Nouveau News Thread

[Tickled Pink 2]

Originally posted by jitterbug13
R&B legend Gladys Knight is the newest face of Ashley Stewart's "Great Woman of Style" campaign -- which kicks off this weekend in Harlem as part of a Mother’s Day celebration.

The campaign includes in-store and online marketing initiatives and a music project tie in.

Ashley Stewart’s Vice President and General Merchandise Manager Marla Minns couldn't stop singing the three-time Grammy Award winner's praises: "Gladys Knight is not only a musical icon; she is also a shrewd businesswoman, wonderful wife and loving mother.

"She fits our campaign perfectly, because she is a great woman of style in every aspect of her life."

The 15-year old popular fashion line -- for full-figured women-- will also offer specially packaged Gladys Knight CDs, a raffle contest and a $500 shopping spree, for the kick-off event.

For Knight, who turns 62 later this month, Mother's Day is a very special time of the year. She had the closest relationship to her late mother, Elizabeth Knight, who she said oversaw the financial aspects of her professional endeavors. In memory of her mom, she hosts an annual birthday concert which raises funds for the diabetes research charity, which is named The Elizabeth Knight Fund.

"She lived with that disease for over 50 years," Knight says. "She eventually went blind and she eventually lost a kidney but to live with that disease for that long a time, all the doctors said that’s unheard of. She lived to be 80. And she was diagnosed in her early 30s.

"So many people are unaware of this disease," Knight adds. "It’s in epidemic proportion and people don’t realize it. Everyone getting it, so now everyone wants to talk about it. It used to be relegated to the African-American community or third world…but now anyone can get it."

Knight also shares a similarly close relationship to her daughter Kenya Jackson, who now manages her business affairs. "That’s my girl, that’s my girl," Knight gleefully states. "We've been through thick and thin together. She came back and she’s been managing me ever since my mom and [son] Jimmy [Newman] passed away. We’ve just been going at it together."

'Before Me,' her new CD of classic jazz standards, which she describes as “a dream come true,” and executive produced by Tommy LiPuma, was originally due for release June 6 but is now expected October 10. "This postponement aligns the release of the CD more closely with a PBS concert special taping at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles in September, with special guests to be announced," said Verve Records publicist Jai St, Laurent. "The PBS program will air during the November/December pledge drives nationwide and will be followed by a national tour in January 2007."

She's all over the store and in their ads. Annnnd, if you purchase over $50, you will get her CD as promised, but she's not exactly plus sized, is she???

Anyway, she looks darned good for 62!

[txdiva]

Originally posted by jitterbug13

Can't Say Names…

Sources spotted an R&B songstress canoodling with a recently traded NFL football star at a steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This would be a typical spotting on 'any other night,' but factor in that the singer is supposed to be in a committed relationship with a member of her management team and you realize there's a problem. Especially since said manager-boyfriend is known for delivering a beat down when things don't go his way. Let's hope the Miami Dolphin doesn't find out the hard way. Likely: Sharissa, Brooke Valentine, Keyshia Cole. Unlikely: Rihanna and Ashanti

It's Sharissa; the "any other night" line gave it away.

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by Tickled Pink 2
She's all over the store and in their ads. Annnnd, if you purchase over $50, you will get her CD as promised, but she's not exactly plus sized, is she???

Anyway, she looks darned good for 62!

She looks to be a 12-14, so she's at the outer edge of plus, or a "tweener."

As an aside, some of the much-higher end companies than Ashley Stewart (read: Marina Rinaldi and Talbots Woman) go smaller than 14W. Hecks, Marina Rinaldi actually has a 10W.

[Confucius]

Originally posted by jitterbug13
R&B legend Gladys Knight is the newest face of Ashley Stewart's "Great Woman of Style" campaign -- which kicks off this weekend in Harlem as part of a Mother’s Day celebration.

The campaign includes in-store and online marketing initiatives and a music project tie in.

Ashley Stewart’s Vice President and General Merchandise Manager Marla Minns couldn't stop singing the three-time Grammy Award winner's praises: "Gladys Knight is not only a musical icon; she is also a shrewd businesswoman, wonderful wife and loving mother.

"She fits our campaign perfectly, because she is a great woman of style in every aspect of her life."

The 15-year old popular fashion line -- for full-figured women-- will also offer specially packaged Gladys Knight CDs, a raffle contest and a $500 shopping spree, for the kick-off event.

For Knight, who turns 62 later this month, Mother's Day is a very special time of the year. She had the closest relationship to her late mother, Elizabeth Knight, who she said oversaw the financial aspects of her professional endeavors. In memory of her mom, she hosts an annual birthday concert which raises funds for the diabetes research charity, which is named The Elizabeth Knight Fund.

"She lived with that disease for over 50 years," Knight says. "She eventually went blind and she eventually lost a kidney but to live with that disease for that long a time, all the doctors said that’s unheard of. She lived to be 80. And she was diagnosed in her early 30s.

"So many people are unaware of this disease," Knight adds. "It’s in epidemic proportion and people don’t realize it. Everyone getting it, so now everyone wants to talk about it. It used to be relegated to the African-American community or third world…but now anyone can get it."

Knight also shares a similarly close relationship to her daughter Kenya Jackson, who now manages her business affairs. "That’s my girl, that’s my girl," Knight gleefully states. "We've been through thick and thin together. She came back and she’s been managing me ever since my mom and [son] Jimmy [Newman] passed away. We’ve just been going at it together."

'Before Me,' her new CD of classic jazz standards, which she describes as “a dream come true,” and executive produced by Tommy LiPuma, was originally due for release June 6 but is now expected October 10. "This postponement aligns the release of the CD more closely with a PBS concert special taping at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles in September, with special guests to be announced," said Verve Records publicist Jai St, Laurent. "The PBS program will air during the November/December pledge drives nationwide and will be followed by a national tour in January 2007."

I love and have so much respect for Gladys Knight.

But Gladys Knight??? Huh?

[Paradise359]

Originally posted by jitterbug13
Best-selling novelist 'Zane' has struck a deal with Lionsgate films to bring her sexually charged tome 'Addicted' to the big screen. Hollywood power player Suzanne de Passe is on board to produce the film, which is also being developed into a stage version.

The studio believes this pact will continue its commitment to bringing cultural sensations to a broader North American movie audience. Last month, Lionsgate released 'Akeelah and the Bee,' and has had astounding box office success with the Tyler Perry movies, 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman' and 'Madea's Family Reunion.'

"Zane is a cultural icon with a devoted legion of fans, and we are very excited about elevating her tremendous reach to include moviegoers nationwide,” said Mike Paseornek, Lionsgate's President of Production. "We believe that we can translate the success of her book into a film that brings her fiery passion and timeless, universal themes to an even larger audience not yet familiar with her work."

Zane, her psuedonym, is a recently divorced mother of three and has authored nine books. "I look forward to my first theatrical release," she told Black Voices. "I am confident that 'Addicted' will be the first of many more to follow. The black female sexual revolution is long overdue. We freed our bodies a long time ago; now it is time to free our minds." "Addicted" tells the story of a successful African-American arts dealer who seems to have everything but feels helpless in the grip of an overpowering addiction to sex.

"Women living in today's 'microwave society' have to deal with numerous responsibilities, pressures, and challenges," Zane added. "When it comes down to intimacy, we deserve to leave each and every experience just as satisfied as the men we share our bodies with."

What a predicament(sp?) they will be in trying to bring this book to film. Either cut out 99% of the book so it can have an R rating or sounds like you better find out which theatre plays NC-17 rated movies

[Steeltrap]

^^
Why not slap an X rating on it and be done? No, I'm not a Zane fan.

'Neways, Michael Michele, who's lost the babyperson weight. What money and a trainer can do:



John Legend and friend:

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally posted by Steeltrap
John Legend and friend:

Did they catch her off-guard or does she actually look that crazy?

[f8nacn]

Police arrested rap star DMX after he refused to put on a seat belt and became abusive on a flight from New York to London, authorities said Monday.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, received a caution and was released after his American Airlines flight landed at Heathrow Airport on Saturday, police said on condition of anonymity in line with departmental policy.

A caution means a person has accepted responsibility for the offense, and a record will be made.

The artist has had brushes with the authorities in the past. He completed a 70-day sentence late last year at New York's Rikers Island after pleading guilty to violating his parole following a 2004 incident in which he crashed his vehicle through an airport security gate.

From The Belle Report...

[jitterbug13]

It was a who's who gathering of Black Hollywood, music stars and sports figures in Louisville, Ky., for the 2006 Kentucky Derby. Dave Chappelle, Star Jones Reynolds, Usher, Hill Harper ('C.S.I.: NY') and Michael Jordan were all guests of Grand Gala (www.GrandGala.com), an organization conceived by marketer Rohena Miller, and founded in part by Louisville businessman Charlie Johnson and former NBA star Junior Bridgeman to diversify the Kentucky Derby and raise funds for causes like the United Negro College Fund.

Gabrielle Union and Chris Tucker were the honorary chairs for the Grand Gala, which kicked off with a reception at the Muhammad Ali Center. The famed boxer and his wife Lonnie Ali hosted the swank affair that featured a performance by jazz keyboardist Alex Bugnon.

There were a host of parties all over Louisville. At Playboy's bash, rapper Ludacris held court with Union and Essence Atkins ('Half & Half'), while the Reynolds (Star and Al) sipped champagne with Spike and Tonya Lee. Tucker, NFL Hall of Famer John Elway (Denver Broncos), John Salley ('Best Damn Sports Show Period'), Bob Guiney ('The Bachelor') and wife Rebecca Budig ('All My Children'), and Mike "The Miz" Mizanin ('The Real World') were among those partying in the V.I.P. section.

Over at Jermaine Dupri's party, O.J. Simpson didn't recognize the newly svelte Jones Reynolds when his daughter Arnell Simpson brought her over. (Jones Reynolds was the senior correspondent and chief legal analyst at Simpson's murder trial for 'Inside Edition' and 'Rolonda.') The half-dressed former NBA star Charles Oakley showed off his six-pack, while Jordan dirty danced with tennis pro Serena Williams as her new boyfriend looked on. Chappelle sat on a couch with Erykah Badu, who attended the Derby as his guest.

Celebrities were bused to Churchill Downs in two police-escorted motor coaches, and shared several jockey suites on the fourth and fifth floors. Union and boyfriend, football star Darren Sharper (Minnesota Vikings), shared a suite with Boyz II Men, Victor Williams ('King of Queens'), Harper, James Lesure ('Las Vegas'), Julius Irving and Regina King.

Boyz II Men's Wanya Morris was the big winner, taking home $10,000 after winning on two races, while King, Harper and Usher were among others who made out pretty well betting.

The weekend was capped off with the Grand Gala's gala at the legendary Galt House hotel. Boyz II Men and The O'Jays performed at the black-tie affair, which could rival both the Oscars and the Golden Globes. Everyone from Henry Simmons ('NYPD Blue') to Super Bowl champion Jerome Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers) and former BET host Rachel, were spotted partying.

Among the other guests who attended events sponsored by Grand Gala during the Kentucky Derby were Ashanti, 'The Apprentice' winner Randal Pinkett, football player Warrick Dunn (Atlanta Falcons), Warner Records music exec Kevin Liles, Ciaraand retired NFL star Warren Moon.


Spring Cleaning

Another Hollywood couple has called it quits. Former 'Soul Food' hunk Rockmond Dunbar, who is now a regular star on Fox's hit series 'Prison Break,' has filed for divorce from his wife Ivy. The actor is citing irreconcilable differences as his reason for ending their two-year union. "I deserve a partner who's going to be my partner 100 percent of the time," Dunbar told the Beck/Smith Hollywood Exclusive.

Despite it all, Dunbar was diplomatic about the matter in his interview with Beck/Smith's syndicated column. "I wish her happiness. There are no ill feelings, no ill thoughts, nothing. At the end of the day it's sort of like my life is doing spring cleaning-getting rid of all the things I don't need, that aren't healthy and making room for the all the good stuff that I'm really excited about," he added.

Dunbar stars next in the film 'Dirty Laundry' with Loretta Devine and Terri J. Vaughn and will then direct and produce a film called 'Wrath of Medusa.'


High Praise

Innovative Christian marketing company Black Gospel Promo celebrated its five-year anniversary with an all-star gospel luncheon and red carpet television special during Dr. Bobby Jones' biannual International Gospel Industry Retreat in Hollywood, Fla. last week. The company's founder and president Veda Brown held an invite-only luncheon at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, where newcomers Lyric Sings and Kim Burrell performed. Burrell supplied a moving rendition of the Walter Hawkins' classic "Thank You" that had Brown overcome with emotion.

Industry power players such as marketing exec Max Siegel (Zomba Label Group), Melanie Few (Results Inc.), Neily Dickerson (the ND. Company), Calvin Terrell (Sister 2 Sister), Tara Griggs McGee (Sony Gospel), Telisa Stinson (Specialtes Inc.), Kenny Taylor (GTM Media), Shawn Tate (Univocal Music) and Lisa Collins (Gospel Industry Roundup), hobnobbed with such artists as Percy Baby, The Caravans, Lucinda Moore, Malcolm Williams and actor Lamman Rucker ('Half & Half') during lunch.

Yours truly hosted the red carpet special for Black Gospel Promo, along with comedian Jonathan Slocumb and singer-TV host Lexi. I interviewed Myron Butler, Virtue, R&B star Meli'sa Morgan, Mark Hubbard, Lucinda Moore, 21:03, comedienne Chanita Morris (formerly known as Chocolate), and Dottie Peoples and others for the show, which will air on the Word Network in the coming months.

Others in Florida for the artist retreat include Donald Lawrence, Coko of SWV, Youthful Praise, Ted Winn of Ted & Sheri, John P. Kee, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Tony Terry, Tamela Mann, Darius Brooks, Sean Simmonds, Keith "Wonder Boy" Johnson, Ami Rushes, Woods & When Singers Meet, Judith McAllister, Ernest Pugh, Sister Cantaloupe, Smokie Norful, Oscar Williams, Melvin Williams, Luther Barnes, A7, Canton Jones, the Nashville Super Choir.


Buzzworthy

The funeral for actor Michael "Bear" Taliferro was last Friday at the Power of Love Christian Fellowship Church in Los Angeles. The actor, who died of a stroke, was best known for his role in Eddie Murphy's film 'Life.' Fans often recited his infamous line-"You goin eat your cornbread?"- to him when they met him. He also appeared in 'You Got Served,' 'Armageddon,' 'Sister Act 2' and on 'The Jamie Foxx Show.' Taliferro was engaged and a father of three. His family has set up the Memorial Fund of Michael Taliferro with OneUnited Bank.

Singer Ann Nesby told us that her granddaughter Paris Bennett has already been approached by three record labels with offers since being voted off 'American Idol.' Bennett herself announced during a radio interview with syndicated morning show host Tom Joyner that she wants to record a jazz record, in addition to doing voiceover work in movies. Since Bennett missed her senior prom to appear on 'Idol,' MTV has offered to host another prom in her honor. "It will be my 'Super Sweet 18th Prom Party,'" Bennett said.

Soul siren Sy Smith recently completed the music video for the single "Fa Sho" from her album 'The Syberspace Social.' The video was directed by Mike Quain, and the treatment was done by Smith. There are cameos in the video by Rahsaan Patterson, N'Dambi, Frank McComb and producer James Poyser.


Can't Say Names…

If looks could kill, a certain retired athlete would have dropped dead at the Kentucky Derby. Said former hoops star walked up to an R&B singer and began bragging about how he once dated the singer’s current wife while she stood there. It was clearly an uncomfortable moment as the singer looked as though he was holding back his rage as the one-time jock shared off-color remarks about the crooner’s wife. [b] Jordan, Barkley, John Saley, Dr. J or Charles Oakley[b]


BV Scene

Jamie Foxx, Uma Thurman, Maxwell, Russell Simmons, BET talent Julissa, Damon Dash, Marilyn Manson, Michelle Rodriguez ('Lost'), promoter Dave Brown and brand strategist Marvet Britto all partied at the grand opening of Mr. Chow in Tribeca community of New York City, while AOL Black Voices' Entertainment News Producer Karu F. Daniels held court with Fox News columnist Roger Friedman… One-half of the Motown duo Black Coffey, singer Jason Coffey, was spotted shopping with a female friend in the department store Dillards in Louisville, Ky.… Psychologist and TV personality Dr. Joyce Brothers was spotted flying from New York City's LaGuardia Airport to Cincinnati on Delta Airlines… Singer T-Low of the R&B trio Next was walking through Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and announcing to a fan that recognized him: "New CD out in August."… Neo-soul duo Floetry was standing in the long security line at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport… Shaun Robinson ('Access Hollywood') dined at Fresco by Scotto restaurant in Manhattan, NY.

[AKA2D '91]

Where is Dave's wife? She didn't want to attend the KD festivities? Or, has she NOT gotten over Dave leaving his CS deal?


Dang @ Rockmond Dunbar: "getting rid of the things I don't need." Is she garbage?

[MeezDiscreet]

Originally posted by jitterbug13
Buzzworthy

The funeral for actor Michael "Bear" Taliferro was last Friday at the Power of Love Christian Fellowship Church in Los Angeles. The actor, who died of a stroke, was best known for his role in Eddie Murphy's film 'Life.' Fans often recited his infamous line-"You goin eat your cornbread?"- to him when they met him. He also appeared in 'You Got Served,' 'Armageddon,' 'Sister Act 2' and on 'The Jamie Foxx Show.' Taliferro was engaged and a father of three. His family has set up the Memorial Fund of Michael Taliferro with OneUnited Bank.

i didn't know he had died! does anyone know how he died?

[FeeFee]

Originally posted by MeezDiscreet
i didn't know he had died! does anyone know how he died?

He had a stroke.

Does anyone know how old he was?

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by FeeFee
He had a stroke.

Does anyone know how old he was?

46 per IMDB. No date just year, so possibly 45.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0848075/

Very sad. It looks like he was filming another movie at time of death.

[FeeFee]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
46 per IMDB. No date just year, so possibly 45.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0848075/

Very sad. It looks like he was filming another movie at time of death.

I read somewhere that he was in fact filming an upcoming movie. I forgot who the co-stars are.

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by FeeFee
I read somewhere that he was in fact filming an upcoming movie. I forgot who the co-stars are.

Title 3/5 of a Man


Cast (in alphabetical order)
John Amos .... Henry
Akosua Busia .... Cherry
Christina Cox .... Margaret Whitehead
Dana Delany
James Denton .... Brother John Brown
Troy DeWalt .... Lynch mob leader
Peter Dinklage .... Brantly
Zeljko Ivanek .... Master Travis
Tommy 'Tiny' Lister .... Will
Anthony Mackie .... Turner
John Michael Sudol .... Reese's Overseer
Ving Rhames .... Hark
Michael Taliferro .... Crixus
Beverly Todd .... Nancy


Yeah I am going to see this.