Funkalicious

Whitney Elizabeth Houston
1963-2012

My sister from another mother, you went to my grandfather’s church.  Today is your going home party and man it really hurts. To think you were just here, only a ‘moment in time’ ago, and now you’re gone to sing, your greatest ever solo.  You shared with millions ‘the greatest love of all’, so who else but you, would have to heed the call…

Since Whitney Houston’s passing, there have been photos circulating of her engaging in activity the night before.  This evening being the precursor if you will to Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy bash, of which Whitney was sure to grace with her presence.  A gala attended by many, it’s invitation only, and always well attended.  The party still went on last night, Davis was quoted saying “She loved music and loved this night that celebrated music… Whitney would have asked that the music go on,” and so it did.  The annual gathering began with a performance by Tony Bennett, followed by Diana Krall, Diddy and Alicia Keys, who dedicated her song “No One” to Houston.  Some photos of Houston and Davis from previous years…

Whitney Houston was pronounced dead today at 3:43 pm Pacific time.  She was found at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, where she presently remains as her cause of death is under investigation with the Beverly Hills Police department.  ”I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney’s passing.  She was a true original and a talent beyond compare, I will miss her terribly.”  Quincy Jones…  Houston was a native of Newark, NJ. The daughter of Cissy Houston, a cousin to Dione Warwick and the God-daughter of Aretha Franklin, she was destined to be one of the best in music.

My mouth literally gaped open just now when I read the headline that television icon Don Cornelius was dead.  It then opened wider when I read that he had shot himself!!!  “Soul Train” hit the air in 1970 in Chicago, going national in 1971, I was eight.  It was uplifting programming, seeing people of color dancing and enjoying themselves while some of the greatest talent in music performed.

The nominees are in… this past Tuesday the annual Oscar nominations were announced.  A lover of movies, I was always impressed by a show that honored the best of the best in film as a youth.

D’Angelo is doing a European tour!  According to various websites, he rocked the stage of Filadelfiakyrkan Church in Stockholm last night.

“Can You Guess What McDonald’s Food Item This Is? Say hello to mechanically separated chicken.

 
 
It’s been almost a year since my blog entry on the rivalry between Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim.  Just when you thought it was over, Nicki’s back with a new track called “Stupid Hoe.”

 
 
One who started out as a hair stylist and a staff writer for Motown Records in the late 60s, these days is known as one of the architects of FUNK.  To honor his contributions and innovative approach to music, Berklee will grant the musician a Doctorate of Music degree on February 16th.

 
 
The new movie “Red Tails” garnered the number-two spot among top box office grossing films in its first week of release. It’s the story about the Tuskegee Airman of World War II.

 
 
Two of music’s favorite children made their transitions recently. One was once considered the Queen of the Blues, the other a Master of Funk. I’m speaking of Etta James and Jimmy Castor, two people in music that may not have always been top of mind as artists via the mainstream, but certainly loved and highly respected among their fans and peers.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2012 – Wow! Peace Love & Abundant Blessings to Everyone.  I hope and trust all are in great mind & spirit… Coldplay’s MYLO XYLOTO, a Christmas gift from my beautiful wonderful wife, rounds out my top-10 for favorite CDs in 2011.  To my brother Jeff Cornell I have no doubt I’ll love the new “Portugal The Man” once I get it, but in terms of stuff I’ve heard and enjoyed…

 
 
The TIME has released some new music! One of the best bands of the past 30 years, their re-entry to music is a welcome presence. People always want to FUNK! They say the third TIME’s a charm.

It’s been almost three years now, that I posted three blogs about how FUNK has been and is still used in advertising and pop culture.  It’s practically 2012 and ain’t a damn thing changed.

 
 
Recent reports would have us believe that Sly Stone is destitute and homeless. Although the now Michael Jackson Estate owns the publishing of Sly Stone’s music, he still has ownership as a writer. How much money he has or as to extent of what his resources are are unbeknown-st to me and none of my business, but I hope and believe the living legend is actually not on his last leg.

 
Sly Stone has been reported to be homeless. Living out of a van in Crenshaw, here’s a report from the L-A Times: Sly Stone is homeless and living in a camper-van in L.A., the world learned Sunday, thanks to the director of a documentary about Sly and the Family Stone who co-wrote a story for the New York Post.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Too Much Time on Your Hands, Time Out, One at a Time, Third Times a Charm, A Matter of Time, What Time is It? It’s Time, The Time is Now, Time to Go, Time Has Come Today, Time’s Up, Time Waits for No Man (or Woman), Over-Time, Time and a Half, No Time to Waste so Stop Wasting Time Killing Time cause there’s No Time to Kill, Passing Time, Time’s a Wasting, Don’t Waste My Time, It’s About Time,

 
It’s amazing how we meet people some times and have an instant bond with them. ”We took a liking to him right away”, “There’s just something about her you love”, we’ve all heard at some point or at least (hopefully) in context. Such was the case for me with Amy Winehouse almost ten years ago now.

 
 
 
Two black men, a Latino and a Greek woman were talking about racism… No, this is not the opening line of a joke, yet an unfortunate actual occurrence. It’s truly amazing how prevalent racism is today, especially when you consider how far we’ve come.