R&B Legend Ray Charles Part of 2021 Country Music Hall of Fame Class

 

Ray Charles Image Courtesy of CMHOF

Nearly two decades after his death Ray Charles is still receiving new honors and accolades for a brilliant
music career that spanned styles, genres and generations. 

The latest honor for the blind virtuoso, perhaps best known for his piano driven soul music that combined an eclectic mix of jazz, gospel and the bules, comes from the Country Music Hall of Fame which cited his 1962 album “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” as a major reason for the selection.

“With his landmark 1962 album “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music,” the soulful singer and pianist put his own indelible stamp on country songs, broadening the music’s appeal and audience,” read an announcement from the CMHOF. “He made country music a significant part of his repertoire from that point forward, collaborating frequently with country artists, such as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.”

Following its release, the album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and propelled his collaboration with Nelson on “Seven Spanish Angels” to the top of the country charts.

The announcement went on to acknowledge the entertainer, who lost his sight when he was 7-years-old, “overcame barriers of disability and race to transform American popular music, becoming one of the most revered and recognized entertainers in the world.”

Joining Charles in the class of 2021 are mother-daughter duo the Judds, veteran session drummer Eddie Bayers and pedal steel guitarist Pete Drake.

For Charles, who died in 2004 of complications from liver disease at the age of 73, the induction is just the latest in a long line to halls of fame eager to honor his contributions to music. He was already a member of the Rock and Roll, Grammy, Rhythm & Blues, National Black Sports & Entertainment and Georgia Music Halls of Fame. 

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Online Betting the Next Frontier for Billionaire Music Mogul Jay Z

 

Source @michaelrubin / Instagram

A week after Jay Z and his entertainment company Roc Nation joined other new investors to secure $325 million in order for the the e-commerce powerhouse Fanatics to expand its offerings into gaming, ticketing and media, after dominating the sports apparel market — the billionaire music mogul has teamed up with Fanatics founder Michael Rubin to form Fanatics Sportsbook.

“Jay-Z and 76ers’ owner Michael Rubin are applying for a gaming license to form Fanatics Sportsbook, in what would be the newest and latest sportsbook in New York, per source,” ESPN writer Adam Schefter wrote in a tweet on Monday (August 16). “The process is expected to take a few months, but a big business could be growing.”

Jay-Z and 76ers’ owner Michael Rubin are applying for a gaming license to form Fanatics Sportsbook, in what would be the newest and latest sportsbook in New York, per source. The process is expected to take a few months, but a big business could be growing.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 16, 2021

TMZ and several other publications confirmed Schefter's reporting, with the online entertainment magazine stating that according to its sources Jay-Z might be the group's (which also includes sports betting tech company Kambi) secret weapon:

Not only is he the most prominent public figure applying for a license, but he's the only Black applicant. While the other corporations might have Black employees or execs, they aren't the actual licensees... whereas Jay would be.

Even so the competition will be stiff for a betting license with the likes of DraftKings, BetMGM,  FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook and WynnBET, in the mix for what will reportedly be just two licenses granted by the New York State Gaming Commission. The commission had until January 6, 2022, to select the successful bidders.

Success is never guaranteed but the dynamic duo have a winning history working together in business as well as for social causes. In addition to Jay Z's investment into Rubin's Fanatic, which helped push the company's valuation to $18 billion, they are both founding members of the Reform Alliance,  a criminal justice organization whose mission involves "fighting for the justice and dignity of people who are needlessly trapped in the criminal justice system."

Today, we celebrated the signing of our historic probation reform bill in Virginia. Thank you @GovernorVA @DonScott757 @JusticeFwdVa @ACUFforJustice @FaithandFreedom for helping us Give Life Back! @michaelrubin @MeekMill @RobertRooks5 pic.twitter.com/WvVc8ghNAA

— REFORM Alliance (@REFORM) June 10, 2021

Houston Track Star Cameron Burrell Death Ruled Suicide

Cameron Burrell was one of the fastest men in the world, but he couldn’t outrace his personal demons.

Friday the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science confirmed in its report that the former University of Houston sprinter’s death at the age of 26 has been ruled a suicide. It was a sad final chapter to an extraordinary life that was filled with promise, potential and prestige from beginning to end.

Photo Courtesy University of Houston 

“On Monday evening, our family’s hearts were broken with the passing of our son, Cameron, who took his own life,” said Cameron’s father Leroy Burrell in a statement following the revelation. “While much of the world knows Cameron from his accomplishments in competition, he was so much more as a son, a father, a brother and as a man. We love him, and we will miss him forever.”

Cameron followed his father, a gold medalist in the Barcelona Olympics in the 4x100 along with his wife Michelle who was part of the winning women’s 4x100 team, to the University of Houston where the elder Burrell had run in college and has coached for 23 years. 

Under his guidance and that of his godfather, nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, Cameron broke his dad’s school record, set five years before his birth, in the 100 meters by .01 seconds with a time of 9.93 in 2017. He was a three-time All-American at 60 and 100 meters and was twice named All-American as a member of the 4x100 relay team. 

Burrell was also a member of the United States 4x100-meter relay team, helping it earn gold at the World Junior Championships in 2012 and capture silver at the 2019 World Relays. At the 2018 Athletics World Cup he anchored the U.S. relay team to gold. With such a prestigious resume it was hard for his family, friends and supporters to come to terms with his cause of death.

“We may never know why Cameron made such a decision,” Leroy continued, urging people who may be struggling in their lives to reach out for help. “You are not alone, and you are surrounded by more people who love and care for you than you may think in a dark moment.”

Cameron’s aunt Dawn Burrell, who represented the United States in the long jump at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, seconded the emotion adding a passionate plea on Instagram calling in part for people to, “Please check on your strong family members that you view as kings. They might be struggling internally more than you realize.”

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In addition to his parents, Burrell is survived by his brothers, Joshua and Jaden Burrell. For those having struggles with their mental health, The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours at 1-800-273-8255 or you can online chat through the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The American Suicide Prevention Hotline is also available at 888-333-2377.