The passing of Teena Marie 1956 - 2010

Teena Marie aka Marie Christine Brockert has passed away. The Grammy nominated singer and protégée of Rick James was only 54. Apparently she had some recent health issues but as of now the death is due to natural causes. Teena Marie was an honorary Black Person (i.e. she gets a pass). Yeah I said it!! The majority of her fans were black. And when she died blacks on Twitter and Facebook were giving her tributes. Besides what White Woman could deal with Rick James and all his Rick James-ness??? Teena Marie proved that good music transcends race. And if we never learned anything else from her, that was more than enough.

The passing of Ada Mae Riley Adams 1947 - 2010

While I was out of town at Blogging While Brown, a former church member was murdered. I won’t get into all the details but it was a devious act. Mrs. Adams wasn’t famous or rich by our “worldly standards.” She was a good woman with a kind heart. Mrs. Adams treated my wife and I like her own children. She always had a kind word for us and some good Christian advice. Every Christmas she would give us a gift from her employer Lance. For months I would be up to my neck in honey buns and cookies. I also remember her always talking about her grandchildren (she loved those kids!!). How one had a scholarship to college and was doing well in school. Her funeral was yesterday and it wasn’t a sad as I thought it would be. Everybody believes that she is in Heaven and at peace. I did shed some tears but overall I’ll be okay. I’m okay with people “going on to glory.” My problem is when they leave too soon. They say God doesn’t make mistakes but I’m human so sometimes I don’t understand. I will miss her.

In Remembrance of Lena Horne (1917 – 2010)

Before Beyonce and Halle Berry there was Lena. Nothing against those two but even together they couldn’t top Lena Horne on her strongest day. Singer, Dancer, Actress and Civil Rights Activist Lena Horne died on May 9th at the age of 92. It is impossible to talk about her accomplishments in one post because they were numerous. She was the epitome of Superstardom. She is not just a treasure for Blacks in America but for all Americans. She could sing songs from Gershwin to “The Wiz.” MGM studios signed a 7 year contract back in the early 1940s. This made here the first black woman to have a contract of such magnitude. Also the contract was written to where she would never have to play a maid on film. Horne used her status to fight against the racist policies of her day. She demanded that her band stay in quality hotels, and met with White House officials on civil rights issues. Horne even broke the color barrier in marriage by marring a white band conductor in a secret 3 year marriage. Horne lived a unique and colorful life. It was not always a good life but it was an amazing one. She is a pioneer that so many black women in show business owe so much to. May she rest in peace knowing that her legacy lives on.

The Passing of Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal

Keith Elam (aka Guru) died Monday night, after falling into a cancer related coma last month. Guru was known for being ½ of the iconic Hip Hop duo Gang Starr. Gang Starr consisted of Guru rhyming over DJ Premier Beats (classic beats!!). He was also an accomplished solo artist. As a solo artist, he was known for blending hip hop and jazz on the Jazzmatazz Albums. Guru was 43 years old.


Keith Elam, thanks for my personal memories -

The Moment of Truth
Hard to Earn
Daily Operation
Step in the Arena
Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr
Jazzmatazz vol. 1 and 2


I remember pre-Freshmen summer orientation at my undergrad. My homeboy was playing “Dwyck” the whole time. He had the “Horny Horn” Remix that you rarely hear people play. That song was a classic. In my humble opinion, Guru had the best verse out of all the MC’s on that song. They don’t make Hip Hop like they use to. If I drank, I would pour out some liquor for this dude. I don’t so instead I’ll poor out some Gatorade.

The Passing of Robert Culp

Robert Culp died Wednesday near his Hollywood Hills home, he was 79. Culp was an actor in television shows including “Trackdown” (1957 to 1959), “I Spy” (1965 to 1968) and my favorite “The Greatest American Hero” (1981 – 1983). I Spy was ground breaking for its time because it broke down racial barriers. It was a show about Spies that involved an “EQUAL” relationship between a black and white man. BTW - the other star of the series was a comedian by the name of Bill Cosby. Back in the mid to late 60’s it was a turbulent time in our nation regarding race. Culp could have easily said no to a shared billing with a black man. Instead of being a hater, Culp grew to have a great professional and personal relationship with Cosby. I personally enjoyed watching him act because he was a versatile actor. Whether it was comedy, drama or action he always did his thing. He will truly be missed.

In Remembrance Of

Rose Died!!!!! Alaina Reed Hall has passed away. The stage and screen actress has been performing since the mid 70’s. She played the character Olivia on the children’s show Sesame Street. But her best known character was Rose Holloway from the television show 227. Hall was 63 years old.

The passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

The last survivor of the Kennedy Dynasty has passed away after a year-long struggle with brain cancer. He was 77. We know that he has had some issues over the years with his reputation. We also know that he has tried to do good by being the hardest working lawmaker in the history of the Senate. I won’t judge him on what he did and did not do. The line for that is starting around the block already. I doubt he will get what Michael Jackson got so that is a good thing. I just wish he was able to see healthcare reformed before he left this earth.

The Michael Jackson Memorial - Commentary from Citizen Wifey & Citizen Diva

Citizen Ojo is at work today and since I am on an unpaid furlough this week, he asked me to post about the memorial service. Thanks to her sidekick, TV Emmy Winning Producer Citizen Diva, for helping with the post.

After a lot of media coverage and past celebrity funerals, you go in expecting one thing and getting another. Citizen Diva, thought we would unfortunately see a circus. Thank God, it was anything but.

“We sold everything we had in our house to get here.” From a woman who traveled with her family for three days on a bus to Los Angeles from Greensboro, N.C. She did not have tickets to the memorial.

From Wifey and Diva: Sistah girl, are you for real? It’s not that deep and please give Janet back her Poetic Justice hairstyle – braids and the baby hair. In honor of Michael, you should have rocked the Jheri curl.

Pre-memorial
• Citizen Diva: CNN has been covering all angles of Michael Jackson, which is what BET should have been doing. BET is probably going to be showing “Baby Boy” while the service is going on.
• Note to Jessie Jackson and family – we are not at the club, stop posing for pictures.
• Why did they use that photo of Michael on the screen in the Staples Center prior to the service? He looks like a clown.

During memorial
• Casket comes in with the Andrae Crouch singers performing, “Soon and very soon we’re going to see the King.” We known now the King of Pop is gone!
• Citizen Diva: Smokey Robinson clearly sings better than he speaks.
• Citizen Wifey: Cynthia McFadden said that she has never seen 16K people who are so quiet and respectful.
• Citizen Wifey: Citizen Diva, they need you in the production booth utilizing your Emmy-winning skills. We are waiting too long to get started!
• 1:36pm – we are getting started. Michael’s casket is entering the building.
• Citizen Diva: Jermaine got his hair fried, dyed and laid to the side.
• Citizen Diva: Mariah Carey is dressed inappropriately as always and where is Whitney Houston? She is probably sitting up in the house saying, they betta do the same for me or Bobby, the King of R&B.
• Citizen Wifey: Mariah does not sound good and Citizen Diva said, we did not ask for the remix.
• Citizen Wifey: Queen Latifah read an excellent poem by Maya Angelou titled, “We Had Him.”
• Lionel Richie did a good job singing “Jesus is Love.”
• From both: Berry Gordy did a good job. We did not know that the Jackson’s are the only group in history to have the first four songs to go #1. Gordy said that Michael Jackson is “The greatest entertainer that ever lived.”
• Citizen Diva: Video montage is excellent. Represents the man, his art and humanitarian work.
• Citizen Wifey: I think I am going to cry. Stevie did an excellent opening and is singing my song, “Never thought you’d leave in Summer” and “They won’t go when I’d go.”
• From both: Kobe and Magic, good job.
• From both: Jennifer Hudson did good and yes, you are clearly preggers. Congrats.
• Citizen Wifey: Your daddy was not strange, he dealt with some strange things. Amen Rev. Al! Keep it real!
• Citizen Diva: Where are the folks in Gary, Indiana? At a BBQ? They look like they are grubbin’! Note: Citizen Diva is watching CNN with shots across the US, as Citizen Wifey is watching ABC.
• Citizen Wifey: John Mayer, my boy, is doing “Human Nature” on the guitar! Love him!
• Citizen Wifey: Brooke Shields, good job. I almost made me cry in the end.
• From both: Good job Jermaine, Rev. Bernice and Martin Luther III and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (basically sending a message to NY Congressman Peter King); Usher and Sheehan, you betta sing it!
• Citizen Wifey: Heal the world – I’m crying. It’s just now hitting me that MJ is gone.
• Leave him alone! That’s right Marlon. I forgot there was a twin brother that passed away.
• Paris, very moving.

In closing, this was a very respectful and dignified memorial. No foolery, coonery, album promotion, etc. May Michael Jackson rest in peace. As L.A. Reid said, "Turn down the chatter and turn up the music!"

R.I.P. Steve McNair 1973 – 2009

I know everyone knows of Steve L. McNair aka Air McNair as an NFL Quarterback. But before the pro game, he was a legendary college Quarterback at Alcorn State. His stats were off the charts (hence the sports illustrated cover above). Yes he will be remembered for his 2003 NFL Most Valuable Player Award (co honors with Peyton Manning) and his three-time Pro Bowl appearances (2000, 2003, 2005). But I will remember him for following his heart and attending an HBCU because they would let him play Quarterback. I will remember him graduating (yes actually getting a college degree) with 14,496 career passing yards, 119 touchdowns and 16,823 career yards of total offense. I will remember him finishing 3rd in votes for the Heisman Trophy. And I will remember him winning the Walter Payton Award. He was before his time even back then.

Thank you and may you finally be at peace

The voice of late night (Ed McMahon), the actress/bombshell (Farrah Fawcett) and the greatest entertainer of all time (Michael Jackson) passed away this week.

I think the biggest shock to everyone was Michael Jackson. He was only 50 years-old. I thank him for giving us timeless music that generations will enjoy. May he finally be at peace and rid of all of the name calling and judging. Thank you Michael.

-Citizen Wifey

The passing of Dr. John Hope Franklin

My Fraternity Brother, Dr. John Hope Franklin has passed. As one of America’s preiminent historians, he increased the nation’s understanding and knowledge of African Americans in its history. He was currently professor emeritus of history at Duke University. He was a major principal in the Brown vs. Board of Education case. He also was the author of From Slavery to Freedom which was published in 1947. To this day the book, through updates, has sold more than 3 million copies. After 62 years since the book was published, the information provided in print is still relevant. He also was a trailblazer in the education field. He was the first black department chair at Brooklyn College; the first black professor to hold an endowed chair at Duke; and the first black president of the American Historical Association. He also has received more than 130 honorary degrees, the NAACP Spingarn Award, the Charles Frankel Prize, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He died of congestive heart failure this morning in Durham, North Carolina. Brother Franklin was 94 years of age.

The passing of actor Ricardo Montalban

Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor died in his Beverly Hills home Wednesday. He was 88. Mr. Roarke has left the building. May you rest in peace on Fantasy Island......

What we didn't leave behind in 2008

Happy New Year!!!!

The Passing of Rudy Ray Moore

Legendary Comedian and Actor Rudy Ray Moore, better known as Dolemite, died yesterday in Akron, Ohio. He was 81. Moore, known for his "blue" comedy, was in such films as Dolemite, The Human Tornado, Petey Wheatstraw - The Devil's son-in-law, Monkey Hustle and Disco Godfather. Over Moore's career, he also made several comedy albums.

The passing of Paul Newman

Paul Newman died Friday at his home near Westport, Conn., after a lengthy battle with cancer, he was 83. Newman also was an actor, philanthropist, talented director of theatrical and television movies including The Silver Chalice (1954), The Hustler (1962), Cool Hand Luke (1967), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds (1972), The Verdict (1982), The Color of Money (1987), The Glass Menagerie (1987), The Road to Perdition (2002), Empire Falls (2005) and Cars (2006).

I enjoyed watching his acting skills - especially in Cool Hand Luke. I think he was a top notch actor and a credit to his profession.

The Passing of Don Haskins

Coach Don Haskins died on 9/7/2008 in El Paso Texas of congestive heart failure. He was 78. He is known for becoming the first coach in 1966, to start five African-American players in an NCAA tournament championship game while coaching Texas Western, now Texas-El Paso.

Coach,

Thanks for giving a brother a chance. That's all we really want. An Opportunity.

Citizen Ojo,

The passing of musician LeRoi Holloway Moore

I know this happened earlier in the week but it still hasn't sunk in. This is the second person from my hometown that has passed recently. Rest In Peace Homeboy......

The passing of actor Julius J. Carry III

Know to many as the character Sho'nuff the “Shogun of Harlem” in Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon.

Sho’Nuff: Am I the meanest?

Gang: Sho’Nuff!

Sho’Nuff: Am I the prettiest?

Gang: Sho’Nuff!

Sho’Nuff: Am I the baddest mo-fo, low-down, around this town?

Gang: Sho’Nuff!

Sho’Nuff: Well, who am I?

Gang: Sho’Nuff!

Sho’Nuff: Who am I?

Gang: Sho’Nuff!

Sho’Nuff: I can’t hear you!

Gang: Sho’Nuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The passing of musician, producer, arranger, singer-songwriter, and actor Isaac Lee Hayes

"The new generation of popular musicians, could use a little more substance like we had in the day." "They're standing on our shoulders. Some of them don't realize [it] because they sample me so much."

~ Isaac Hayes

The passing of actor and comedian Bernard Jeffrey McCollough

"This is a very sad day for many of us who knew and loved Bernie. He brought so much joy to so many. He will be missed, but heaven just got funnier."

~Don Cheadle