By ReveÕ Gipson
Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin recently told CNN News and I quote, ÒIf you didnÕt go on ÒAmerican BandstandÓ you hadnÕt made it yet.Ó Frankie Beverly and Maze had the pleasure of appearing on the popular Saturday morning music show, (see video clip on website) which first aired locally in Philadelphia (The Hometown of Frankie Beverly and Maze) on WIFL ÐTV from 1952 until 1957 and then nationally on ABC-TV from 1957 until 1989. When Dick Clark called, you didnÕt hesitate to answer. Born Richard Wagstaff Clark (We knew him as Dick Clark) he began his broadcast career working at a radio station managed by his father. American Bandstand was the show to watch, with 40 million viewers tuning in to watch the latest in music. James Brown credited Clark for giving him his big break. Janet Jackson said, ÒBy supporting Black Artists, he changed the face of musical televisionÕ. And he did. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Kari and to the entire Clark Family.
A few weeks ago, Maze appeared for one night only in Primm Nevada at the Star Desert Arena. What a night Ð What a show. The night before the concert Ð people were lined up in chairs (they had brought with them) in front of the box office waiting all night for the box office to open the next morning. When the box office opened Ð the line was unbelievably long Ð there were close to six thousand people in the arena and maze was the only act performing. What a show!
According to the Hollywood Reporter, ÒThink Like a ManÓ scored one of the best openings for an African AmericanÐThemed film in debuting at $33million. Adapted from Steve HarveyÕs best-selling book, ÒAct Like A Lady, Think Like A Man.Ó Steve Harvey is on a roll.
At this yearÕs 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards, Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte were honored. Their book ÒMy SongÓ was named ÒOutstanding Literary WorkÓ.
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Congratulations to Jill Scott who was named ÒOutstanding Female ArtistÓ at the same affair.
With a debut album entitled ÒDoo-Wops and HooligansÓ that sold 1.7 million units Bruno Mars has signed an exclusive deal with BMG Chrysalis U.S.
The Whispers and Valerie Simpson (Ashford and Simpson) will be performing at the Beacon Theatre in NYC on MotherÕs Day.
The youngest daughters of Nat King Cole, Timolin and Casey Cole who live in Boca Raton Florida launched ÒNat King Cole Generation Hope Inc.Ó in 2008 after learning of budget cuts in South Florida public schools directly affecting the arts. Created to honor the legacy, music and life of the their father, the organization has benefited nearly 5,000 children and has donated musical instruments and funds to 13 schools and community organizations in Miami Ð Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
Congratulations to BeyonceÕ on being named ÒThe worldÕs most beautiful WomanÓ by People Magazine.
Tyler PerryÕs newest play ÒMadea Gets A JobÓ is really doing well Ð I loved listening to his singers and band do the Frankie Beverly and Maze Classic, ÒBefore I Let goÓ.
Until next time Ð
ÒThe true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no goodÓÉ Samuel L. Jackson
April '12
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