Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums list today named its top 10 albums of all-time, with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill crowned No. 1.
“This is my award,” Hill said to Apple Music, “but it’s a rich, deep narrative, and involves so many people, and so much sacrifice, and so much time, and so much collective love.”
Last year was the album’s 25th anniversary, and its success was overwhelming upon release. It won five Grammys, three American Music Awards, and a Billboard, Soul Train and MTV Video Music Award while selling 30 million copies since its bow.
But instead of capitalizing on it, Hill became one of music’s biggest enigmas. Her output diminished after an MTV Unplugged follow-up acoustic album, reverting to sporadic singles and rare appearances.
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums was created by a group of artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals, along with Apple Music staff. The list...
“This is my award,” Hill said to Apple Music, “but it’s a rich, deep narrative, and involves so many people, and so much sacrifice, and so much time, and so much collective love.”
Last year was the album’s 25th anniversary, and its success was overwhelming upon release. It won five Grammys, three American Music Awards, and a Billboard, Soul Train and MTV Video Music Award while selling 30 million copies since its bow.
But instead of capitalizing on it, Hill became one of music’s biggest enigmas. Her output diminished after an MTV Unplugged follow-up acoustic album, reverting to sporadic singles and rare appearances.
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums was created by a group of artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals, along with Apple Music staff. The list...
- 5/22/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Stevie Van Zandt, a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, has had a long association with television, starring as Silvio Dante in The Sopranos and leading Netflix’s Lilyhammer.
The musician and actor is now looking to merge the two with a music television format, The Jam.
Van Zandt has teamed up with Apploff Entertainment, the company behind Fox game shows Don’t Forget The Lyrics and We Are Family, to develop the project.
A weekly live-to-tape event, the series is inspired by classic series such as American Bandstand and Soul Train as well as MTV Unplugged. It will bring together global pop stars and new artists with performances, story packages and interviews.
It is the latest music format for Jeff Apploff’s company; in addition to Don’t Forget The Lyrics, the company is behind Fox’s Beat Shazam. Elsewhere, it produces CBS’ Lotería Loca and NBC’s The Wheel.
The musician and actor is now looking to merge the two with a music television format, The Jam.
Van Zandt has teamed up with Apploff Entertainment, the company behind Fox game shows Don’t Forget The Lyrics and We Are Family, to develop the project.
A weekly live-to-tape event, the series is inspired by classic series such as American Bandstand and Soul Train as well as MTV Unplugged. It will bring together global pop stars and new artists with performances, story packages and interviews.
It is the latest music format for Jeff Apploff’s company; in addition to Don’t Forget The Lyrics, the company is behind Fox’s Beat Shazam. Elsewhere, it produces CBS’ Lotería Loca and NBC’s The Wheel.
- 4/2/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Anthony E. Zuiker, the creator of the hugely successful CSI TV franchise, has signed with boutique management firm Literate.
This marks a rare new addition to Zuiker’s close-knit representation team, nicknamed affectionately by the writer-producer “Team Zuiker,” who has been shaping his career and brand for more than two decades.
It follows the January death of Zuiker’s beloved manager of over 25 years, Margaret Riley, most recently of Lighthouse Entertainment, who passed away from cancer at the age of 58.
In a moving tribute for Deadline at the time, Zuiker recalled how Riley signed Zuiker on his 30th birthday, 8/17/1998, when he was still trying to break into Hollywood. Helping him land early writing gigs that led to CSI, Riley also took Zuiker to the talent agencies, with him landing at CAA with Joe Cohen, and introduced him to entertainment lawyer Kevin Yorn. Both are still members of “Team Zuiker,...
This marks a rare new addition to Zuiker’s close-knit representation team, nicknamed affectionately by the writer-producer “Team Zuiker,” who has been shaping his career and brand for more than two decades.
It follows the January death of Zuiker’s beloved manager of over 25 years, Margaret Riley, most recently of Lighthouse Entertainment, who passed away from cancer at the age of 58.
In a moving tribute for Deadline at the time, Zuiker recalled how Riley signed Zuiker on his 30th birthday, 8/17/1998, when he was still trying to break into Hollywood. Helping him land early writing gigs that led to CSI, Riley also took Zuiker to the talent agencies, with him landing at CAA with Joe Cohen, and introduced him to entertainment lawyer Kevin Yorn. Both are still members of “Team Zuiker,...
- 3/25/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
At the Grammys, Best R&b Album and Best Progressive R&b Album have gone to some of the most influential artists in the industry, including Erykah Badu, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Frank Ocean, Beyoncé and Robert Glasper (much to Chris Brown’s chagrin). Let’s break down this year’s contenders.
SEEFrom Billie Eilish to David Bowie, breaking down Grammy races for Best Music Video and Best Music Film
Best R&b Album
Emily King’s “Special Occasion” might be in fifth place here, especially considering King has the least commercial success and it’s not a particularly acclaimed album. Inversely, while Summer Walker is a huge star, the Grammys seem to be iffy on her: this is her first nomination ever despite multiple hit records. As such, it’s possible the relative lack of competition for the nomination played more of a role in...
SEEFrom Billie Eilish to David Bowie, breaking down Grammy races for Best Music Video and Best Music Film
Best R&b Album
Emily King’s “Special Occasion” might be in fifth place here, especially considering King has the least commercial success and it’s not a particularly acclaimed album. Inversely, while Summer Walker is a huge star, the Grammys seem to be iffy on her: this is her first nomination ever despite multiple hit records. As such, it’s possible the relative lack of competition for the nomination played more of a role in...
- 2/1/2024
- by Jaime Rodriguez
- Gold Derby
The 66th Grammy nominations are just days away, and one of the most exciting races is Best New Artist, a category that can make or break a career. Usually an amalgamation of some of the biggest genres around, the award typically has a great mix of huge breakouts and hidden gems. But among so many worthy debutantes, which eight will make up the class of 2024?
The biggest lock for a nomination this year is Ice Spice. The Bronx rapper has made waves with her infectious style and collaborations with big artists like Nicki Minaj, PinkPantheress, Lil Tjay, and Taylor Swift. Such major collaborations are already a big deal, but Ice has also scored hits on her own, like “In Ha Mood” and “Deli.” Following her victory at the 2023 VMAs for Best New Artist, Ice might continue her hot streak with a Grammy victory, especially with possible support from both rap and pop voters.
The biggest lock for a nomination this year is Ice Spice. The Bronx rapper has made waves with her infectious style and collaborations with big artists like Nicki Minaj, PinkPantheress, Lil Tjay, and Taylor Swift. Such major collaborations are already a big deal, but Ice has also scored hits on her own, like “In Ha Mood” and “Deli.” Following her victory at the 2023 VMAs for Best New Artist, Ice might continue her hot streak with a Grammy victory, especially with possible support from both rap and pop voters.
- 11/8/2023
- by Jaime Rodriguez
- Gold Derby
Bernie Taupin received a Musical Excellence Award at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony Friday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame cofounder Jann Wenner received a dig for his imprudent remarks on why certain people were included in his recent book, The Masters.
While promoting his interview-collection book in September, Wenner said that its lack of diversity in interview selections was because female musicians were never “articulate enough on this intellectual level,” and that Black artists “just didn’t articulate at that level.” The resultant outrage saw Wenner apologize, but he was subsequently dropped from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s board of directors.
On Friday, after Elton John gave a speech detailing his relationship with Taupin, his longtime collaborator, Taupin took to the stage. After listing his influences, talking about his work with Elton John, and...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame cofounder Jann Wenner received a dig for his imprudent remarks on why certain people were included in his recent book, The Masters.
While promoting his interview-collection book in September, Wenner said that its lack of diversity in interview selections was because female musicians were never “articulate enough on this intellectual level,” and that Black artists “just didn’t articulate at that level.” The resultant outrage saw Wenner apologize, but he was subsequently dropped from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s board of directors.
On Friday, after Elton John gave a speech detailing his relationship with Taupin, his longtime collaborator, Taupin took to the stage. After listing his influences, talking about his work with Elton John, and...
- 11/4/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners and the late George Michael were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Friday.
The 38th annual ceremony took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn with performances that spanned genres and paired different generations of stars, including an opening act with Crow and Olivia Rodrigo singing “If It Makes You Happy,” a pairing of honoree Chaka Khan and Common, as well as with H.E.R. and Sia, and a medley of Nelson’s songs featuring the 90-year-old performer alongside Dave Matthews, Chris Stapleton and Crow. Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page made a surprise appearance to perform “Rumble” in honor of inductee Link Wray.
The evening concluded with an all-out performance from Elliott, decked out in a sequined gold jumpsuit, surrounded by backup dancers and running through hits such as “Lose Control” and “Get Ur Freak On.
The 38th annual ceremony took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn with performances that spanned genres and paired different generations of stars, including an opening act with Crow and Olivia Rodrigo singing “If It Makes You Happy,” a pairing of honoree Chaka Khan and Common, as well as with H.E.R. and Sia, and a medley of Nelson’s songs featuring the 90-year-old performer alongside Dave Matthews, Chris Stapleton and Crow. Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page made a surprise appearance to perform “Rumble” in honor of inductee Link Wray.
The evening concluded with an all-out performance from Elliott, decked out in a sequined gold jumpsuit, surrounded by backup dancers and running through hits such as “Lose Control” and “Get Ur Freak On.
- 11/4/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Olivia Rodrigo has been added to the performance line-up of this Friday’s 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and she’ll reportedly be appearing on stage with inductee Sheryl Crow.
The Rock Hall announced Rodrigo’s appearance today, posting on Instagram that the Guts singer “will perform with one of her heroes” at the induction ceremony this Friday. The mystery guest didn’t stay a mystery for long though: In an interview with The New York Times, John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, apparently couldn’t contain himself, revealing that Rodrigo will perform with Crow.
“Olivia Rodrigo is coming in this year,” Sykes said in the interview. “Last year she got up and sang ‘You’re So Vain’ by Carly Simon. She’s going to play with Sheryl Crow this year. It’s this mutual admiration that connects the past with the present.
The Rock Hall announced Rodrigo’s appearance today, posting on Instagram that the Guts singer “will perform with one of her heroes” at the induction ceremony this Friday. The mystery guest didn’t stay a mystery for long though: In an interview with The New York Times, John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, apparently couldn’t contain himself, revealing that Rodrigo will perform with Crow.
“Olivia Rodrigo is coming in this year,” Sykes said in the interview. “Last year she got up and sang ‘You’re So Vain’ by Carly Simon. She’s going to play with Sheryl Crow this year. It’s this mutual admiration that connects the past with the present.
- 11/1/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Most daytime talk shows save their musical performances for a particular segment, but Jennifer Hudson can’t help but break into song with her guests as often as possible. On the latest episode of the Jennifer Hudson Show, the singer welcomed music legend Smokey Robinson into her impromptu approach to re-create another spur-of-the-moment performance: Robinson singing “Ooo Baby Baby” with Aretha Franklin on Soul Train in 1979.
“I don’t remember exactly how it came about,” Robinson recalls. “I think that she was going to do a performance on Soul Train that day,...
“I don’t remember exactly how it came about,” Robinson recalls. “I think that she was going to do a performance on Soul Train that day,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Los Angeles, Oct 25 (Ians) The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Rrhof) has expanded its roster of presenters and special guests during the upcoming 38th annual Induction Ceremony as it has now added Ice-t, Adam Levine, Stevie Nicks, Carrie Underwood, Common, LL Cool J, Miguel, Queen Latifah and Sia to its list.
Before this, artistes such as Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, the Spinners and the late George Michael were added to the list of performers.
Back in September, it was announced that Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, H.E.R. and St. Vincent, will also be in attendance.
Several other musicians will also receive honourary awards, such as DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray who will receive recognition for their musical influence. On the other hand, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will receive the musical excellence award.
The late ‘Soul Train...
Before this, artistes such as Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, the Spinners and the late George Michael were added to the list of performers.
Back in September, it was announced that Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, H.E.R. and St. Vincent, will also be in attendance.
Several other musicians will also receive honourary awards, such as DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray who will receive recognition for their musical influence. On the other hand, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will receive the musical excellence award.
The late ‘Soul Train...
- 10/25/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Los Angeles, Oct 25 (Ians) The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Rrhof) has expanded its roster of presenters and special guests during the upcoming 38th annual Induction Ceremony as it has now added Ice-t, Adam Levine, Stevie Nicks, Carrie Underwood, Common, LL Cool J, Miguel, Queen Latifah and Sia to its list.
Before this, artistes such as Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, the Spinners and the late George Michael were added to the list of performers.
Back in September, it was announced that Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, H.E.R. and St. Vincent, will also be in attendance.
Several other musicians will also receive honourary awards, such as DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray who will receive recognition for their musical influence. On the other hand, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will receive the musical excellence award.
The late ‘Soul Train...
Before this, artistes such as Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, the Spinners and the late George Michael were added to the list of performers.
Back in September, it was announced that Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, H.E.R. and St. Vincent, will also be in attendance.
Several other musicians will also receive honourary awards, such as DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray who will receive recognition for their musical influence. On the other hand, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will receive the musical excellence award.
The late ‘Soul Train...
- 10/25/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
As the year-end holidays start to become everyone’s main focus here’s a documentary feature that zeros in on the desired destination of travelers…home. But what if it’s denied you? Is it worth fighting for, even risking imprisonment? That’s the focus of this film, the value of the home, and most importantly the land. Sounds a bit similar to the epic docudrama arriving today from Martin Scorsese, eh? Now, that’s set one hundred years ago with murder stemming from a lust for oil-rich land. This doc concerns the lust for water, rather than oil. It’s a valued beachfront property. Plus it all happened in the last dozen or so years. Despite all the nefarious plans of developers, could anyone possibly displace the families on Silver Dollar Road?
Oh, and unlike the other big film this weekend, we’re not talking about a tribe, but another minority.
Oh, and unlike the other big film this weekend, we’re not talking about a tribe, but another minority.
- 10/20/2023
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Elton John, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, Brandi Carlile and H.E.R. will perform at the 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony alongside some of those entering this year’s prestigious class, including Willie Nelson, Missy Elliott and Sheryl Crow.
The Hall announced Thursday that the Nov. 3 event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn will also be livestreamed and broadcast on Disney+ and ABC.
“This historic live stream on Disney+ and special on ABC is a testament to the diverse sounds and enduring power of rock and roll,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a statement. “Over the last three decades, the annual live Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction has become music’s highest honor, celebrating the artists who’ve defined generations and changed music forever.”
Brandi Carlile, Dave Matthews, Chris Stapleton
Nelson, Elliott and Crow are joined by Kate Bush,...
The Hall announced Thursday that the Nov. 3 event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn will also be livestreamed and broadcast on Disney+ and ABC.
“This historic live stream on Disney+ and special on ABC is a testament to the diverse sounds and enduring power of rock and roll,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a statement. “Over the last three decades, the annual live Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction has become music’s highest honor, celebrating the artists who’ve defined generations and changed music forever.”
Brandi Carlile, Dave Matthews, Chris Stapleton
Nelson, Elliott and Crow are joined by Kate Bush,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rosie Perez is an American actress, dancer, choreographer and activist. She is best known for her distinguished role as Tina in the popular drama/comedy film Do the Right Thing, followed by her captivating portrayal as Gloria Clemente in the hit comedy film White Men Can’t Jump.
Rosie Perez Biography: Age, Early Life, Family, Education
Rosie Perez was born on September 6, 1964 (Rosie Perez age: 58) in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Her mother, Lydia Perez, was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, while her father, Ismael Serrano, is from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
Perez has had a rather unusual backstory. She is one of ten children born to her mother, who had several children with the man to whom she was previously married. Perez and her siblings were raised in Bushwick while her mother was intermittently jailed.
For a period of time, Perez was raised by her aunt, eventually then finding...
Rosie Perez Biography: Age, Early Life, Family, Education
Rosie Perez was born on September 6, 1964 (Rosie Perez age: 58) in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Her mother, Lydia Perez, was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, while her father, Ismael Serrano, is from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
Perez has had a rather unusual backstory. She is one of ten children born to her mother, who had several children with the man to whom she was previously married. Perez and her siblings were raised in Bushwick while her mother was intermittently jailed.
For a period of time, Perez was raised by her aunt, eventually then finding...
- 8/19/2023
- by Trevor Hanuka
- Uinterview
Once upon a time, Lil' Kim gathered Missy Elliott, Da Brat, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Angie Martinez to record a sequel to her "Hardcore" offering "Not Tonight." Together, at the height of their careers, the seasoned rap stars and a "rookie on this all-star team" (Martinez) released their 1997 hit "Ladies Night Remix," one of the greatest female collaborations in hip-hop history. Not only did the iconic, femme-forward track dominate on radio, sweep up a 1998 Grammy nomination, and become an official girls-night-out staple, but its massive success set the tone for what future female rap collaborations would aspire to be, even to this day.
Kim's original "Not Tonight" is raunchier than its remixed anthem, as it sounds more like a sultry after-hours track where the rap star doesn't mince words about her demands for lip service - "I don't want d*ck tonight / Eat my p*ssy right." But the "Ladies Night Remix,...
Kim's original "Not Tonight" is raunchier than its remixed anthem, as it sounds more like a sultry after-hours track where the rap star doesn't mince words about her demands for lip service - "I don't want d*ck tonight / Eat my p*ssy right." But the "Ladies Night Remix,...
- 8/12/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
This year’s David Bowie World Fan Convention took place in New York City. Over several nights in several locations, musicians and other players who worked with David Bowie spoke with fans about the golden years. One creative concept which was reinforced over the weekend is how Bowie chose to work with artists who were as curious, experimental, and funny as himself. No one fits that bill as much as guitarist, composer, arranger, and natural raconteur Carlos Alomar.
Born in Puerto Rico, and raised in the Bronx, Alomar is a New York institution. He made cultural history when he was 17 as the youngest guitarist in the history of Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater, going on to join the house band. The guitarist met Bowie in 1974 and stepped right into the recording of Young Americans. Alomar brought in singers like his wife, Robin Clark, who brought in Luther Vandross, who brought songwriting chops to the sessions.
Born in Puerto Rico, and raised in the Bronx, Alomar is a New York institution. He made cultural history when he was 17 as the youngest guitarist in the history of Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater, going on to join the house band. The guitarist met Bowie in 1974 and stepped right into the recording of Young Americans. Alomar brought in singers like his wife, Robin Clark, who brought in Luther Vandross, who brought songwriting chops to the sessions.
- 8/7/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
‘The Perfect Find’ Review: Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers Charm in Fashion-Forward Netflix Swooner
Fashionista Jenna Jones (Gabrielle Union) took quite the tumble from her position in New York’s world of style. In “The Perfect Find” — Netflix’s visually vibrant, cinema-loving, if not quite perfect, rom-com — her professional and romantic plummet is documented in opening credits that cleverly use an animated collage to relate her story.
So, when we meet Jenna in person ,she’s without a job, and her man (D.B. Woodside) of 10 years has moved on … or so it seems. The 40-year-old is sporting baggy sweats, and not because she’s headed to the gym. She’s been living in her parents’ home licking her wounds, for a year, when her mother calls her out on it. The scene between mother (Janet Hubert) and grown-ass daughter is amusing and promising. As are the musical and visual choices director Numa Perrier makes that evoke Old Hollywood in a film with characters decidedly not Old Hollywood.
So, when we meet Jenna in person ,she’s without a job, and her man (D.B. Woodside) of 10 years has moved on … or so it seems. The 40-year-old is sporting baggy sweats, and not because she’s headed to the gym. She’s been living in her parents’ home licking her wounds, for a year, when her mother calls her out on it. The scene between mother (Janet Hubert) and grown-ass daughter is amusing and promising. As are the musical and visual choices director Numa Perrier makes that evoke Old Hollywood in a film with characters decidedly not Old Hollywood.
- 6/20/2023
- by Lisa Kennedy
- Variety Film + TV
“Cinnamon” and “A Song From the Dark” were two of the big winners at the Best of the ABFF Awards presented Saturday during the American Black Film Festival.
Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, “Cinnamon” continued its festival run at ABFF in Miami Beach, Fla., where it was awarded the prize for best narrative feature and best director for writer-director Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr.
The Tubi original film stars Hailey Kilgore, Damon Wayans, Pam Grier, David Iacono and Jeremie Harris. Kilgore plays Jodi, a struggling small-town gas station attendant with “killer pipes and big dreams,” who falls hopelessly in love with a hustler (Iacono) and falls foul of a local crime lord (Grier) and her murderous family. The noir thriller serves as the inaugural project filmed under Village Roadshow Pictures’ Black Noir Cinema banner, with Fox Entertainment Studios, co-founded by NBA all-star Kevin Garnett. Veteran producer Oz Scott oversees the content slate,...
Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, “Cinnamon” continued its festival run at ABFF in Miami Beach, Fla., where it was awarded the prize for best narrative feature and best director for writer-director Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr.
The Tubi original film stars Hailey Kilgore, Damon Wayans, Pam Grier, David Iacono and Jeremie Harris. Kilgore plays Jodi, a struggling small-town gas station attendant with “killer pipes and big dreams,” who falls hopelessly in love with a hustler (Iacono) and falls foul of a local crime lord (Grier) and her murderous family. The noir thriller serves as the inaugural project filmed under Village Roadshow Pictures’ Black Noir Cinema banner, with Fox Entertainment Studios, co-founded by NBA all-star Kevin Garnett. Veteran producer Oz Scott oversees the content slate,...
- 6/17/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
I vividly remember the first time I saw a Black woman in a toothpaste ad.
There I sat on our shag carpet, my goldfish behind me and a poster of The Fonz just steps away, taped to my bedroom door. I was watching TV and suddenly a beautiful woman in a short natural filled my screen, her teeth perfect and gleaming. I sat, mesmerized, and watched her shine. When her 30 seconds were up, I raced back to tell my mother: “Mamma, there was a Black woman on TV!”
All Gen X kids timed their day around Saturday morning cartoons, Zoom and Kids Are People Too. After, we rode our bikes till the streetlights came on. For Black Gen X, the jumble of Huffies, Big Wheels and metal skates on someone’s front yard let the little kids know it was time for Fat Albert, What’s Happening! or Good Times.
There I sat on our shag carpet, my goldfish behind me and a poster of The Fonz just steps away, taped to my bedroom door. I was watching TV and suddenly a beautiful woman in a short natural filled my screen, her teeth perfect and gleaming. I sat, mesmerized, and watched her shine. When her 30 seconds were up, I raced back to tell my mother: “Mamma, there was a Black woman on TV!”
All Gen X kids timed their day around Saturday morning cartoons, Zoom and Kids Are People Too. After, we rode our bikes till the streetlights came on. For Black Gen X, the jumble of Huffies, Big Wheels and metal skates on someone’s front yard let the little kids know it was time for Fat Albert, What’s Happening! or Good Times.
- 6/13/2023
- by Eisa Nefertari Ulen
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chicago – Everyday is a Winding Road, as pop-rocker Sheryl Crow once reminded us. But one of her recent days included the announcement that Ms. Crow was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. The new class will be inducted on November 3rd, 2023.
Sheryl Suzanne Crow was born in Missouri, and played in a band while attending the University of Missouri. She took a job as a music teacher after graduation, in order to sing in bands on the weekends. An early collaboration with a Missouri record producer started her writing ad jingles, which eventually landed her big-name clients like McDonald’s and Toyota. After some concert years singing back up vocals for Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Jimmy Buffett, among others, she began to break out as a solo act, scoring a soundtrack song in the film “Point Break.”
Sheryl Crow, Circa 2013
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.
Sheryl Suzanne Crow was born in Missouri, and played in a band while attending the University of Missouri. She took a job as a music teacher after graduation, in order to sing in bands on the weekends. An early collaboration with a Missouri record producer started her writing ad jingles, which eventually landed her big-name clients like McDonald’s and Toyota. After some concert years singing back up vocals for Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Jimmy Buffett, among others, she began to break out as a solo act, scoring a soundtrack song in the film “Point Break.”
Sheryl Crow, Circa 2013
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.
- 5/13/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Include Chaka Khan, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, and More
The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are here. The Hall announced the news of the 2023 class on Wednesday, May 3. This year's class of honorees includes Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, the late George Michael, Rage Against the Machine, and The Spinners. they were all chosen by general balloting. There are six additional inductees who were chosen by special committees. The "musical excellence" category has chosen Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin. The "musical influence" category will induct Link Wray and DJ Kool Herc. And "Soul Train" host Don Cornelius is the recipient of the annual Ahmet Ertegun Award, given to nonperformers in the industry.
Elliot, 51, celebrated her nomination online, noting that she's the first women in hip-hop to be inducted into the hall. "I have cried all morning because I am Grateful," she wrote on Twitter.
The induction news is a late birthday gift for Nelson,...
Elliot, 51, celebrated her nomination online, noting that she's the first women in hip-hop to be inducted into the hall. "I have cried all morning because I am Grateful," she wrote on Twitter.
The induction news is a late birthday gift for Nelson,...
- 5/3/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
Missy Elliott has, once again, proven that she's one of a kind with her latest career milestone. On May 3, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation unveiled its 2023 inductees, with Elliott making the list as the first woman hip-hop artist to earn the musical honor. Immediately after the news was announced, the icon expressed her excitement about being inducted on Twitter.
"I want to say this is Huge not for just me but all my Sisters in Hiphop this door is now Open to showcase the hard work & what many of us contribute to Music," Elliott tweeted. "I have cried all morning because I am Grateful thank you @rockhall & all on the committee & Supafriends...
"I want to say this is Huge not for just me but all my Sisters in Hiphop this door is now Open to showcase the hard work & what many of us contribute to Music," Elliott tweeted. "I have cried all morning because I am Grateful thank you @rockhall & all on the committee & Supafriends...
- 5/3/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Kate Bush is headed to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — and she’s especially excited to learn about the members-only secret handshake.
The musician celebrated the achievement in a statement shared with Rolling Stone: “I have to admit I’m completely shocked at the news of being inducted into the Hall of Fame! It’s something I just never thought would happen. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. It means a great deal that you would think of me. It’s such a huge honor.
The musician celebrated the achievement in a statement shared with Rolling Stone: “I have to admit I’m completely shocked at the news of being inducted into the Hall of Fame! It’s something I just never thought would happen. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. It means a great deal that you would think of me. It’s such a huge honor.
- 5/3/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Willie Nelson just got an only slightly late 90th birthday present: an impending induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, reports ‘Variety’. The country music legend was one of seven artistes announced on Wednesday morning as having been voted into the Hall, along with Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, George Michael and the Spinners, ‘Variety’ adds.
There are six more inductees beyond that list, with the distinction of being selected by a Hall of Fame committee to join the seven performers who were voted in via general balloting.
These are singer Chaka Khan, instrumentalist-producer Al Kooper and lyricist Bernie Taupin, all in the ‘musical excellence’ category; pioneering rock guitarist Link Wray and hip-hop originator DJ Kool Herc in the ‘musical influence’ division; and ‘Soul Train’ TV host Don Cornelius as recipient of the annual Ahmet Ertegun Award, ‘Variety’ adds.
These 13 honorees will be celebrated...
There are six more inductees beyond that list, with the distinction of being selected by a Hall of Fame committee to join the seven performers who were voted in via general balloting.
These are singer Chaka Khan, instrumentalist-producer Al Kooper and lyricist Bernie Taupin, all in the ‘musical excellence’ category; pioneering rock guitarist Link Wray and hip-hop originator DJ Kool Herc in the ‘musical influence’ division; and ‘Soul Train’ TV host Don Cornelius as recipient of the annual Ahmet Ertegun Award, ‘Variety’ adds.
These 13 honorees will be celebrated...
- 5/3/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The Red Headed Stranger is going to Cleveland!
Willie Nelson, who just celebrated his 90th birthday with a star-studded concert at the Hollywood Bowl, is the newest member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as the 40-year-old institution has just announced its latest round of inductees.
In addition to Nelson, the 2023 class of performers include Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, the late George Michael, Rage Against The Machine, and The Spinners.
For the Musical Influence category, hip-hop pioneer DJ Cool Herc and late guitarist Link Wray got the nod. In the Musical Excellence category, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Elton John’s lyricist Bernie Taupin have been inducted.
Lastly, “Soul Train” host, the late Don Cornelius, was awarded the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
These additional categories are voted on by a special committee, whereas the performers’ category has had an evolving methodology. Originally, a nominating committee (many of...
Willie Nelson, who just celebrated his 90th birthday with a star-studded concert at the Hollywood Bowl, is the newest member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as the 40-year-old institution has just announced its latest round of inductees.
In addition to Nelson, the 2023 class of performers include Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, the late George Michael, Rage Against The Machine, and The Spinners.
For the Musical Influence category, hip-hop pioneer DJ Cool Herc and late guitarist Link Wray got the nod. In the Musical Excellence category, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, and Elton John’s lyricist Bernie Taupin have been inducted.
Lastly, “Soul Train” host, the late Don Cornelius, was awarded the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
These additional categories are voted on by a special committee, whereas the performers’ category has had an evolving methodology. Originally, a nominating committee (many of...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Kate Bush has finally reached the top of the mountain.
The “Running Up That Hill” singer is among the 2023 inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, following her career resurgence from the track being used in the most recent season of “Stranger Things.” Willie Nelson, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, and Rage Against the Machine round out the artists tapped by the general public to join the Hall of Fame. Disco icon Chaka Khan, producer Al Kooper, lyricist Bernie Taupin, guitarist Link Wray, and DJ Kool Herc were selected by a Hall of Fame committee to also be inducted. “Soul Train” TV host Don Cornelius was announced as the recipient of the annual Ahmet Ertegun Award. The 2023 ceremony will take November 3 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, with a concert.
Bush’s inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame comes on the heels of the streaming spike...
The “Running Up That Hill” singer is among the 2023 inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, following her career resurgence from the track being used in the most recent season of “Stranger Things.” Willie Nelson, Missy Elliott, Sheryl Crow, and Rage Against the Machine round out the artists tapped by the general public to join the Hall of Fame. Disco icon Chaka Khan, producer Al Kooper, lyricist Bernie Taupin, guitarist Link Wray, and DJ Kool Herc were selected by a Hall of Fame committee to also be inducted. “Soul Train” TV host Don Cornelius was announced as the recipient of the annual Ahmet Ertegun Award. The 2023 ceremony will take November 3 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, with a concert.
Bush’s inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame comes on the heels of the streaming spike...
- 5/3/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Kate Bush, who re-emerged in the public eye after ’80s song “Running Up That Hill” appeared on Stranger Things, and Willie Nelson, who just turned 90 last weekend, are now in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Among the other 2023 inductees announced by the Rock Hall today: Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners.
“This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th Anniversary of the birth of Hip Hop.”
The 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
In addition to...
Among the other 2023 inductees announced by the Rock Hall today: Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners.
“This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th Anniversary of the birth of Hip Hop.”
The 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
In addition to...
- 5/3/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s all-star class of inductees include Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Sheryl Crow, Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners and Willie Nelson, who celebrated his 90th birthday last week.
The icons will officially be anointed as rock ‘n’ roll royalty on Nov. 3 when the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a statement Wednesday. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop.”
Others to make it into the Rock Hall include hip-hop...
The icons will officially be anointed as rock ‘n’ roll royalty on Nov. 3 when the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a statement Wednesday. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop.”
Others to make it into the Rock Hall include hip-hop...
- 5/3/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Leo D. Sullivan, whose animation of a chugging train graced the opening of television dance party Soul Train for decades, died March 25 in Los Angeles. He was 82 and died of heart failure at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center, his wife Ethelyn Sullivan confirmed.
In addition to creating the memorable Soul Train opener, Sullivan contributed to cartoons featuring Fat Albert, Transformers and My Little Pony. He worked as an animator for five decades.
His resume included television work for The Incredible Hulk, Flash Gordon, BraveStarr and Scooby-Doo, his family said.
Born in Lockhart, Texas, Sullivan moved to Los Angeles in 1952, and started working for Looney Tunes animator Bob Clampett. In the 1960s, he joined forced with Floyd Norman, the first Black animator at Disney, and cofounded Vignette Film, which created educational films about historic Black figures.
He also published a video game that honored the Tuskegee Airmen and taught...
In addition to creating the memorable Soul Train opener, Sullivan contributed to cartoons featuring Fat Albert, Transformers and My Little Pony. He worked as an animator for five decades.
His resume included television work for The Incredible Hulk, Flash Gordon, BraveStarr and Scooby-Doo, his family said.
Born in Lockhart, Texas, Sullivan moved to Los Angeles in 1952, and started working for Looney Tunes animator Bob Clampett. In the 1960s, he joined forced with Floyd Norman, the first Black animator at Disney, and cofounded Vignette Film, which created educational films about historic Black figures.
He also published a video game that honored the Tuskegee Airmen and taught...
- 4/6/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Leo D. Sullivan, an Emmy-winning pioneer in animation with a career of over 50 years and work on dozens of cartoons, has died. He was 82.
Sullivan died March 25 of heart failure at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center.
Throughout his career, Sullivan helped bring characters to life through his animation, storyboarding, directing and producing. His work spanned numerous television shows, including “Hey, Hey, Hey, It’s Fat Albert,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “My Little Pony” and “Flash Gordon,” along with companies like Hanna-Barbera, Warner Brothers and Spunbuggy Works. Sullivan contributed to the opening animation on “Soul Train” which premiered in 1971.
The Lockhart, Texas native moved to Los Angeles in 1952, and soon entered the industry running errands for “Looney Tunes” animator Bob Clampett. In the 1960s, Sullivan joined former Disney animator Floyd Norman to help co-found Vignette Films, a company that created educational films for U.S. students about historic Black figures.
The...
Sullivan died March 25 of heart failure at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center.
Throughout his career, Sullivan helped bring characters to life through his animation, storyboarding, directing and producing. His work spanned numerous television shows, including “Hey, Hey, Hey, It’s Fat Albert,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “My Little Pony” and “Flash Gordon,” along with companies like Hanna-Barbera, Warner Brothers and Spunbuggy Works. Sullivan contributed to the opening animation on “Soul Train” which premiered in 1971.
The Lockhart, Texas native moved to Los Angeles in 1952, and soon entered the industry running errands for “Looney Tunes” animator Bob Clampett. In the 1960s, Sullivan joined former Disney animator Floyd Norman to help co-found Vignette Films, a company that created educational films for U.S. students about historic Black figures.
The...
- 4/6/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Leo D. Sullivan, the groundbreaking Black animator who contributed to the iconic opening for Soul Train and to cartoons featuring Fat Albert, Transformers and My Little Pony during his 50-year-plus career, has died. He was 82.
Sullivan died Saturday of heart failure at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center, his wife, Ethelyn, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The Emmy-winning Sullivan also was a writer, producer, director, layout artist and storyboard artist at studios including Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros., Filmation, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, Dic Entertainment and Marvel Productions.
He and onetime Disney animator Floyd Norman were among the co-founders of Vignette Films in the 1960s. Their company produced educational films about such Black heroes as George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington and was behind a 1969 Bill Cosby special, Hey! Hey! Hey! It’s Fat Albert, for NBC.
The duo also teamed on AfroKids.com, whose mission it is to build self-esteem and reconnect...
Sullivan died Saturday of heart failure at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center, his wife, Ethelyn, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The Emmy-winning Sullivan also was a writer, producer, director, layout artist and storyboard artist at studios including Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros., Filmation, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, Dic Entertainment and Marvel Productions.
He and onetime Disney animator Floyd Norman were among the co-founders of Vignette Films in the 1960s. Their company produced educational films about such Black heroes as George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington and was behind a 1969 Bill Cosby special, Hey! Hey! Hey! It’s Fat Albert, for NBC.
The duo also teamed on AfroKids.com, whose mission it is to build self-esteem and reconnect...
- 3/30/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rosie Perez slides into a booth at an upscale Italian restaurant in Manhattan. She pushes up the sleeves on her wool sweater dress and settles in to talk about the state of Hollywood. And women in Hollywood. And Latinos in Hollywood. Or maybe that lack of cultural specificity in the homogeneous blob of film content that is created to appeal to the widest possible global audience. On this afternoon in early March, the Academy Awards are still dominating the conversation, and Perez, a supporting actress nominee for the 1993 drama “Fearless,” has some thoughts. “I think Brendan deserved the Oscar,” she says. “But I wouldn’t be mad if Colin had got it for ‘Banshees of Inisherin.’ He did something specific to his culture, right? How many other movies has he done that were specific to his culture?”
“I don’t know. Zero,” I answer.
“Thank you,” she says in acknowledgment of the rarity.
“I don’t know. Zero,” I answer.
“Thank you,” she says in acknowledgment of the rarity.
- 3/29/2023
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
As Black History Month runs throughout February, television will celebrate Black voices, icons and stories across entertainment, politics, sports and more.
Throughout February, audiences will be able to keep up with Hulu’s year-long initiative in spotlighting Black stories and storytellers on the platform’s “Black Stories Always” hub. In addition to new series and season premieres, from “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” to “The 1619 Project,” the platform will continue to stream new episodes of “Abbott Elementary” and “Grown-ish,” and feature classic titles from Black storytellers including “Living Single” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
BET will honor Black History Month with a programming schedule that features new unscripted series, including “Black Icons — Past, Present, Future” and “America In Black” as well as the 54th NAACP Image Awards telecast on Feb. 25.
Read a full list of programming to look out for this Black History Month below. (More titles will be added throughout the month.
Throughout February, audiences will be able to keep up with Hulu’s year-long initiative in spotlighting Black stories and storytellers on the platform’s “Black Stories Always” hub. In addition to new series and season premieres, from “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” to “The 1619 Project,” the platform will continue to stream new episodes of “Abbott Elementary” and “Grown-ish,” and feature classic titles from Black storytellers including “Living Single” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
BET will honor Black History Month with a programming schedule that features new unscripted series, including “Black Icons — Past, Present, Future” and “America In Black” as well as the 54th NAACP Image Awards telecast on Feb. 25.
Read a full list of programming to look out for this Black History Month below. (More titles will be added throughout the month.
- 2/3/2023
- by Charna Flam and Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Producer Jesse Collins and his eponymous Jesse Collins Entertainment have signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for representation.
Collins is the CEO and executive producer of all programming for the Emmy-nominated television and film production company. He most recently executive produced the 2022 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show, featuring a performance by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent, following the 2021 show by The Weeknd. In 2021, Collins also produced the Grammy Awards, as well as the Oscars, nabbing Primetime Emmy nominations for all three specials that year.
Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment has a multi-year overall agreement with Viacom CBS Cable Networks, as well as a first-look deal for its film development projects with Viacom’s film entities, such as Paramount Players.
The company’s television divisions have produced projects including scripted series “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and “American Soul;” the miniseries “The New Edition Story...
Collins is the CEO and executive producer of all programming for the Emmy-nominated television and film production company. He most recently executive produced the 2022 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show, featuring a performance by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent, following the 2021 show by The Weeknd. In 2021, Collins also produced the Grammy Awards, as well as the Oscars, nabbing Primetime Emmy nominations for all three specials that year.
Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment has a multi-year overall agreement with Viacom CBS Cable Networks, as well as a first-look deal for its film development projects with Viacom’s film entities, such as Paramount Players.
The company’s television divisions have produced projects including scripted series “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and “American Soul;” the miniseries “The New Edition Story...
- 4/18/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
As chairman of the Universal Studio Group, Pearlena Igbokwe is the first Black woman to run a major television studio. But when she got her start, she had no connections in the entertainment industry, little information about how to break into the business and very few mentors to look up too. One of her first, and biggest, inspirations was Debra Martin Chase, one of the executive producers behind the beloved Brandy-led adaptation of “Cinderella.”
“When I first got into the business, one of the people that I saw as a role model of what I could be was Debra Martin Chase,” Igbokwe said Thursday on a virtual panel hosted by the Television Academy. “She was fabulous and fierce and running things back then and I just remember seeing her — and being too scared to go talk to her — but just thinking ‘Wow, okay there’s one person, and if she could do it,...
“When I first got into the business, one of the people that I saw as a role model of what I could be was Debra Martin Chase,” Igbokwe said Thursday on a virtual panel hosted by the Television Academy. “She was fabulous and fierce and running things back then and I just remember seeing her — and being too scared to go talk to her — but just thinking ‘Wow, okay there’s one person, and if she could do it,...
- 2/25/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Steve Salas, a cofounder of the Los Angeles R&b band Tierra and an activist in Chicano politics, died Thursday morning at age 69, according to his family. Salas had been battling myeloma for two years and recently contracted Covid-19.
Salas was born Jan. 5, 1949, in Lincoln Heights to Mexican American parents. Together with his brother, Rudy, they began performing at local parties.
“Steve and Rudy created the soundtrack for many people’s lives, and we are so grateful to everyone who loved their music,” band and family members said in a statement on Facebook. “The Salas Brothers left an indelible mark on the history of Chicano music with Tierra.”
Steve Salas was part of the historic student walkout at Lincoln High School in 1968 that was part of the early stages of the Chicano power movement. After graduating, he received a full academic scholarship to Stanford University.
That stint lasted two years,...
Salas was born Jan. 5, 1949, in Lincoln Heights to Mexican American parents. Together with his brother, Rudy, they began performing at local parties.
“Steve and Rudy created the soundtrack for many people’s lives, and we are so grateful to everyone who loved their music,” band and family members said in a statement on Facebook. “The Salas Brothers left an indelible mark on the history of Chicano music with Tierra.”
Steve Salas was part of the historic student walkout at Lincoln High School in 1968 that was part of the early stages of the Chicano power movement. After graduating, he received a full academic scholarship to Stanford University.
That stint lasted two years,...
- 2/17/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Sam Pollard, the Peabody winning director of “Mr. Soul!” and “Sammy Davis, Jr.: I Gotta Be Me,” has set another documentary feature called “The Sound of Philadelphia” about music icons Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell and the musical genre they helped proliferate, Philly Soul.
“The Sound of Philadelphia” is a documentary produced by Warner Music Entertainment, Warner Chappell Music and Imagine Documentaries in partnership with Jigsaw Productions. Alex Gibney is executive producing the film.
The film will explore how Gamble, Huff and Bell — together known as “The Mighty Three” — founded the record label Philadelphia International Records and helped craft a signature sound heard in a catalog of over 3,500 songs. It includes tracks like “Love Train” by The O’Jays, “If You Don’t Know Me Now” by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, “Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul, “Rubberband Man” by the Spinners, “You Are Everything” by The Stylistics,...
“The Sound of Philadelphia” is a documentary produced by Warner Music Entertainment, Warner Chappell Music and Imagine Documentaries in partnership with Jigsaw Productions. Alex Gibney is executive producing the film.
The film will explore how Gamble, Huff and Bell — together known as “The Mighty Three” — founded the record label Philadelphia International Records and helped craft a signature sound heard in a catalog of over 3,500 songs. It includes tracks like “Love Train” by The O’Jays, “If You Don’t Know Me Now” by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, “Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul, “Rubberband Man” by the Spinners, “You Are Everything” by The Stylistics,...
- 2/2/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“The Sound of Philadelphia,” a documentary on the 1970s “Philly Soul” sound and its masterminds Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell, is coming from Warner Music Entertainment, Warner Chappell Music, and Imagine Documentaries, in partnership with Jigsaw Productions, the companies announced on Wednesday. The lushly orchestrated but soulful sound — exemplified by songs like “Love Train” by the O’Jays, “If You Don’t Know Me Now” by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, “Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul, and “Tsop” by Mfsb and the Three Degrees – famously known for its use as the Soul Train theme song.dominated U.S. radio in the mid-1970s and influenced all of the R&b that has followed, perhaps most immediately with David Bowie’s “Young Americans” album, and most recently with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s Soul Sonic.
The Oscar and Emmy award-winning executive producer Alex Gibney has signed on to the project,...
The Oscar and Emmy award-winning executive producer Alex Gibney has signed on to the project,...
- 2/2/2022
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The story of Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell, who created the sound of Philly Soul, is to be chronicled in a new feature documentary.
Sam Pollard, director of Mr. Soul!, MLK/FBI and Citizen Ashe, will direct The Sound of Philadelphia with Alex Gibney, director of docs including Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, set as exec producer.
The doc, which will tell the story of the sound of late ’60s/early ’70s soul music, comes from Warner Music Entertainment, publishing company Warner Chappell Music and Imagine Documentaries in partnership with Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions.
The Sound of Philadelphia will include exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage featuring the songwriters and producers Gamble, Huff, and Bell – known as The Mighty Three. It will explore how the founders of the legendary record label Philadelphia International Records, crafted their sound and navigated the music business.
The trio wrote...
Sam Pollard, director of Mr. Soul!, MLK/FBI and Citizen Ashe, will direct The Sound of Philadelphia with Alex Gibney, director of docs including Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, set as exec producer.
The doc, which will tell the story of the sound of late ’60s/early ’70s soul music, comes from Warner Music Entertainment, publishing company Warner Chappell Music and Imagine Documentaries in partnership with Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions.
The Sound of Philadelphia will include exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage featuring the songwriters and producers Gamble, Huff, and Bell – known as The Mighty Three. It will explore how the founders of the legendary record label Philadelphia International Records, crafted their sound and navigated the music business.
The trio wrote...
- 2/2/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Masked Singer” season 6 is getting down to the final few episodes. One of our favorites from the start has been the Skunk, who stole the show on the premiere. Since then she has sailed through the competition and faces off against the other remaining contestant in Group A (Bull) in the final on December 1. We’ve been scouring the clues dropped to date and have all “The Masked Singer” spoilers, including the answer to the question, “Who is Skunk”?
The Skunk was certainly no stinker as she led off the line-up performing for the four judges. This is one divine diva, clad in a sleek black velvet dress that is set off by pure white fur. Indeed, the official Twitter account for the show summed up the Skunk in one word, “Glamour.” Note that it was spelled out in all capital letters.
We are sure that Skunk is someone who does everything full out,...
The Skunk was certainly no stinker as she led off the line-up performing for the four judges. This is one divine diva, clad in a sleek black velvet dress that is set off by pure white fur. Indeed, the official Twitter account for the show summed up the Skunk in one word, “Glamour.” Note that it was spelled out in all capital letters.
We are sure that Skunk is someone who does everything full out,...
- 12/1/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Jacqueline Avant, the 81-year-old wife of veteran music executive Clarence Avant, was shot and killed in a home invasion robbery at the couple’s Beverly Hills-area house last night.
According to reports, confirmed by Deadline, Jacqueline Avant was killed when multiple shots were fired during an attempted robbery at the Avant home in the Trousdale Estates near Beverly Hills.
Jacqueline and Clarence Avant are the parents of Nicole Avant, who is married to Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
Beverly Hills police confirmed a shooting death in the neighborhorhood, but have not yet confirmed the name of the victim. Police received a call about a shooting at 2:23 a.m. and arrived to find a victim with a gunshot wound. The suspect or suspects were no longer at the scene.
Beverly Hills Fire Department paramedics transported the shooting victim to a local hospital, but the victim did not survive.
Netflix confirmed that the victim was Jacqueline Avant.
According to reports, confirmed by Deadline, Jacqueline Avant was killed when multiple shots were fired during an attempted robbery at the Avant home in the Trousdale Estates near Beverly Hills.
Jacqueline and Clarence Avant are the parents of Nicole Avant, who is married to Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
Beverly Hills police confirmed a shooting death in the neighborhorhood, but have not yet confirmed the name of the victim. Police received a call about a shooting at 2:23 a.m. and arrived to find a victim with a gunshot wound. The suspect or suspects were no longer at the scene.
Beverly Hills Fire Department paramedics transported the shooting victim to a local hospital, but the victim did not survive.
Netflix confirmed that the victim was Jacqueline Avant.
- 12/1/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2021 Soul Train Music Awards aired on November 28, honoring the best in R&b from the past year. Most notably, two big winners were Jazmine Sullivan, who took home Album of the Year for her acclaimed “Heaux Tales,” and Silk Sonic, who swept with their hit “Leave the Door Open.” What can this mean for the Grammys, which recently announced their nominees?
“Heaux Tales” has been racking up praise and awards for a while, but this particular win might be especially important for Sullivan’s hype going forward. Since 2009, most Album of the Year winners at the Soul Train Music Awards have gone on to win at the Grammys, especially if nominated in the R&b field. For example, H.E.R.’s self-titled debut mixtape, Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You,” and Bruno Mars’s “24k Magic” are some of the most recent Soul Train winners, and they also won their...
“Heaux Tales” has been racking up praise and awards for a while, but this particular win might be especially important for Sullivan’s hype going forward. Since 2009, most Album of the Year winners at the Soul Train Music Awards have gone on to win at the Grammys, especially if nominated in the R&b field. For example, H.E.R.’s self-titled debut mixtape, Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You,” and Bruno Mars’s “24k Magic” are some of the most recent Soul Train winners, and they also won their...
- 11/30/2021
- by Jaime Rodriguez
- Gold Derby
DJ Cassidy, the host with the most classic R&b and hip-hop stars in his contacts book, will return to BET Thanksgiving weekend with another in his series of “Pass the Mic” specials, this time devoted to the dance-based music of the late 1970s and ’80s.
“DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic: BET Soul Train Edition 2021” will immediately follow “The Soul Train Music Awards,” which airs on BET Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. Et. It’s the fourth in a series of after-party specials Cassidy has done for the network, the first having been after last year’s “Soul Train Awards,” with “Pass the Mics” subsequently following BET franchises like the Image and BET Awards. Steve Rifkind and Jesse Collins are the producers responsible for bringing Cassidy’s mic-passing series from the web to television.
Although the host is keeping some of his guests under his hat, the direction of the...
“DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic: BET Soul Train Edition 2021” will immediately follow “The Soul Train Music Awards,” which airs on BET Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. Et. It’s the fourth in a series of after-party specials Cassidy has done for the network, the first having been after last year’s “Soul Train Awards,” with “Pass the Mics” subsequently following BET franchises like the Image and BET Awards. Steve Rifkind and Jesse Collins are the producers responsible for bringing Cassidy’s mic-passing series from the web to television.
Although the host is keeping some of his guests under his hat, the direction of the...
- 11/15/2021
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Twelve-year-old Doc NYC, America’s largest documentary festival, has revealed its influential 15-film Short List. The festival will run its main lineup of 127 features and 125 short films in-person November 10-18 at the IFC Center, Sva Theatre, and Cinépolis Chelsea, continuing online until November 28 with films available to viewers across the U.S.
Historically, most of the Doc NYC short list titles overlap with the Academy’s official 15-film Oscar Short List. Until last year, while Doc NYC did not screen Netflix’s Oscar-winning “My Octopus Teacher,” for nine years the festival had screened the documentary that went on to win the Academy Award, including “American Factory,” “Free Solo,” “Icarus,” “O.J.: Made in America,” “Amy,” “Citizenfour,” “20 Feet From Stardom,” “Searching for Sugar Man,” and “Undefeated.”
The festival has screened 39 of the last 45 Oscar-nominated documentary features. In 2020, Doc NYC screened 12 of 15 titles that were named to the subsequent Academy Award Documentary Shortlist.
Historically, most of the Doc NYC short list titles overlap with the Academy’s official 15-film Oscar Short List. Until last year, while Doc NYC did not screen Netflix’s Oscar-winning “My Octopus Teacher,” for nine years the festival had screened the documentary that went on to win the Academy Award, including “American Factory,” “Free Solo,” “Icarus,” “O.J.: Made in America,” “Amy,” “Citizenfour,” “20 Feet From Stardom,” “Searching for Sugar Man,” and “Undefeated.”
The festival has screened 39 of the last 45 Oscar-nominated documentary features. In 2020, Doc NYC screened 12 of 15 titles that were named to the subsequent Academy Award Documentary Shortlist.
- 10/26/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Twelve-year-old Doc NYC, America’s largest documentary festival, has revealed its influential 15-film Short List. The festival will run its main lineup of 127 features and 125 short films in-person November 10-18 at the IFC Center, Sva Theatre, and Cinépolis Chelsea, continuing online until November 28 with films available to viewers across the U.S.
Historically, most of the Doc NYC short list titles overlap with the Academy’s official 15-film Oscar Short List. Until last year, while Doc NYC did not screen Netflix’s Oscar-winning “My Octopus Teacher,” for nine years the festival had screened the documentary that went on to win the Academy Award, including “American Factory,” “Free Solo,” “Icarus,” “O.J.: Made in America,” “Amy,” “Citizenfour,” “20 Feet From Stardom,” “Searching for Sugar Man,” and “Undefeated.”
The festival has screened 39 of the last 45 Oscar-nominated documentary features. In 2020, Doc NYC screened 12 of 15 titles that were named to the subsequent Academy Award Documentary Shortlist.
Historically, most of the Doc NYC short list titles overlap with the Academy’s official 15-film Oscar Short List. Until last year, while Doc NYC did not screen Netflix’s Oscar-winning “My Octopus Teacher,” for nine years the festival had screened the documentary that went on to win the Academy Award, including “American Factory,” “Free Solo,” “Icarus,” “O.J.: Made in America,” “Amy,” “Citizenfour,” “20 Feet From Stardom,” “Searching for Sugar Man,” and “Undefeated.”
The festival has screened 39 of the last 45 Oscar-nominated documentary features. In 2020, Doc NYC screened 12 of 15 titles that were named to the subsequent Academy Award Documentary Shortlist.
- 10/26/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Choreographer Dondraico Johnson brought his talent for putting together captivating live performances into National Geographic’s “Genius: Aretha,” where he reimagined some of the Queen of Soul’s most memorable concerts, down to hundreds of extras all feeling the music through period appropriate moves. His efforts on the eight-episode limited series earned him his first attention from the Television Academy, picking up a nomination in the scripted programming choreography category.
What was your philosophy for how much to move-by-move recreate actual Aretha Franklin performances?
In my opinion, choreography is a thin line between doing research and making references to things and doing research and getting the vibe and making it your own. And it was important to me, and to [executive producer and director] Anthony Hemingway, that I could make it my own. If I couldn’t make it my own, it would be somebody else’s choreography.
How much of your research process...
What was your philosophy for how much to move-by-move recreate actual Aretha Franklin performances?
In my opinion, choreography is a thin line between doing research and making references to things and doing research and getting the vibe and making it your own. And it was important to me, and to [executive producer and director] Anthony Hemingway, that I could make it my own. If I couldn’t make it my own, it would be somebody else’s choreography.
How much of your research process...
- 8/12/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Just past the halfway point in the documentary Mr. Soul!, poet Felipe Luciano calls Ellis Haizlip “the most effective, insidious revolutionary that I have ever met.” It isn’t meant as a specific accolade, but it is a badge of honor for a man who honored the true meaning of sedition. Subversion in the arts is a skill which can be expressed as simply as putting a mustache on the Mona Lisa. Seditious political expression is rarely so subtle. The creator and host of the all-too-short lived public television variety program Soul! achieved a dream mix of diverse thought, some which went under the radar, some designed to be unnoticed, all of which was riveting, and everything absolutely accessible.
Soul! captured everyday insurrection. Melvin Van Peebles’ 1971 independent feature Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song proclaimed to be unapologetically Black, Haizlip saw no reason to bring apology into the equation. Nothing he was doing,...
Soul! captured everyday insurrection. Melvin Van Peebles’ 1971 independent feature Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song proclaimed to be unapologetically Black, Haizlip saw no reason to bring apology into the equation. Nothing he was doing,...
- 7/31/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Ozy has inked Jody Watley to a talent deal that includes a biopic on the Grammy-winning R&b singer-songwriter-producer.
Ozy and Watley have begun the search for writers to attach to the project.
“When I heard Jody’s story — one of overcoming the odds, of the power of positivity, of defying expectations — I knew it was one we had to share,” said Chris Rantamaki, executive director of Ozy Studios. “Fans will be surprised that Jody has overcome so many formidable challenges in her life that she has never revealed publicly. She is now ready to break her silence and we are honored she trusts us to tell her story.”
A former Soul Train dancer, Watley started out as part of the Los Angeles-based vocal trio Shalamar, which scored a Top 10 single with “The Second Time Around” in 1979 and continued charting into the mid-’80s. Her first solo hit was “Looking for a New Love,...
Ozy and Watley have begun the search for writers to attach to the project.
“When I heard Jody’s story — one of overcoming the odds, of the power of positivity, of defying expectations — I knew it was one we had to share,” said Chris Rantamaki, executive director of Ozy Studios. “Fans will be surprised that Jody has overcome so many formidable challenges in her life that she has never revealed publicly. She is now ready to break her silence and we are honored she trusts us to tell her story.”
A former Soul Train dancer, Watley started out as part of the Los Angeles-based vocal trio Shalamar, which scored a Top 10 single with “The Second Time Around” in 1979 and continued charting into the mid-’80s. Her first solo hit was “Looking for a New Love,...
- 6/30/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The executive producer of Harlem’s Apollo Theater, the president of John Prine’s Oh Boy Records (and widow of the late folk music icon), and ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro are among President Joe Biden’s intended nominees for the National Council on the Arts.
The eight-person list, posted on the White House website, also includes choreographer and educator Christopher Morgan and Kansas Poet Laureate Huascar Medina.
The National Council on the Arts was established in 1965, with members appointed by the president and approved by the Senate for staggered six-year terms, advises the National Endowment for the Arts on agency policies and programs, and reviews and makes recommendations on applications for grants, funding guidelines, and leadership initiatives. If approved, Biden’s nominees will join other members serving now.
Biden’s roster of nominees is:
Kamilah Forbes, executive producer at the Apollo Theater. A veteran stage director and producer, Forbes’ Broadway...
The eight-person list, posted on the White House website, also includes choreographer and educator Christopher Morgan and Kansas Poet Laureate Huascar Medina.
The National Council on the Arts was established in 1965, with members appointed by the president and approved by the Senate for staggered six-year terms, advises the National Endowment for the Arts on agency policies and programs, and reviews and makes recommendations on applications for grants, funding guidelines, and leadership initiatives. If approved, Biden’s nominees will join other members serving now.
Biden’s roster of nominees is:
Kamilah Forbes, executive producer at the Apollo Theater. A veteran stage director and producer, Forbes’ Broadway...
- 6/24/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Maintaining its tradition for delivering bonkers opening episodes, The Good Fight kicked off Season 5 on Thursday (in its new Paramount+ home) with a change-of-pace installment that basically crammed a year’s worth of story into one hour.
To be fair, series creators Robert and Michelle King entered Year 5 with a formidable to-do list that included tying up loose ends from an abbreviated-by-covid fourth season, writing out original cast members Cush Jumbo (Lucca) and Delroy Lindo (Adrian), and acknowledging the game-changing events of the past 15 months (the aforementioned pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, President Trump’s ugly White House exit,...
To be fair, series creators Robert and Michelle King entered Year 5 with a formidable to-do list that included tying up loose ends from an abbreviated-by-covid fourth season, writing out original cast members Cush Jumbo (Lucca) and Delroy Lindo (Adrian), and acknowledging the game-changing events of the past 15 months (the aforementioned pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, President Trump’s ugly White House exit,...
- 6/24/2021
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
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