Widower of Selena shares memories in book
The new book “To Selena, With Love” reveals intimate details about the late Tejano star’s life, but the book’s author — her widower, Chris Perez — doesn’t consider it a “tell-all” kind of book. “I thought it should be honest, with dignity. I knew there would be things that would make me feel uncomfortable, but [...]
‘One Love’: Marley film has critics crowing
Oscar-winning documentary maker Kevin Macdonald has made what critics are calling the definitive biography of reggae legend Bob Marley, aided by the singer’s family and record label who have given the project their blessing. The first authorized film of his life had its premiere at the Berlin film festival, and while questions about Marley remain, [...]
Hudson on witness list for upcoming murder trial
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson is on the witness list for the upcoming Chicago trial of the man accused of killing her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew in 2008, according to court documents. But prosecutors haven’t yet disclosed whether Hudson will actually testify at the April 9 trial of William Balfour, who was the estranged husband [...]
Gladys Knight and Urkel” among ‘Dancing’ cast
Urkel, the Empress of Soul and one of the Green Bay Packers are waltzing onto “Dancing With the Stars.” “Family Matters” actor Jaleel White, singer Gladys Knight and National Football League player Donald Driver will be among the 12 celebrity contestants on the next season of the ABC dancing competition. Other famous faces participating in [...]
Whitney Houston open casket photo on tabloid cover
In a classy move certain to enrage fans while boosting sales, the National Enquirer has published a photo of Whitney Houston’s open casket this week. The image of the late pop diva was purportedly taken during a private viewing at the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, N.J. The exercise in sensationalism is on par with [...]
Trombone Shorty at ACL
What better way to gear up for Mardi Gras then to spend some quality time with Grammy-nominated, N’awlins-grade brass aficionados, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. The night of February 16th began with an explosion of sound as the Austin Knights Brass Band marched single-file across the Austin City Limits Theatre and all around the surrounding [...]
Magic Johnson starting TV network targeting blacks
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is launching a basic cable television network targeting black viewers with positive, uplifting images of African Americans. The former Los Angeles Lakers star tells the Los Angeles Times that his 24-hour Aspire channel will also offer opportunities for blacks who have struggled to find work in mainstream Hollywood. Aspire’s mix will include [...]
Costner tells of Houston race factor over ‘Bodyguard’
US actor Kevin Costner on Saturday said his “Bodyguard” co-star Whitney Houston was almost overlooked for the role because of her color and lack of acting experience. Costner told the singer’s funeral service that while he thought Houston was perfect for the part of pop star Rachel Marron, the movie’s producers cautioned that a white [...]
Whitney Houston laid to rest at private NJ burial
Whitney Houston was laid to rest Sunday at a brief private ceremony in New Jersey, the end of a weekend that saw the pop star’s family and friends gather at a star-studded funeral to mourn her loss while celebrating her career. Fans and onlookers gathered in several places along the route the motorcade took from [...]
Ray Charles Foundation wants $3 million gift back
The Ray Charles Foundation is demanding the return of a $3 million gift given to Albany State University a decade ago because the organization says the college has yet to use the money to build a performing arts center in the late artist’s name. In 2001, Charles gave the south Georgia school $1 million and [...]
