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Hot Celebrity News:
Luther Vandross is showing signs of recovery, even though he’s still in critical condition. Luther’s spokeswoman, Lois Najarian, told the Associated Press yesterday: “The neurologists just feel that he's been extremely responsive over the course of the last day.”
Cameras are rolling in New Orleans on “The Playmaker,” a pro football drama starring “Soul Food” hunk Boris Kodjoe and “Drumline” leading lady Zoe Saldana. Boris stars as T.K. Marsalis, a gifted athlete whose dominance on the field appears to be his ticket out of the inner-city. But an unexpected event forces Marsalis to leave the two loves of his life: his girl (Saldana) and the game. Years later, he returns -- with a new name, Lazarus Jordan – as a member of a pro team’s practice squad. Inspired by the tough-as-nails coach (Alec Baldwin), Jordan rises through the ranks and challenges the teams’ star (played by San Francisco 49ers star Terrell Owens).
As his popularity grows, Jordan must face up to the mistakes of his past in order to claim his future. One unique thing about “The Playmaker” is that the movie is being executive produced by two NFL players: Green Bay Packers defensive end Joe Johnson and New Orleans Saints tackle Norman Hand. NFL Hall of Famer Jim Grown appears in the film along with Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins and Lisa Guerrero from “The Best Damn Sports Show.”
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run DMC has shelved plans to collaborate with 50 Cent. The two rappers had been talking about going into the studio to hook up a tribute to Jam Master Jay, who was 50’s mentor. But 50’s been so busy that he and D haven’t found the time to record. So, DMC is going to do the record solo. Meanwhile, DMC is real excited about another collaboration that did come together. The Run DMC rapper worked with Kid Rock on a joint called “Find My Way” which will be the first single off of his solo album, “Chex, Thugs, Rock & Roll.” DMC says Kid Rock is “the greatest musician/producer/writer” he’s ever known! Kid Rock doesn’t like DMC to say that, but D said, quote: “This guy helped me write it and played every instrument on the record. He's not just some white guy rapping, he's a musical genius."
Singer/songwriter Brenda Russell is creating some original music for "The Color Purple -- the Musical" which is scheduled to debut on the New York stage in 2005. Meanwhile, Brenda has apparently parted ways with Hidden Beach Records and signed with the British label, Dome. Russell will release her next solo album in 2004.
Oprah Winfrey is one of the famous people appearing on the new album from jazz bassist Stanley Clark. Oprah doesn’t actually sing on the album (called “1, 2, to the Bass”), she recites a Maya Angelou poem over a music track composed by Clark and Quincy Jones. The first single from Stanley Clark’s new album is a remake of the Robert Flack / Donny Hathaway standard “Where Is The Love” featuring Glenn Lewis and Amel Larrieux.
Celebrity Birthdays Today:
1) Djimon Hounsou (“Amistad,” “Gladiator”) is 39
2) Denver Broncos player Jamie Brown is 31
3) singer, actress, filmmaker Barbra Streisand is 61
4) actress, dancer, singer Shirley MacLaine is 68
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