NEWS to Lead Us Into The New Year

[Sophist08edLady]

Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of January 1st, 2007

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2007 and another exciting year of the 4-1-1, and remember, if you miss a week, please go to our archives and check us out.

The Godfather of Soul may be dead, but the band will play on. The James Brown Band consists of eleven members: three guitarists, two bass players, two drummers, three horn players and a percussionist. The band members say they are carrying out Brown’s wishes, which stated the show must go on. They will all take part in sharing singing duties. On the family front, Brown’s daughters, Yamma and Deanna, are taking charge of The James Brown Estate. Move over Tomi Rae Hynie! She’s the woman who claimed to be Brown’s wife, but has been proven to be a fraud. She was never married to Brown because she was already married to another man. Tomi Rae has been pleading with the family to accept her, but her pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Financial arrangements will be made for her five-year son, James Brown, Jr. The family has made it clear: Tomi Rae! You are not a Brown, and you are not welcome here! Tomi Rae is devastated, and friends fear she will fall back into the trap of addiction. At the time of Brown’s death, she was finishing up rehab for an addiction to prescription drugs. What is next for the woman who believed she was Mrs. James Brown? The Brown Children feel Tomi Rae embarrassed and humiliated their dad in his later years. They claim she knew she was married to someone else when she took vows with their father, but all she saw was dollars signs and took advantage of Brown. The Brown children have vowed to keep Tomi Rae out of The James Brown Estate.

The King of Pop Michael Jackson paid homage to James Brown at his funeral. Jackson said Brown was his greatest inspiration as a child. The crowd went wild when Jackson appeared at the funeral. After spending time overseas, Jackson has returned to the U.S. Word has it he’s planning to do a Las Vegas style show in the near future. Since his 2005 acquittal on child molestation charges, Jackson has been estranged from his family, even his mom, Katherine. A lot of people are blaming the estrangement on the nanny, Grace Rwarmba. Nanny Grace is Michael’s point person, his personal manager and advisor. Neither he nor his three kids make a move without her. Now that he is back in the states, will he reunite with his family, his mom?

The Reverend Al Sharpton often referred to James Brown as a father figure in his life. Sharpton is often teased about his long processed hair. He said he wears it like that as a tribute to Brown, and he said he would cut his hair once the Godfather passed on. Well, Sharpton has changed his mind. He will not be cutting his hair. He says he will continue to wear it in this style as a tribute to the man who was like a father to him.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls is now officially open in South Africa. Winfrey brought along her Hollywood friends as she made the grand announcement in South Africa. On hand for the festivities were Sidney Poitier, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner, Mary J. Blige, Chris Tucker, Spike Lee, Chris Rock and his wife Malaak, best friend Gayle King and Nelson Mandela. Oprah spent over $40 million to build the academy, which has been five years in the making. The 28 building complex will house young teen women in South Africa. Oprah says this academy is the fulfillment of her work on earth. Oprah is planning to build another school in South Africa. This one will be for boys and girls. Despite her good deeds, Oprah has been criticized for building the school outside of the United States. For the record, Oprah has given millions of dollars to educate needy children in the U.S. through The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program. In a recent interview with Newsweek magazine, Oprah revealed that the young girls in South Africa were really grateful for the opportunity to learn. They wanted more than just sneakers, I pods and clothes. They knew they needed a good education to succeed. She says inner city kids don’t appreciate the value of a free education, and that’s why she went to Africa.

Juanita Jordan is living life as a single woman. After 17 years, it’s over between Michael and Juanita Jordan. Their three children are teenagers, and now, Juanita is ready to carve out a life that is free from cheating and stress. For years, Juanita Jordan put up with her husband’s cheating, the groupies, the lying and the gambling. In 2002, she filed for divorce, but Michael convinced her to give him another chance. Well, the cheating continued, and Juanita realized the man she loved was not going to change. The basketball great loved fooling around, and they decided last year to end it once and for all. The property, child custody, parenting time and support have been worked out. Now, Juanita must face a future without Michael Jordan. She is living life as a single woman. Friends say she is looking to start a career in real estate, and she’s been using her maiden name, Vanoy.

Friends and family of Whitney Houston are working overtime to keep Whitney away from estranged hubby Bobby Brown. Bobby has been trying to get to Whitney via their daughter, Bobbi Kris. Bobby is angry that he no longer has a hold on Whitney. Whitney is making an effort to turn her life around, and she realizes that she can only do it if Bobby isn’t around. Whitney was devastated when she found out that Bobby had been unfaithful to her. Plus, she feels Bobby’s family used and betrayed her. Bobby needs Whitney. His life is a mess without her. He doesn’t have any money or a job, and his career is in shambles.

Lou Rawls, Junior is suing Marvin Gaye, The Third. Lou, Jr. claims he was attacked by dogs owned by Marvin, III. He is seeking an unspecified amount of money to cover his stress and hospital costs.

Has Tyra Banks filmed a sex video? Spokespeople for the Supermodel/Talk Show Host have not commented on published reports that Banks is starring in a home made sex movie. The tape features a man with an Italian accent seducing a woman who looks and sounds like Tyra. Is it Tyra?

Former Heavyweight Boxer Mike Tyson admits he’s a coke addict, and he needs help. Last week, Tyson was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona for driving under the influence. Cops stopped Tyson after he almost ran over a Sheriff with his car. Tyson was leaving a nightclub when the trouble started. When the cops arrested him, he admitted he was doing cocaine and he said he needs help. Tyson is no stranger to rehab. Last year, he entered a rehab program, but he stayed less than a week.

Queen Latifah will be hosting The People’s Choice Awards, January 9th on CBS. Queen Latifah has been putting on a brave face despite published reports of a rocky relationship with Fear Factor Winner Jeannette Jenkins. Latifah and Jenkins are very close, but there have been reports of the two fighting. Queen Latifah has always stated she doesn’t care what people think of her sexuality, but she’s never admitted that she is a lesbian.

Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin Nordegren, are expecting their first child this summer.

The new Gerald Levert CD, In My Songs, arrives in stores February 13th.

Prince is the half time performer at this year’s Superbowl. The big game is February 4th. Prince is scheduled to a tribute to James Brown during the show. Prince will also be showcasing his talents as a photographer as he enters into the magazine business. The magazine, called 3121, will feature interviews with musicians and exclusive photos taken by Prince.

The complete first season of Martin is available on DVD. The set features outtakes, bloopers and never before seen footage of Martin Lawrence and the cast.

The 1976 classic Sparkle is also coming out on DVD. The movie starred Irene Cara, Lonette McKee and Phillip Michael Thomas. The DVD comes out on the 9th.

The latest Samuel L. Jackson movie, Snakes On A Plane, is out on DVD.

At the movies this week, it’s Cedric The Entertainer in the comedy, Code Name- The Cleaner. Lucy Lui co-stars.

Mariah Carey has a March date with Playboy magazine. She won’t be nude, but she is appearing on the cover.

The latest David E. Talbert stage musical, Love In The Nick of Tyme, is coming to Trenton, New Jersey. The musical stars Morris Chestnut, Singer Trenyce (American Idol) and Singer Avant. The musical is happening January 30-31st at the Patriots Theatre War Memorial. Singer Vivian Green is doing the music.

The Flavor of Love spinoff, I Love New York starring Tiffany Patterson, premieres January 8th on VH1. New York (Patterson) and her mom get to choose from over 20 men as New York searches for love. New York deserves this show after getting turned down twice from Flavor Flav.

Jill Scott has a new album coming out this summer. The CD will be called The Real Thing.

Actor Russell Hornsby is heading up the cast to the ABC Family Channel series, Lincoln Heights. The show premieres January 8th at 8pm.

American Idol returns to Fox on January 16th. Sources say a midseason shocker is expected to happen. What will be the Idol shocker?

“Jack Bauer” returns with 24 on Fox on January 14th. Regina King joins Kiefer Sutherland for the new season.

BET’s Celebration of Gospel will air on January 28th. WDAS morning man Steve Harvey will be hosting with special guests Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Faith Evans and Smokie Norful.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This female gave up a promising career as a Stylist when she fell in love with this young Singer. She also left her husband and three kids to devote her time to the Singer. The Singer’s mom and fans can’t stand the former Stylist. The Singer digs her, but he wants her to stay in the background. The former Stylist wants the world to know she is the main chick. She turned her back on her family to be with this man, but he treats her like a side chick. When will he make her the main chick? (Urrrshers stylist girlfriend...what's er name)