CHRIS BROWN SIGNS WITH
CREATIVE ARTISTS AGENCY
LOS ANGELES, CA (July 28, 2010) – Chris Brown has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the leading entertainment and sports agency, for representation in all areas. -more-
PBS to Broadcast 'ARETHA FRANKLIN PRESENTS SOUL REWIND'
PITTSBURGH, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- TJL announced today that PBS will broadcast ARETHA FRANKLIN PRESENTS SOUL REWIND throughout the August and September pledge periods. Hosted by the Queen of Soul herself, the special offers an abundance of long-lost archival material that has been recovered from film vaults across the United States, England, Germany and France – yielding a treasure trove of precious and vital footage. -more-
FOUNDER OF EEWMAGAZINE.COM
RELEASES NEW MUSIC
Buffalo, NY (BlackNews.com) -- First things first: Dianna Hobbs is no longer just one of the most successful Christian web publishers in the US as owner of Empowering Everyday Women Online Magazine (EEWMagazine.com), rated #1 in its niche with more than ¼ million readers. She is now a bonafide recording artist with the release of her radio-ready hit, Do What He Said (IndieBuzz Records) available as a $0.99 MP3 download on Amazon.com. -more-
New Orleans Welcomes 400,000 for ESSENCE Music Festival, Continues to Invite Summer Visitors
NEW ORLEANS, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2010 ESSENCE Music Festival brought big summer crowds to New Orleans, selling out hotels and filling area restaurants. In all, more than 400,000 attendees flocked to the Big Easy for the three-day July Fourth weekend festival — a positive sign for a city still fending off negative perceptions of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, 100 miles to the south. -more-
CHICAGO TALK SHOW HOST, GARRARD MCCLENDON PRODUCES FIRST FILM
Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) -- TV talk show host, Garrard McClendon from WGN and CLTV in Chicago, has produced his first film. Director, Mark Spencer and MaSMedia7 Productions will screen the film "Dedicated Man" and four other short films on June 6, 2010, at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street in Chicago, at 7:00 p.m. McClendon is the host of Garrard McClendon LIVE. -more-
Mo’Nique - The “Spread the Love Tour” Interview
with Kam Williams
Mo’Nique collected a basketful of Supporting Actress accolades over the course of the awards season for her gripping portrayal of Mary Jones, the relentlessly-monstrous mother in Precious. The versatile comedienne/actress/talk show host’s powerful performance not only earned her a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, NAACP Image, Sundance Film Festival, BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award, but was recognized as the best of 2010 by most critics’ guilds as well. Still, the icing on the cake arrived no March 7th when the talented sister won a well-deserved Academy Award. -more-
Lenny Kravitz - The “Precious” Interview
with Kam Williams
Lenny Kravitz in Precious
Leonard Albert Kravitz was born in New York City on May 26, 1964 to actress Roxie Roker, and Sy Kravitz, a news producer at NBC-TV. An only child, Lenny was raised on the Upper East Side of Manhattan until the family moved to Los Angeles when his late mother landed the role of Helen on the television sitcom “The Jeffersons.”
He developed a love of music at an early age, playing both drums and guitar by the time he was 5. After dropping out of Beverly Hills High School at the age of 15, Lenny straightened his hair and donned blue contact lenses to create a new persona, Romeo Blue. But he only hit it big after going natural and back to his real name and irises for the release of his debut album, “Let Love Rule.” A 4-time Grammy-winner, Lenny’s hits include “Let Love Rule,” “Fly Away” and “American Woman,” to name a few. -more-
AFRICANANCESTRY.COM POWERS EMMITT SMITH'S AFRICAN ROOTS FOR NBC-TV'S WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) -- You may have heard about NBC's TV show Who Do You Think You Are?, which leads celebrities on a journey back in time as they discover more about the ancestors who came before them. But - did you know that an African-American owned ancestry tracing company - including a leading African-American scientist - is the power behind discovering the African roots of Emmitt Smith as a part of the show? AfricanAncestry.com uncovered Smith's African roots as well as thousands of other stars, athletes, community leaders and African Americans across the U.S. -more-
OSCAR NOMINEE GABOUREY SIDIBE (“PRECIOUS”) MEETS LONG-TIME CRUSH JC CHASEZ AT TAPING OF “AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW”
Gabourey Sidibe (left) and “America’s Best
Dance Crew” judge JC Chasez (right) -more-
OPEN CASTING CALL FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED MALE
CHILD ACTORS FOR NEW PAUL REISER COMEDY
BURBANK, Calif. (March 11, 2010) – Bonanza Productions Inc. announces the launch of an open casting call for physically challenged boys (ages 10–13) who use a wheelchair to play an 11-year-old boy in a new, half-hour comedy pilot created by and starring Paul Reiser (“Mad About You”) for NBC.
The online search launches today at www.tvpilotcastingcall.com and continues through March19, 2010. The pilot will shoot in Los Angeles for roughly one week, beginning April 7. -more-
Wesley Snipes - The “Brooklyn’s Finest” Interview
with Kam Williams
Born in Orlando on July 31, 1962 to Marian, a teacher’s aide, and Wesley, Sr., and an aircraft engineer, Wesley Trent Snipes was raised in the South Bronx, although the family moved back to Florida before he was able to graduate from NYC’s famed, Fiorello La Guardia High School of Music and Art. Still, Wesley went on to study drama in college at SUNY Purchase’s prestigious acting conservatory. -more-
Vivian GreenR&B Sensation Vivian Green to Release Highly Anticipated New Studio Album "Beautiful" on April 6th, 2010
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - February 23, 2010) - R&B singer and songwriter Vivian Green is set to release her long-awaited new album, "Beautiful" on Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 on E1 Music.
The title track, "Beautiful" was #1 most added at Urban AC radio last week with over 32 stations adding the record (beating out Mariah Carey and Chrisette Michelle). The track is just outside the Urban AC top 20 and climbing fast. -more-
Multi-Platinum Super Producer Mannie Fresh Signs
Hometown Duo SoleFresh/Partners with
Bright Riley's Eyecon Music Group
(L-R Mannie Fresh, Leonardo Jonze, Bright Riley, Knoxx St. Peter)
Los Angeles, CA--Tuesday, February, 23, 2010--Mannie Fresh put the South on the map in a big way as the GRAMMY nominated in-house producer for Cash Money Records. His productions have sold over 23 million units and Mannie is stepping up yet again in partnership with Bright Riley, owner of Eyecon Music Group LLC., in keeping the focus on his hometown with the signing of the talented Crescent City tandem known as SoleFresh. -more-
NATIONAL BLACK MARRIAGE DAY 2010:
"CELEBRATE THE JOY"
Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) -- Kiss & Make Up w/Intimate Evenings and Wedded Bliss Foundation, Inc., will present the Eighth Annual Black Marriage Day celebration, Saturday, March 27 - Sunday, March 28, 2010, with the theme "Celebrate The Joy."
Kiss & Make Up w/Intimate Evenings will be among hundreds of activists in cities around the country to highlight the benefits of married life, strengthen and promote marriage in Chicagoland's Black community. Black Marriage Day has been celebrated annually at locally sponsored events hosted by various organizations on the fourth Sunday of March since 2003. Marriage activists in more than 300 cities participated in 2009. -more-
The “Cop Out” Interview
with Kam Williams
Brooklyn-born Tracy Morgan started out in showbiz in his teens, doing standup until he was invited to join Saturday Night Live’s ensemble cast in 1996. During his seven seasons on SNL, the colorful comedian played such memorable characters as Brian Fellows, Astronaut Jones and Woodrow while also doing impersonations of everyone from Al Sharpton to Star Jones to Aretha. Currently, Tracy is co-starring opposite Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin on the Emmy-winning NBC series “30 Rock.” -more-
DJ Khaled Set to Drop Highly-Anticipated New Album, "Victory" on March 2nd, 2010
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - February 1, 2010) - Hip Hop super star DJ, label President and producer DJ KHALED has completed work on his much anticipated new album "VICTORY" which is set for release on We The Best/E1 Music on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010. -more-
NOTED BLACK DIRECTOR CHARLES RANDOLPH-WRIGHT CREATES DAZZLING 75TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF GEORGE GERSHWIN'S PORGY AND BESS
Nationwide (BlackNews.com) -- It is fitting that the historic 75th anniversary tour of Porgy and Bess should kick off during Black History Month as this masterpiece was at the forefront of audience desegregation. In 1935, the original cast refused to go on at the National Theatre in Washington, DC, unless the performers' family and friends could come to see them. Few operas have generated the controversy and acclaim that has surrounded Porgy and Bess, and few have equaled Porgy in affording a stepping stone to fame for black artists. -more-
WARNER BROS. DOMESTIC TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION RENEWS
“THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW” ON THE NBC LOCAL MEDIA
TELEVISION STATIONS IN MULTIYEAR DEAL
BURBANK, Calif. (February 10, 2010) – Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD) has renewed Telepictures Productions’ Emmy® Award–winning talk program “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” for three additional seasons on the owned-and-operated television stations of the NBC Local Media Division. The joint announcement was made today by Ken Werner, President, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, and John Wallace, President, NBC Local Media Division. -more-
ESSENCE Presents a Special 40th Anniversary Commemorative Event During 2010 GRAMMY(R) Week
NEW YORK, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine, ESSENCE will host a reception honoring nine-time GRAMMY-winner Mary J. Blige during 2010 GRAMMY® Week. ESSENCE Black Women in Music is an invitation-only, red-carpet event taking place on Wednesday, January 27, to fete the career and accomplishments of Mary J. Blige as an influential artist, successful entrepreneur and passionate philanthropist. -more-
Filmmaker Donny Armstrong Makes Mark in Hollywood with 'Five.K.One'
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- As the writer, producer and director of "Five.K.One", www.fivekone.com, Armstrong is capturing the attention of many of Hollywood's key players.
Working under major time constraints, solid determination and meticulous persistence, 2008 marked the beginning of a new era for Armstrong with the completion of the film.
Armstrong (for his film/production company Mind Vision Productions) skillfully proved his capacity for cinematic versatility. As he shares, "'Five.K.One' portrays the lives of two friends who operate as drug dealers who have had their run of the streets. Throughout the film they face many trials and tribulations, serious adversity and life altering decisions they may not be able to live with. -more-
The King of Pop Reigns on VH1!!!
VH1 ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE WORLD PREMIERES OF MICHAEL JACKSON'S "THEY DON'T REALLY CARE ABOUT US" MUSIC VIDEO AND 30-MINUTE ORIGINAL SPECIAL, "ALL ACCESS: MAKING 'MICHAEL JACKSON'S THIS IS IT'" "They Don't Really Care About Us" Music Video Premieres on VH1 and VH1.com Tuesday, January 19th at 10pm* "All Access: Making 'Michael Jackson's This is It'" Premieres Saturday, January 23rd at 10pm*
NEW YORK, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 and VH1.com will air the exclusive world premiere of Michael Jackson's "They Don't Really Care About Us" music video on Tuesday, January 19th at 10pm.* On Saturday, January 23rd at 10pm,* VH1 will also exclusively premiere a new 30-minute original special, "All Access: Making 'Michael Jackson's This Is It,'" including never-before-seen footage from the concert rehearsal. -more-
Teddy Pendergrass Dies at 59 from Colon Cancer
Teddy Pendergrass
EXODUS Staff - Soul soul singer Teddy Pendergrass who brought so much emotion and love in his music died after a long illness. Theodore DeReese Pendergrass was born March 26, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Ida Geraldine Epps and Jesse Pendergrass. Jesse didn't play a part in young Pendergrass' life. Jesse was murdered in 1962 when Pendergrass was 12 years old.
Pendergrass went to Thomas Edison High School for Boys in Philadelphia and sang with his high school group, "The Edison Mastersingers". Pendergrass dropped out of high school in the 11th grade to chase his dream and become an entertainer. Pendergrass sang in church most of his life where his raw talent for singing was polished. Pendergrass' singing in church lead to success in the music world.
Pendergrass started his music career playing the drums for the Cadillacs a group that morphed into Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. His emotional singing style moved Pendergrass to lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Shortly after Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes signed with Gamble & Huff on the Philadelphia International Record label in 1972. The Blue Notes became an international success with such hits as "Bad Luck", "Wake Up Everybody", "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and more. -more-
The Ensemble Kicks Off the New Year With "American Menu" by Don Wilson Glenn
HOUSTON, Jan. 11, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensemble Theatre kicks off the third production of its 2009-2010 Majestic Treasures Season with "American Menu" by Texas playwright Don Wilson Glenn, with an opening night and media reception February 4, 2010, 6:30PM at 3535 Main St, Houston, TX 77002. -more-
BET NETWORKS AND CENTRIC KICK OFF 2010 WITH FIVE NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINATIONS
Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) -- Starting the new decade with a bang, BET Networks and CENTRIC snag five nominations for the 41st NAACP Image Awards. The BET AWARDS ‘09 and coverage of the MICHAEL JACKSON MEMORIAL SERVICE (Outstanding Variety), THE MO'NIQUE SHOW (Outstanding Talk Series), THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA, 44th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES special (Outstanding News/ Information), and episodes of CENTRIC original series LEADING WOMEN featuring India.Arie and Dr. Maya Angelou (Outstanding News/ Information) have all been recognized for exceptional programming in 2009. -more-
Jill Scott Preps Two New Films, Marvel Cartoon Series, Intimate Apparel Bra, Album Release and 2010 Lilith Fair Tour
Jill Scott
NEW YORK, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Grammy Award winning singer/actress Jill Scott preps two movies, a cartoon series, a new bra for her Ashley Stewart intimate apparel line, new album The Light Of The Sun as well as main stage inclusion in the upcoming Lilith Fair tour. -more-
BET Assembles Gospel and R&B Music's Brightest Stars for the Tenth Anniversary of 'CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL'
on Sunday, January 10 at 8 p.m.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks makes a joyful noise on Sunday, January 10 at 8:00 p.m.* with the premiere of CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL. -more-
BET AND CENTRIC CELEBRATE AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH AN OUTSTANDING LINEUP OF SPECIALS, ORIGINAL SERIES AND NEW MOVIE PREMIERES
New York, NY (BlackNews.com) -- BET and CENTRIC will pay homage to the remarkable accomplishments of African Americans who have paved the way in music, film and entertainment during Black History Month with a superb lineup of thought-provoking black films and compelling original programming. -more-
WHITNEY HOUSTON'S I LOOK TO YOU DEBUTS AT NO. 1 ACROSS THE GLOBE WHITNEY LAUNCHES OPRAH'S SEASON PREMIERE WITH POWERFUL INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCE ON
SEPTEMBER 14 AND SEPTEMBER 15
Whitney Houston
NEW YORK, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Proving that it was well worth the wait, Whitney Houston's long-awaited album I Look To You debuts at No. 1 on several charts across the world, including the US Top Albums and R&B Album charts, according to Nielsen/Soundscan. With 304,801 units sold within the first week of release in the US, this marks Whitney's biggest first week sales of her career and the best selling first week by a female artist this year! Houston's No. 1 position extends across the globe and claims the top spots in Canada, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. -more-