FUNKY BIOPICS: Films on Black Superstars – Hendrix, Franklin and Jackson
It’s official, Andre 3000 of OutKast, real name Andre Benjamin has been cast to portray Jimi Hendrix in the biopic “All Is By My Side.” Benjamin’s name was mentioned a few years ago about taking on the role, but rumors died after about a month or so. “All Is By My Side” will be set in the 1960s just before the release of Jimi’s debut album “Are You Experienced.”
IN FUNKY MEMORIUM: Donna, Chuck, Belita, Robin and Hal Jackson
Donna Summer, Chuck Brown, Belita Woods, Robin Gibb and legendary DJ Hal Jackson have all passed away recently. It seems like so many of our outstanding contributors in music are leaving us at a faster rate lately. Just as soon as we’re able to take a breath from the death of an entertainer that’s beloved, we’re struck again with the sad news of another.
FUNKED UP! The Music of SOUL 2 – Seal and Heidi’s Split
Seal’s new CD “SOUL 2″ is in stores. A follow-up to his “SOUL” release, it’s a collection of covers by some of music’s greatest performers. Although Seal has a new album out, he’s singing a different tune in regards to his marriage to fashion icon Heidi Klum. Klium and Seal were a power couple! Two accomplished people in their respective fields that came together by way of commonalities in their lifestyles, they had a tremendous presence.
TYRESE GETS THE RIGHTS FOR TEDDY
Tyrese Gibson tweeted recently: “I have officially secured the life rights to the life story of Teddy Pendergrass, my inspiration. This movie will be made…“ People are already saying he can’t pull it off… to those haters, there’s still hope for you 
I’m not even a Tyrese fan, but say CONGRATULATIONS!
FUNKIN’ with Nile Rodgers: CHIC, Le Freak and Loving Life!
Complete with a lighted floor harkening back to “Saturday Night Fever”, New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom became a disco for one night only. Hosted by the venue’s Clifton Pierce, CBS FM’s Joe Causi and Denny Terrio of “Dance Fever” were the MCs, where France Joli, Tavares, The Trammps and CHIC performed. Led by founding member Nile Rodgers on guitar, CHIC brought the FUNK!
Get Religion on FUNKY Broadway
This past week I had the pleasure of seeing the latest revival of Jesus Christ Superstar! This classic Andrew Lloyd Webber composition, with lyrics by Tim Rice, was first introduced as a musical recording before it hit the “Great White Way” in 1971.
THE FUNKIEST TOP-20 SOUNDTRACKS OF ALL TIME – FUNKALICIOUS 105
Since I hit 100 blogs without realizing it, I figured I do something special for blog #105. The following list of LPs/ CDs are the FUNKIEST Soundtracks of all time according to www.funkaliciousblog.com – while all albums may not be comprised of all FUNK music, they are unquestionably FUNKY! Now, put on your favorite soundtrack, go ahead put it on… Let’s take a ride down memory lane and reminisce about what made you feel good when you heard any of these musical FUNKY gems.
JACK WHITE IS FUNKDAFIED!
There was lots of talk about Lindsay Lohan making her “comeback” on Saturday Night Live this weekend. Lohan’s performance lacked focus and spark, but Jack White set the stage on fire singing new music from his forthcoming solo album “Blunderbuss.” Scheduled for release on April 24th, it’ll be on his own label Third Man, distributed through XL Recordings. The first single “Love Interruption” was released on January 30th.
T.J. MARTIN IS THE FIRST BLACK DIRECTOR TO WIN AN OSCAR!
Seattle native TJ Martin is the first black man to win an Oscar as a Director for his documentary “Undefeated”! Martin was just happy to be among some of his filmmaking heroes according to a recent article in the Seattle Times, now he’s made history. Prior to Martin, the only non-caucassion to win an Oscar for their accomplishment as a Director, was Ang Lee for his film “Brokeback Mountain.”
THE FUNK OF BLACK TELEVISION
Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Sean “P-Diddy” Combs have entered in to the world of television. My initial reaction was “Great”, but we’ve been here before. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy, ecstatic, overjoyed that two of our most successful moguls in entertainment are about to grow their existing respective empires – good for them. However, we’ve had such a poor showing on a very short list of accomplishments thus far with Black Television.
For Whitney
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…
WHITNEY PHOTOS – Jennifer Hudson Pays Tribute!
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 DEAD AT 48
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.
The FUNKIN’ DON of SOUL TV – Don Cornelius, Dead at 75
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 POLOTRICKS OF BLACK FILM AND THE BITTERSWEET COVETED OSCARS
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.
NICKI SAYS YOU’RE A “STUPID HOE”
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.”
DOCTOR OF THE FUNK – The Honorable George Clinton
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.
AT LAST, IT’S JUST BEGUN: THE BEST IN FUNK – LEGENDS IN MUSIC
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.
