Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Friday, July 26, 2024

Evelyn Thomas, Voice of 1980s Disco Hit 'High Energy,' Dead at 70

Evelyn Thomas and daughter Yaya Diamond, via Wikimedia Commons
Evelyn Thomas, the disco diva whose anthemic hit "High Energy" electrified dance floors worldwide, died on Sunday, July 21, at the age of 70. The cause of death has not been made public.

The news was announced by her longtime collaborator and mentor, Ian Levine, in a  heartfelt post on X (formerly known as Twitter). Levine, who discovered Thomas in 1975, recounted their decades-long musical partnership, which began with her debut single "Weak Spot" and culminated in her chart-topping success with "High Energy" in 1984. He described Thomas as his "lifelong protégé" and lamented her passing, stating, "It is hard for me to accept that my lifelong protégé really has left us. Her music will outlive all of us."

Born Ellen Lucille Simpson in Chicago on Aug. 22, 1953, Thomas's distinctive voice and energetic stage presence quickly propelled her to disco stardom. "High Energy," co-written by Levine and penned specifically for Thomas, became her signature song, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and No. 85 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Thomas and Levine continued their collaboration through the 1980s, releasing albums such as "High Energy" and "Standing at the Crossroads." After a hiatus, they reunited in 2009 to record three more songs. Though estranged for a time, they reconnected shortly before Thomas's death.

In his tribute, Levine revealed that he and co-writer Fiachra Trench had recently penned a new song for Thomas, titled "Inspirational," but her declining health prevented her from recording it.

"Knowing that she was dying, she reached out to me in love," Levine wrote. "Fiachra and I dropped everything to record one last track for her, a wonderful uplifting song called 'Inspirational.'"
Instead, Thomas's daughter, Kimberly, who performs as YaYa Diamond, will record the song as a tribute to her mother.

Kimberly also shared her grief on social media, posting a montage of photos with her mother set to "High Energy." "RIP mommy Ellen Simpson AKA Evelyn Thomas," she wrote, adding, "The legacy that my mother left me is beyond words and the memories are undeniably beyond any monetary value."

Thomas's death marks the loss of a disco icon whose music continues to electrify dance floors worldwide. As Levine poignantly noted, "Her music will outlive all of us."

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Friday, July 19, 2024

Hot Girl Meg Sparks Emergency Power Program for Elderly Amid Texas Outages

Megan Thee Stallion is launching an initiative to provide generators for senior citizens across her native Houston to prepare them for future natural disasters. After Hurricane Beryl recently left 2 million people without power, the rapper decided to take action.

The rapper, whose real name is Megan Pete, is partnering with Bread of Life, Inc. to launch the Emergency Power Program through her Pete and Thomas Foundation. The organizations will provide generators to elderly residents in Houston, granting them the ability to maintain electricity during natural disasters.

"It's been painful to watch the elderly population in Houston suffer without electricity during these devastating storms,” she said in a statement. “That's why we wanted to partner with Bread of Life to take a strategic approach to this problem and secure generators to help protect our senior citizens. We need to do our part to provide our elders with the best resources possible to withstand future emergencies.”

Earlier this week, more than 200,000 CenterPoint Energy customers were still without power, struggling with the heat one week after Hurricane Beryl swept through southeast Texas. CenterPoint Energy, the Houston-area utility, said it has restored power faster than in recent storms and expected full restoration by Friday.

Rudy Rasmus, Executive Director and Founder of Bread of Life, Inc., emphasized the urgency of the initiative.

"We want to expand our support of the most vulnerable people in the city, and Hurricane Beryl, the derecho, and other storms have highlighted that our seniors are in dire need of assistance," Rasmus said. "Through our partnership with Megan Thee Stallion and her Pete and Thomas Foundation, we hope to provide generators to senior personal care homes this hurricane season. Our goal is to provide generators to our most vulnerable seniors ahead of storms or other events that knock out power so there is no interruption in service."

The initiative is timely, as Hurricane Beryl left at least 18 people dead and millions without power for several days. Reliable backup power has become critical for Houston’s most vulnerable residents.

Megan Thee Stallion, a three-time Grammy Award winner, recently released her third album, "Megan," and performed at the BET Awards 2024. She established the Pete and Thomas Foundation in February 2022 to support women, children, senior citizens, and underserved communities.

Recognizing the increasing frequency of severe weather events in Houston, the Pete and Thomas Foundation and Bread of Life, Inc. established the Emergency Power Program to support senior citizens in the short term and provide a long-term solution to protect them from future emergencies and power outages.
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Friday, June 28, 2024

Jewel Brown, Blues and Jazz Legend, Succumbs to Cancer at 86

Jewel Brown, the celebrated jazz singer from Houston who gained fame performing with Louis Armstrong,has died at age 86, her publicist confirmed Wednesday.

Born and raised in Houston's Third Ward, Brown was one of six children. She knew she wanted to sing from an early age, participating in local talent shows and earning her way to a regular gig in Galveston while still a teenager. Her talent soon led to recording singles for Liberty Records in the early 1960s, and she was drawn to Los Angeles to sing with keyboardist Earl Grant's band.

In 1961, while Louis Armstrong was touring in Sierra Leone with his All Stars, his longtime singer Velma Middleton died suddenly. Armstrong offered Brown the opportunity to take Middleton's place. This led to a nearly decade-long collaboration, with the two touring, recording, and performing together until Armstrong's retirement in 1969.




"He was the most fantastic person I've worked with my entire life," Brown said of Armstrong in a 2015 interview with the Houston Chronicle. "It was just a gift from heaven to be able to work with him."

Brown's career began at the tender age of 12, when she performed professionally for the first time at the Manhattan Club in Galveston, Texas. She later turned down an opportunity to tour Europe with Lionel Hampton's band to stay in school. Before joining Armstrong, she headlined at Jack Ruby's nightclub in Dallas, a period she rarely discussed in interviews.

Despite her success, Brown eventually chose to return to Houston in 1969 to care for her parents.
"Baby, I grew up on it all," she told the Houston Chronicle. "I've done country and western, ballads, torch songs, blues, and jazz. They call mea bluesy jazz singer and a jazzy blues singer. Give a song to me. If it's good, I'll do it."

After parting ways with Armstrong, Brown continued to sing but focused on performing locally. Health issues, including scoliosis, osteoporosis, and partial sight loss in one eye, limited her later career, but she remained active in the Houston music scene. In 2007, she was inducted into the Blues Smithsonian Hall of Fame, and in 2015, she was recognized by Congress for her contributions to the arts.

During her hiatus from performing, Brown managed a barbershop with her brother, sold insurance, and worked as a tailor. She eventually returned to performing locally and made a significant comeback, performing at events like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Satchmo Fest.
In recent years, Brown recorded for Dynaflow Records in Austin. She had recently been treated for colon cancer before her death.

Brown’s family expressed their gratitude in a statement sent to ABC13: "It is a special but difficult time for us. We appreciate all the love, the calls, concerns, and acknowledgements that all of you have expressed. We know how much Jewel was loved by many across the globe, in Texas, in Houston, and especially her Third Ward community. We thank you all!"
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Sunday, June 23, 2024

Ambush Claims Life of Jacksonville Rapper Julio Foolio at Tampa Hotel

Charles Jones, also known as Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio. (YouTube)
Florida rapper Julio Foolio was fatally shot early Sunday while celebrating his 26th birthday.

Julio Foolio, whose real name was Charles Jones, had told his 1 million Instagram followers he had "the best birthday ever," before the tragedy.

Jones had been hosting a pool party at a rented Airbnb in the Tampa area Saturday afternoon. The event grew so large that police responded, shutting it down and forcing the guests to leave. Jones and others later moved to a nearby Holiday Inn.

At approximately 4:40 a.m., gunfire erupted in the hotel's parking lot, killing Jones and wounding three other people, according to the Tampa Police Department. The injured victims are in stable condition. The medical examiner's office has not yet confirmed Jones' identity.

Jones' attorney, Lewis Fuso, described the incident as an ambush. "Mr. Jones was reportedly ambushed in the hotel's parking lot," Fuso said in a statement.

Jones was known for his association with the Jacksonville-based gang KTA and had survived previous attempts on his life, including a 2021 shooting in Jacksonville, after which he taunted his attackers on Instagram.

The investigation is ongoing, with Tampa police reviewing surveillance footage from the hotel. No suspects have been arrested as of Sunday afternoon.

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Tuesday, June 18, 2024

From Negro Leagues to Cooperstown: Willie Mays' Extraordinary Journey Ends at 93

White House (Pete Souza) / Maison Blanche (Pete Souza), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Willie Mays, the iconic Hall of Fame center fielder known as the greatest all-around baseball player of all time, died Tuesday, the San Francisco Giants announced. He was 93.

“It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93,” the Giants announced on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Mays, nicknamed “The Say Hey Kid,” had a professional baseball career that spanned four decades, beginning with the Negro Leagues in the late 1940s and ending with the New York Mets in 1973. He spent 21 years with the New York Giants, who would later move to San Francisco.

Born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, Mays was introduced to baseball by his father, Cat Mays, a semi-pro player on several local Black teams. By high school, Mays excelled in several sports and began his professional baseball career in 1948 with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues.

Mays signed with the Giants in 1950 after graduating high school and was called up to the majors in May 1951 after barely a year in the minors. He debuted on May 25, 1951, and hit his first home run against the Boston Braves in his fourth game. He won Rookie of the Year that season, the first of many accolades.

Mays was a true five-tool player, excelling in speed, throwing, fielding, hitting for average, and hitting for power. He had a career triple-slash line of .301/.384/.557, with 660 home runs, 525 doubles, and 338 stolen bases. He led the National League in stolen bases and home runs four times each. Over 24 seasons, he grounded into just 45 double plays.

In May 2021, 10 hits were added to Mays’ career total when Negro League stats were officially integrated into MLB’s historical record. His home run total was not adjusted due to the lack of box scores from those games.

Mays missed most of 1952 and all of 1953 due to military service during the Korean War but returned in 1954 to have the greatest season of his career, hitting .345/.411/.667 with 41 home runs. He won MVP and was selected to the All-Star Game. Mays finished in the top six of MVP voting from 1955 to 1966, winning MVP again in 1965 and coming in second twice. He was selected to the All-Star Game 20 times, winning All-Star MVP in 1963 and 1968, and also won 12 Gold Gloves.

Mays’ most iconic play came in the 1954 World Series, known simply as “The Catch.” In Game 1, he made a stunning over-the-shoulder catch off Vic Wertz's drive and prevented any runners from scoring with a quick throw to second base.

Mays began a slow decline in the late 1960s, though he still posted a National League-best .425 OBP in 1971. The Giants traded him to the Mets in May 1972, and he played his final season in 1973.

After retiring, Mays became the Mets hitting coach until 1979, when he terminated his baseball contract to become a greeter at an Atlantic City hotel and casino. Then-commissioner Bowie Kuhn banned Mays from baseball due to the gambling connection, but he was reinstated in 1985 by Peter Ueberroth, Kuhn’s successor.

The Giants, who retired Mays’ number in 1972, signed him to a lifetime contract in the 1990s, making him a permanent special assistant to the president. He spent years visiting the Giants’ minor-league teams, attending spring training, and making appearances on behalf of the club.

Mays is survived by his son, Michael. His wife, Mae Louise Allen Mays, died in 2013 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mays was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility. Though he wasn’t a unanimous choice, he received 94.68% of the vote.

In 2015, Mays received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Barack Obama.

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Saturday, June 15, 2024

Angela Bofill, Renowned Singer of 'This Time I'll Be Sweeter,' Dies at 70

Angela Bofill, the acclaimed R&B and jazz singer known for hits like "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" and "I Try," died Thursday morning at her daughter's home in Vallejo, California. She was 70.

News of her passing was shared on her personal Facebook account in two separate posts.

"On behalf of my dear friend Angie, I am saddened to announce her passing on the morning of June 13," read the first post. It noted that her funeral will be held at St. Dominick's Church in California on June 28 at 1 p.m.



A follow-up post added, "Just to clear up the confusion. On behalf of Shauna Bofill and her husband, Chris Portuguese, we are saddened but must report that Angela's passing yesterday is indeed true. We thank Melba Moore and Maysa for their early condolences. Thanks for your many posts."

The messages were signed by her friend and manager, Rich Engel.
Bofill, born Angela Tomasa Bofill on May 2, 1954, in the Brooklyn area of New York City to a Cuban father and a Puerto Rican mother, began her professional career in her teens, recording her first studio album, "Angie," in 1978. The album included the chart single "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" and the jazz composition "Under the Moon and Over the Sky." Her second album, "Angel of the Night," released less than a year later, outperformed its predecessor and included hits like "I Try."

Raised in The Bronx, she grew up listening to Latin music and was also inspired by African-American performers. During her childhood, weekends were spent studying classical music and singing in New York City's All City Chorus, which featured the best singers from high schools across the five boroughs.

She attended Hunter College High School, graduating in 1972, and later studied at the Manhattan School of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in 1976.
Bofill faced significant health challenges due to two strokes in 2006 and 2007. She took a five-year hiatus from performing to concentrate on her recovery, making a triumphant return to the stage in 2011.

In a December 2020 interview with Essence magazine, Bofill laughed off rumors of her death that had circulated online months earlier. "Friends calling up, ‘Oh my God, am I talking to the ghost of Angela Bofill?’ Thank God it’s not true," she said.

Reflecting on the tributes that poured in during that time, she expressed gratitude. "You always must welcome love," she said. "I figured, ‘They really like me!’ [I’m just] laughing at it, really. It’s better to have a sense of humor.”
“I feel happy performing again,” she told The Denver Post in 2011. “I need the crowd. It's in my blood to entertain. Any time a crowd comes to see me, I’m surprised. I don't sing anymore, yet people still come. Wow. Impressed.”

In the same interview, Engel recounted Bofill’s career during the 1970s and '80s, highlighting her exceptional vocal range: "She had a rare voice. She could hit low notes and could hit high C. Her pitch was perfect.”

Despite complications from her strokes, Bofill maintained a positive outlook. “But my voice no sing. I'd rather not sing. Awful. It cracks me up! Funny! I laugh about it. But very grateful — still living. Never take things for granted,” she said.

Throughout her career, Bofill released numerous albums and hit singles, including "Something About You," "I'm on Your Side," "Let Me Be the One," and "I Just Wanna Stop." She was one of the first Latina singers to find success in the R&B and jazz markets.

In 2023, Bofill was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, a testament to her enduring influence and contribution to music.
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Wednesday, May 1, 2024

More Than Music: Blige's Strength of a Woman Movement Grows with $100,000 Fund

Mary J. Blige has partnered with Pepsi to empower Yonkers women. Fund grants $100,000 to local organizations supporting education and advancement.

Mary J. Blige, the undisputed Queen of Hip-Hop Soul and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, stands at a crossroads. While whispers of a graceful exit from the music spotlight within the next five to six years have emerged, Blige's unwavering commitment to uplifting Black women continues to burn brightly.

"There's definitely gonna be more acting, and retirement in, like, five or six years," Blige shared in a recent interview with Extra TV. "But for now, I'm still doing what I'm doing, just at a different pace."

Blige's legendary voice may be transitioning to new stages, but her dedication to empowerment takes center stage at the annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. Now in its third year, the event is set for May 10-12 in New York City.



"This festival is more than just music," Blige emphasized. "It's a celebration of resilience, a space for us to share stories, and inspire each other to keep pushing forward."

Workshops, panels, and empowering performances promise to create an unforgettable experience, but Blige isn't content with just conversation. Partnering with Pepsi, she's launching the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund, a $100,000 initiative specifically designed to support underserved women in her hometown of Yonkers, New York.

"Pepsi has been an incredible partner from the start," Blige remarked. "Now, with their support, I can finally come home to Yonkers and give back to the community that nurtured me."

The fund will award grants to local organizations tackling critical issues faced by women, including education, financial stability, and food security.

"Through this fund, we aim to uplift those who are often overlooked," Blige stated. "It's about creating opportunities for them to thrive."
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Monday, April 15, 2024

Iconic Dungeon Family Member Rico Wade Dies at 52

Photo Credit: Instagram/ricowadedf
Rico Wade, a member of the Dungeon Family and an integral part of the legendary Atlanta rap production group Organized Noize, has passed away at the age of 52.

Wade's family confirmed his sudden and unexpected death in a statement released on Saturday afternoon. "We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our son, father, husband, and brother Rico Wade. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a talented individual who touched the lives of so many. We ask that you respect the legacy of our loved one and our privacy at this time," the family wrote.

Recognizing his immense contribution to music, Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family released a joint statement mourning his loss and highlighting his impact. "We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend. Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world."


Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also paid tribute to Wade's legacy, stating, "Rico left an indelible mark on music and culture around the world. Without Rico Wade, the world may have never experienced The Dungeon Family, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Future (his cousin and second generation Dungeon Family member), and many more. Rico's presence will be sorely missed."

As a founding member of Organized Noize, Wade played a vital role in shaping the Southern hip-hop sound, producing hits for Outkast, Goodie Mob, Ludacris, TLC, and more. The Dungeon Family, a collective of Atlanta rap artists with funk and soul influences, was born out of their collaboration.


Fellow Dungeon Family member Killer Mike expressed his profound sense of loss on social media, saying, "I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am praying for your wife and children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into the Dungeon Family, mentorship, friendship, and brotherhood. Idk where I would be without y’all."

The Atlanta City Council also issued a statement honoring Wade's legacy, recognizing him as a "cultural architect" whose contributions to hip-hop and production shaped the sound of generations.
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Monday, March 18, 2024

Dr. Dre Breaks Silence: Shares Strokes Ordeal, Applauds Eminem's Influence

(L-R) Dr. Dre and James Corden appear on SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine with James Corden." (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
In a revealing interview, Dr. Dre opened up about a harrowing health battle, disclosing that he suffered three strokes while hospitalized after a brain aneurysm in 2021. He shared the details recently on SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine with James Corden."

The rapper and producer recalled experiencing intense pain behind his right ear, a potential sign of an aneurysm. Despite initially dismissing the discomfort, his son and a friend urged him to seek immediate medical attention.

"Next thing you know, I'm in and out of consciousness, and I ended up in the ICU for two weeks," Dre said.

The severity of his condition was underscored by the three strokes he endured during his hospitalization. Doctors emphasized his good fortune, saying, "You don't know how lucky you are."

Dre expressed surprise at his diagnosis, noting that he maintains a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a focus on diet. He was later diagnosed with high blood pressure, sometimes called the "silent killer."

During the same interview, Dre also sparked social media debate by declaring Eminem the "best emcee ever." The legendary producer praised Eminem's skills on SiriusXM's "This Life of Mine With James Corden."


"I think he's the best emcee ever," Dre shared. "Point blank, period. Of course, there are going to be arguments about that because he's a white guy. I don't think anyone that's rapping can touch Eminem on that microphone."
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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.
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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.
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Friday, February 9, 2024

R&B Legend Henry Fambrough of The Spinners Dies at 85

Henry Fambrough (second from right) as part of The Spinners in 1954.
Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the iconic R&B group The Spinners, died
peacefully at his home in northern Virginia on Wednesday. He was 85.

Fambrough's passing was confirmed by group spokesperson Tanisha Jackson, who stated he died of natural causes.

The Spinners, known for hits like "It's a Shame," "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" and "The Rubberband Man," were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2023. Fambrough, along with Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, Bobby Smith, Philippé Wynne and John Edwards, were honored as inductees.
The group announced Fambrough's death on their Instagram account, calling him a "founding member of the legendary R&B/Soul vocal group" and praising his "euphonious baritone voice" and captivating stage presence.


Fambrough, an Army veteran known for his signature handlebar mustache, was a key member of The Spinners during their classic hitmaking era, contributing to songs like "Ghetto Child," "I Don't Want To Lose You" and "Just As Long As We Have Love." He was the last surviving member of the group's original lineup, which also included Bobbie Smith, Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson and Philippe Wynne.

The Spinners achieved widespread success, earning numerous accolades throughout their career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and their recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Fambrough is survived by his wife of 52 years, Norma, daughter Heather Williams, son-in-law Ronald, sister Martha, and other extended family and friends.
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Friday, February 2, 2024

Actor and NFL Veteran Carl Weathers Dies at 76

Photo Credit: Luigi Novi, via Wikimedia Commons
Carl Weathers, the renowned actor and former NFL player, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday at the age of 76. His manager, Matt Luber, confirmed the news.

Weathers carved his name in cinematic history with his iconic portrayal of Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" series, alongside Sylvester Stallone. His career, spanning decades, showcased remarkable versatility as he seamlessly transitioned between action-packed roles like "Predator" and "Action Jackson" and comedic performances in "Happy Gilmore" and "Arrested Development."

Weathers' impact extended beyond the big screen. He voiced Combat Carl in the "Toy Story" franchise and lent his comedic talent to the popular series "Arrested Development." Despite his fame, he remained grounded, expressing gratitude for his journey.

Before Hollywood, Weathers played football, excelling at San Diego State University and spending a season with the Oakland Raiders before joining the Canadian Football League. He later earned a B.A. in drama, returning to his passion for acting.

In addition to his acting prowess, Weathers harbored a lesser-known love for music. He released a single, "That's Love Calling," in 1981, showcasing his vocal abilities.

Survived by his two sons, Weathers leaves behind a legacy of captivating performances, diverse talent, and an enduring impact on film and television.
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'Something Wrong is Going On': Family Members Raise Alarm in Wendy Williams Documentary


A bombshell trailer for Lifetime's "Where is Wendy Williams?" sent shockwaves through fans Friday, raising questions about the former talk show host's well-being. Executive-produced by Williams herself, the two-part documentary promises an unfiltered look at her life, career and recent struggles.

The trailer opens with Williams declaring, "From 6 years old, all I wanted was to be famous." It then charts her journey from aspiring radio personality to becoming the beloved "Queen of Daytime" talk TV, captivating audiences for 12 years with her unfiltered opinions and bold persona.

But the tone shifts abruptly as the trailer declares, "At the peak of her career, she was gone." This leaves viewers wondering about the circumstances surrounding her sudden departure from the spotlight.

Williams' deep desire to return to television is revealed. "All I know how to do is be famous," she says, "I really want to be back on television." However, her son casts doubt, stating, "I feel as though she's worked enough… she has people around who are yes people and allowing this to continue."

The trailer delves into the controversial 2022 court decision granting Wells Fargo financial guardianship over Williams amid concerns of exploitation. Williams herself vehemently opposes the arrangement, demanding, "Did you see a neurologist to find out if I'm crazy? Oh my God, no! I have no money, and I'm going to tell you something, if it happens to me, it could happen to you." This raises questions about the guardianship system and its potential consequences.

Worrying scenes depict Williams using a wheelchair and struggling to walk, fueling concerns about her physical health. The trailer also shows individuals confronting her with an empty bottle and expressing concerns about memory loss. These visuals, while lacking context, create a sense of unease and speculation.

However, the trailer also highlights Williams' enduring spirit and the support of her family. "I miss my family. I'll be here no matter how many times somebody may fall down," she states.

"Where is Wendy Williams?" premieres February 24th and 25th on Lifetime, aiming to spark conversations about guardianship, support systems and the challenges faced by public figures. The documentary promises to offer a glimpse into the complexities of fame, family dynamics, and navigating personal struggles in the public eye.

Watch the trailer above.
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Friday, January 19, 2024

Snoop Dogg's Daughter Cori Broadus, 24, Reveals 'Severe Stroke' on Instagram

Snoop Dogg's daughter Cori (left) suffered a 'severe stroke'. Photo Credit: Instagram/@princessbroadus
Snoop Dogg's daughter, Cori Broadus, 24, suffered a severe stroke earlier on Thursday, she revealed in a series of emotional Instagram posts. Broadus, who has battled lupus since she was 6, shared her shock and confusion after learning of the diagnosis.

"I had a severe stroke this am," she wrote, accompanied by a photo of herself in a hospital bed. "I started breaking down crying when they told me."


The young singer, known by her stage name CHOC, further expressed her disbelief in a subsequent post. "Like I'm only 24," she wrote. "What did I do in my past to deserve all of this?"

Broadus' announcement resonated with her 657,000 followers, sparking an outpouring of support. This isn't the first time she's opened up about her health struggles. In 2021, she spoke candidly about battling mental and physical health issues, including a past suicide attempt.

"Just because my dad is who he is doesn't mean I don't get sad," she shared at the time. "I've been sick, I am sick. It's a lot."

Her father, Snoop Dogg, and his wife Shante have been unwavering in their support throughout her health journey. In fact, Cori's decision to switch to a holistic approach to managing her lupus last year stemmed from a desire to reduce her reliance on medication.

"I've had medication since I was 6 years old, depending on these drugs all my life," she explained to People magazine. "So I kind of just went cold turkey."

Her Instagram posts offered no updates on the type of stroke she experienced or her current medical status. However, the outpouring of love and concern online suggests a close-knit community anxiously awaiting further details.
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Sunday, January 14, 2024

Memphis Police Seek Suspect in Targeted Shooting That Killed Yo Gotti's Brother

Photo Credit: bigjookcmg/Instagram
The heartbeat of Memphis' music scene fell silent on Saturday when Anthony 'Big Jook' Mims, brother of renowned rapper Yo Gotti, was ruthlessly targeted and fatally shot outside Perignons Restaurant & Event Center in the home of the blues.

The assailants struck during a repast service at 4:15 p.m., leaving Big Jook and another attendee with gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, Big Jook succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the second victim is fighting for survival in critical condition.

Deputy Chief Paul Wright, addressing the media in a press conference, asserted, "We believe the individual shot was targeted." While investigators work to unravel the details, Wright urged witnesses to step forward, emphasizing the community's pivotal role in this ongoing investigation.

The motive and identity of the assailants remain elusive, but surveillance footage capturing a white Ford Explorer with black wheels and dark tints leaving the scene is now a focal point in the quest for justice.

The news of Big Jook's untimely demise reverberated through the music industry, casting a shadow over Collective Music Group (CMG), where he played a crucial behind-the-scenes role.

CMG artist GloRilla shared a poignant Grammy Awards photo featuring Yo Gotti and Big Jook, captioned simply, 'Get your rest' with a crying emoji."

Labelmate Est Gee penned a touching tribute, posting a photo with Big Jook and recalling their connection: "Kept it real wit me I could never forget," wrote Gee.

Big Jook's final Instagram post, dated Friday, now carries an eerie resonance. A self-portrait is accompanied by a seemingly prophetic caption: "They don't want to face you they wanna snake you. Stay alert 2 stay alive watch your back at all times."

This devastating loss compounds the grief for Yo Gotti and his family, who had already laid another relative to rest earlier that day. The Grammy-nominated rapper's silence speaks volumes about the tragedy's impact, shining a harsh light on the human cost of violence within the artist community.

The Memphis Police Department implores anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 528-CASH (2274) or online at crimestopmem.org.
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