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."

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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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Soul Icon Frankie Beverly Announces 'I Wanna Thank You' Farewell Tour

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Frankie Beverly, a renowned figure in soul music alongside his ensemble Maze, has announced the "I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour," marking the culmination of a five-decade career that significantly impacted the genre.

The tour commences on March 22nd, 2024, at Atlanta's State Farm Arena, a city with deep roots in the band's history. Beverly's musical journey began earlier, with The Butlers and Raw Soul in the 1970s. A pivotal move to San Francisco in 1971, encouraged by the legendary Marvin Gaye, led to the formation of Maze and their subsequent rise to prominence.

Their self-titled debut album in 1976 marked a turning point, paving the way for a string of commercially successful albums that solidified their place in soul music history. Tracks like "Back In Stride," an anthem of perseverance, and the upbeat "Happy Feelin's" became enduring favorites among listeners. Notably, the universally acclaimed "Before I Let Go," with its poignant exploration of love and loss, propelled them to even greater recognition.

Beyond the studio, Maze was celebrated for their electrifying live performances. Beverly's passionate vocals, coupled with the band's tight grooves and energetic stage presence, created a memorable experience for audiences across generations. Their concerts transcended mere entertainment, serving as celebrations of life, love, and community, drawing crowds with their heartfelt messages and undeniable presence.

While this marks the end of an era with Beverly at the helm, the music of Maze lives on. "Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly," led by vocalist Tony Lindsay, will carry the torch forward, ensuring the band's legacy of soulful excellence endures. Fans eager to witness this final chapter can find tour details and information on the official website.

Tour Schedule:
March 22, 2024: State Farm Arena, Atlanta GA
April 6, 2024: Mobile County Fairgrounds, Mobile AL
April 13, 2024: Toyota Arena, Houston TX
April 27, 2024: United Center, Chicago IL
May 12, 2024: KIA Forum, Los Angeles CA
July 6, 2024: Dell Center, Philadelphia PA

Swifties vs. Kanye: Battle for Billboard Supremacy Heats Up

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West and Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

In the ongoing feud between Kanye West and Taylor Swift fans, tensions have reached new heights as West fires back at attempts to thwart his success on the music charts. Swifties, as Taylor Swift's devoted fan base is known, have launched a coordinated effort to boost Beyoncé's new country music in order to block West's latest album, "Vultures 1," from securing the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

The discord surfaced following a declaration of a "Swiftie emergency" on social media, urging fellow fans to stream Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em" to forestall West's album from chart supremacy. This development transpired subsequent to West's Instagram story containing critical remarks about Swift.

Reacting promptly, the 46-year-old West captured a screenshot of the fan's tweet, casting accusations at Swift's fan base for orchestrating chart manipulation tactics to undercut his artistic endeavors.

"When I said that I’m the new Jesus b—ch, I wasn’t even thinking about Taylor Swift," West clarified on Instagram, seeking to elucidate his prior remarks. "That was a whole line before, but I appreciate the free promo."

His message, tinged with defiance, conveyed a nuanced stance towards Swift's fans: "To all Taylor Swift fans, I am not your enemy uuum I'm not your friend either though lol," he remarked.

In a rare moment of candor, West acknowledged grappling with adversities over the past year, including being ostracized by hotels, corporate affiliations and even eateries. Despite these challenges, he underscored the uplifting and triumphant essence of "Vultures 1."

"This album is actually super positive and fun, it's all about triumphant," he emphasized, spotlighting the resilience embedded within the album's thematic framework.

Moreover, West invoked his previous solidarity with Swift during her public dispute with music manager Scooter Braun.

"Remember I was on Taylor's side when Scooter bought her masters behind her back," he reiterated. "She and Beyoncé are big inspirations to all musicians; we always say how both sell out tours and movies."