Hayes and Mack, “Surreal,” Malcolm Lee
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
Aug. 15, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
MALCOM LEE IN A DAZE
Director, Malcolm D. Lee
Malcolm D. Lee, director of the upcoming film “Soul Men,” had an unspeakably horrible weekend dealing with the deaths of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, both of whom starred in his upcoming film, “Soul Men.” “It was surreal,” Lee told ABC News. “It had to be some sort of bad dream that these two giants would die on the same weekend, and both would be in my movie.” “Soul Men”, also starring Samuel L. Jackson, tells the story of two estranged soul singers (Mac and Jackson) who reunite to honor their deceased band leader. Mac, 50, died Saturday from complications relating to pneumonia; Hayes, 65, died Sunday after collapsing at his home near Memphis. Citing paperwork from the singer’s family doctor, the local sheriff’s department said Hayes may have died from a stroke.
Mack, Hayes, Jackson
Aleady a classic photo: Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes and Samuel L. Jackson from ‘Soul Men.’
Though Lee and distributor The Weinstein Co. have announced no changes to the movie or its Nov. 14 release date, the director says he feels the pressure of creating a fitting farewell to both actors. “This isn’t like “Dark Knight,” where Heath Ledger died while editing was in its infancy,” Lee says. “Most of our editing is done. We’ll go back and see if there is anything we can do better. But (Mac) left us with an indelible performance. I think I got him at the top of his game.” Mac plays a wisecracking counterpart to Jackson’s dour character, while Hayes plays himself in “Soul Men.” Lee says both roles “are emblematic, I think, of the men they were.”
Lee, who first met Mac on the set of “The Original Kings of Comedy” (directed by Lee’s cousin Spike), says Mac’s character in “Soul Men” “is eternally positive, and that’s the way he was in real life. (The movie) gave him an opportunity to be extremely raw and showcase his singing and dancing talent.” Hayes, meanwhile, “had to be in the movie,” Lee says. “His impact on music is immeasurable. I’ve listened to his music my whole life; he changed what soul music could be. He’s the man. They both were. I want my movie to be a tribute to both of them.”
TYRA CELEBRATES ITALIAN VOGUE
Tyra Banks held a fashion event in the streets of New York Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the recent all-black issue of Italian Vogue. The former runway diva was joined by past, present and future black models for a special taping of her daytime talk show. The episode recognized the importance of having women of color in the fashion industry. “Young girls look at magazines and want to see a reflection of themselves and that will tell them that they exist, and that they are beautiful,” Banks said, according to the UK’s Channel 4. “So we need Asians, we need black, we need Latin, we need every culture represented in fashion to show that young girl that she matters, that she exists, and that she is beautiful.” Banks posed for pictures with the models before releasing a bunch of balloons into the Manhattan sky. The episode is scheduled to air on September 11th. In other Tyra news, her reality series, “America’s Next Top Model,” just announced the 14 new contestants who will compete during the show’s upcoming Cycle 11, which debuts Wednesday Sept. 3 from 8 to 10 p.m. on the CW.
MASTER P CHANGES HIS NAME
Percy Miller released a statement yesterday saying he will no longer answer to the rap moniker Master P. The hip-hop mogul has officially changed his name to P. Miller in an effort to break from his past. “I’m changing my name because Master P is who I used to be,” Miller said. “I call it my childhood and P. Miller marks my manhood. “I wouldn’t change my past because it’s groomed me to be the man I am today. People grow mentally and spiritually through life experiences, but when you come from hip-hop it’s almost impossible to move past the stereotypes associated with it. “I’ve branched out into so many different arenas that range from being the first African-American to have a clothing line at Wal-Mart, to writing books, and speaking on Capitol Hill, but all that gets overshadowed because I come from the hip-hop industry. There’re a lot of people out there, who are afraid to grow up and change, but I’m not and P. Miller is the evolution of me, Percy Miller the entrepreneur, the business man.”
Black History Fact
1862: President Lincoln received the first group of blacks to confer with a U.S. president on a matter of public policy. He urged blacks to emigrate to Africa or Central America and was bitterly criticized by Northern blacks.
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Celebrity Birthdays
Actor Antonio Fargas (”Starsky and Hutch”) is 62.
Bassist Larry Graham of Sly and the Family Stone is 62.
Actor Carl Lumbly (”Alias”) is 57.
Actress Jackee Harry (”Sister, Sister,” “227″) is 52.
Actress Halle Berry is 42.
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Words To the Wise
Change is the process of life
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Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes Pass This Weekend
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
Aug. 11, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
REMEMBER THESE TWO ICONS, HAYES AND MAC
(One of my Favorite cuts from Issac Hayes!)
The two following stories record the passing of the legendary Issac Hayes and Comedian Actor, Bernie Mac.
Legacy.com has featured Guest Books for Mr. Isaac Hayes and Mr. Bernie Mac on its site. Here is a way for you to express your condolences. You may find the Guest Books at http://www.legacy.com/gb/guestbookview.aspx?personId=115344639 and http://www.legacy.com/gb/guestbookview.aspx?personId=115220922, respectively.
Bernie Mac’s Guest Book has drawn hundreds of photos and thousands of Guest Book entries already. No doubt the same will happen for Issac Hayes. Later this week I’ll share memories of my personal encounters with these two giants.
COMEDIAN/ACTOR BERNIE MAC PASSES AT AGE 50
Bernie Mac
It’s a sad day in the entertainment world. Chicago comedian Bernie Mac has died at age 50.
“Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital,” his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles. No other details were immediately available and the family asked that their privacy be respected.
Mac suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body’s organs, but had said the condition went into remission in 2005. He recently was hospitalized and treated for pneumonia, which Smith said was not related to the disease.
(Forgive the rough language!!)
Ironically, it was just just last weekend that rumors flew around that he had passed away. Unfortunately that rumor became reality this morning. Bernie Mac was also in te news recently when he was heckled during a surprise appearance at a July fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate and fellow Chicagoan Barack Obama. Toward the end of a 10-minute standup routine, Mac joked about menopause, sexual infidelity and promiscuity, and used occasional crude language. The performance earned him a rebuke from Obama’s campaign.
Mac started his comedy career at age 8, with a standup performance at a church dinner. In 1977, at age 20, he took that act to comedy clubs in Chicago. His film career started with a small role as a club doorman in the Damon Wayans movie “Mo’ Money” in 1992. Mac went on to star in the “Ocean’s Eleven” franchise with Brad Pitt and George Clooney and his turn with Ashton Kutcher in 2005’s “Guess Who?” — a remake of the Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn 1967 classic “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” — topped the box office. Mac also had starring roles in “Bad Santa,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” and “Transformers.” The comedian drew critical and popular acclaim with his Fox television series “The Bernie Mac Show,” which aired more than 100 episodes from 2001 to 2006. The series about a man’s adventures raising his sister’s three children, won a Peabody Award in 2002. At the time, judges wrote they chose the sitcom for transcending “race and class while lifting viewers with laughter, compassion — and cool.”
The show garnered Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for Mac. He also was nominated for a Grammy award for best comedy album in 2001 along with his “The Original Kings of Comedy” co-stars, Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Cedric The Entertainer. In 2007, Mac told David Letterman on CBS’ “Late Show” that he planned to retire soon. “I’m going to still do my producing, my films, but I want to enjoy my life a little bit,” Mac told Letterman. “I missed a lot of things, you know. I was a street performer for two years. I went into clubs in 1977.”
Mac was born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on Oct. 5, 1957, in Chicago. He grew up on the city’s South Side, living with his mother and grandparents. His grandfather was the deacon of a Baptist church. In his 2004 memoir, “Maybe You Never Cry Again,” Mac wrote about having a poor childhood — eating bologna for dinner — and a strict, no-nonsense upbringing. Mac’s mother died of cancer when he was 16. In his book, Mac said she was a support for him and told him he would surprise everyone when he grew up. “Woman believed in me,” he wrote. “She believed in me long before I believed.”
Later this week, I’ll share a couple of personal encounters I had with Bernie Mac.
ISSAC HAYES, BLACK MOSES DIES
Issac Hayes 1942-2008
Isaac Hayes, an Oscar- and Grammy-winning music icon who helped to usher in the disco era, died Sunday afternoon after he collapsed near a treadmill, authorities said. He was 65.
The entertainer was pronounced dead at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis an hour after his body was found by a family member, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said. The cause of death was not immediately known. Sheriff’s office spokesman Steve Shular said authorities received a 911 call after Hayes’ wife, young son and his wife’s cousin returned home from the grocery store and found him collapsed in a downstairs bedroom. A sheriff’s deputy administered CPR until paramedics arrived. “The treadmill was running but he was unresponsive lying on the floor,” Shular said. Hayes was preparing to record a new album for Stax, the soul record label he helped build to legendary status. And he had recently finished work on a movie called “Soul Men” in which he played himself, starring Samuel Jackson and Bernie Mac, who died on Saturday.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Isaac Hayes, a true historic world music figure,” said the Reverend Al Sharpton, in a statement to EUR, who was to dedicate his Sunday night radio program to the late artist. “Isaac Hayes was the first African-American to win an Oscar for a music score but never lost sight of his commitment to his community and the betterment of mankind. He was more than an artist he was a trailblazer, He was an innovator. He was a creative genius. I shall never forget how in the height of his career he still had time to work and lend his celebrity to those of us much younger and at that time who were totally unknown. Even in his later years he never hesitated to appear for a cause or endorse something that he felt was for the good of mankind. He will be sorely missed.” With his trademark shades, bald head and deep baritone, Isaac Hayes laid the groundwork for not just disco, but also what came to be known as urban contemporary. He co-wrote the Sam and Dave hits “Hold On I’m Coming” and “Soul Man.” He reached his commercial peak in 1972 when he won an Academy Award for his No. 1 hit “Theme from ‘Shaft.”‘ Younger audiences are more familiar with Hayes as the voice of Chef on Comedy Central’s animated series “South Park.” But he left the show a few years ago because he disagreed with its attacks on Scientology, the religious movement to which he belonged.
Hayes was born in 1942 in a tin shack in Covington, Tenn., about 40 miles north of Memphis. He was raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother died and his father left when he was 1 1/2. The family moved to Memphis when he was 6. Hayes wanted to be a doctor, but those dreams ended and were replaced with musical aspirations after he won a ninth grade talent contest by singing Nat King Cole’s “Looking Back.” He released his debut album, the poor-selling “Presenting Isaac Hayes,” in 1968. He broke through the following year with “Hot Buttered Soul,” which contained just four songs but sold over a million copies. His work on director Gordon Parks’ urban crime drama “Shaft,” a project he had hoped to star in, was the first of many forays into movie soundtracks. He got in front of the camera for the 1974 cult classic “Truck Turner” and had kept busy with film work ever since, recently appearing in the hip-hop drama “Hustle & Flow.” Community activist Najee Ali says a candlelight vigil for Hayes, as well as Bernie Mac, will be held at 6 p.m. tonight in Los Angeles at 5th Street Dicks coffeehouse in Leimert Park (4305 Degnan Blvd.)
DANNY GLOVER IN NEW LETHAL WEAPON?
Danny Glover
Will Danny Glover’s character in “Lethal Weapon” get to say his famous “I’m too old for this s***” line one more time? Word from TrackingB.com is that a spec script for “Lethal Weapon 5″ has been written by Shane Black, the same screenwriter who penned the first film in the lucrative series. The Web site also says Black contacted franchise producer Joel Silver, who expressed a desire to move forward with the film. Most importantly, Glover and his on-screen partner Mel Gibson are also reportedly willing to return, although no deals have been signed.
According to TrackingB.com, the new script has Riggs (Gibson) about to retire, when he pulls Murtaugh (Glover) out of retirement to solve one final case before they both officially call it quits.
IS CHRIS BROWN ENGAGED
A diamond ring on the wedding finger of pop star Rihanna has triggered rumors that she and her boyfriend, fellow pop singer Chris Brown, are headed to the altar. Although both artists claim only to be good friends, numerous photos of the two kissing and frolicking together on vacations have surfaced for months, the latest coming last weekend from a joint trip to Ocean City, Maryland. New paparazzi photos on the Web Thursday show a diamond ring on Rihanna’s left hand.
JUST SAY NO
Carl Lewis
In a year that saw Marion Jones and the 2000 US men’s 4×400m relay squad stripped of their Olympic medals because of positive drugs tests, track champ Carl Lewis is challenging athletes competing in the Beijing Games to carry the onus in the fight against doping. “The athletes need to step up and decide that they want to stop the drug problem in their own sport. Until they do that it’s going to be an issue,” Lewis told AFP. “If the athletes don’t want it (doping), they can’t stop it but they can eliminate a lot of it.
Black History Fact
African American inventor William C. Carter patented an umbrella stand (U.S. patent#323,397). Aug. 9, 1936: Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in the Berlin Olympics. Aug. 10, 1981: The Coca-Cola Bottling Company agreed to pump $34 million into black businesses and the black community, ending a national boycott called by PUSH.
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Celebrity Birthdays
Singer Airrion Love of The Stylistics is 59.
Country singer Jamie O’Hara is 58.
Rapper Kool Moe Dee is 46.
Singer Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry is 31.
Actress Countess Vaughn (”The Parkers,” “Moesha”) is 30.
Rapper Kurtis Blow is 49.
Singer Whitney Houston is 45.
“Today” co-host Hoda Kotb is 44.
Rapper Mack 10 is 37.
Singer Al Alberts of The Four Aces is 86.
Actor James Reynolds (”Days of Our Lives”) is 62.
Singer Patti Austin is 60.
Singer Neneh Cherry is 44. Singer
Aaron Hall is 44.
Singer Lorraine Pearson of Five Star is 41.
Singer Michael Bivins (Bell Biv Devoe, New Edition) is 40.
Singer Nikki Bratcher of Divine is 28.
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Words To the Wise
Faith is the key
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Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
SHARPTON: “HELP A BROTHA OUT!”
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
Aug. 4, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
KEKE PALMER GOES LONG
Actress/singer Keke Palmer could be taking the “triple-threat” moniker to a whole new level. Thanks to the triceps-guns she’s gained from the new film, “The Longshots,” Palmer could just as easily slip into a third career in sports as she has so well with acting and singing. In “The Longshots,” co-starring Ice Cube as Coach Fisher, Palmer goes from being our favorite spelling bee champ in 2006’s “Akeelah and the Bee,” to taking on another true story, playing a girl quarterback who is the first female to make a national Pop Warner tournament appearance.
“The movie is about a little girl who goes to the national Pop Warner event – the first ever – and plays the quarterback (position). It’s called ‘Longshots’ [she] and her uncle (Ice Cube), they’re taking a long shot as a team.” This true story of Jasmine Plummer who, at the age of eleven, became the first female to play in a Pop Warner football tournament in its 56-year history, follows her and her down-and-out uncle who discovers and encourages her talent.
“The amazing part to me is it’s a true story and that this really happened,” Palmer said. “It happened around 2000. The girl is 15 now. It happened it in Harvey, Illinois. And the funny thing is that Harvey is not too far from where I grew up.” With that similarity, Palmer found it easy to morph into Plummer and also found out that she had an athletic prowess that she might want to explore.
SHARPTON: DON’T HATE ON JESSE
The Rev. Al Sharpton is trying to defend the recent actions of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who caught a firestorm of criticism for his off-air remarks regarding Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. “We have all made mistakes. We have all erred, and we ought not try to sugar coat when we err,” Sharpton said during a meeting of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Kenner, LA. “But we should not throw away everything when we err, and to say that Rev. Jackson made a mistake is correct, but to act like Rev. Jesse Jackson is not pivotal to our movement, our history … is wrong.” “Jesse Jackson,” he added, “is somebody.” Jackson was scheduled to address the SCLC’s 50th anniversary convention Tuesday morning, but his camp said he was on vacation and a rep was sent in his place. Sharpton, meanwhile, also used his appearance at the event to applaud Obama’s success and make a promise to be of service to his campaign if needed. But he also said there is room for more than one leader in the ongoing civil rights struggle. He called the Illinois senator a product of the movement — not the end to it. “The bias in the media is they try to act like we can’t have multiple strategists,” Sharpton said. “We have never had a one-man movement.”
MARTIN LAWERENCE GEESE RUNNING AMOK
Martin Lawrence’s family farm in Virginia has apparently been overrun by packs of geese, but the actor wants everybody to know that he’s dealing with the problem as “humanely” as possible.
His neighbor ran to TMZ.com and said Martin was trying to run the geese off with a gun. A rep for the actor said the property manager did apply for a hunting license, but not to shoot at the geese. The rep said in a statement: “The Lawrence’s private family farm is populated with many different animals. It is not uncommon to secure an off season hunting license in rural areas and is quite common for the oiling of eggs. “A hunting license has been applied for by the property manager; at the same time, Martin has actively been exploring all possible humane ways to handle the overpopulation issue, while intending to do everything possible to preserve the animal habitat in which they reside. There are many different enterprises in rural VA that make their living assisting property owners on how to handle and manage migratory geese. It is unfortunate that a neighbor who has never met Martin or discussed the matter with him, would make this issue public without knowing all of the facts or the Lawrence family’s intentions.”
Black History Fact
1867: Blacks voted for the first time in a state election in the South, contributing to a Republican sweep in Tennessee. Aug. 2, 1920: Marcus Garvey presents his “Back To Africa” program in New York City. Aug. 3, 1928: Founded on this day by William A. Scott, III, the Atlanta Daily World was the first black daily newspaper in modern times.
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Celebrity Birthdays
Blues musician Robert Cray is 55.
Rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy is 48.
Rapper Coolio is 45.
Actress Tempestt Bledsoe (”The Cosby Show”) is 35.
Apollonia (”Purple Rain”) is 48.
Singer Beverly Lee of The Shirelles is 67.
Actress JoMarie Payton (”Family Matters”) is 58.
Actor Isaiah Washington (”Grey’s Anatomy,” “Soul Food”) is 45.
Musician Spinderella of Salt-N-Pepa is 37.
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Words To the Wise
You possess all the world’s gifts.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
LIONEL ON TOUGH TIMES
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
July 10, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
USHER MAY REHIRE MOM-AGER
Word has it that he’s in talks with mom Jonetta Patton to come back and handle business.
*The New York Daily News’ Rush & Malloy column is reporting that Usher has been “quietly talking” with his mother Jonetta Patton about returning to her position as his manager.
BEYONCE’S SECRET PASSPORT FILES BREACHED
Singer one of over 100 famous victims.
*Beyonce Knowles is one of 127 celebrities whose passport files were accessed repeatedly by unknown parties.
SISQO QUIETLY ARRESTED FOR DUI IN DECEMBER
News breaks after caller to radio station reveals incident.
*News is just now surfacing about Sisqo being arrested for DUI back in December.
NICOLE RICHIE DENIES HOTEL SCUFFLE
TMZ claims Harlow’s mom had to be escorted out of Hard Rock by security.
*TMZ.com reported Sunday that Nicole Richie caused such a ruckus outside the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas that she was thrown off the premises by security. Her publicist, however, says it’s not true.
LIONEL RICHIE’S TOUGH TIME IN THE HAMPTONS
Singer banned from one venue; performs through rain at another.
*While Nicole Richie may or may not have been kicked out of the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas for being too rowdy, it’s confirmed that her daddy, Lionel Richie, was banned from performing at a Hamptons home because neighbors feared it would be noisy.
GLASTONBURY CRITIC GETS EARFUL OF JAY-Z
Sun journalist confronted by rapper over bad review.
*Most British journalists gave Jay-Z’s performance at the Glastonbury Music Festival a glowing review - some even calling his presence at a traditional rock venue historic. But one critic wasn’t so impressed.
A-ROD HECKLED BY FANS WITH KRAVITZ SIGNS
Boston fans try to distract Yankee with his divorce issues. It didn’t work.
*Several Boston fans at Yankee Stadium tried to help their Red Sox beat the men in pinstripes Sunday by making fun of the drama surrounding the divorce and rumored affairs of both Alex and Cynthia Rodriguez.
NBC SCORES WITH ALL-WILLIAMS WIMBLEDON FINAL
Saturday’s sister affair draws best number in three years.
*Viewers flocked to NBC Saturday morning at 9 a.m. on the East and 6 a.m. on the West to watch defending Wimbledon champ Venus Williams take on her little sister Serena in this year’s ladies final.
SNOOP GOES BOLLYWOOD FOR NEW VIDEO
Rapper teams with Indian star for theme song of new movie.
*After tackling country music in his latest single, “My Medicine,” the rapper is about to get his Bollywood on by teaming with Indian superstar Akshay Kumar to film a music video for the theme song of his new movie, “Singh Is Kinng.”
Black History Fact
July 8, 2001: Venus Williams wins her second straight Wimbledon Women’s Singles Championship. Venus is the first woman to win consecutive Wimbledon Championships since 1995-96 and the first black woman to win Wimbledon since Althea Gibson in 1958.
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Celebrity Birthdays
NFL wide receiver Demetrius Allen is 34.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise
God lives in you
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
USHER ON MCCAIN’S EIGHT TRACK? (iPod)
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
July 2, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
AMY WINEHOUSE CALLS KANYE A ‘C**T’
‘Rehab’ singer says it to Glastonbury crowd as an aside while praising Jay-Z. Jigga comments.
*When she wasn’t punching fans in the crowd, British soul singer Amy Winehouse was hurling insults at Kanye West during her set at England’s Glastonbury Festival on Saturday.
MOS DEF’S EX-WIFE PENS TELL-ALL
Former stripper says marriage to rapper was abusive; claims she had fling with Kanye.
*A juicy new tell-all book from the ex-wife of rapper Mos Def reveals her sexual encounters with various professional athletes and celebrities, including Kanye West, according to The Toronto Star.
NAS IS THE NEW FACE OF FILA
Rapper tapped to co-create own line based on fashions of the late ’80s.
*Fila is trying to make a comeback through the use of hip hop star Nas, who has just signed a one-year partnership with the athletic apparel company that will include his own line, reports Billboard.
HALLE BERRY UNRAVELS MYSTERY OF DON CHEADLE
Actress presents ‘Che Che’ with special award at LA Film Fest.
*If ever there were a trivia game about the life of Don Cheadle, Halle Berry would win it hands down.
JOHN MCCAIN CLAIMS TO LIKE USHER
Republican presidential nom says he even has one of his CDs. Jeezy recounts troubling conversation with senator.
*Republican presidential candidate John McCain appeared on a “Saturday Night Live” broadcast with Usher last season and suddenly, the war hero is calling himself one of the singer’s fans.
JAN ADAMS PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO DUI CHARGES
Plastic surgeon to stay in jail until next hearing in six days.
*Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Jan Adams pleaded not guilty Monday to two misdemeanor counts of DUI, reports TMZ.com.
GEORGE CLINTON SINGS COVERS ON NEW ALBUM
Funk legend recruits Sly Stone, RZA, El DeBarge, Kim Burrell, Chili Peppers and more.
*Always one to go against the musical grain, George Clinton has corralled a diverse group of singers to join his latest effort “George Clinton and Some Gangsters of Love,” an album of cover songs due Sept. 16 on Shanachie.
ICE CUBE TO TOUR BEHIND ‘RAW FOOTAGE’
Album due Aug. 19; tour to begin two days later and last through Sept.
*Actor-producer Ice Cube is going back to his hip hop roots this summer to promote his upcoming album, “Raw Footage.”
WYCLEF BRINGS INVESTORS TO HAITI
Rapper trying to inject money into his impoverished homeland.
*Wyclef Jean was in Haiti recently accompanied by a group of foreign investors he hopes will pour money into the local economy, which represents the poorest country in the Americas, he tells Reuters.
Black History Fact
1870: James W. Smith of South Carolina entered West Point. Smith, the first Black student, did not graduate.
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Celebrity Birthdays
Gospel singer-choir leader Andrae Crouch is 66.
Singer Evelyn “Champagne” King is 48.
Actor Andre Braugher (”Homicide”) is 46.
Actor Henry Simmons (”NYPD Blue”) is 38. Rapper Missy Elliott is 37.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise
Celebrate Liberty
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
TYSON ESCAPES HITMAN
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
June 26, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
OPRAH FINISHES 21-DAY CLEANSE
Oprah Winfrey has made it through a 21-day cleanse that she was inspired to undertake after interviewing author Kathy Freston about her book, Quantum Wellness. Three weeks ago, the talk show host said she wanted to “jump-start an inner makeover,” by following Freston’s suggestion of giving up caffeine, sugar, alcohol, gluten or animal products for 21 days. Winfrey kept a blog about her experience on the cleanse. She admitted to nearly giving in at one point, saying: “I want some wine. Bordeaux 82. Just one glass at sunset, almost broke down and had a glass. I didn’t.” On the cleanse’s final day, she ate a large baked potato and fresh green salad. “All ingredients except the olive oil came from my garden,” noted Winfrey. “I got a real kick out of that. I was raised by a grandmother who grew and harvested everything.”
In the end, the TV titan accomplished what she set out to do. “This has been exactly what we intended: enlightening,” wrote Winfrey. “I will forever be a more cautious and conscious eater. That’s my commitment for now. To stay awakened.”
IDOL STAR TO MARRY?
Ruben Studdard, 29, took a step closer to the altar Monday by obtaining a marriage license with his fiancée Surata Zuri McCants, 30. The couple arrived at the Shelby County Probate Office in Studdard’s native Birmingham, Ala. just before noon, according to People.com. “They looked really happy,” an eyewitness told the magazine. There’s no word on the wedding date, but Alabama law requires that couples tie the knot within 30 days of getting their license.
TYSON ESCAPES HITMAN
Mike Tyson was at one time the target of a murder plot by members of the notorious gang Cash Money Brothers, it was revealed Monday at the racketeering trial of CMB associate Abubakr Raheem. According to the New York Daily News, CMB leader Damion “World” Hardy put a hit out on the former heavyweight champ in 2000 after learning that he placed a $50,000 bounty on their heads for the murder of his assistant. Shelby Henderson, an associate of the crack-dealing crew, recalled Monday the discussion about whacking Tyson at a party hosted by Hardy’s mother. She was celebrating the murder of a man who killed another son of hers in drug wars at Lafayette Gardens in Bed-Stuy.
Black History Fact
1936: Mary McLeod Bethune, founder-president of Bethune-Cookman College, was named director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration. She was the first black woman to receive a major appointment from the federal government. The educator held the post until January 1, 1944.
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Celebrity Birthdays
Actor-director Georg Stanford Brown is 65.
Reggae singer Derrick Simpson of Black Uhuru is 58.
Actress Danielle Spencer (”What’s Happening”) is 43.
Singer Solange Knowles is 22.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise
Speak life
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
USHER CD AMONG THE BEST!
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
June 9, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE ADULT R&B HITS OF THE WEEK
1. Raheem Devaughn
“Woman”
(Jive/Zomba)
2. Keyshia Cole
“I Remember”
(Imani/Geffen/Interscope)
3. Jaheim
“Never”
(Divine Mill/Atlantic)
4. Marvin Sapp
“Never Would Have Made It”
(Verity/Zomba)
5. Erykah Badu
“Honey” (Universal Motown)
OPRAH IS ‘EUPHORIC’ OVER OBAMA NOMINATION
TV mogul and early supporter of senator says she’s ‘ready to go door to door.’
*Some critics have blamed Oprah Winfrey’s vocal support of Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign for her recent slip in viewership, which is largely comprised of the “older white women” demo that has supported his former Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
NEW USHER ALBUM TOPS BILLBOARD 200
Plus, Lil Wayne’s Lollipop still licking competition.
*As expected, Usher’s new album “Here I Stand” has entered The Billboard 200 at No. 1 this week, and managed to set a new record along the way.
CELEB P.I. TESTIFIES IN R. KELLY TRIAL
Jack Palladino said he thwarted an extortion attempt made by star prosecution witness.
*In R. Kelly’s child pornography trial Thursday, celebrity private investigator Jack Palladino testified that earlier this year he foiled an extortion attempt made by the prosecution’s star witness Lisa Van Allen.
EVANDER HOLYFIELD’S HOME IN FORECLOSURE
Plus, former heavyweight champ’s child support money is funny.
*Evander Holyfield has boxed himself into a corner. The former heavyweight champion’s $10 million mansion in Georgia is under foreclosure, and one of his babymamas says he owes thousands of dollars in child support.
SERENA WILLIAMS COY ABOUT COMMON RUMORS
Plus, rapper launches national online book club.
*Serena Williams played cutesy with Ebony magazine in a July cover story that eventually brought up the subject of rap star Common.
RAPPERS CELEBRATE BARACK OBAMA
Diddy, Young Jeezy express joy over senator earning Democratic nomination. Nas writes song.
*It’s no surprise that hip hop nation is celebrating Barack Obama’s historic run to become the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.
BERNIE MAC ROARS INTO ‘MADAGASCAR 2
Sherri Shepherd, will.i.am also join Chris Rock in animated film’s sequel, ‘Escape 2 Africa.’
*Bernie Mac will play the head lion in charge in the upcoming sequel to “Madagascar,” joining returning voices Chris Rock as Marty the zebra, David Schwimmer as Melman the giraffe and Ben Stiller as Alex the lion.
T.I. SIGNS 3-PICTURE DEAL WITH SCREEN GEMS
Studio sets long-term relationship with jail-bound rapper.
*T.I. is about to begin a year-long prison sentence next spring for weapons possession, but that hasn’t stopped film studio Screen Gems from signing the rapper to a three-picture deal.
SOLANGE KNOWLES BREAKS HER FOOT
Mechanical malfunction took place before Sunday concert in Kansas City, Mo.
*One thing about the Knowles sisters, they sure know how to make an entrance. Last July, Beyonce fell down the stairs during a gig in Orlando. Now, nearly a year later, her sister Solange breaks her foot during a show in Kansas City, Mo.
JASON TAYLOR DANCES AROUND DOLPHIN CONTRACT
Parcels says he wants defensive end back despite friction over ‘Dancing With the Stars’ gig.
*The Miami Dolphins’ head of football operations, Bill Parcels, said Thursday that “of course” he wants Jason Taylor back next season, and called recent reports of a rift between the player and the organization “a fabrication.”
STEVIE WONDER PLOTS EUROPEAN TOUR
Dates are already confirmed for 12 cities beginning late summer.
*Stevie Wonder will bring his stage show to Europe for the first time in more than a decade via a Live Nation-backed tour, which kicks off in late summer.
Black History Fact
1956: Federal court ruled that racial segregation on city buses in Montgomery, Alabama violated Constitution.
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Celebrity Birthdays
Guitarist Fred Stone of Sly and the Family Stone is 62.
Singer Brian McKnight is 39.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise
Celebrate life
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
THIS IS OUR TIME
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
June 5, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
BARACK OBAMA WINS THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION
HILLARY SAYS SHE NEEDS TIME
It’s official. Illinois Senator Barack Hussein Obama can now say he is the Democratic Party’s nominee to run against the Republican Party’s nominee John McCain in November. Obama’s claim to the nomination is also historic because it marks the first time that a black person has ever headed the ticket of a major American political party. “America, this is our moment,” the 46-year-old senator said in his first appearance as the Democratic nominee-in-waiting. “This is our time; our time to turn the page on the policies of the past.” Meanwhile, his Democratic opponent, New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton praised him in an appearance before her supporters, although she neither acknowledged his victory in their grueling march through the primaries nor did she offer any concessions. Instead, she said she was committed to a unified party, and said she would spend the next few days determining “how to move forward with the best interests of our country and our party guiding my way.”
SEAN LEVERT’S WIDOW FILES SUIT
The widow of Sean Levert has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Cuyahoga County officials claiming their delayed medical attention led to his collapse in jail and eventual death at the hospital. According to the Associated Press, Angela Lowe and Levert’s estate are seeking unspecified damages in their lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court in Cleveland. They accuse jail officials of showing disregard for his medical needs. The artist and son of O’Jays singer Eddie Levert died March 30th shortly after he was taken from the jail to a hospital. He had just started serving a 22-month sentence for failure to pay child support.
SHERRI SHEPARD GOES NUTS
*”The View’s” Sherri Shepherd lost her mind yesterday morning after her girl crush, Janet Jackson, showed up in person to give her two tickets to her upcoming concert in support of new album “Discipline.” In a previous “View” airing, Shepherd had gone on and on about how she had once slept outside of Jackson’s concert venue to score good tickets. When co-host Whoopi Goldberg suddenly cued Jackson’s music Tuesday morning, the superstar herself – decked in white – walked onto the stage and straight to Sherri holding two tickets. Shepherd screamed and jumped around in shock before embracing Michael’s little sister. Eventually, she calmed down enough to tell Jackson: “I have every album; I have every poster; I have all of your program books. Aside from Michael, you are my second favorite, girl.”
Black History Fact
June 3, 2008, Barack Obama becomes firt African American to win the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States of America
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Celebrity Birthdays
Singer El DeBarge is 47
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise
You can win the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
BRAXTON’S HEALTH AN ISSUE
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
May 30, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
TOP FIVE R&B HITS OF THE WEEK
1. Keyshia Cole
“I Remember”
(Imani/Geffen/Interscope)
2. Raheem Devaughn
“Woman” (Jive/Zomba)
3.Jaheim
“Never”
(Divine Mill/Atlantic)
4. Marvin Sapp
“Never Would Have Made It” (Verity/Zomba)
5. Mary J. Blige “Just Fine”
(Matriarch/Geffen/Interscope)
OBAMA ENDURES HEAT OVER ANOTHER PASTOR’S COMMENTS
The Catholic League sharply criticized Barack Obama Friday for his ties to controversial Catholic minister Michael Pfleger, saying in a statement the Illinois senator should have severed ties with him long ago. The criticisms come after wide circulation on the Internet of Pfleger’s recent sermon, in which he mocked Hillary Clinton for becoming teary-eyed before the New Hampshire primary in January. “And then, out of nowhere, came ‘Hey, I’m Barack Obama,’” Pfleger said during a sermon Sunday at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. “And [Clinton] said, ‘Oh damn, where did you come from? I’m white! I’m entitled! There’s a black man stealing my show!’ “
Barack Obama said Thursday he was “disappointed” in the comments, and Pfleger later issued an apology for the remarks. “Why is it that of all the wonderful Catholic priests in the Chicago Archdiocese, Obama long ago chose Pfleger to hang with?” Catholic League President Bill Donohue said in a statement. “Truth be known, Pfleger has a very troubling history.”
“Senator Obama says he wants to bring people together. Then why does he choose as his clerical friends people like Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Father Pfleger?” Donohue also said. “They are two peas in a pod, both equally divisive, separated only by the color of their skin.”
The Catholic League is an influential non-partisan organization that says its mission is to protect the free-speech rights of Catholics “whenever and wherever they are threatened.” The League was an early critic of the Rev. John Hagee, the controversial evangelical pastor whose endorsement was sought by John McCain but later repudiated. Pfleger is a priest at St. Sabina’s Catholic Church on the south side of Chicago. He had served on the Catholics for Obama committee until recently and the two have known each other for 20 years. As a state senator, Obama once directed a $100,000 grant to a community center affiliated with Pfleger’s church.
SEE THE VIDEO HERE
BRAXTON CANCELS SHOWS
It looks like singer Toni Braxton won’t be returning to gig at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas after all. The hotel has announced that the remainder of Braxton’s scheduled shows have been canceled so she can deal with her health. The show, “Toni Braxton: Revealed,” at the Flamingo Las Vegas had been dark since the 40-year-old entertainer was hospitalized April 7 with what hotel officials said at the time was a complaint of chest pain. The show had been scheduled to resume June 6, an AP report. Harrah’s Entertainment spokeswoman Deanna Petit says she could not comment on the singer’s current medical condition. Braxton has been treated in the past for pericarditis, a viral inflammation of the heart. Braxton’s two-year run at the Flamingo Las Vegas hotel is scheduled to end in August.
MURPHY SET FOR COP FOUR
Eddie Murphy will return to the role of Detroit detective Axel Foley in Paramount’s upcoming fourth installment of the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise. According to Variety, Brett Ratner is currently negotiating to direct the sequel, while Murphy is confirmed for the project, which Paramount will begin shooting in 2009 for a summer 2010 release. The fourth “Cop” film was Murphy’s idea, according to Variety. He came to Paramount with plans about reviving the franchise that cemented his status as a box office powerhouse. Released in 1984, the original “Beverly Hills Cop” grossed $316 million worldwide and spawned two sequels. Altogether, the three pictures grossed $712.9 million worldwide. The last was released in 1994.
NEW EDITION HONORED
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor New Edition at its 21st Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 23 in Los Angeles, CA. The six members of New Edition will be presented with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, which is given to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. The invitation-only gala will also honor ASCAP’s top songwriters and publishers of 2007. Celebrating their 25th anniversary as a group, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Johnny Gill established much of the groundwork for the style of music known as new jack swing. In the early 1980s, New Edition sold more units in the United States than any other teen singing group and their success led to the creation of late-80s and 90s boy bands, such as New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, the Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync.
They have released seven studio albums — “Candy Girl,” “New Edition,” “All For Love,” “Under the Blue Moon,” “Heart Break,” “Home Again” and “One Love” — that spawned several hits, including “Candy Girl,” “Popcorn Love,” “Cool It Now,” “Mr. Telephone Man,” “Count Me Out,” “A Little Bit of Love (Is All It Takes),” “Earth Angel,” “Can You Stand the Rain,” “If It Isn’t Love,” “You’re Not My Kind of Girl,” “Crucial” and “Hit Me Off.” Individually, they have enjoyed successful solo careers and side group projects. Commenting on the Golden Note Award honorees, ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman said: “Over the last 25 years, New Edition has experienced success on multiple levels to become true legends. The group has firmly left their mark on today’s music, and ASCAP is very proud to honor them.” The evening will feature performances by several award-winning songwriter/performers.
COSBY SWEATERS AUCTIONED
Three of the sweaters worn regularly by Bill Cosby’s character, Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable on NBC’s “The Cosby Show,” are headed to the auction block for a charity set up in memory of the actor’s late son, organizers said on Thursday. According to Reuters, the sweaters will be auctioned via eBay’s Giving Works charity listing arm from June 2-12. Opening bids will start at $5,000 per item on www.eBay.com/cosby. Proceeds will benefit the education charity Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation, which was established in 1997 by the Cosby family to continue the legacy of Cosby’s son Ennis after his murder in Los Angeles. “My mother and father were going through a storage closet, and I happened to be there and pounced on these sweaters,” explained daughter Evin Cosby, who is a board member of Hello Friend. “I told them that the price of what some of these sweaters might sell for could make a big difference in the lives of thousands of children.”
Black History Fact
1965: Vivian Malone becomes the first black student to graduate from the University of Alabama. May 31, 1881: Booker T. Washington was recommended by General Armstrong to head the newly planned Tuskegee Institute. June 1, 1843: Sojourner Truth left New York and began her career as an antislavery activist.
______________________________________________________________________________
Celebrity Birthdays
Actor Ralph Carter (”Good Times”) is 47.
Singer Cee-Lo of Gnarls Barkley (and Goodie Mob) is 34.
Rapper Remy Ma is 28.
May 31: Rapper Kid Frost is 44.
Rapper DMC of Run-DMC is 44.
June 1: Actor Morgan Freeman is 71.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise
You can make a difference.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
LIL KIM WINS!!
www.freddiebell.wordpress.com
Solid Gold Soul
May 16, 2008
Welcome to Solid Gold Soul
About Freddie Bell
Freddie Bell, velvet morning voice talent is a mellifluous voice actor, broadcast-journalist, speaker and 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.
Be sure to tell a friend about the Solid Gold Soul Update. You can also subscribe on line to have the Update sent to you automatically. Click on the subscribe link on the right of this page. Also visit www.youtube.com/freddiebell950 for some video fun. A few of my video favorites are posted there!
JURY SET IN R. KELLY TRIAL
A jury has finally been selected in the R. Kelly child pornography trial. The court session in Chicago was on the verge of ending yesterday with 12 members and two alternates firmly in place and two more alternates about to be selected. The panel consists of eight whites and four African Americans, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The jurors were seated, however, amid more accusations from Kelly’s defense team that prosecutors were intentionally striking minorities from the jury pool in favor of whites. The defense has been accusing the prosecution of weeding out minorities since the jury selection began five days ago. The final objection came as prosecutors used their final two peremptory challenges Thursday to strike a black man and an Asian woman from the panel.
LIL’ KIM WINS!
Lil Kim was awarded $500,000 Wednesday in a lawsuit accusing one of her former Junior M.A.F.I.A. members of using her name and image for an unauthorized DVD. According to the New York Post, the rapper had originally filed a $6 million lawsuit against James Lloyd, a.k.a. Lil Cease, who had testified against her in the criminal trial that ended with her conviction for lying to a grand jury. Manhattan federal Judge Jed Rakoff found that Cease and his company, Ground Zero Entertainment, wrongly capitalized on Lil’ Kim’s fame with the DVD, “The Chronicles of Junior M.A.F.I.A. Part II: Reloaded.” In July of 2005 Lil’ Kim won a temporary restraining order against the entire Junior M.A.F.I.A. and Ground Zero Entertainment to stop the DVD from being sold.
TPAIN LEADS BET NOMINATIONS
T-Pain received five BET Award nominations Thursday to lead the entire pack this year, but none were for his own songs. The singer’s electronic-enhanced voice earned best collaboration nods for his work with Chris Brown (”Kiss Kiss”), Kanye West (”Good Life”) and Flo Rida (”Low”). He was also nominated twice in the video of the year category. “He’s had a great year; he’s introduced a new element,” said BET Executive Vice President Stephen Hill, referring to T-Pain’s vocoder-manipulated vocals. The technique, popularized in the 80s by Roger Troutman and Zapp, has enjoyed a T-Pain-assisted resurgence that has been utilized to great success recently by Snoop Dogg (”Sensual Seduction”) and Lil Wayne (”Lollipop”). Meanwhile, West and Keyshia Cole received three BET Award nominations, while Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and newcomer Flo Rida received a pair each.
SUE SIMMONS GETTING TIPSY
News anchor Sue Simmons of New York’s WNBC/Channel 4, who was caught shouting the F-word during a live tease Monday night, is rejecting reports in the New York Post that her expletive was fueled by an alcohol problem. On Wednesday, The Post interviewed several staffers who said they weren’t surprised that Simmons blurted out “What the f**k you doing?” because she’s known to get her drink on between the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. “Sue Simmons likes the sauce and she can be cranky about it,” a former WNBC employee told The Post. “She was sometimes a little tipsy [on the air] to the point where colleagues would take notice.” Witnesses told The Post that Simmons hits Midtown watering holes like Gallagher’s steakhouse and Jean Georges after anchoring Channel 4’s 5 p.m. newscast. “I wouldn’t say she gets sloshed - sloshed, that wouldn’t be the right word,” a Gallagher’s employee said, gesturing to the back booths where Simmons typically takes her between-show breaks. “I would say she gets happy. She gets very happy.”
Black History Fact
1942: 93rd Infantry activated and assigned to combat in the South Pacific; the first African American division formed during World War II.
______________________________________________________________________________
Celebrity Birthdays
Singer Prince Be of PM Dawn is 38.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Words To the Wise
Sing His Praises
_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Freddie Bell
PO Box 390521
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Freddie@freddiebell.com
888-639-9738
