Showing posts with label Trending. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trending. Show all posts

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Anthony 'Baby Gap' Walker, a Pioneer of Funk Music, Dies at 60

Anthony "Baby Gap" Walker (second from right), a former member of the Gap Band and seen here in a promotional photo for GapX, has passed away at the age of 60. 
Anthony "Baby Gap" Walker, a member of the legendary funk and R&B group the Gap Band, has died at age 60. Walker, who was performing with former Gap Band members in the group GapX, died after complications from recent neck surgery on March 4, his brother, Eric Walker, confirmed.

"The Band will miss our friend, brother, and bandmate Anthony 'Baby Gap' Walker," GapX said in a social media post. "Gone too soon. We will never forget you!!!"


The Gap Band was formed in 1967 by brothers Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson. Walker joined in 1979 as a dancer, choreographer, and performer, and the band soon signed with Mercury Records. The group released a string of hits, including "Oops Up Side Your Head," "Outstanding," "Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)" and "You Dropped a Bomb on Me."

Walker contributed to the band's songwriting, penning tracks such as "Automatic Brain" and "L'il Red Funkin' Hood." Additionally, in 1985, he collaborated with bandmate Billy Young to release the album "Billy & Baby Gap." Walker's career also included collaborations with Rick James, George Clinton and Snoop Dogg.

A memorial service for Walker will be held later this week in his hometown of Chicago.

New Edition, Frankie Beverly to Receive NAACP Image Awards Honors

New Edition
The NAACP and BET have announced that New Edition will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the 55th NAACP Image Awards. This recognition celebrates pioneers in their fields whose influence shapes generations to come. Previous inductees include Eddie Murphy, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Carlos Santana, Little Richard, Sidney Poitier, Earth Wind and Fire and Aretha Franklin.

Additionally, R&B icon Frankie Beverly, frontman of MAZE, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAACP Image Awards Dinner on March 14 in Los Angeles. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to civil and human rights alongside their accomplishments in the entertainment industry.

Frankie Beverly
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement, "It is our distinct honor to celebrate New Edition and Frankie Beverly—musical icons who have shaped our cultural landscape with their remarkable talent and enduring influence. We recognize the power of their artistry in showcasing the enduring excellence of Black artists in the arts."

Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, added, "New Edition and Frankie Beverly’s influence has laid the foundation for modern R&B, shaping the genre's sonic landscape and resonance in numerous ways. We are thrilled to celebrate these musical luminaries, whose melodies are intricately woven into the very fabric of our culture."

New Edition, one of the most successful male singing groups in R&B history, has entertained audiences for over 40 years, selling a cumulative 30 million records worldwide. The group's members, including Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Bell Biv DeVoe, have also enjoyed successful solo careers. Their biopic, "The New Edition Story," garnered critical acclaim and a record-breaking viewership of 29 million unique viewers.

Beverly is a trailblazing artist and prolific songwriter. Known for timeless hits such as "Golden Time of Day" and "Before I Let Go," Beverly's influence extends beyond the stage, making lasting contributions to the cultural landscape.

The award show will air live at 8:00 PM ET/PT on March 16, 2024, on BET and CBS.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Beyoncé Saddles Up, Announces 'Cowboy Carter' Album

Get ready to dust off your boots and embrace a whole new side of Beyoncé as she saddles up for her latest musical adventure with her upcoming country-inspired album, "Cowboy Carter," slated for release on March 29.

The announcement of the album's title came on Tuesday. Previously hinting at a country music project and the next phase of her acclaimed 2022 album "Renaissance," Beyoncé officially revealed it as "Act II: Cowboy Carter" through a subtle update to her Instagram bio and a western-themed image on her Instagram Story.

Photo Credit: Instagram/Beyonce
This highly anticipated album serves as the second installment of Beyoncé’s ambitious “three-act project,” building upon the success of her critically acclaimed "Renaissance" album.

The album's unveiling follows a teaser during a prominent Super Bowl advertisement in February, initially referred to as "Act II." Beyoncé offered fans a taste of her new musical direction with the release of two singles, "Texas Hold ‘Em" and "16 Carriages," both of which quickly soared to the top of the charts.

"Texas Hold ‘Em" made an impressive debut by claiming the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Beyoncé's ninth solo chart-topper. Notably, the song also secured the top position on the Hot Country Songs chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman artist to achieve this milestone, solidifying her influence across genres.

While details about the album remain scarce, country music icon Dolly Parton hinted at a potential collaboration with Beyoncé during a recent interview with Tennessee outlet Knox News. Parton suggested that Beyoncé has recorded her own rendition of Parton's classic hit, "Jolene," expressing her enthusiasm for the collaboration and praising Beyoncé's vocal prowess.

Hip-Hop Mourns Loss of Bo$$: Def Jam's First Female MC Dead at 54

Photo Credit: GoFundMe
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Bo$$ (born Lichelle Laws), the trailblazing female rapper who made history as the first woman signed to Def Jam Recordings. Bun B confirmed her passing at 54 on Monday via Instagram, sharing a heartfelt tribute to the late artist.

"Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Bo$$," he wrote. "One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!"


Bo$$'s influence on the rap scene was undeniable. Fellow icons like Jermaine Dupri, Jadakiss and DJ Premier expressed their condolences and shared memories of working with the Detroit-born legend, whose musical journey began in her hometown before she caught the eye of Def Jam's West Coast division, leading to her groundbreaking debut album, "Born Gangstaz," in 1993.


In recent years, Bo$$ faced significant health challenges, battling kidney disease since 2011. She also suffered a major stroke and seizure in 2017. To support her medical costs, her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a recommended specialized procedure.


Monday, March 11, 2024

Megan Thee Stallion's New Merch Line Supports Women's Well-Being Charities

Planet Fitness x Megan Thee Stallion Crop Top
Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion joins forces with Planet Fitness for "Thee Hottie Drop," a bold merchandise line launched in honor of Women's History Month. This collaboration directly supports Megan's charitable foundations—the Pete & Thomas Foundation and the SeekHer Foundation—dedicated to enhancing women's well-being.

Featuring empowering messages, the collection includes a crop top, sweatpants, and high-rise socks, embodying Megan's commitment to breaking down barriers for women in fitness spaces. "The Hotties loved the last Planet Fitness drop, so we had to run it back with brand new pieces," Megan stated in an announcement touting the release. "But more importantly, I'm proud of the positive impact this collection will bring."

The Houston-born artist, known for her musical prowess, also champions women's empowerment. Her recent hit "Hiss" underscores her influence, complementing her extensive accolades, including three Grammy Awards. Beyond music, Megan leads the Pete & Thomas Foundation, focusing on education, housing and health initiatives for marginalized communities.

Planet Fitness, echoing Megan's advocacy, emphasizes research showing women's struggles with self-care in fitness settings. "We witnessed tremendous demand for the first merch collection launched in collaboration with Megan," said Jamie Medeiros, Chief Brand Officer at Planet Fitness. "Rolling out this new collection to support Megan's foundation and the SeekHer Foundation is a priority for us."

"Thee Hottie Drop" is available at shop.planetfitness.com until March 31st.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Watch: Megan Thee Stallion Channels "Hiss" Energy with Snake Liquor Adventure

Screengrab: TikTok/theestallion
Megan Thee Stallion, the celebrated rapper known for her snake-themed hits like "Hiss," embarked on a daring escapade during her recent visit to Japan. While immersing herself in the local culture, she encountered a fascinating yet unnerving beverage: Habushu, a traditional Okinawan liquor infused with a venomous Habu snake.

Initially taken aback by the unusual sight of the snake coiled inside the bottle, Megan couldn't help but express her astonishment. "What the heck!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Okay, okay. Is this gonna kill me? He's looking at me," she quipped, momentarily unnerved by the serpent's gaze.
@theestallion Lol should I show yall all of the food / drinks ive been trying out in Japan ? 😂 I just haddd to taste this dang snake drink 😂 #japan ♬ original sound - Megan Thee Stallion

Despite her reservations, and perhaps inspired by her own fearless musical persona, Megan decided to brave the experience. She took a cautious sip from a shot glass. Her reaction was immediate, her facial expressions revealing a mix of surprise and slight disgust. "That's tough. That's strong," she remarked. "Knew a snake had a taste that tastes like a snake."

Habushu, known for its potent bite, is made by fermenting a Habu pit viper inside the bottle. This process imbues the liquor with a distinct flavor profile and a high alcohol content.

Megan Thee Stallion's trip to Japan wasn't just for leisure. Known for her love of anime, she recently served as a presenter at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, SZA to Headline Dreamville Festival

J. Cole's Dreamville Festival returns to Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 6-7, with a lineup packed with music industry heavyweights.

R&B stars SZA and Chris Brown headline Saturday's performances, joined by Jeremih, Amaarae, Teezo Touchdown, J.I.D., ScHoolboy Q, Sexyy Red and others.

Sunday's lineup is just as exciting, with J. Cole and Nicki Minaj taking the stage as headliners. Festival-goers can also catch performances by Monica, Muni Long, Chase Shakur, Rema and Jeezy.

Dreamville Festival isn't just about the music. The event also features carnival rides, art installations, a variety of food vendors, and more, creating a weekend celebration of music and community.

This marks the fourth edition of Dreamville Festival, and tickets are selling fast. Limited general admission passes are still available for this two-day music extravaganza.

Full Lineup:
Saturday, April 6
SZA
Chris Brown
J.I.D.
Lil Yachty
ScHoolboy Q
Sexyy Red
Jeremih
EARTHGANG
Teezo Touchdown
Amaarae
Lute
Luh Tyler
Domani

Sunday, April 7
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Rema
Jeezy
Monica
Rae Sremmurd
Key Glock
Bas
Muni Long
Cozz
Omen
TiaCorine

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Kid Cudi Announces 'Insano World Tour'

Kid Cudi, the Grammy Award-winning multiplatinum artist, producer, and actor, announced his "Insano World Tour" on Wednesday. The tour kicks off June 28th in Austin, TX, hitting 25 North American cities before extending to the UK and Europe in February 2025.

He will be joined by an impressive lineup of supporting acts: hip-hop legend Pusha T, multi-hyphenate Jaden Smith, and the dynamic duo EarthGang. The tour boasts stops in several major cities including New York, Toronto, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, concluding its North American leg on August 30th.

Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, March 15th at 10:00 a.m. local time. For more information on the lineup, tickets or tour dates click here.

The tour follows the release of Kid Cudi's ninth studio album, "Insano," which debuted in January 2024. The 21-track album includes collaborations with Travis Scott, Pharrell Williams, and others. 


Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Sinbad Vows Comeback Amidst Health Struggles

Photo Credit: Instagram/Sinbad
Actor and comedian Sinbad, known for his role as Coach Walter Oakes in the hit series "A Different World," is making a determined comeback following his stroke in 2020. In a Instagram post, the 67-year old star expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support he has received during his medical challenges.

The post, shared on his verified Instagram account, captured Sinbad's emotional reaction as he watched footage of his recent virtual appearance alongside fellow cast members from "A Different World." The cast is currently embarked on a 10-city tour of historically Black colleges and universities, starting at the Atlanta University Center, which comprises Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College.


"Thank you for your prayers, support, and positive thoughts. They’ve carried me this far and will see me through to the finish line," Sinbad wrote in the caption, reflecting on the overwhelming encouragement he has received. "It really is a different world out here! #WeGettinThereYall #ADifferentWorld," he added.


The comedian's journey back to the spotlight has been marked by resilience and determination. In October 2020, his family revealed that he had suffered a stroke due to a blood clot traveling to his brain from his heart. Updates on his progress have been shared periodically, with a recent post in November 2022 showing Sinbad learning to walk again.

In his latest Instagram video, Sinbad expressed surprise and gratitude at the students' enthusiastic reception during the virtual tour, marveling at their familiarity with his work despite the decades since "A Different World" first aired. "Thank you to everybody who’s been praying for me and saying good things and supporting me during this time in my life," he expressed, visibly moved by the experience.

The comedian also reassured his fans of his imminent return, promising, "Expect to see more of me soon, and don’t freak out if you turn around and I’m standing right behind you." His optimistic outlook and unwavering determination to overcome obstacles have garnered an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike, with Terry Crews, Wanda Sykes and Judd Apatow among those sending messages of encouragement.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Diddy Implicated in Studio Shooting, Harassment by Producer

Lil Rod (left) amended his lawsuit against Diddy on Monday.
Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs faces mounting accusations in an amended lawsuit filed Monday by Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones, a music producer who collaborated on Combs' recent album. Jones alleges sexual harassment, drugging and threats during their association from September 2022 to November 2023.

The lawsuit also outlines a shooting incident at Los Angeles' Chalice Recording Studio on Sept. 12, 2022, involving Combs, his son Justin, and Justin's friend identified as "G." However, conflicting accounts from the Los Angeles Police Department and Combs' attorney, Shawn Holley, challenge Jones' version. The LAPD asserts the shooting occurred some distance from the studio, while Chalice Recording Studio claims it happened half a block away during a robbery attempt.

Jones disputes these claims, alleging a cover-up. The amended lawsuit includes messages from Chalice and media reports to bolster his narrative. It further alleges a "RICO enterprise" and a "sex trafficking venture," alongside accusations of hidden cameras in Combs' homes used to record celebrities, politicians, and executives without their consent.

Combs' legal team vehemently denies these allegations, labeling them "absurd" and threatening legal reprisal.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Shocking Betrayal: Jam Master Jay Murdered by Childhood Friend and Godson, Jury Finds

Jam Master Jay
Two men were found guilty Tuesday of murdering hip-hop legend Jam Master Jay, ending a nearly two-decade-long pursuit for justice. The verdict brings closure to one of the most baffling cases in music history.

Ronald Washington, Jay’s childhood friend, and Karl Jordan Jr., Jay’s godson, were convicted of murder in the course of narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. The courtroom erupted in chaos as the verdict was announced. Washington, visibly agitated, proclaimed, “Y’all just killed some innocent people. Get me outta here!” before being escorted out. Jordan expressed love and gratitude to his supporters.

The federal jury reached its unanimous decision after days of tense deliberations. A juror was replaced last week, leading to renewed deliberations on Monday.

Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, was fatally shot at a recording studio in Jamaica, Queens, on October 30, 2002. The murder sent shockwaves through the music community, and the case remained unsolved for years.

In August 2020, the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York unveiled a criminal indictment implicating Washington and Jordan. They were accused of killing Jam Master Jay in retaliation for a drug-related dispute.

The trial unveiled gripping testimonies, notably from witness Uriel Rincon, who was present at the recording studio on the fateful night. Rincon implicated Washington and Jordan as armed intruders, alleging that Jordan delivered the fatal shot to Jay's head.

Assistant US Attorney Artie McConnell underscored the trial's essence, stating, “It’s about greed. It’s about money. It’s about jealousy,” emphasizing the culpability of Washington and Jordan in the chilling crime.

In a dramatic twist, defense attorneys contended that Jay Bryant, another defendant, was the actual perpetrator. They argued that Bryant's DNA found at the crime scene and his presence on surveillance footage pointed to his involvement.

“This is an attempt to make a mockery of the judicial system. They know who killed Jam Master Jay. They know it was Jay Bryant,” said Susan Kellman, Washington’s attorney.

With the impending trial of Bryant, who has pleaded not guilty, the case promises to continue unfolding, shedding light on the shadows of one of hip-hop's darkest chapters.

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Wendy Williams Battles Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia

WBLSCC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Representatives for former talk show host Wendy Williams revealed on Thursday that she has been diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, shedding light on her recent health challenges. The announcement aimed to dispel rumors and provide clarity about her condition, which has been the subject of speculation in recent years.

"As Wendy's fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves' Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health," the press release stated.

Williams, known for her candidness about her health struggles, has previously disclosed battles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema. However, concerns arose as she exhibited difficulties processing information, experiencing word loss, erratic behavior and struggles with financial transactions.

"In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)," the press release confirmed.

According to her representatives, Williams received her diagnoses in 2023 from Weill Cornell Medicine. Progressive aphasia affects communication and language comprehension, while frontotemporal dementia impacts behavior and cognitive functions, posing significant challenges in Williams' life.

"The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances," the press release emphasized.

The decision to disclose this information was not taken lightly, with Williams’ care team emphasizing the importance of advocating for understanding and compassion, as well as raising awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. The hope is to combat stigma and misconceptions surrounding these conditions, offering support to others facing similar circumstances.

Currently under a court-ordered guardianship, Williams remains actively involved in her public narrative. A Lifetime documentary, produced by Williams and her family, is scheduled for release this weekend, providing further insight into her journey.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Rapper Kodak Black to be Released From Federal Custody on Time Served

Kodak Black
U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez ruled on Wednesday to release rapper Kodak Black from federal custody, granting him credit for time served after spending approximately two months behind bars. The 26-year-old artist, known for hits like “No Flockin” and “Super Gremlin,” faced legal scrutiny over a probation violation stemming from a guilty plea for failure to report police contact.

The ruling comes in the wake of recent developments in Broward County court, where Circuit Judge Barbara Duffy dismissed a drug possession case against Kodak Black. Attorney Bradford Cohen, representing the rapper, presented evidence of a 2022 oxycodone prescription from a pharmacy, attributing the inconsistencies in court-ordered drug tests to rehab and a warrant.

According to his defense, Kodak Black’s use of oxycodone was a result of pain management following a prison assault in 2020 and a gunshot wound to the leg in 2022, incurred during an incident at a restaurant afterparty hosted by Justin Bieber in California.

Despite his legal battles, Kodak Black remains active in the music scene. His latest music video, “Shampoo,” released on YouTube earlier this week, quickly climbed the charts, ranking in the top 16 globally within days of its release. In the song, the rapper references substance use with lyrics like “I’ve been smoking... I’ve been drinking... whipping up a dope cake.”

This isn't the first time Kodak Black has faced legal challenges. His history includes multiple arrests and convictions dating back several years:

In 2015, he faced charges in Broward County for assault, robbery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, driving with a suspended license and possession of marijuana. He also faced charges in St. Lucie County for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia.

In 2016, he was charged in Florence, South Carolina, for sexual battery, as well as for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and fleeing from law enforcement.

In 2018, he faced charges in Broward for grand theft of a firearm, possession of marijuana, child neglect, two counts of possession of a weapon by a felon and two counts of probation violation.

In 2019, he faced federal weapons charges related to a U.S.-Canada border search and a purchase in Miami-Dade.

In 2022, he was charged in Broward for trespassing in Pompano Beach and a drug possession charge related to a Florida Highway Patrol search.

Kodak Black's legal struggles persisted even after former President Donald Trump commuted his three-year prison sentence in 2021 for federal weapons charges. Despite the setbacks, his music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, reaffirming his status as a prominent figure in the hip-hop community.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Beyonce's 'Texas Hold 'Em' Grabs No. 1 on Country Chart

Beyoncé has made a historical debut on Billboard's streaming, airplay, and sales-based Hot Country Songs chart with her latest singles. The chart, dated February 24, showcases Beyoncé's "Texas Hold ‘Em" at No. 1 and "16 Carriages" at No. 9, marking her first entries on this chart.

These songs, released on February 11, made a splash across various charts, including the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, where they debuted at Nos. 2 and 38, respectively. The announcement of their release came during a Verizon commercial aired during CBS’ Super Bowl LVIII broadcast, building anticipation for Beyoncé's upcoming album, expected to be titled "Act II" and slated for release on March 29, following her 2022 "Renaissance" LP.

"Texas Hold ‘Em" garnered significant attention, drawing 19.2 million official streams, 4.8 million in all-format airplay audience, and selling 39,000 units in the U.S. through February 15, according to Luminate. Meanwhile, "16 Carriages" arrived with 10.3 million streams, 90,000 in radio reach, and 14,000 units sold.

Beyoncé's dominance extends beyond the Hot Country Songs chart. Her reign as a solo artist spans across seven of Billboard’s multimetric song charts, including the Hot 100, Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, Hot Gospel Songs, Hot Latin Songs, Hot R&B Songs, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. This achievement solidifies her status as the only artist to achieve such a feat.

"Texas Hold ‘Em" is the first song by a solo Black female artist to chart on country radio since Micky Guyton's 2016 hit "Heartbreak Song" reached No. 45.

Bing Worthington, Brother of Snoop Dogg, Passes Away at 44

Photo Credit: Instagram/Snoopdogg
Bing Worthington, the younger brother of iconic rapper Snoop Dogg, passed away at the age of 44 on Friday.

Snoop Dogg, 52, whose birth name is Calvin Broadus Jr., shared the heartbreaking news through a series of Instagram tributes, expressing profound grief and reminiscing on cherished moments with his late brother.

In one post, Snoop Dogg shared a photo featuring himself, Worthington, and their nephew Rollin Carter, with a caption adorned with emotive emojis.


Another tribute showcased a video capturing Snoop and Worthington reminiscing amidst family members at a cemetery, evoking memories of shared laughter and camaraderie. "Always made us laugh 💙🙏🏾😢 u bac with moms," Snoop Dogg captioned the post.

Amidst the somber reflections, Snoop Dogg shared a family portrait brimming with smiles and joy, bidding farewell to his brother with a heartfelt message: "Until we meet again ☹️😔😢🙏🏾🕊️."


While the cause of Worthington’s passing remains undisclosed, authorities from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California, confirmed ongoing investigations awaiting the results of toxicology and autopsy reports.

Worthington played a pivotal role in Snoop Dogg’s professional endeavors, contributing to various aspects of his brother's business ventures. From collaborating on the launch of Snoop's skateboard brand to pivotal roles in documentary productions and label mergers, Bing's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication were indispensable.


Worthington served as his brother's tour manager and managed the Snoop Dogg Skateboards brand. He co-founded Dogg Records, a Canadian record label, and served as the executive producer for the documentary Bigg Snoop Dogg: Raw ‘N Uncut Vol. 1, released in 2003.

He also briefly ventured into music himself, manifesting his passion for music in the release of the album Liquid Cocaine with his rap group, Lifestyle.

The family's mourning unfolds amidst other recent hardships, including health challenges faced by Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus, who battles lupus and recently suffered a stroke. These difficulties compound the grief of the passing of their beloved mother, Beverly Tate, in October 2021.

Monday, February 19, 2024

Matriarch of Motown Icons: Etterlene DeBarge Dies at 88

Etterlene DeBarge/Instagram
Etterlene DeBarge, matriarch of the celebrated DeBarge family and a renowned gospel singer in her own right, passed away on Friday, at the age of 88. Her daughter, Etterlene "Bunny" DeBarge, confirmed the news on Instagram with a heartfelt message: "Momma has gone to see her king!"

Born Etterlene Abney in 1935, DeBarge's musical journey began in gospel choirs, where her powerful vocals captivated audiences. Married to Robert DeBarge in 1953, she raised 10 children, fostering a household steeped in music. Seven of their children went on to form the iconic Motown group DeBarge, earning multiple Grammy nominations with hits like "Rhythm of the Night" and "Time Will Reveal."

While never officially joining the group, DeBarge's influence was undeniable. Her son El DeBarge expressed their shared grief, stating, "The Queen of My Heart, my beautiful mama, has gone home to the loving arms of her Savior Jesus." Her unwavering support and guidance played a crucial role in their success.

Yet, DeBarge's musical legacy extended beyond her children. She released two solo gospel albums, "Back on Track" (1991) and "A City Called Heaven" (2005), showcasing her enduring faith and musical passion

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