Obamas May Produce Tiger Woods Film Chronicling His Greatest Run in Golf

A film about Tiger Woods’ rise to golf dominance is in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, in talks to produce.

According to Deadline, the movie will be directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who helmed the critically acclaimed King Richard, the biopic about Venus and Serena Williams’ father that won Will Smith an Academy Award. The project will adapt Kevin Cook’s book, “Tiger Slam: The Inside Story of the Greatest Golf Ever Played,” focusing on Woods’ legendary run of four consecutive major championship wins between 2000 and 2001.

While Woods’ career has been marked by both triumph and controversy, the film will steer clear of his personal scandals and legal troubles, instead spotlighting his early dominance in golf. In 1997, Woods became the first Black golfer to win a major tournament, revolutionizing the sport and inspiring a new generation. Three years later, he achieved what became known as the “Tiger Slam,” winning the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, PGA Championship, and the Masters in succession — an accomplishment unmatched in modern golf.

Cook’s book details Woods’ tactical genius, mental discipline, and unrelenting pursuit of perfection, with insights from his caddies, coaches, and competitors.

Should Higher Ground officially join the project, it would mark another high-profile sports venture for the Obamas’ company. Their previous work includes the Netflix basketball documentaries “The Starting Five” and “The Redeem Team,” as well as the civil rights biopic “Rustin.”

Irwin Winkler, the legendary producer behind “Rocky,” “Creed” and “Goodfellas,” is also attached.

Despite injuries threatening his career in recent years, Woods has remained an enduring figure in golf. Last December, he partnered with his 15-year-old son, Charlie Woods, at the PNC Championship, showing glimpses of his old form. He continues to make select tournament appearances, though his latest Achilles injury puts his future in doubt.

The timeline for the film’s release remains unclear, but Amazon MGM has ramped up its theatrical investments, planning 12 to 14 major releases per year starting in 2026.

This biopic will be the latest in a string of Woods-related projects, following HBO’s two-part “Tiger” documentary, which examined both his meteoric rise and the scandals that led to his temporary fall from grace.

D’Wayne Wiggins, Tony! Toni! Toné! Star and Mentor to Destiny’s Child, Dies

HIPINC, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

D’Wayne Wiggins, the founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, whose smooth guitar work and songwriting helped define 1990s R&B, has died at 64 after a private battle with bladder cancer

His family confirmed his passing on Friday in a statement shared on Instagram.

“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,” the statement read. “Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans, and his community.”

Wiggins, a native of Oakland, California, was a guitarist, producer, and mentor whose influence extended far beyond the stage. Best known for leading Tony! Toni! Toné! alongside Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley, he helped create a string of timeless R&B hits, including “Feels Good,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” and “Anniversary.”

The Grammy-nominated trio dominated the late 1980s and early ’90s R&B scene, selling over six million albums and earning multiple gold and platinum records. Their sound blended old-school soul with new jack swing, paving the way for future R&B acts.

 

A Legacy in Music and Mentorship

Beyond his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins was instrumental in shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in music. He founded Grass Roots Entertainment, a West Oakland recording studio where he helped develop Destiny’s Child in their early years. The group, led by Beyoncé, went on to become the best-selling girl group of all time.

 

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Wiggins also mentored Keyshia Cole, providing her with early guidance before she signed with A&M Records. His influence reached artists like Alicia Keys, India Arie, Ludacris, Jody Watley and Too Short, making him a pivotal figure in R&B and hip-hop’s evolution.

His 2000 solo album, "Eyes Never Lie," was released on Motown Records and showcased collaborations with Darius Rucker, Jamie Foxx and Carlos Santana. The album helped shape the neo-soul movement, which bridged traditional R&B with modern influences.

 

A Respected Figure in Entertainment

Wiggins' impact extended beyond music. He served as a bandleader for Comedy Central’s "Weekends at the D.L.", produced the indie film Me & Mrs. Jones, and worked on the Too Short documentary Life Is.

In 2023, Wiggins reunited with Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley for Tony! Toni! Toné!’s Just Me and You Tour, their first tour together in more than 25 years. The reunion was highly anticipated by fans, cementing their legacy as one of R&B’s most beloved groups.

 

Tributes Pour In for Wiggins

Following the news of his passing, fellow artists and musicians paid tribute to Wiggins, recognizing his contributions to music and mentorship.

Sheila E., an Oakland native, shared her sorrow in a heartfelt post.

"Heartbreaking news, my brother D’Wayne Wiggins passed away this morning. He was the most amazing, kind person. He loved life, music, and people. My brother, you will forever be missed. Your music will live forever. Rest in peace, my brother."

Tony! Toni! Toné! was scheduled to perform at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California, on March 22, but the event was canceled in February due to Wiggins’ illness. Another show at Detroit’s Music Hall Center on May 23 was also called off.

For now, his family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but fans and fellow artists continue to celebrate D’Wayne Wiggins’ enduring musical legacy.

Charlie Wilson, Muni Long, and Cedric the Entertainer Lead All-Star Lineup for Soul Beach Music Festival

Charlie Wilson

Charlie Wilson, Muni Long, and Cedric the Entertainer Headline Soul Beach Music Festival’s Triumphant Return to St. Maarten

The Soul Beach Music Festival is set to return to St. Maarten this Memorial Day weekend, bringing an all-star lineup featuring Charlie Wilson, Muni Long, and Cedric the Entertainer. The festival, which first launched on the island 29 years ago, is expected to draw thousands of fans for a weekend of music, comedy, and celebration from May 21-26, 2025.

This year’s headliners bring together a mix of R&B legends, contemporary hitmakers, and comedy greats. Charlie Wilson, whose career spans decades as a solo artist and as the lead singer of The GAP Band, has built a catalog of timeless classics including "You Dropped the Bomb on Me," "Outstanding," and "Burn Rubber on Me." His solo career has been just as impactful, with 13 No. 1 Billboard R&B singles and 13 Grammy nominations, solidifying his status as one of the genre’s most enduring figures.

Muni Long, one of R&B’s brightest stars, continues to build on her Grammy-winning success. Best known for "Hrs & Hrs," which earned her Best R&B Performance at the 2023 Grammy Awards, she has followed up with hits like "Made For Me" and "Slow Grind," cementing her position as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices.

Comedy will also take center stage with Cedric the Entertainer, whose career in stand-up, television, and film spans decades. From his roles in "Barbershop" and "The Original Kings of Comedy" to his starring role in the hit CBS sitcom "The Neighborhood," Cedric remains one of the most in-demand comedians today. Festival organizers say his performance will set the tone for a weekend filled with energy and excitement.

Doug E. Fresh and comedian Chris Spencer will serve as hosts, while DJ Envy, co-host of iHeartMedia’s nationally syndicated "The Breakfast Club," will provide the soundtrack for some of the festival’s biggest events.

The festival’s return to St. Maarten is seen as a significant moment for both music fans and the island itself. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, the island’s Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication, emphasized the event’s broader impact, calling it an important moment for the local economy and tourism industry.

"The return of the Soul Beach Music Festival is a major milestone, bringing together visitors and residents for a safe, vibrant celebration of culture and entertainment," Heyliger-Marten said.

Festival producer Mark Adkins echoed those sentiments, highlighting the festival’s history and its ability to bridge generations.

"Charlie Wilson embodies multi-generational greatness, while Muni Long represents the bright future ahead," Adkins said. "Blending the seasoned with the new creates an enduring and everlasting experience. This year is both a nostalgic tribute to our past and an inspiring glimpse into the future."

With five days of performances, parties, and cultural events, Soul Beach Music Festival continues to be one of the most anticipated experiences for R&B, hip-hop, and comedy fans. Organizers say this year’s festival will blend past traditions with new surprises, offering attendees a chance to witness some of the biggest names in entertainment in an unforgettable setting.

For more information, tickets, and travel details, visit SoulBeach.com.