The exquisite Lena Horne has passed away at the age of 92.
The legendary singer and actress will be remembered not only as one of the most beautiful and poised ladies of the screen but as a trailblazer for African Americans.
Born in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn New York she made her mark on the world.
Christina has always been an artist that's liked to shock audience's. She has gotten lots of grief over it. Here in the phony puritanical America they made such a case with her single 'Dirrty" it stunted it's success. Sometime scandal can invigorate your work & sometime it does just the opposite... just ask Janet Jackson. By the by "Dirrty" went on to be a major song for her abroad while settling for top 40 here. While top 40 beats not charting, it could have & should have done much better. Her new song 'Not Myself Tonight' while getting good reviews in certain music publications has gotten mixed reactions from fans. Some say it doesn't sound 'current' it sounds like '90's disco'. Well surprise,surprise people that's what it's supposed to sound like. Listen to the top ten. It's riddled with a nod to this or that.. think about it... what does 'now' sound like? We don't know because there is no now, everyone is immersed with paying homage to well... you fill in the blank. The word original is basically obsolete. I've gotten used to it. The trick is to see who is talented enough to put their own unique spin on it.
Since the release of Christina's video for 'Not Myself Tonight' there is talk all over the internet that she's copying Lady Gaga. I find this hilarious. And frankly rather impossible. How can you accuse someone of copying a copycat? Hmmm....
All these people that think Gaga is innovative or original or (God help me) breaking some new ground.... wow! If that's your thought process not only are you simply wrong, your 'drinking the Kool Aid' as a good friend of mine says. She is the personification of copycat. It's like watching Grace Jones, Madonna, Kylie, etc,etc,etc....
Gaga wears weird clothing for shock value. In her new video Christina's wardrobe is very fetish, very sexual in keeping with the song topic. She's done shocking before... before Gaga people. If you remember the early 90's & Madonna THERE is where you see a lot of the inspiration for this video. I like it for what it is. I can assure you her next video will be completely different. Her videos are always very conceptual & very different. She is one talented Bitch!
Grace Jones performing for designers Victor & Rolf in Paris March 4, 2010. Just what we need more of here in the states... Grace Jones live performances. We're waiting.....
If you know me, you know I love Miss Ross. I'm very excited at the prospect that Diana's latest projects seemingly are about to see the light of the new decade. Here's a sneek peek at one of the photos leaked from her latest photoshoot. I can't wait!
It shouldn't surprise me but it still does... the negativity that persists in people even in the most dire of times. Reading different blogs and their comments all over the net of how people are angry that the Red Cross and other organizations are lending a hand here in America to Haiti. Their claims that we have hungry and indigent people living right here in our own country & that their focus should be here in America. Further going on to ask people to boycott such organizations. Like I said it shouldn't surprise me, but it does... truth be told it disgusts me. The fact that one human can be aware of such utter tragedy and devastation yet harbor such insensitivity is profoundly troubling to me. Not even to mention the charges that the Red Cross doesn't do due diligence here at home is incorrect, just to have such feelings is a concept I cannot begin to fathom. Whenever such tragedies occur I always wish I had more to give and help out. I my self sent my $10 text and purchased associated music on iTunes to the cause. Imagine the difference it can make if everyone that can afford it made such seemingly small contributions... It's also good to see the 'Stars' come out and support. The concert/telethon spearheaded by George Clooney televised on nearly every major broadcast network was at times difficult to watch but essential. Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Bruce Springsteen & Mary J. Blige were some of the best... most inspiring moments for me.
2009 The year The King of Pop made his final curtain call. Or did he? The exceptionally talented Michael Jackson lost his life and we found out our interest in him had not even slightly began to cease. His catalog flew up the charts, selling more than a lot of the new releases that were currently being released. The movie showcasing his rehearsals for his comeback tour This Is It and it's accompanying soundtrack did the kind of business to solidify the fact that he is indeed the King of Pop. Michael sold millions, but he wasn't the only one. We saw new artist's make their mark as well. Lady GaGa took fun dance music & outlandish costumes (a very 80's concept) with some solid writing and carved out quite the career for herself. Drake a novice rapper... burst on the scene igniting some much needed life into the rap scene. He doesn't even have an album out at the moment yet he's nominated for Grammy's. Speaking of rap.. despite all the hoopla over Eminem's return (and his big numbers out the gate) Jay-Z made the rap song of the year. Jay featuring Alicia Keys has made the kind of rap song that has those usually not interested in rap dancing & singing along. New artist Angel Taylor has made one of the best Pop debut albums in a long, long time. I am totally addicted! Taylor Swift. We can't talk about 2009 and not mention Miss Swift... thanks to Kanye West. She's won several awards (in spite of Kanye), crossed over way beyond the Country charts & sold millions & millions of albums. She is the good-girl answer to Miley Cyrus. Kings Of Leon made an album of very sexy, straight forward rock & roll laced with some down & dirty soul...thus giving us and them the album of their career. And then we have Chris Brown and Rihanna. After all the drama, the apologies, the interviews they release some music. Back to business. Rihanna is the first out the gate. I've always appreciated her since the second CD. She's another one who made good solid dance music. After listening to the latest Rated R.. it nearly makes me forget the former projects. Rated R is such quality, so good it takes Miss Fenty to another level. It has that rare commodity... an album I can put on and not have to program. I can listen to it all the way though. It is easily her best work yet. They say true art comes from diversity.. this is proof positive. Chris Brown has released a couple singles and his full CD is coming out as I write this. I would love to close this out with my singular favorite CD of the year. But it's impossible. I have a tie. Eminem's Relapse & Rihanna's Rated R. Relapse because Eminem continues to put out such quality. That's what it's all about to me. So many were sure after his long hiatus he would not retain his hold on what's current in music and due to his personal problems his work would suffer. Not only has he proved this wrong he did it with a vengeance. And Rihanna as I said made a work of art. Proving she's more than just the flavor of the month.
Two of the sexiest men for the price of one. Is there a better way to start a weekend? A gorgeous Australian Actor and an equally as enticing Model & Actor turned Extreme Makeover Star.
Australian actor Craig Horner. He stars in the television series Legend of the Seeker. Makes me want to take a look at this show I have never even heard of!
AND....
The absolutely gorgeous Rib Hillis. International model and actor who joined the cast of Extreme Makeover in 2007. Now... if he could 'makeover' my place yet remain as part of the decor *sigh* life would be perfect!
