Blank Page 2011 - The Fayetteville Press Newspaper

Page 6b
The Fayetteville Press
February 2012 Edition
Entertainment Page
Twinkle twinkle, babies. It’s your favorite
“starchild” buzzin’ among the stars with a little
chitterchat…
As much as everyone is ready to keep off a
brand new year — a Leap Year at that – with brand
new plans, January 2012 started out on a somber
note as we lost a few noted legends back to back to
back. Among such musical history who departed us
in January was the undisputed queen of blues, Etta
James, who died at the age of 73. Just prior to
Etta’s passing was the loss of Johnny Otis. The
American bandleader known as the “Godfather of
Rhythm & Blues” who influenced many an artist
back in the day, including the legendary Etta James,
died at the age of 90. I was quite saddened to hear
of the sudden passing of one of my mentors in the
business, Funk/R&B/Jazz legend and leader of the
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Jimmy Castor. Many may
remember him from “Bertha Butt Boogie,” but he
was so much more vital to the industry than most
can imagine. Still performing right up to the point
of his heart surgery in the latter part of 2011, Jimmy
died of heart failure at the age of 64. Sad to also
report the passing of Henry Davis, one of the
founders and legendary bassist for the band L.T.D.
So many legends lost in one month…and wondering who will carry on the legacy?
Speaking of legacy, the legendary Aretha
Franklin has called off her engagement and wedding to Willie Wilkerson, stating: “Will and I have
decided we were moving a little too fast, and there
were a number of things that had not been thought
through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this
time.” Hmmm…maybe “ReRe” was just having a
menopausal moment. Or maybe someone didn’t
want to sign a pre-nupt. Oh well…whatever makes
the Queen happy!
Motown could be getting an overhaul. The
Grammy Award-winning singer (and co-star of the
George Lucas-produced “Red Tails”), Ne-Yo has
moved from Def Jam to Motown Records as the
label’s senior vice president of A&R. And he says
he wants to bring more diversity to Motown — a
label that traditionally has promoted predominantly
Black artists. Hmmmm….no comment. I will let
YOU marinate on that one for a while.
And since we’re on the subject (sort of) of the
THE NEW CLUB INTERNATIONAL
www.iamvaljones.com.
Lucasfilm, “Red Tails,” the movie is getting mixed reviews all across the country. Produced by Stars Wars director George Lucas and directed by Anthony Hemingway from a
screenplay by John Ridley and Aaron McGruder (The Boondocks), the movie is based
on an account of the Tuskegee Airmen, an all-black World War II fighter pilot squad. The
squadron, which was sent to North Africa and Italy to escort white bomber pilots, consisted of some of the best fighter pilots in the Air Corps. Although the effort was applaudable, it seems to fall short of expression the true heroism and story of these phenomenal
heroes. Plus, there are some other things that seriously make you go “hmmmm…typical
Hollywood!” Would love to hear Men On Film’s review of this. (Where is Damon Wayans
and David Alan Grier when you need them?!) Still, for those unfamiliar with the story, it
may be worth seeing. Or you can go to the website and find out about the Tuskegee Airmen yourself at www.tuskegeeairmen.org.
Is it me or is the best campaign for President Obama the Republican party itself?
These nuts are coming out of their crackerjack boxes with more cheap tricks than a bad
circus clown. With folks like Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich and Gov. Jan Brewer, they
make Sarah Palin look like Margaret Thatcher. AND THAT’S SAYING SOMETHING!!
Just remember on election day that nuts are meant to stay in the can with the lids on.
Deez….folks! LOL
Finally, a reminder that your favorite personality and poet is currently performing
my one-woman play entitled “Menopausal Musings Of Val Jones – A Military Brat.”
How does an only child of deceased military parents and a widow of a murdered army vet
survived in a cold cruel world? WITH LOTS OF HUMOR!! Inspiring and hilarious,
come see and hear the story for yourself. For more information, play dates and locations,
go to my website at www.iamvaljones.com. And if you would like to be a sponsor of the
play OR this column, just let me know. Best rates in town! (smile)
That’s it from your favorite poetic “starchild.” Plug into my “Queendom” on Facebook
and Twitter @ iamvaljones. Until the next time we chat, my EYE is on the stars so you can
see what they’re doing. Twinkle twinkle babies!
Val Jones is broadcaster, poet, speaker and force of nature as well as the host of
Soul School Cafe. Find out more at www.iamvaljones.com. Or email her at
iamvaljones@aol.com.
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