t even play. I’ll slap the s**t out of you. That’s why you never hear about OutKast getting into nothing.”

Nas’ Hip Hop Is Dead…The N is in stores now.
Check out Ludacris on MTV Cribs

ANDRE 3000 CATCHES THE RAP BUG

OutKast’s Andre 3000 has been busy pursuing an acting career. The rapper recently wrapped production on Battle In Seattle and he scheduled to shoot Semi-Pro with Will Ferrell next. But Andre 3000 is experiencing a lyrical resurgence of sorts that’s led to his return to rapping after primarily singing the past couple of years. The rapper is featured on remixes to Lloyd’s “You” with Nas, DJ Unk’s “Walk It Out” with Jim Jones and Big Boi, and Rich Boy’s “Throw Some D’s” with Jim Jones, The Game, and others.

Andre 3000 told MTV.com, “I’m just trying to find a mood. What’s the next mood to be in? It’s not just about recording songs and putting them out. I have to do them if I have something to say. In the meantime, I’ve been doing a lot of remixes.”

The rapper added, “I’ve been getting in the studio with some of these new people that’s out. I’ve just been showing up at the studio and people been asking, ‘Yo, would you get on this remix?’ Just asking — they never think it could happen. I’ve been like, ‘Yeah, yeah. Cool.’ New fans that only hear ‘Hey Ya!’ or ‘The Way You Move’ forget I started out rappin’.”

Big Boi is excited about his partner’s return to form. He said, “Our homeboys produced those songs and asked us to be on these songs. If you got the urge to rap, you never lose it. Just when everybody thought it was safe … I’m telling you, we’re not to be f**ked with. We just doing what we doing. We just having fun living. My man is back out here rhyming. You know what that is.”

YOUNG DRO AND YUNG JOC SHOPPING A SCRIPT

Atlanta-based rappers Young Dro and Yung Joc are looking to make the transition to big screen and the two have come up with a script, titled Young & Yunger. Young Dro told Allhiphop.com, “We’re shopping the movie around, talking to [Ice] Cube, Charlie Mack, Will Smith’s people and stuff like that.”

Mack and Smith served as executive producer’s of ATL which was T.I.’s springboard into more lucrative acting roles, including a co-starring slot in American Gangster with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

Yung Joc explained that in addition to penning his own scripts, he’s been receiving some offers. The rapper said: “Acting, you know what I’m sayin’, I just picked up a script the other day. Actually it’s crazy how fast this stuff is coming ’cause you know always think you have to work it to that spot.”

Joc added: “But I got some big name producers and film, screenwriters right now who just gave me some scripts or whatever. Well something to look over to kinda see if it’s something I would be interested in.”

BABY AND B.G. COME TOGETHER FOLLOWING A TRAGIC DEATH

Cash Money Records co-CEO Bryan “Baby” Williams and former Cash Money Millionaire B.G. recently ended their beef following the tragic death of Baby’s sister Tamara Williams last week. Williams was killed in an automobile accident last week when a driver went the wrong way on a one-way street and collided with her 2006 Toyota Camry. She was 26 years old and the mother of three.

Baby and B.G. have been at odds since B.G. left Cash Money Records in 2001 over a money dispute, but SOHH.com reports that the two men recently spoke while calling in to New Orleans Q93 and the conversation was aired.

B.G. said, “I just wanted to say I’m sorry despite what you and me been through. I knew Tamara personally, we grew up together, we go back. I just wanted you to know that my heart goes out to you and the whole Williams family.”

Baby responded, “I can respect that. I’ll put everything on the side for that.”

B.G. added, “I’m not on your side like I used to be, but for something like this to happen, I can still feel like your pain. I feel like I’m right there with you.”

The other driver, Jason Williams, remains in critical condition, so authorities have been unable to question him.

RICH BOY GETS HELP FROM HIP HOP HEAVYWEIGHTS ON ‘THROW SOME D’S’ REMIX

Alabama-based rapper Rich Boy recently released his debut single, “Throw Some D’s,” from his forthcoming album, Product of the Hustle, which hits stores in March. The rapper has recruited some rap heavyweights for the song’s remix, including Andre 3000, The Game, Jim Jones, Fat Joe, and Busta Rhymes.

Rich Boy told MTV.com, “Busta killed it. He’s talking about a Cadillac I never even heard of before.”

He appeared to be most pleased with Andre 3000’s verse, saying, “I think right now Andre is trying to prove a point. He’s trying to keep the hip-hop thing moving. He’s just doing what he can and trying to make the best out of the game right now. If he hears something he really f**ks with, he jumps on it.”

The rapper added, “Andre showed major love and put his verse down. You know Andre — you have to read between the lines. He’s rapping about people doing stupid s**t — in the streets and trying to make sense of the situation. He’s trying to make you open your eyes as far as selling dope and things like that. His verse is deep. He touches on how the police kicks down your door and you have to flush the dope down the toilet. But you definitely have to read between the lines.”

VH1 TO PREMIER WHITE RAPPER SHOW NEXT MONTH

VH1 will premier Ego Trip’s The White Rapper Show on Monday, January 8th, at 10:30 p.m. Allhiphop.com reports that the show will be hosted by MC Serch — formerly of 3rd Bass — and producer Prince Paul of the Handsome Boy Modeling School. The show will be set in the South Bronx and will feature 10 contestants who will be grilled on their knowledge of hip-hop and views on race.

The contestants are competing for $100,000 and a chance to reside in the “White House.” The “White House” will feature Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, Fat Joe, Just Blaze and others, critiquing the winner’s rap skills.

The show will consist of eight episodes.

NEW RELEASES FOR DECEMBER 19TH

Hip Hop Is Dead….The N ~ Nas
The Price of Fame ~ Bow Wow
Time Is Money ~ Styles P
Back By Thug Demand ~ Trick Daddy
The Motivation~ Young Jeezy
The Professional III ~ DJ Clue
Gone Daddy Gone~ Gnarls Barkley
Place Your Bets~ Black Jak

CIARA FLATTERED BUT MYSTIFIED BY COMPARISONS TO THE LATE AALIYAH

Singer Ciara’s light soprano, hip-hop-inspired music, midriff-baring styles, and hot dance moves have caused some to draw comparisons between her and the style of the late singer Aaliyah. But Ciara, whose sophomore album Ciara: The Evolution debuted at the top of the pop chart last week, says she’s mystified by the comparisons.

Asked about Aaliyah, Ciara says she’s not sure why fans want to compare her to the late singer, who died in a plane crash in the Bahamas in 2001. While she feels they have unique sounds, she says it’s an honor to be seen in the same light.

She told me: “I will start by saying that I take it as a compliment when people say that I remind them of Aaliyah. And more than anything I think it is — the compliment I really, really take in is — the people that were personally attached to her tell me that I remind them of her as far as how her personality was and I hear them say a lot of great things about how she was as a person. Like, they talk very highly of her. So that’s what means a lot to me.”

Ciara’s current single “Promise” stands in the Top 10 on the national urban airplay charts.

MARY J. BLIGE SHARES HER ‘SOUL STORY’

Grammy nominee Mary J. Blige opens up in a wide-ranging interview tomorrow (December 19th) at 6 p.m. ET/PT, as VH1 Soul debuts the latest installment of Soul Story, the channel’s original series that celebrates the career of a featured artist with a chronological sequence of their music videos, while the artist provides an in-depth account of the personal stories behind the lyrics.

During the two-hour show, Blige talks about the stories behind songs off her new compilation album Reflections: A Retrospective, including her big hits “No More Drama” “Real Love,” “You Remind Me” and “I’m Going Down,” as well as her new single “We Ride.”

Soul Story featuring Blige will be rebroadcast on Saturday, December 23rd, and Monday, December 25th, at 10 a.m. 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET/PT. Check local listings for channel.

WHITNEY, CISSY & DIONNE UNITE ON TYLER PERRY SOUNDTRACK SONG

Atlanta-based rappers Young Dro and Yung Joc are looking to make the transition to big screen and the two have come up with a script, titled Young & Yu.

The upcoming soundtrack to the new Tyler Perry film, Daddy’s Little Girls, will feature a who’s who of R&B, pop and gospel artists. But one of the highlights is a song that unites all the performing members of the Houston clan: Whitney, her mother Cissy, and her cousin Dionne Warwick. The soundtrack, due in stores and online on January 16th, also features performances by R. Kelly, Beyonce, Brian McKnight, Yolanda Adams, Governor, Anthony Hamilton, and others.

Whitney, Cissy, and Dionne appear together on the album’s tune “Family First,” which features other members of the Houston clan.

Another multiple-artist effort is a remix of the track “Struggle No More–The Main Event” featuring Hamilton with Jaheim and Musiq Soulchild.

Daddy’s Little Girls stars Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba of HBO’s The Wire in a story about a single father who struggles to make ends meet as a garage mechanic while he raises his three young daughters on his own. When the courts award custody of his daughters to his unfit ex-wife, Monty tries to win them back with the help of a tough attorney, with whom he forms an unlikely relationship.

The film is Perry’s follow-up to his box-office champs Madea’s Family Reunion and Diary Of A Mad Black Woman. It opens nationwide on Valentine’s Day on February 14th.

PATTI LABELLE CANCELS GOSPEL TOUR

Patti LaBelle has cancelled the rest of her tour. LaBelle says she cancelled The Gospel According to Patti tour due to differences with the tour’s promoter and hoped to restart the tour at some point because she had a good relationship with sponsors. “I really had hoped to continue to reach the gospel audience as we had originally planned,” LaBelle said in a statement released by her publicist.

JOHNTA AUSTIN LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE GRAMMYS

Singer and songwriter Johnta Austin is in the running for several Grammy Awards at the ceremonies coming up this February in Los Angeles. He’s been nominated for Song Of The Year and Best R&B Song for co-writing Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You” and Best R&B Song for Mariah Carey’s “Don’t Forget About Us.”

Though just 25 years old, the Atlanta-based Austin is already a Grammy winner. He earned his first golden gramophone earlier this year, for co-writing Carey’s “We Belong Together” with Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, and Carey herself.

Asked about that whether he’d already earned Grammy honors this year, Austin said: “I did, I did for best R&B song, for ‘We Belong Together.’ And yeah, that was fun. That was great. The Grammys are the Super Bowl of music, if you will, and we won. We have a championship, we have a ring (laughs).”

Austin’s first solo album, Ocean Drive, is due on December 26th. The first single was “Turn It Up.”

ANGIE STONE, ISAAC HAYES, MAURICE WHITE AT REACTIVATED STAX LABEL

Beverly Hills-based Concord Records announced Monday (December 18th) that it will be reactivating the Stax Records label, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The renewed label has signed on singer-songwriter Angie Stone, veteran Stax music maker Isaac Hayes, and a project from Earth Wind & Fire’s Maurice White. The history-making label was part of soul music’s forefront in the ’60s and ’70s, with hits by Booker T. & the MGs, Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, Sam & Dave, the Bar- Kays, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Hayes himself, and many others.

“Stax always has been and always will be Soul Music, I was a part of that,” said Hayes in a statement. “I am coming back to Stax because there is still so much to do. It’s like coming home.”

Grammy winner Stone, whose music has been hailed for its connection to the old school sound, was also ecstatic. “The thrill of putting out music on the label that brought the world Otis, Booker T, the Staples and so many other artists who made me want to sing in the first place is simply indescribable,” she said. “I simply can’t believe that I will be a Stax artist — and I’ll be label mates with Isaac Hayes. The staff at Stax share my belief that soul has to stay in touch with its origins. We’re going to make beautiful music together.”

The first new release on Stax will be Interpretations, an all-star tribute to the songs of EWF mastermind Maurice White. Due in the first quarter of 2007, the disc will feature performances by Chaka Khan, Musiq Soulchild, Me’Shell NdegeOcello, Bilal, Dwele, Kirk Franklin, Angie Stone and others.

Also on the Stax schedule for 2007 is Stax 50: A 50th Anniversary Celebration, a two-CD, 50- track anthology featuring the most enduring Stax hits, including Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’”; Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” Booker T. & the MGs’ “Green Onions,” Isaac Hayes’ “Theme from Shaft” and “Never Can Say Goodbye”; The Staples Singers’ “Respect Yourself” and “”I’ll Take You There,” Jean Knight’s “Mister Big Stuff,” and many others. The unique package will include extensive liner notes.

The Stax 50th anniversary release schedule for the year will include other definitive collections, rare performances, unreleased tracks and more from the Memphis R&B imprint in new, deluxe packages.

Release dates for the new projects will be announced later.

TAYE DIGGS’ ‘DAYBREAK’ YANKED BY ABC

The sun has set on the deja-vu drama Daybreak. ABC has yanked the serial thriller, which starred Taye Diggs, from the Wednesday night lineup where it had premiered as a mid-season replacement for ratings champ Lost. The series was scheduled to finish out its weekly run through December 27th, but ratings were so poor that the network let the axe fall on it after last week’s airing.

Daybreak had earned early critical acclaim with its story of Los Angeles detective Brett Hopper, played by Diggs, who is forced to relive the same day over and over until he can figure out how and why he was framed for the murder of an assistant district attorney.

This is the second attempt at TV stardom for film and Broadway stage performer Diggs, who appeared in one season of TV’s Kevin Hill between 2004 and 2005. His film credits include The Best Man, Rent, Brown Sugar, The Wood, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back.

According to Variety, Wednesday nights on the network will now be filled with comedy repeats.

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, BARACK OBAMA PROSPECTS WEIGHED IN NEWSWEEK

The cover of the new issue of Newsweek magazine features possible presidential candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama. The inside story, titled The Race Is On, explores whether America is ready for a historic first in the White House in 2008: the first woman president or the first black president.

Asked about his potential Democratic rival for the nomination, Obama told the magazine, “I’m not going to go there. I have tremendous respect for Hillary Clinton. She’s an outstanding leader in the Democratic Party. She’s earned her stripes.”

When asked if America was ready for a black or female president, Obama added, “I absolutely think America is ready for either … what I’ve found is that the American people — once they get to know you — are going to judge you on your individual character. Whatever the flaws in the process, people get a fairly accurate read by the end of the campaign.”

According to the story, the odds historically favor a woman over an African-American; but psychologically and generationally, they may favor Obama over Hillary. Both are now expected to launch their campaigns early in the new year.

The December 25th double issue of Newsweek is on newsstands now.

KATIE COURIC GOODBYE TOPS TiVo POLL

Katie Couric’s tearful departure from the Today Show has been voted the year’s most memorable TV moment. According to viewers polled by the digital recording company TiVo, Couric’s goodbye in May was far more exciting than her first days on the CBS Evening News, which didn’t even register on the survey.

Second on the TiVo list was Mel Gibson’s sweaty, post-DUI interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America. Number Three went to Oprah Winfrey for her on-air scolding of A Million Little Pieces author James Frey, followed at Number Four by CSI characters Sara and Grissom finally getting together. Number Five was Faith Hill’s gasp when losing in the vocalist of the year category to Carrie Underwood at the CMA Awards.

Matt Lauer gave Katie Couric a touching sendoff: (Matt Lauer) “I hope you know that we’re all going to be wishing you well, even if quietly. And we wish you the best in every single aspect of your life. We love you and we’re going to miss you. Cheers!” (Katie Couric) “Thank you so much everyone. I couldn’t ask for a nicer, more wonderful send-off, so, I’m going to be kissing you all all day long so, I hope I didn’t get make-up on everyone, thank you. And to everyone in TV land, thanks so much.”

SNOOP YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYER IS HONORED

The Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL) honored one of its own Saturday (Dec. 16) at its All- Conference game at Citrus College in Glendora, CA. Cenyon Usher, a Lawndale, CA seventh grader, received the first It’s In Your Hands achievement award from league sponsor Cutter Gloves. The award, given to a player each year, is based on academic progress, sportsmanship and character. Usher, a tight-end for the Woodcrest Giants Pee-Wee Division, was awarded with a $1,500 scholarship fund and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Snooper Bowl, which is set to take place Feb. 3, 2007 in Miami. The Rogers Middle School student, who has never received anything lower than a B in school, cited his mother Imani Westbrooks as his motivation for aiming high.”My mom is my hero … I know my mom is proud of me, but I want to make her even prouder,” said Usher, who said he aspires to “become first a good and honest man” when he gets older.

KELIS, FUNKMASTER FLEX FEATURED IN NEW FORD EDGE CAMPAIGN

Kelis has been tapped to star in a new urban marketing campaign promoting the 2007 Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle (CUV) with an ad campaign featuring a new song titled “Push it to the Edge.” The radio spot, which also features a cameo appearance by Hot 97’s Funkmaster Flex, starts airing Wednesday (Dec. 20) on various national and syndicated radio shows, including The Steve Harvey Morning Show and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Tonight in New York, Kelis will kick off the new relationship with Ford during Nas’ black and white ball, which is being held to celebrate the release of his new album Hip-Hop is Dead. “I am an informed buyer who likes to shop around for what I like,” Kelis said in a statement. “I prefer bold designs and that’s what I see when I look at the Edge. I believe it was built to defy expectations and change people’s perceptions, two concepts that have helped me define who I am.”

TEMPTATIONS LEADER SAYS BERRY GORDY WAS RIGHT TO RESTRUCTURE THE SUPREMES

Otis Williams says that Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. was right to replace the late Florence Ballard with Diana Ross as the Supremes’ frontwoman. The new Dreamgirls movie, which is based on the Supremes’ story, chronicles in part Gordy’s choice to showcase Ross over Ballard.

Williams, who grew up with the Supremes in Detroit, told Britain’s Mojo magazine that, “Before they hit, Florence had sung most of the leads, and she certainly had the biggest voice in the group. But you can’t argue with Berry’s decision that Diana’s voice was the commercial one.”

By the mid ’60s, Williams, who was dealing with substance abuse problems in his own group, was also concerned about Ballard’s hard-partying ways, explaining that, “I knew that Florence was drinking too much, and when we talked she’d say everything was under control, but you could feel things starting to unravel for her.”

Ballard was kicked out of the Supremes in 1967 and replaced by Cindy Birdsong. Ballard died in 1976 at the age of 32 from coronary thrombosis, a blood clot in one of her coronary arteries.

Former Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards told me that it seemed as though Diana Ross’ ambition ultimately forced Ballard into the shadows: “They say Florence actually was the best singer in the group. She didn’t get the opportunity to be the best singer in the group, because Diana was a little bit more energetic. You know Diana was the type — when she wanted something she got it, you know? (laughs)”

MELBA MOORE JOINS NATIONAL TOUR OF ‘CHICAGO’

Tony award-winner Melba Moore will join the national tour of Chicago on December 26th. Playbill.com reported that Moore will play the role of prison matron “Mama” Morton when the show hits Philadelphia’s Merriam Theatre. Moore’s run will last through December 31st.

Moore began her career singing backup for such legends as Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli, and Dionne Warwick. Moore was in the original company of Hair, and went on to win a Tony for her role in Purlie.

On February 11th, Moore will appear at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts in Brooklyn, New York at the On Broadway With Melba Moore retrospective. The show will highlight her “legacy in Broadway, television and radio.”

Melba Moore replaced Diane Keaton in the original Broadway cast of Hair, becoming the first African-American actress ever to replace a white actress on Broadway.

In 1996 Moore took over the role of Fantine in Les Miserables on Broadway, becoming the first the first black actress to play that role.

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Black History Fact

In 1875, Carter G.Woodson, the founder of Black History Month, is born.
In 1891, Charles Randolph Uncles becomes the first black priest ordained in the United States, in Baltimore.
In 1910, the Norfolk Journal And Guide is established under the leadership of P. B. Young, Sr.
In 1930, James Weldon Johnson resigns as executive secretary of the NAACP, citing health reasons.
In 1964, “Come See About Me” by the Supremes peaks at Number One on the pop singles chart.
In 1973, “If You’re Ready” by the Staple Singers is certified gold.
In 1977, the Feelin’ B**chy album by Millie Jackson is certified gold.
In 1978, the One Nation Under A Groove album by Funkadelic is certified platinum.
In 1985, the Can’t Slow Down album by Lionel Richie is certified 10 times platinum.
In 1988, the Any Love album by Luther Vandross is certified gold and platinum.
In 1988, the Machismo album by Cameo is certified gold.
In 1991, “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” by the Geto Boys is certified gold.
In 1996, “What Kind Of Man Would I Be” by Mint Condition is certified gold.
In 1997, the No Way Out album by Puff Daddy & the Family is certified four times platinum.
In 2000, Snoop Dogg releases the album Tha Last Meal.
In 2001, a 17-year-old Massachusetts boy is ordered to listen to Afroman’s “Because I Got High” and to write a three-paragraph summary of the song when Judge Nancy R. Dusek-Gomez sentences him for being caught with a marijuana pipe, a liter of Jim Beam whiskey, and 10 bottles of beer in his car.
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Celebrity Birthdays

Tyson Beckford, supermodel, 36
Murphy Lee, rapper, 24
Taylor Love, television actress (Soul Food), 12
Tim Reid, actor (WKRP In Cincinnati, Frank’s Place), 62
Cicely Tyson, actress (Sounder and Hoodlum) 73
Maurice White, member of Earth, Wind & Fire, 65

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Words To the Wise

God still works miracles!
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Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 650961
Sterling,VA 20165
newsletter@voiceunique.com
888-639-9738