Summer News 2004

[TheEpitome1920]

It's official — Destiny's Child's fourth studio album is in the works, and to hear Rowland tell it, the ladies' time apart is having quite an influence on the new material.

"All of us have been in three different places ... so there's a lot to talk about, a lot that's gone on, personally," Rowland said. "I think it's important to talk about that on this new record, to put what we've been going through separately into the new record."



Bobby Brown turned himself in to police on battery charges Sunday, just hours before a court-imposed deadline.

The singer, who in May was charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly hitting wife Whitney Houston in the face at their home in Georgia in December (see "Bobby Brown Turns Himself In, Appears In Court With Whitney At His Side"), was ordered to turn himself in by midnight Sunday, as a judge had determined there was enough evidence to proceed with the case. He arrived at the Fulton County Jail less than four hours before the deadline and was released after posting a $2,000 bond, according to The Associated Press

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally posted by Gyrl7
LOS ANGELES -- Actress Isabel Sanford, best known as "Weezie," Louise Jefferson on the television sitcom "The Jeffersons," died of natural causes, her publicist said Monday. She was 86.

Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. Her daughter, Pamela Ruff, was at her side, he said.

Her health had waned after undergoing preventive surgery on a neck artery 10 months ago, Lemack said.

He did not give a cause of death.

Sanford co-starred with Sherman Hemsley from 1975 to 1985 on CBS' "The Jeffersons," a spin-off of the popular series "All in the Family," in which she also appeared.

In 1981, Sanford became the first black woman to receive an Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on "The Jeffersons."

Sanford, a native New Yorker, was joined by "Jeffersons" creator Norman Lear and others in January when she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"Here with stars in my eyes — something that I dreamed about when I was 9 years old," she said at the time. "There are others that deserve it, but let everybody get their own."

She enjoyed getting fan mail from people who saw "The Jeffersons" for the first time in reruns, Lemack said.

"She was just amazed and so pleased that the show had that kind of lasting power and entertainment because she loved to make people laugh," he said.

Sanford made her feature film debut in the 1967 classic, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."

Recently, Sanford lent her voice to "The Simpsons" and appeared in commercial campaigns for Denny's restaurants and retailer Old Navy.

Besides her daughter, Sanford is survived by two sons, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In my best Florida Evans voice, DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!!!! This is a trip. Who is gonna be next?

[lostnfound117]

Originally posted by kiml122
Yeah this was discussed a while back right after they got engaged, and yes she did release a statment saying that they knew about each others past

whoa soror!! i must have missed those posts. this is all new to me. poor star

[kiml122]

Originally posted by lostnfound117
whoa soror!! i must have missed those posts. this is all new to me. poor star

Clean out your PM box, I am trying to send you a message.

[kiml122]

One of my friends asked me if I had heard that Jane Kennedy died of cancer at the age of 58. I haven't heard anything about this....have any of you all?

[lostnfound117]

Originally posted by kiml122
Clean out your PM box, I am trying to send you a message.

aight!

[CrimsonTide4]

:: Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of July 12th, 2004:

With her daughter by her side actress Isabel Sanford passed away on July 4th. Sanford was best known as “Louise Weezy Jefferson” from the hit television show The Jeffersons. Sanford along with Sherman Helmsley made television history as they moved on up. Sanford was the first black actress to win an Emmy Award for “Best Actress in a Comedy Series.” Sanford was 86 years old and she had been sick for the past year. Last year she had surgery on an artery in her neck.


“Madea” is coming back! Tyler Perry is returning to Philadelphia as “Madea” in a new stage production called “The Brown Family.” Tyler will once again don the wig, the dress and the breast as he returns as “Madea.” In this new production “Mr. Brown” has to catch up on back child support payments. In the last “Madea” installment we found out that he, (“Mr. Brown”) was the father of “Madea’s” children. Tickets go on sale Monday the 19th. The new show will run Sept. 7th-12th at the Merriam Theatre.


Are there more legal problems for Bobby Brown? He is now awaiting a trial date involving a battery charge against his wife, Whitney Houston. Last December Bobby hit Whitney and it made headlines. He turned himself into police last weekend and he is free on bond. A trial date has not been set and if he is convicted he faces a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. In other Whitney and Bobby news, Whitney was the star of the show during the recent Soul Divas Tour in Germany. Whitney is touring overseas with Dionne Warwick and Natalie Cole, but sources say it was Whitney who had the crowd wild. Bobby was with Whitney and he’s part of her show. He escorts her on and off stage and he dances with her when she sings “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” There’s no word yet on when the tour will come to the states.


Donnie McClurken is working on a live album that is due out this fall. The album will be called Hymns, Songs and Spiritual Songs.


Singer Vivian Greene is also working on a new project that is due out in October. Vivian is best known for the song “Emotional Rollarcoaster” and she is contributing to the soundtrack for the movie De-Lovely. The movie is based on the life of composer Cole Porter. Vivian is singing the Ella Fitzgerald classic “Love For Sale.”


R. Kelly is not due back in court until September to face child pornography charges. In the meantime, he will be allowed to tour to support his new release Happy People/U Saved Me. There is one condition- he will have to check in with his parole officer daily.


Babyface is working on a new version of the Harold Melvin classic “Wake Up Everybody.” Babyface is gathering a who’s who in the recording industry to help with the project including Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean, Musiq, Floetry and Ashanti.


Dave Chappelle has just signed a new two year contract with the Comedy Central Network. Dave is the star of the popular comedy sketch show, Chappelle Show. Dave’s next big project is a movie based on the life of singer Rick James.


Mariah Cary will play a diva in her next movie role. Mariah has a cameo in the Damon Dash movie State Property Two.


Is J-Lo pregnant by husband Marc Anthony? Her reps say no, but word has it she is.


Michael Jordan loves the ladies and the ladies in Miami were loving him as well. Where was his wife Juanita?


Will Smith’s new movie I, Robot opens in theatres this week. In the movie Will battles robots and takes it off. I hear his shower scene doesn’t leave much to the imagination.


Tickets are on sale now for Jill Scott’s “Buzz Tour,” July 30th, at the TLA on 3rd and South Streets. Check out Jill on the August issue of Essence Magazine. She looks stunning. Her new album, Beautifully Human, comes out on August 31st.


Oprah Winfrey continues to give. She recently gave $1 million to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.


Janet Jackson is planning to go on tour and Mario Winans has been tapped as the opening act.


Tamyra Gray is topping the charts with her debut “Raindrops Will Fall.” Gray is best known from American Idol season number one and she will be joining the finalist from season three on their summer tour. The “AI 3” tour is coming to Philly in August.


Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo from Fifth Dimension fame are telling the story of their life in a new book. The couple has been married for 35 years and they talk about it all including Billy’s battles with alcoholism and prostate cancer and Marilyn’s inability to have children. Back in the day they had the hits “Up, Up And Away,” “One Less Bell To Answer” and “Wedding Bell Blues” with the Fifth Dimension and their duet “You Don’t Have To Be A Star,” which was a hit in the 70’s.


Spike Lee’s wife Tonya Lewis Lee has teamed up with Crystal McCray Anthony for the hot new book Gotham Diaries. This is a great escape book and I am enjoying it. I have to admit I rarely get the chance to read books just for fun, but I find myself making time to read a little of the book each day. Gotham Diaries is the tale of high class black society. The young, black and rich are profiled and it’s a great read. I hope the ladies come to town because I would love to discuss the book with them. It’s in stores now, so check it out.


Now that the news is out about the troubled marriage between Vanessa Williams and Lakers star Rick Fox, her friends are starting to talk. Sources say Vanessa would not and could not tolerate his cheating. Vanessa is no Vanessa Bryant. She is not going to hold your hand while you admit to cheating. She is the type of woman who will kick your butt. Vanessa and Rick were married for five years and they have a four year old daughter.


Cheating was also the problem in the marriage of gospel sensation Yolanda Adams and former NFL player Tim Crawford. People couldn’t believe it when Yolanda ended the marriage. Earlier this year she suffered a miscarriage and she had been dealing with her husbands philandering. You knew it had to be bad for her to walk away from the marriage, but sources say Yolanda couldn’t take it anymore. The couple has a young toddler and Yolanda is now concentrating on raising her. According to gossip guru Jawn Murray, Yolanda is also dealing with a meddlesome ex-mother-in-law. Tim’s mother has been going around bad mouthing Yolanda, but everyone knows it was Tim’s fooling around that destroyed the marriage. She’s probably embarrassed that Yolanda and her money are no longer a part of the family. This is a difficult time for Yolanda. Keep her in your prayers. At the BET awards she hinted that her life has been a challenge I’m sure once she gets out of the valley she is going to have a powerful testimony.


Singer Stevie Wonder is in mourning for his ex-wife, singer/songwriter Syreeta Wright. Stevie and Syreeta were married from 1970-1972. Even though the marriage didn’t last their friendship did and he looked after her until the end. Syreeta was discovered by Ashford and Simpson and later went on to become a background singer for Stevie. Syreeta was a part of Wonderlove, a group of female singers who recorded with Stevie. The late Minnie Riperton and Deniece Williams were also a part of the group. Syreeta and Stevie wrote many songs together including “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” “I Was Made To Love Her,” “Blame It On The Sun” and “If You Really Loved Me.” Syreeta also wrote the Spinners classic “It’s A Shame.” Syreeta worked on many of Stevie’s albums through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. A lot of people were shocked when Stevie first announced that his “ex” was sick. Syreeta died at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer. In 1980, Syreeta scored her biggest hit, “With You I’m Born Again” with Billy Preston. In the 70’s Stevie produced the groundbreaking Stevie Wonder presents Syreeta and it featured the hit “I Wanna Be By Your Side/Universal Sound of the World.” To this day this album remains an underground classic and if you find it add it to your music collection it’s a great album. On our WDAS Classic Soul Volume 8 Syreeta’s classic “I Wanna Be By Your Side” is featured. Syreeta had a beautiful voice and she helped to write many classic songs that we still enjoy today.


When you invite the Queen of Soul to your party rule number one you have to feed her. Aretha Franklin was in attendance at P. Diddy’s Fourth of July bash in the Hamptons and she was not a happy camper. There was little food and even less to drink and she lost an earring worth $40,000. A lot of people were wondering what was wrong with her. Who wants to be hungry and lose expensive jewelry?


Now speaking of P. Diddy-- don’t invite him and Usher to the same party. Usher says in the beginning of his career Puffy was his mentor, but when the going got tough Puffy wouldn’t lend him a hand. Usher has been in the game since he was a teen and it’s been a long climb to the top. Usher is now on top of his game with his multi million selling album, Confessions.


Congrats to actor Dondre T. Whitfield and his wife actress Salli Richardson. They are expecting their first child in the fall. Dondre has wanted this for a long time. A couple of years ago I had a chance to interview him and we talked about children and he said it was a dream of his and he couldn’t wait to start a family with his wife. They make a beautiful couple I hope they have many years of happiness with their new addition.


Holly Robinson Peete the designer? Yes, the mother of three is developing a new line of maternity clothes.


Michael Moore’s hot movie documentary Fahrenheit 911 is coming out on DVD and VHS in September, weeks before the November 2nd, Presidential election.


American Idol winner Ruben Studdard from season number two is busy touring the country this summer. Ruben says his next venture will be a gospel album and he hopes to work with some of his favorites including Fred Hammond.


Percussionist McKinley Williams of Frankie Beverly and Maze remains in intensive care following a heart attack he suffered while on stage at the Essence Music Festival. McKinley was performing with the group when he fell over. Frankie was visibly upset and after a long wait resumed with the show. Frankie has been on a non-stop tour. He’s scheduled to be in Atlantic City on Friday the 16th. Frankie and McKinley have worked together for years and Frankie has taken it very hard. The band is asking that you keep McKinley in your prayers. He is going to be temporarily replaced in the band.


Raz B, formerly of the group B2K needs help! Since the breakup of the group Raz has had various run-ins with the law including a rape charge. A 17-year-old New York City girl claims he raped her. Earlier this year he was caught with drugs and last week he was stopped by police for driving erratically. That’s when cops realized he had numerous warrants out on him. He is not only ruining his career he is ruining his life. Let’s hope he gets help soon

[kiml122]

Speaking of Ruben, I heard that he had to cancel a concert in Michigan or somewhere because the plain he was to take, he couldn't fit in the seat........dude loose some of the weight. Does he see what happened with Luther. Seeing as though I have never seen American Idol, many people are saying that he has gained a lot of weight since his Idol win. He is way to young to be that big.

[Senusret I]

Originally posted by kiml122
Speaking of Ruben, I heard that he had to cancel a concert in Michigan or somewhere because the plain he was to take, he couldn't fit in the seat........dude loose some of the weight. Does he see what happened with Luther. Seeing as though I have never seen American Idol, many people are saying that he has gained a lot of weight since his Idol win. He is way to young to be that big.

Sands I agree, and it does seem like he got bigger.

SPEAKING OF BIG, what's up with Aretha? She is out of control!

[Gyrl7]

Whitney is touring overseas with Dionne Warwick and Natalie Cole, but sources say it was Whitney who had the crowd wild. Bobby was with Whitney and he’s part of her show. He escorts her on and off stage and he dances with her when she sings “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” There’s no word yet on when the tour will come to the states.
______________________________________________

All i'm sayin is that I hope none of them go into relapse!!!

[TheEpitome1920]

Originally posted by Senusret I


SPEAKING OF BIG, what's up with Aretha? She is out of control!

It seems she has always had issues with her weight. I guess I wish she wouldn't stuff herself into tight clothes.

[MeezDiscreet]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
:: Patty Jackson's 411 for the week of July 12th, 2004:

Babyface is working on a new version of the Harold Melvin classic “Wake Up Everybody.” Babyface is gathering a who’s who in the recording industry to help with the project including Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean, Musiq, Floetry and Ashanti.

ASHANTI??!!??!! what.d.hayle???

[kiml122]

Originally posted by Senusret I
SPEAKING OF BIG, what's up with Aretha? She is out of control!

I saw her in some mag, and she really looked BIG. I mean she was covered up for a change, but her face was just HUGE.

[Kimmie1913]

...congrats to Mod Def on a leading actor nod for Something the Loard Has Made. I believe he is the ony actor/ress of color nominiated.

Also, Chapelle's Show and Chris Rock:Never Scared are nominated.

The entire cast of Sex and the City is nominiated this year.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/televis...ees-list_x.htm

[UpPinkies]

Originally posted by Kimmie1913
...congrats to Mod Def on a leading actor nod for Something the Loard Has Made. I believe he is the ony actor/ress of color nominiated.

Also, Chapelle's Show and Chris Rock:Never Scared are nominated.

The entire cast of Sex and the City is nominiated this year.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/televis...ees-list_x.htm

Good, Dave and Chris deserve to WIN.