www.freddiebell.wordpress.com

Morning Show Update

January 31, 2007

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.

UNCF EVENING OF STARS TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN
Who saw the telecast? What were your thoughts?

NATALIE COLE TO SIGN GRAMMY FOUNDATION’S HARMONY PIANO

Eight-time Grammy winner Natalie Cole will be in Los Angeles this Thursday, February 1st, to give a special private concert for hundreds of Los Angeles schoolchildren at the Music Box at the Fonda Theater as part of Grammy Week festivities. The concert will be capped with a special signing ceremony, where Cole and singer-songwriter Josh Kelley will be the final artists to sign a special six-foot concert piano known as the Hilton Harmony Piano.
The piano already boasts110 celebrity signatures, each representing a $1,000 donation to the Grammy Foundation to help music education in schools. The piano has already raised more than $100,000 for the foundation.
The Hilton Harmony Piano has been on a nine-city tour since just before last year’s Grammy Awards ceremony, when Hilton Hotels and the Recording Academy launched the Harmony Tour program, bringing the issue of music education to the attention of GRAMMY performers, nominees and presenters. Artists who appeared on last year’s telecast were the first to sign the special piano. The instrument then went to several cities as the centerpiece of music education programs for young people, with local musicians conducting the sessions and adding their signatures.
In March, after the piano’s appearance at this year’s Grammy Week events, Hilton plans to auction off the invaluable collector’s item. All proceeds will go to the Grammy Foundation’s music education programs.
Cole’s most recent album was last year’s Leavin’, which earned her another Grammy nomination in the best R&B female performance category for her version of “Day Dreaming.”

SAG AWARDS GO TO OSCAR FAVORITES HELEN MIRREN, FOREST WHITAKER

The 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were handed out last night (January 28th) to people and projects that’ve fared very well this awards show season. The Queen’s Helen Mirren, Last King Of Scotland’s Forrest Whitaker, Ugly Betty’s America Ferrera, and House doctor Hugh Laurie added SAG trophies to their growing collections, as did Dreamgirls’ Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson, and 30 Rock’s Alec Baldwin.

MICHAEL JACKSON MAKES HIS WAY BACK TO THE U.S.

Michael Jackson has returned to the United States after living in Bahrain, France and Ireland for the past year and a half. According to the Associated Press, the Gloved One is also set to appear at two “fan appreciation events” in Japan this March. Fans hoping to score a ticket to one of the appearances will have to shell out $3,300. Jackson said he wanted to visit Japan because of the large fan base he has there, saying, “My friends and fans in Japan have been so supportive of me and my family for many, many years. My fans in Japan helped me achieve historic milestones in the music industry.”
Jackson is also working on a new album with Akon and Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas.

FOREST WHITAKER SAYS ‘SCOTLAND’ STILL NOT HIS BEST WORK

While Forest Whitaker is receiving awards and praise across the board for his portrayal of Ugandan leader Adi Amin in The Last King Of Scotland, with many critics calling it his finest screen work ever, the 45-year-old Oscar nominee isn’t worried about trying to top himself. In fact, he says that he has just finally gotten to a place where he has a handle on the craft of acting.
Whitaker has earned the Golden Globe as well as several critics’ association awards for the role. In addition to his Oscar nomination, he has been nominated by the NAACP Image Awards and the Screen Actors Guild for his work in the film.
Whitaker told reporters recently that his best work is still to come: “I got so many things, characters I haven’t played, I can’t tell you. I mean, with the right script, with the right character, I’m gonna do my best work coming up. Because I just figured out really, I think, how to do my work, really, recently, over the last few years. I mean, I feel proud of some of the things, but I just really just figured it out, I think, a little bit. I want to see what happens.”
Whitaker currently appears in a featured guest spot on the long-running TV series ER, and has wrapped filming on the ensemble indie feature The Air I Breathe, as well as the thriller Vantage Point, both due later this year. He is also voicing one of the Wild Things in the animated Where The Wild Things Are, due in 2008.

OPRAH WINFREY CHOOSES SIDNEY POITIER MEMOIR FOR BOOK CLUB

Oprah Winfrey has chosen the first Book Club title for the new season of her top-rated TV talk show, the first book she has put her stamp on since last year’s fiasco surrounding James Frey’s not-so-truthful memoir A Million Little Pieces. This time, Winfrey turned to her old friend and idol Sidney Poitier, and his autobiography The Measure Of A Man.
The Oscar winning actor’s memoir was originally published in 2000, and spent several weeks on The New York Times’ best sellers list. The audio edition, narrated by Poitier, won a Grammy Award for best spoken word album. Poitier wrote a previous memoir, “This Life,” released in 1980.
“He writes really candidly and passionately about his childhood, his family, relationships and his extraordinary career,” Winfrey said on her show. “It’s a beautifully crafted book, written like poetry. Because, just as he speaks so eloquently, he also writes that way, too.”
Winfrey promised viewers that the book will be discussed on a special future edition of the show, featuring “a once in a lifetime dinner party” with Poitier that will include members of her book club.

COMMON WORKED HARD TO GET ‘SMOKIN’ ACES’ RIGHT

Smokin’ Aces is the kind of movie that has familiar faces around every corner. It’s cast includes Ben Affleck, Andy Garcia, Ryan Reynolds, Jeremy Piven, Ray Liotta, and Arrested Development’s Jason Bateman. Music industry players Alicia Keys and Common also thrown into that melange, and Common said they helped each other through the unfamiliar process of moviemaking: “We just helped each other. We talked about being new at it. We talked about even just working on characters and going through and acting some of the similarities that acting has with music. And just really, we just made each other comfortable, more than anything, just sat and talked.”
Keys plays a lesbian hit woman in Smokin’ Aces and Common plays the bodyguard to Piven’s volatile magician. Smokin’ Aces was Common’s first movie role, and he said he took it on because the script caught his attention: “I used to get my scripts and be like, I read the little scenes that I gotta do for the audition and that’s it. But this script was so interesting to me, the way it was written, the way it flowed, it felt like music to me.”
Common continues his newfound cinematic ways later this year in the Russell Crowe/Denzel Washington drama, American Gangster.

THIS WEEKEND’S TOP TEN MOVIES - JANUARY 26-28

1. Epic Movie, $19.2 million

2. Smokin’ Aces, $14.3 million

3. Night at the Museum, $9.5 million

4. Catch and Release, $8 million

5. Stomp the Yard, $7.8 million

6. Dreamgirls, $6.6 million

7. The Pursuit of Happyness, $5 million

8. Pan’s Labyrinth, $4.5 million

9. The Queen, $4 million

10. The Hitcher, $3.6 million

ENTERTAINMENT QUICKIES

Shaquille O`Neal put his police skills to use early Sunday. The Miami Heat`s All-Star center is a reserve officer with the Miami Beach Police Department. He followed a driver who allegedly crashed into his Cadillac Escalade and tried to flee the scene. Shaq and his bodyguard (Jerome Crawford) followed the driver for about five minutes. When the driver, (18-year-old Emmnueo Cibrin of Tampa), stopped near a gas station, Shaq approached the car and summoned a nearby police officer. The incident happened around 4 a.m., shortly after the Heat got home from a Saturday game in Chicago. O`Neal was helping Crawford, a team security official, unload luggage outside Crawford`s home in Miami`s Coconut Grove neighborhood when the accident occurred. O`Neal said that he followed proper police protocol during the chase, including pursuing at a safe distance and speed. He contacted police officers along the way.

“Dreamgirls,” recently received eight Oscar nominations, and it may be headed back to the Broadway stage. Dreamgirls composer Henry Krieger says that a meeting is being held next month to discuss a Broadway revival of the 1981 musical. He says, “We’re going to figure out how to do this. We think it’s time. All is good.” There’s no word yet on whether any of the film’s stars will be asked to continue their roles on the Great White Way.

Motown mess Diana Ross is set to focus on her famous style in a new picture book. She studied design at college, has kept all the outfits she has worn throughout her career and now plans to show them off in a new book. Diana says, “I was thinking of doing a book and putting them all in - like a style book. It`s time.”

Jay-Z just moved into a new place on one of the uppermost levels of the 90-story Trump World Tower. It`s a steal at only 65 grand a month ($780,000 per year). The sprawling apartment is one floor above Derek Jeter`s swinging bachelor pad. (Be very worried, Beyoncé.) It`s a record rent for the 14-room condo, which includes soaring ceilings, two fireplaces, five bedrooms, five baths, two powder rooms, a gourmet kitchen, a library, maid`s quarters and unobstructed views in all directions. The steel-and-glass building features a large full-service health club and spa with an indoor pool, a wine cellar, a residents-only garden and room service from the trendy Japanese restaurant Megu.

Investigators decided that car malfunction did not play a part in the car crash that Brandy, was involved in last month. She reportedly caused the accident when she hit another care on a Los Angeles freeway, leaving one woman dead. Brandy was not hurt or arrested, but could still be found at fault or criminally negligent. One police rep says Brandy obviously started the crash, but has been “fantastically cooperative” with the police. Investigators will spend the next few days sifting through evidence from the scene and conducting more interviews before turning the case over to the Los Angeles City Attorney`s Office for review.

Retiring NFL player Curtis Martin has reportedly started dating Teresa Caldwell, the mother of Bow Wow. Martin and Caldwell have been friends and business partners for more than 5 years, but insiders say they have recently started a romantic relationship. No word on how serious the relationship is at this point.

GOSPEL CENTRAL: Fantasia felt the spirit at ‘Celebration of Gospel’

Singer Fantasia was one of the many special guests who appeared on BET’s annual Celebration of Gospel special, which premiered Sunday on the network. The former American Idol champion, who is currently promoting her sophomore album, Fantasia, said that the event is close to her heart because she grew up in the church and honed her singing skills on gospel music.
The event also drew gospel stars such as Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, Juanita Bynum, Tye Tribbett, Smokie Norful, and Fred Hammond, and Fantasia says that just being around so much positive spirituality helped center her. She said: “I grew up in church and I can’t ever get away from it. You know, you got everybody coming together that’s so anointed. God had given them these special, special gifts and everybody comes together and share their gifts and celebrate, give God praise, you know. It’s a place where you can come in whatever you’re going through you just let it all out and just worship.”
BET’S Celebration of Gospel ‘07 also features host Steve Harvey and guests Coko (SWV), Lil Mo, Dr. Bobby Jones, Yolanda Adams, Blair Underwood, Louis Gossett Jr., and Kelly Price. The special will be rebroadcast tomorrow, January 30th at 8 p.m. ET/PT; and again on Saturday, February 3rd, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Fantasia is in the midst of a nationwide tour. Her next stop is February 1st at Orlando, Florida’s TD Waterhouse Center. For more dates, go to fantasiabarrinoofficial.com.

NEWS YOU CAN USE: Was Health Teacher Rightfully Banned from Class Over Male Anatomy Drawings?

A teacher in Yonkers, New York, has been barred from class and the school superintendent is trying to get him fired after he had his seventh-grade students draw male genitalia on the blackboard during health class. Yonkers school spokesperson Jerilynne Fierstein told AP the seventh-grade curriculum calls for lessons in human anatomy and sexuality, but, quote, “as a teacher, you have to be sensitive and you have to look at the age-appropriateness of any activity that you ask a child to do.” Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio said the teacher — who’s name wasn’t made public — had begun his lesson by asking students in his class of boys and girls to volunteer to come to the board to draw male anatomy.

WILL SMITH REACHES INTO BAG OF TRICKS TO KEEP CREW WARM

Oscar-nominated actor and rapper Will Smith was in New York City last week to shoot scenes for his new movie, I Am Legend. On Thursday night, Smith and over 1000 crew members were assembled under the Brooklyn Bridge to shoot a scene when the temperature dropped to eleven degrees. A source told the New York Post’s Page Six, “So he grabs the microphone from the first assistant director and breaks out into a spontaneous rap, leading into a quick rendition of his hit ‘Summertime.’”
The source added, “More than 1,000 extras sang along at the chorus. It was a pretty great moment — everyone was definitely warmed up by it.”
In the movie, Smith plays the last man on Earth uninfected by swarming vampires. The bridge scene, complete with helicopters and ferries, is a flashback of everyone attempting to evacuate Manhattan by getting past a military barricade onto an East River barge. Smith is running for his life with his wife, Sallie Richardson-Whitfield, and their daughter, played by Smith’s real-life daughter Willow.
Smith explained how he selects his film roles. He said: “What I really try to accomplish with the roles is, you know, I’m trying to find the number-one answer — the film that does both things. The film that is a crowd-pleaser, and it can garner some kind of critical acclaim. Which is, I mean, it’s rare to hit that mark, but there are some films that do it, and that’s really what I look for. But more than anything, I want to do different types of films. I enjoy being able to go from Ali to Men In Black II. That kind of range just… The actors that I admire most have that kind of range.”
As for the music industry, Smith explained how the industry has changed. He said: “Rap music in general I think right now is almost in a renaissance period. After the downloading that hit the industry so hard, it sort of relieved the pressure of having to sell 10 million records, ’cause you ain’t gonna sell ten million records. You know, so it sort of relieved that pressure and allowed people to move back to the purity of the artistry.”

MYSTICAL STILL INCARCERATED

While the Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that New Orleans rapper Mystikal was “released” last week, fans of the rapper may be disappointed. Sources close to Mystikal told AllHipHop.com that his “released” status is correct, but that it is related to a federal misdemeanor tax conviction last year. A representative with Jive Records confirmed that Mystikal, born Michael L. Tyler, is still incarcerated and serving a six-year sentence at Louisiana state prison, Elayne Hunt Correctional Facility. Mystikal is serving the time after pleading guilty to extortion and sexual battery charges. The charges stem from an incident in which the 36-year-old rapper forced a woman to perform oral sex on camera, after he caught her writing $80,000 in bogus checks. Yesterday (Jan. 25), a representative with the FBP confirmed with AllHipHop.com that Mystikal was “released,” because he served one year of a different sentence concurrently, after he was convicted in Jan. of 2006 for two misdemeanor tax violations. He was sentenced to the additional year for failing to report almost $2 million in earnings from 1998-1999. Representatives for the rapper said they have been bombarded with phone calls for show and interview requests, since the rumor started spreading last week.

YOUNG BUCK ARRESTED FOR MISSING COURT DATE

Young Buck, whose real name is David Darnell Brown, was arrested on Friday, January 26th, in Nashville, Tennessee, on an outstanding warrant for failing to show up for a court date. The Associated Press reports that Buck was stopped after police noticed his black Cadillac Escalade weaving in and out of traffic near downtown Nashville.
After running his license, officers discovered that he was cited last July for driving with a suspended license and a warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to show up for a court date in relation to the case. The rapper’s current driver’s license was valid.
Buck was booked and then released on $1,000 bond. He’s due back in court on February 27th.
In related news, Buck will release his new album, Buck The World, in March.

______________________________________________________________________________
Black History Fact

1908, The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, which was founded at Cornell University in 1906, was incorporated.
1913, Black Americans celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Emancipation Proclamation. Major celebrations were held at Jackson, Mississippi; New Orleans; and Nashville. Three states — Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey — appropriated money for official celebrations of the event.
1913, The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which was founded at Howard University in 1908, was incorporated.
1926, Violette Neatley Anderson became the first African-American woman admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
1966, Charles Mahoney, the first black American delegate to the United Nations, died.
1966, “Don’t Mess With Bill” by the Marvelettes entered the Top 40 chart.
1966, “My World Is Empty Without You” by the Supremes entered the Top 40 chart.
1977, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston entered the Top 40 chart.
1977, “Car Wash” by Rose Royce peaked at Number One on the pop chart. The song is the theme to the 1976 comedy of the same name.
1977, “Dazz” by Brick peaked at Number Three on the pop chart.
1977, “Hot Line” by the Sylvers peaked at Number Five on the pop chart.
1977, “Open Sesame - Part 1″ by Kool & the Gang peaked at Number 55 on the pop chart.
1977, “Saturday Nite” by Earth, Wind & Fire peaked at Number 21 on the pop chart.
1981, Jazz drummer William R. “Cozy” Cole died. His recording of “Topsy” became the only drum solo to sell more than one million records.
1983, “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson entered the Top 40 chart.
1983, “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye peaked at Number Three on the pop chart.
1983, “Bad Boy” by Ray Parker, Jr. peaked at Number 35 on the pop chart.
1987, Exposure by Expose was released.
1990, Capitol Collectors Series by Nat “King” Cole was released.
1991, South African President Nelson Mandela and Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi held the first talks for almost 30 years between the predominantly Zulu Inkatha and the ethnically mixed African National Congress.
1991, Sharon J. Barnes, a chemist at Dow Chemical, was part of a team of five (two of whom were African-Americans) who were assigned U.S. Patent Number 4,988,211 for an application in Infra-Red Thermography.
1992, Spellbound by Paula Abdul was certified triple platinum.
1992, Unforgettable With Love Natalie Cole by Natalie Cole was certified four-times platinum.
______________________________________________________________________________
Celebrity Birthdays

Sharif Atkins, actor (ER, Light It Up), 32
Oprah Winfrey, media tycoon and talk show host, 53
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise
A setback is a setup for a comeback, Willy Jolly
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
fbellsolidgoldsoul@gmail.com

888-639-9738

www.freddiebell.wordpress.com

Morning Show Update

January 26, 2007

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.

SNOOP DOGG PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO BATON CHARGE

Rapper and actor Snoop Dogg entered a plea of not guilty to a felony charge of possessing a deadly weapon on Wednesday, January 24th. E Online! reports that the charges stem from an incident when the rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, attempted to board a plane at Orange County’s John Wayne airport while carrying a collapsible police baton.

After officers spotted the baton in his carry-on luggage, Snoop Dogg said that he was unaware that the baton was illegal and that he was using it as a prop in a new video.

The rapper wasn’t arrested during the September 27th incident but several weeks later authorities decided to press charges and on November 6th, Snoop Dogg turned himself in. The rapper was later released on $150,000 bail and he faces up to three years in jail if found guilty.

Snoop Dogg, who wasn’t present in court on Wednesday, January 24th, is due back in court on April 5th for a pretrial hearing.

LIL KIM TAPPED TO HELP FIND NEW PUSSYCAT DOLL

Rapper Lil Kim is one of the three judges on the new CW reality show, Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll. SOHH.com reports that the other judges will be show producer and Geffen Records chairman Ron Fair and Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin.

Ron Fair explained why Lil Kim was a perfect fit for the third judge. He said, “She has an enormous amount of musical credibility. She’s one of the pillars of hiphop.”

Lil Kim told attendees at CW Winter 2007 Press Tour, “The Pussycat Dolls is one of my favorite groups. It’s a no-brainer to have me here. A lot of them (the Dolls) tell me they’ve patterned things they do after me.”

The eight episode reality show will feature nine contestants living in a house in Los Angeles in hopes of becoming the seventh member of the Pussycat Dolls.

Lil Kim’s participation in the show may be a sign that she’s close to signing a recording contract with Geffen or its sister label, Interscope Records. The rapper parted ways with Atlantic Records shortly after her release from prison last year.

Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll premieres on the CW network on Tuesday, March 6th at 9 p.m.

THE WU-TANG CLAN TO RELEASE ‘8 DIAGRAMS’ THIS SUMMER

The Wu-Tang Clan is back. The influential east coast group is working on their first album in six years, 8 Diagrams, which they plan to release this summer on SRC/Universal Records. Group co-founder RZA said in a released statement, “This is the perfect time for us to come back, the stars are aligned….It’s like when we first started with Steve (Rifkind). We put out real hip-hop at a time when it was turning into pop or R&B. We brought the focus back to the music in its rawest form, without studio polish or radio hooks.”

RZA added, “People want something that gives them an adrenaline rush. We’re here to supply that fix. How could hip-hop be dead if Wu-Tang is forever? We’re here to revive the spirit and the economics and bring in a wave of energy that has lately dissipated.”

SRC Records is owned by Steve Rifkind, who signed the Wu-Tang Clan to his Loud Record label in the early ’90s.

Rifkind added, “The energy is just like it was, and it’s needed in our industry same as back then. Over the last few years, the group has developed a whole new fan base of 20-year-olds and even younger who’ve never even seen them play.”

The Wu-Tang Clan consists of RZA, GZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

The new album will feature previously recorded material from the Ol’ Dirty Bastard plus a tribute song, “Life Changes,” dedicated to the late rapper.

MAN IMPLICATED IN DEATH OF NOTORIOUS B.I.G. BY XXL MAGAZINE LOSES LAWSUIT

Tyruss Himes, an aspiring rapper and friend of the late Tupac Shakur, has lost a lawsuit against Fox’s KTTV-TV, which implicated him in the March 1997 murder of the Notorious B.I.G. and XXL magazine, which suggested that he put together the murder team. The Associated Press reports that the defamation lawsuit was thrown out by a Los Angeles judge on the grounds that Fox affiliate KTTV-TV and XXL stories were constitutionally protected free speech.

Himes, who allegedly lost a record deal because of the reports, lost the case because he failed to prove that the media outlets acted with malice and reckless disregard for the truth, which is the standard of proof in defamation cases.

Although Himes may still file an appeal, his lawyer, Arthur G. Lesmez, said, “We are appreciative of the time and effort the court put into reviewing the case. We’re understandably disappointed in the decision and we’re evaluating all of our options.”

DIDDY IS SINGING ON HIS NEW SINGLE

Hip hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is known for rapping on his albums and producing banging beats but on the mogul’s new single, “Last Night” featuring Keyshia Cole, he’s singing. The duo recently shot a video for the song in Los Angeles and it will be hitting urban video outlets in the coming weeks.

Diddy explained that it’s important for him to evolve musically. He said: “Just, just, just evolving, you know evolving and wanting to put things down differently musically. Not follow what was out there so I was trying to make no southern hip hop because that was trendy.”

Diddy added: “You know I wasn’t trying to follow in the footsteps of anybody. I was just trying to just take all the musical inspirations that I’ve seen and heard over the years and just do the best I can as a producer.”

Diddy’s latest album, Press Play, has sold over 500,000 copies since it was released in October.

BRANDY COMES CLEAN ABOUT FATAL CAR ACCIDENT

Moesha star Brandy Norwood was involved in a car accident last month that killed a woman and sent others to the hospital. Police are still investigating the four-car incident, but said yesterday (January 24th) that there’s a “very high probability” that the R&B singer was “the party most at fault” for the four-car tangle.

The accident happened the morning of December 30th on L.A.’s 405 Freeway. The CHP said that Brandy was driving her 2007 Land Rover at about 65 miles-per-hour in the slow lane when she rear-ended a 2005 Toyota Corolla that had slowed down in front of her. That Toyota then hit a 1989 Toyota Tercel, slid sideways into the center divider, came to a stop in a different lane, and was slammed by an 1988 Acura. The driver of the Toyota was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died.

Brandy was not arrested, but a witness on the scene told TMZ that “she got upset, talking about how it was all her fault. She didn’t stop. She kept saying how she hit the lady.”

Reps for the singer-actress issued the following statement about the crash: “Brandy was involved in a car accident December 30, 2006 in Los Angeles where there was a fatality. She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased. Brandy asks that you respect the privacy of everyone involved at this time.”

Brandy was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the accident occurred.

The woman who died was identified as 38-year-old Awatef Aboudihaj. She has one child.

BRIAN McKNIGHT OPENS ON-LINE DIGITAL MUSIC STORE

Brian McKnight has followed the lead of his brother Claude McKnight, a member of Grammy winning group Take 6, and is making his music available for download through his own digital music store at BurnLounge. His entire CD catalog, including his most recent album, Ten, will be available to fans through the BurnLounge site.

BurnLounge is a fan-driven digital download service where artists and fans can create and manage their own online digital download stores, making recommendations to others while receiving a percentage of the sales.

A diverse musician who plays a number of instruments, McKnight says he also enjoys listening to different styles of music. Recently he has branched out by composing movie scores and hosting a smooth jazz radio morning show in Los Angeles. He said that it was never his idea to become pigeonholed as a ballad singer, which is why he finds new ways to incorporate contemporary sounds on his album: “People think that just because you make this kind of music, that that’s all you’re into, and its really not. I mean I’d love to put more rock stuff on these records too because I play guitar and I do that kind of stuff in my show. It’s very difficult for people now, since everything’s so compartmentalized, for them to think you can do anything more than what you’re known for.”

To check out McKnight’s BurnLounge store, go to burnlounge.com/brianmcknight.

DIANA ROSS’ ‘INSIDE THE ACTOR’S STUDIO’ TAPING PROVES TO BE A FAMILY AFFAIR

Diana Ross’ appearance on Inside The Actors Studio was a pretty laid back affair, featuring Ross performing and including her extended family in the show. A first hand fan report of the January 17th taping was posted on the unofficial Dick’s Diana fan website (community-2.webtv.net/rossfan/discksdianaross). According to the fan account, Ross felt very comfortable with host James Lipton, who revealed that he and Ross grew up six blocks apart in Detroit.

Among the family members Ross brought along to the taping at New York City’s Pace University campus were “her ex-husband, two sisters, a brother, her son Evan (Naess), daughter Rhonda (Ross-Kendrick), and two nephews. Lipton and Ross kept talking to them from the stage when Diana couldn’t remember details from her childhood.”

Ross performed selections from throughout her career on the show, singing the Supremes’ “Baby Love,” “God Bless The Child” from Lady Sings The Blues, “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” from Mahogany, “It’s My Turn,” plus several songs from her new I Love You album, including “The Look of Love” and “More Today Than Yesterday.”

The Inside The Actors Studio episode featuring Diana Ross will air on February 19th on the Bravo network. Check your local listings for stations and times.

Ross’ I Love You album features covers of Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” Harry Nilsson’s “Remember,” Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” Heatwave’s “Always And Forever,” the Drifters’ “This Magic Moment,” and others.

ALICIA KEYS LOOKS TO SHOCK IN ‘SMOKIN’ ACES’

Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys is one of the many familiar faces that weave in and out of the new movie Smokin’ Aces. She plays Georgia, a stylish hit woman trying to kill a Vegas magician so she can collect a sizable reward from the mob.

If you’ve seen the billboards or ads for Smokin’ Aces, you know that Keys sports tight clothes and fishnet stockings to get her job done. The singer also has a lesbian girlfriend in the movie, which might be more surprising that her showing up in skimpy clothes. Keys said she took the role in Smokin’ Aces precisely because her wardrobe, character, and situation in the movie are departures from what people expect from her: “I knew that it was so out of my element, so out of what so many people probably expected of me. I wanted to break away totally from anyone’s expectations. I wanted to do what was totally unexpected. Um, I wanted to dive into myself into a way that I’ve never, ever done before.”

Besides Keys, Smoking Aces also has appearances by Ben Affleck, Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Common, and Jason Bateman. Jeremy Piven plays the magician who brings all the characters together.

Smokin’ Aces opens Friday (January 16th), and was directed by Narc writer-director Joe Carnahan.

KASHIF SAYS FOSTER CARE ISSUES GO BEYOND FINDING PARENTS

As a product of the foster care system himself, music producer and entrepreneur Kashif has a burning desire to improve the lives of children growing up within the system today. The Los Angeles-based artist and author recently announced his new organization, iCare, which was founded to improve the quality and the image of the foster care system.

Kashif says that one of the facts that is rarely discussed is the fact that once kids turn 18, they are turned out of the system. Those without college or employment plans are left to fend for themselves without housing, medical insurance, or monetary assistance. Said Kashif: “There are a number of issues besides finding prospective foster parents and adoptive parents that surround foster care. For instance, every year, 21,000-plus young people age out, so we’re talking 3 to 4,000 of them become homeless because they no longer have the same benefits that they had in foster care.”

One of iCare’s first projects is the launch of the Celebrity Sports & Entertainment Camp, which kicks off this June. Kashif explained: “We have a Celebrity Sports and Entertainment Camp, and that is a five-day, intergenerational camp for young people in foster care and their caregivers. We’re going to nine different cities, we park in those cities at a location, usually a college location. These young people can apply to learn music, dance, acting, or basketball. All of those disciplines is taught by a national celebrity.”

For more about Kashif, iCare, and other projects, go to brooklynboy.com.

ISAIAH WASHINGTON IN COUNSELING

Isaiah Washington’s image has been tarnished ever since he called his Grey’s Anatomy co-star T.R. Knight an “f”-word and then publicly denied it at the Golden Globe awards. He has since apologized and met with gay groups, but to really dig himself out of his P.R. hole, the Texas native has just turned to the tried and true method of actors in trouble — he’s going to rehab. Washington said yesterday (January 24th) that he’s started counseling in order to transform his “negative actions into positive results, personally and professionally.”

Washington said in a statement, “I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again. I appreciate the fact that I have been given this opportunity.”

No word on whether Washington’s counseling is through a residential or out-patient program.

Regardless of how he’s doing it, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes approved of Washington’s efforts to make amends for repeatedly using a gay slur. She said in a statement, “We applaud and encourage Isaiah’s realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues.”

Grey’s Anatomy continues to air Thursdays at 9 on ABC.

ENTERTAINMENT QUICKIES

Tyra Banks has never had a waif type of body but recent criticism about her shape has forced her to speak out. Unflattering pictures of the America’s Next Top Model host recently ran in the tabloids and Banks told People magazine the barbs at her body were hurtful to more than just herself, “I get so much mail from young girls who say, ‘I look up to you, you’re not as skinny as everyone else.’ So when they say that my body is ‘ugly’ and ‘disgusting,’ what does that make those girls feel like?”

James Brown’s body moved to a crypt and will remain there amid family dispute and decision on final resting place. Here’s the rest of the story.

New York-based rapper MIMS will release his debut album, Music Is My Savior, on April 3rd. The lead single from the project, “This Is Why I’m Hot,” is a bona fide hit. In a released statement, the rapper explained why the song has a universal appeal, saying, “If you listen to the record, I’ve got a bit of everything in there. I’m showing love to all the different regions.” The rapper also shared what fans can expect from his debut project. He said, “As an artist I want people to expect the unexpected. Don’t think for one minute that I am going to come this way all the time. You’ll hear one record and go wild — ‘Wow. He did that?’ I want people to listen to the album and expect the unexpected because this is only the beginning. It is going to get better than this.” MIMS’ debut will include a reggae remix of “This Is Why I’m Hot” featuring Baby Cham and Junior Reid.

Rachel Ray vs. Oprah Winfrey? Did the perkiest cook on TV actually say Oprah ‘has problems being black?’ Read more.

Singer and songwriter Siedah Garrett, whose work includes hit songs for Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and many others, finds herself with an Oscar nomination this week for her work on the film Dreamgirls. Garrett penned the lyrics for the nominated tune “I Love You I Do,” with music by Henry Krieger. It’s a new milestone in Garrett’s long career as a performer and songwriter. Her most recent album, 2003’s Siedah, features a new version of her best-known composition, “Man In The Mirror,” which became a huge hit when it was recorded by superstar Jackson for his Bad album in 1987.

GOSPEL CENTRAL: ‘Jesus Camp’ gets nominated for an Oscar

The controversial film “Jesus Camp” is Oscar bound in the documentary category. AP reports that the Rev. Becky Fischer said the nomination has brought on more hate mail as well as praise. Although her prayers for the success of the film were answered, her feelings are mixed. Click here for the rest of the story. http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur31045.cfm

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Former klansman arrested in 1964 murder

A former Ku Klux Klansman and sheriff’s deputy was arrested on federal charges yesterday (January 24th) in the May 1964 killings of two black hitchhikers in Mississippi who were beaten and dumped alive in the Mississippi River. Seventy-one-year-old James Ford Seale was charged with kidnapping Charles Eddie Moore and Henry Hezekiah Dee, who were both 19. However, a second man long suspected in the attack, 72-year-old Charles Marcus Edwards, wasn’t charged, nor was Seale charged with murder. The victims’ weighted bodies were found two months later by chance, during the search for missing civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner. Seale and Edwards were arrested at the time, but the FBI turned to case over to local authorities, and a judge quickly threw out the charges. According to FBI documents from the 1960s, authorities confronted Seale and told him they knew he and the others had killed the hitchhikers. He replied, “Yes, but I’m not going to admit it. You are going to have to prove it.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Black History Fact

In 1851, Sojourner Truth addresses the first Black Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio.
In 1960 “In The Still Of The Night” by the Five Satins re-enters the chart and peaks at Number 81.
In 1960, Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors sets a record for rookies with 58 points in a 127-117 win over the Detroit Pistons. Chamberlain also grabs 42 rebounds.
In 1962, Sam Cooke’s “Twistin’ The Night Away” is released. It will make it up to Number Nine on the pop chart.
In 1969, “Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” by the Miracles enters the Top 40 chart.
In 1970, Sly & the Family Stone are the featured guests on The Ed Sullivan Show.
In 1977, the album All Things In Time by Lou Rawls is certified platinum.
In 1986, “Secret Lovers” by Atlantic Starr enters the Top 40 chart.
In 1989, Bobby Brown is arrested in Georgia for alleged lewdness on stage and is fined $652.
In 1989, Michael Jordan — in his fifth season — scores his 10,000th point, the second fastest NBA climb to that position, behind Wilt Chamberlain.
In 1991, the album All True Man by Alexander O’Neal is released.
In 1992, “All 4 Love” by Color Me Badd peaks at Number One on the pop chart.
In 1992, “Can’t Let Go” by Mariah Carey peaks at Number Two on the pop chart.
In 1993, the video Best Of Luther Vandross is certified gold.
In 1994, the album Very Necessary by Salt ‘N Pepa is certified platinum.
In 1994, the Whitney Houston album is certified 10 times platinum.
In 1994, Accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy, Michael Jackson settles a civil lawsuit out of court. The alleged victim and his family are awarded an undisclosed sum that is said to be in the millions. Prosecutors later drop all charges.
In 1995, in the O.J. Simpson trial, Simpson’s lead attorney, Johnnie Cochran, makes opening statements to the jury, telling them that prosecutors intentionally left out a lot of important information, had rushed to accuse Simpson, and had ignored evidence and witnesses that proved he did not commit the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and waiter Ronald Goldman.
In 1995, “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men is certified gold and platinum.
In 1996, “C’mon N’ Ride It (The Train)” by Quad City DJ’s is released.
In 1998, The Super Bowl halftime show is a Motown blowout in honor of the label’s 40th anniversary, featuring Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Diana Ross, and Michael Jackson.
In 1998, Spice Girl Victoria Adams, better known as Posh Spice, and soccer star David Beckham get engaged. They have since married.
In 1999, the album War & Peace Vol. 1: (The War Disc) by Ice Cube is certified gold and platinum.
In 2003, Marcus Allen was elected to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on his first try.

_______________________________________________________________________________
Celebrity Birthdays

Jenifer Lewis, (actress, The Preacher’s Wife, The PJ’s), 50
Alicia Keys, R&B singer, 27
Etta James, R&B singer, 69
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise

Stay the Course
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
fbellsolidgoldsoul@gmail.com

888-639-9738

www.freddiebell.wordpress.com

Morning Show Update

January 25, 2007

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.

REACTIONS TO OSCAR NOMINATIONS RANGE FROM SERIOUS TO SILLY

Reactions from newly minted Oscar nominees were serious, heartfelt, and in some cases, funny.

Best Supporting Actor nominee — and once troubled youth — Mark Wahlberg told Variety that The Departed hit close to home: “I was able to put my real-life experiences with the Boston police to good use after all. After all the torture I have put them through, to know they cried happy tears today — I’ll think about it for a while.”

The Devil Wears Prada Best Actress nominee Meryl Streep said in a statement, “I am thrilled in a way that no one can possibly imagine. It’s extraordinary that anyone in the actor’s branch is even speaking to me, nevermind nominating me yet again. I’m very, very grateful.”

The Last King Of Scotland star Forest Whitaker told the Today show that he wanted to savor his Best Actor nomination: “I’m going to keep thinking about it all day, you know, and just reimagine it. It was like when you have something like that, you wanna, like, treasure it. It’s great. I feel like so much positive energy coming from people. I feel so many people have seemed to really love the movie and love my work in the movie so I’m starting to live in that, I think.”

Dreamgirls’ Jennifer Hudson told Today she was in shock over her Best Supporting Actress nomination: “I’m sitting here in shock right now. Like, I can’t believe it. To be able to be here today, and to be a part of such greatness is just…is no words for it, to even describe the feeling or anything. I really don’t know what to say.”

31-year-old Kate Winslet is the youngest person to ever receive five acting nominations. Even so, the Little Children star told Variety she was jumping with joy to be nominated for Best Actress again: “I’ve been laughing, crying, hollering, whooping, and leaping around…This isn’t supposed to happen to a girl who grew up in a tiny town. I was told the only way I’d have a career as an actress would be if I could settle for playing fat girls.”

Will Smith said in a statement that he was ready to party after being nominated for Best Actor for The Pursuit Of Happyness: “Congratulations to all of the nominees. It is a great honor to be considered among this caliber of performers. No competition, all celebration. Let the parties begin.”

Best Actor nominee Peter O’Toole has lost in the category seven times. He said of his eighth nomination for Venus: “If you fail the first time, try try try try try try try again.”

THE CLIPSE GIVING PART OF TOUR PROCEEDS TO KATRINA VICTIMS

The Clipse will be at Webster Hall in New York city tonight, January 24th, to preview their upcoming Seagram’s Gin Tour. Allhiphop.com reports that funds raised from the event, which is noted for supporting community issues such as housing, job training and adult education, will benefit the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans.

The tour officially kicks off in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 7th. It will include stops in New Orleans, Atlanta, Birmingham, Jackson, Detroit, Washington, DC, New York, Fort Bragg and Tampa before it wraps in Miami on April 29th.

The Clipse are currently promoting their latest album, Hell Hath No Fury.

DETROIT-BASED PRODUCER DISCO D COMMITS SUICIDE

Detroit-based producer Disco D, who has crafted hits for 50 Cent, Trick Daddy, and Kevin Federline committed suicide late last night, January 23rd. SOHH.com reports that details are sketchy but the producer’s partner Benny Blanco confirmed the reports and said, “We have no comment. We send our deepest condolences. He was loved and will be truly missed.”

D and Blanco were most recently working on albums by Lil Scrappy and Crime Mob.

Disco D, who was nominated for a Grammy Award, also worked with Pharrell Williams and Nina Sky. The producer, whose real name was David Shayman, created the original theme song for VH1’s Hip-Hop Honors and also produced audio for TV shows and commercials by Sprite and Best Buy.

Mixtape deejay DJ Vlad shared his thoughts on the loss. He said, “Disco D was a good friend of mine. I lived with him in Brazil for a couple weeks. He was a real artist. I just talked to him a few days ago, and he told me things were hard. I tried to cheer him up. I didn’t realize how hard it really was. I’m devastated right now.”

SEAN PAUL WORKING ON NEW ALBUM

Grammy Award winner Sean Paul began recording his new album last September after the death of two of his close friends. One was a founding member of his Dutty Rock crew and the other was a young up-and-coming musician who was killed the day after attending a party with Paul. The reggae star said, “The next day he goes back to his community and gets shot to death. It’s upsetting to see these kids’ lives … (getting) wasted. I saw potential in these two kids and many others. It really hit home. And I’m thinking of a voice, I need to say something to people.”

The reggae star added, “(All the while) I’m trying to keep the party people partying and keep them happy, (because) that music is a release, to chill the hell out and wild out and do your thing. But also, it’s reached a point where I know have this voice that people listen to, so I have to make people think a little more than they may be used to.”

Paul’s transition to more conscientious lyrics began with his last album, 2005’s Trinity. At the time, the reggae star said: “I try to remind people that we are human beings that socialize and then try to have a good time and party, instead of animals at war. I think my music is feel good music, you know, energy music, it’s about kind of releasing. So when I say ‘Shake that thing,’ ladies supposed to be able to be like, ‘Yeah, let’s do it, let’s get loose.’ I think that’s what mainly music is about.”

Paul added: “I’ve been writing some more conscious material lately, if you check my album out, there’s a song on there called ‘Never Gonna Be The Same,’ I lost a friend earlier this year. And if you go to a Target store, you can buy my album called The Trinity and you will get an extra CD called ‘Time Rolls On’ which is my most political piece so far. It’s a song talking to the leaders of governments, leaders of religions, leaders of street gangs. And I’m saying in the song, when will we ever live together, when will we ever share one God.”

Paul hopes to release the new album this summer. Paul recently recorded a remix of Akon and Snoop Dogg’s hit, “I Wanna Love You.”

PARIS BENNETT HAS LOVE FOR JENNIFER HUDSON

Singer Paris Bennett, who will release her debut album in March, says she’s thrilled with the good fortune of her former American Idol cast mate Jennifer Hudson, who earned an Oscar nomination this week and has already earned a Golden Globe for her role as Effie in Dreamgirls.

The 18-year-old Bennett has a connection to the Dreamgirls material as well: She appeared as an auditions judge and recorded the theme song, “Dreaming,” for the BET special One Night Only, a reality show about a group of New Orleans high school students attempting to put on their own production of the Tony Award-winning musical. The tune “Dreaming,” which refers to the experience of being on American Idol, was used for the show’s theme and is also included on Bennett’s new album, Princess P. The show premiered this week and will be rebroadcast. (Check local listings for channel and time.)

Bennett told me that Hudson’s critical triumphs are proof that one doesn’t have to win American Idol to launch a successful career: “Jennifer Hudson, she’s my favorite girl. And I know her, she’s very sweet, very nice, and I’m just so excited for her winning the things that she’s doing and achieving the things she’s doing, ’cause she opened the door for American Idols who have been eliminated to say that you can do whatever. So I’m excited to be part of any Dreamgirl thing right now.”

Bennett’s album, Princess P, is expected on the 306 Entertainment label. The first single will be “Ordinary Love,” produced by Jon Jon Traxx.

LALAH HATHAWAY REFLECTS ON MUSIC OF THE ‘70S

Singer Lalah Hathaway joins a who’s who of contemporary artists on the upcoming compilation Interpretations: A Tribute To The Music Of Earth, Wind & Fire. Hathaway lends her smoky voice and unique phrasing to the EWF ballad “Love’s Holiday,” originally from the 1977 EWF album All’N'All.

Hathaway also had a hit recently interpreting the Luther Vandross ballad “Forever, For Always, For Love,” originally recorded in the ’80s. Hathaway, the daughter of ’70s vocal icon Donny Hathaway, says that the music of the ’70s and ’80s remains so enduring because it often held a social message as well. That was particularly true of the music of EWF, which often had mystical and inspirational themes. Said Hathaway: “Particularly in soul music the whole message of uplifting the people kind of was a prevalent message at that time and it was really important.”

Hathaway has begun writing music for the follow-up to her 2004 album, Outrun The Sky.

CARLOS & DEBORAH SANTANA TO OPEN DOMESTIC ABUSE CENTER

Carlos and Deborah Santana were on hand for the opening of a residence for families dealing with domestic abuse. The Santana House is located on the grounds of the USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, and Violence Intervention Program (VIP) Executive Director Dr. Astrid Heger said, “We are grateful to Carlos and Deborah Santana for their ongoing interest in and philanthropic support of our work. The Santana House will provide a number of our essential programs with much-needed space, and empower us to reach even more people.”

The Santana family support for VIP is an extension of the work they do for their non-profit Milagro Foundation, which supports programs for young people in education, health, and the arts. Carlos told me that he feels compelled to try and make things better around him: “I have certain visions about how we can make this world a better place to live, to co-share, and to co-exist. Live people on the planet is the most important thing. It’s about all of us pointing our energy, ’cause we don’t want to make the same mistakes we made the last 2,000 years.”

As of now, Carlos is keeping his promise about taking this year off. However, the odd performance here and there isn’t out of the question, as happened two weeks ago when the surviving members of the original Santana Band were onstage together in San Francisco.

MEMPHIS TO OFFICIALLY HONOR SOUL MUSIC THROUGHOUT 2007

The city of Memphis will be celebrating 50 years of soul music throughout 2007. The Memphis Celebrates 50 Years of Soul campaign, which is sponsored through the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, will spotlight most of the city’s greatest musical landmarks, including such legendary spots as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studios, Graceland, Ardent Studios, and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

Isaac Hayes, who started his career as a musician at Memphis’ legendary Stax Studios, said in a prepared statement that, “I am thrilled to be celebrating this important milestone. I was part of Memphis soul from almost the beginning, and as the story continues I am proud to help honor Memphis’ many remarkable achievements and those yet to come.”

Isaac Hayes told me that the musicians and artists at Stax paid no heed to racial barriers: “Because we played, we worked together and we did everything together. And the music showed that, the cohesiveness. And even in the face of all the, ‘you can’t do that because you’re black, (and) you’re white,’ we got behind those walls (to) just make music.”

For more information on the Memphis Celebrates 50 Years of Soul campaign, log on to memphistravel .com

______________________________________________________________________________
Black History Fact

In 1970, “Psychedelic Shack” by the Temptations entered the Top 40 chart.
In 1970, “Ain’t It Funky Now (Part 1)” by James Brown peaked at Number 24 on the pop chart.
In 1970, “The Gang’s Back Again” by Kool & the Gang peaked at Number 85 on the pop chart.
In 1970, James “Shep” Sheppard, the lead singer for the Heartbeats and Shep & the Limelites, was found murdered in his car on the Long Island Expressway in New York after having been robbed and beaten.
In 1976, “Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” by Diana Ross peaked at Number One on the pop chart.
In 1976, “I Love Music (Part 1)” by the O’Jays peaked at Number Five on the pop chart.
In 1981, “It’s My Turn” by Diana Ross peaked at Number Nine on the pop chart.
In 1982, Diana Ross sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XVI (16).
In 1985, Escape by Whodini was certified gold.
In 1987, “Control” by Janet Jackson peaked at Number Five on the pop chart.
In 1987, “Victory” by Kool & the Gang peaked at Number 10 on the pop chart.
In 1987, “Girlfriend” by Bobby Brown peaked at Number 57 on the pop chart.
In 1989, James Brown pled guilty to drug possession and assault charges. “The Godfather Of Soul” was sentenced to six years in prison.
In 1990, The Incredible Base album by Rob Base was certified gold.
In 1995, Seal by Seal was certified platinum.
In 1996, Mr. Smith by L.L. Cool J was certified gold.
In 2000, Unleash The Dragon by Sisqo was certified gold and platinum.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Celebrity Birthdays

Tatyana Ali, actress and singer (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air), 28
Sleepy Brown, R&B singer and member of Organized Noize production team, 37
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise
You can do great things!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
fbellsolidgoldsoul@gmail.com

888-639-9738