Jesse Powell was an R&B and soul singer and songwriter. He was known for one of my favorite hits “You”. Everyone loved that song. Jesse was credited with a four-octave vocal range. He was A Grammy nominee. Here are some of his songs:
· You
· I will be loving you
· If I
· I wasn’t with it
· She wasn’t Last night
· All I Need
· Is it Over
· Spend the Night
Jesse’s songs always seem to be on billboards. He had that voice, he kind of reminds you of a Tevin Campbell. It was so sad when I heard he passed away at a young age. I loved his music. I have been praying for everyone. We have had a lot of deaths in the last couple of years. We never know what people are going through. Jesse will forever be around us through his music.
What was your favorite song by Jesse Powell? What was the most memorable moment you’ve had of him? Make sure to follow me @Cece.Atl
Minnie Riperton was a singer-songwriter best known for her song “Loving You” and the use of the whistle register. She was known to the media as the “Queen of the Whistle Register”. Minnie wrote songs with her husband, Richard Rudolph. She was very unique and had an unforgettable voice. Here are some of her songs:
· Lovin You
· Les Fleur
· Hit the Road Jack
· Memory Lane
· Inside My Love
· Amen
· Lady Jane
Did you know that Minnie studied music, drama and dance at the city’s Abraham Lincoln Center and later contemplated a career in Opera? Minnie was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Female R&B vocal performance. Minnie was one of the first celebrities to go public about her breast cancer diagnosis. She shared her story and was a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. She touched so many people all over the world, it was sad when she got sick. Her are some of my favorite quotes by her:
· “Your wealth can be stolen, but the precious riches buried deep in your soul cannot”
· “Loving you is easy cause you’re beautiful, hers was a gift of love, a miracle of life, for all the world to see and hear forever”
· “Lovin’ you has made my life so beautiful and every day of my life is filled with lovin’ you. Lovin’ you I see your soul come shining through and every time that we ooooh I’m more in love with you”
Minnie will always be remembered for her voice. What was your favorite song by her? What was the memorable moment you had with her? Make sure to follow me, Cece.Atl
Eartha Kitt was a singer, actress, dancer, comedian, activist, author and songwriter. When I think of Eartha Kitt I always think of Boomerang and her being Catwoman. Did you know she had 6 songs on the top 30 hits? Here are some of her songs:
· Santa Baby
· Snuff out the Light
· I Love Men
· C’est Si Bon
· Where is My Man
· I Want to be Evil
She did her thing on Broadway. She also earned two Daytime Emmy Awards. You can’t find too many that can do it all. She could sing, dance, write and act. Here are some of films that she was in:
St Louis Blues
Anna Lucasta
Boomerang
Fatas Instinct
Batman
The Wild Party
She gave her presents with us for a long time and she left us with great films and music for us to remember her by. We have so much talent in this world. We definitely have to keep our memories of all the great talents we have lost. I think I may go watch Boomerang today. I love that movie. What were some of your great memories you’ve had of Eartha Kitt? What was your favorite film or song? Make sure to follow me @Cece.Atl
Natalie Cole was a singer, songwriter, and actress. She was the daughter of singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole. She won nine Grammy Awards from 21 nominations. She sold over 30 million records worldwide. Some of her songs are:
· This Will Be
· Unforgetable
· Miss you like Crazy
· Starting Over Again
· Our Love
· This Will Be
· Unforgettable…with Love
· Inseparable
Did you know that Natalie Cole pledged the Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. A lot of people always talked about how pretty her eyes were. She was a great singer following in her father’s footsteps. She had hard times and turned to drugs. As always, we have to pray for others. We never know what people are going through. Thankful for the memories and her music that she left with us.
Here are some of my favorite quotes by her:
“Life is such a gift, I just say thank you all day”
“I think that I am a walking testimony to you can have scars”
“It’s hard to be in the shadow of a Beyonce”
“I know that God has had my back, even when I was screwing up”
Let me know what your most memorable moments are about Natalie Cole. What was your favorite song by her? She also has a couple of books about her life. I haven’t had a chance to read it but if you have, how did you like it? Make sure to follow me @Cece.atl
Dorothy Dandridge was an actress, singer, and dancer. She is the first African American film star to be nominated for the Academy Award for best actress, which was for her performances in Carmen Jones. Did you know that Dorothy was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Porgy and Bess. She was also recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here are some of the films she was in:
· Porgy and Bess
· Tamango
· Carmen Jones
· Atlantic City
· Sundown
· Lady From Louisiana
Dorothy Dandridge also was a singer and was a very beautiful woman. She sang at venues such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo. When she was young her and her sister toured the United States and they were called “The Wonder Children” later they were renamed “The Dandridge Sisters. Here are some of my favorite quotes by her:
· “Somehow, people just like to look at me”
· “If one person in a thousand criticized me while all the others cheered, I didn’t hear the cheers”
· “I can’t play a slave”
I am a bookworm, but I haven’t had a chance to read any of her books. If you are a fan, check out some of her books and let me know what you think. It’s so sad that so many entertainers overdose and have so many addictions, depression and demons. We have lost so many legends. Thankful for great memories and the impact they left with us. Halle Berry played Dorothy Dandridge and did a wonderful job.
Tell me what your greatest memory of Dorothy Dandridge is. What was your favorite film and song? If you have read any of her books, please recommend them to me so I can check it out. Also make sure to follow me @Cece.Atl.
When we talk about Michael Jackson, we talk about a legend that meant so much to the world through his music. Michael Jackson started out young. He and his brothers had the group Jackson 5. I loved the song “Never Can Say Goodbye” , one of my favorites. Michael Jackson was a singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. He was definitely the “King of Pop”. Michael Jackson was the king of dancing and he can put on a great performance. He loved to dance. He came up with dances like moonwalk and the robot. He is the most awarded musician in history. Some of my favorite songs of his are:
· Billie Jean
· Beat it
· Bad
· We are the World
· Thriller
· Wanna Be Startin Somethin’
· Heal the World
· Man in the Mirror
· Remember the Time
There are so many songs that I can name but those were some of my favorites. Did you know that Michael made an appearance on the United States Negro College Fund’s “Parade of Stars” telethon airing on U.S. television and radio networks, to help raise money to aid 41 historically Black colleges and universities. He also received an award from the UNFC and an honorary doctorate from Fisk University. Check out some of the books he has and let me know how they are. I know it is going to be good because it’s Michael Jackson. Here are some of the films he was in:
· The Wiz
· Moonwalker
· Bad
· Captain EO
· This Is It
· Michael Jackson Number Ones
· Michael Jackson Ghosts
· Thriller
Michael Jackson had two pet llamas on his ranch, Lola and Louis, now that’s a fun fact you probably didn’t know. The album Thriller was number one on the Billboard Chart for 37 weeks. Michael won 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for the album Thriller. Here are some of my favorite quotes by him:
· “In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope”
· “Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons”
· “We have to heal our wounded world”
· “If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with”
· “No matter what, the most powerful thing in the world is the human mind, and prayer, and belief in yourself and confidence and perseverance. No matter how many times you do it, you do it again, until it’s right. And always believe in yourself”
Michael Jackson empowered so many people in the world. He was different and very musical. Tell me your most memorable moment of Michael Jackson. What was your favorite song? What did you learn from him? Also, If you checked out any of his books let me know how you liked it? Follow me @cece.atl
When we talk about Prince we talk about a legend that meant so much to the world through his music. Prince was everything: he was a singer, songwriter, musician, producer and more. His style was different and so smooth. Prince sold over 100 million records and some of his awards included Grammy President’s Merit award. The American Music award for Achievement, The Billboard Icon award, Academy award, Golden Globe award, and many more. He was also inducted twice into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. Some of my favorite songs by him are:
· Purple Rain
· When Doves Cry
· The Most Beautiful Girl in the World
· Raspberry Beret
· Little Red Corvette
· Kiss
· I Wanna Be Your Lover
Prince Movie Purple Rain was a classic that was one of the biggest films that no one could ever forget. The soundtrack for the film was also big. It’s another feeling and zone when you hear “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry”. Prince has a couple of books out. I did get a chance to read two which I learned more about his journey and Life. Did you know Prince first recorded instrumental titled “The Dawn” a thematic idea that would resurface in his work for decades. The meaning behind “The Dawn” is “A Time of Greater Consciousness and Spiritual Understanding”. Prince was a beast on that guitar.
Just watching some of his shows and going back he puts on a show. He was a genius when it came to music. He wrote music for so many people and played instruments like no other. He empowered so many people to own their uniqueness, shaping the more diverse, and accepting you for who you are. It’s so much we can say about Prince but one thing is his music speaks volumes and will forever live within us. Here are some of my favorite quotes by him:
· “Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah. Everything is beautiful”
· “A strong spirit transcends rules”
· “Art is about building a new foundation, not just laying something on top of what’s already there”
· “To create something from nothing is one of the greatest feelings, and I would -I don’t know, I wish it upon everybody. It’s heaven”
I can’t forget the Prince Estate; it presents Prince’s life and work. You have to look it up and get a view of what was inside. It’s worth millions. There’s so much to say about Prince and what he meant to us. He touched all of us through his music and he is one that will never be forgotten. We never know what people go through and as I said before let’s pray for one another. We have lost so many legends through addictions, depression, and the demons that live within them that they can’t fight off. Thankful for great memories and the great music he left within us. We have to continue to teach our generation what real music is.
Tell me what your favorite memory of Prince is. What was your favorite song by him? Did you check out his books? What did you think about his fashion? Comment and let me know also follow me @Cece. Atl.
Naomi Judd was an actress and singer. She and her daughter Wynonna formed the duo known as the Judd’s which became very successful. They won five Grammys and nine Country Music Association awards. Did you know she was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 1990 and cured eight years later. One of her highlights in life that she spoke on was when former president George H.W. Bush asked her to introduce him at his rallies during his campaign for re-election. Here are some of her songs:
· Change of Heart
· Let Me Tell You About Love
· Cadillac Red
· Grandpa
· Mama He’s Crazy
· Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain
Naomi also wrote a book “River of Time” that talks about depression and more. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet but it is on my list. If you read it already let me know how you liked it. It was sad when she passed away. Depression and mental health are real. We never know what someone is going through. We have to pray for everyone. Even though she went through anxiety, depression and more. She always was doing things in the community to speak on it to maybe help others going through the same thing. Here are some of my favorite quotes by her:
· “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better”
· “Service is the work of the soul. I believe we are here to grow in wisdom and love and to be of service”
· “Often the best therapy is being able to talk about what you’re going through, out loud, with a group of people who understand and support each other’s efforts to be well”
· “My motto became, Acknowledge. Allow, accept”
Tell me what your greatest memories are of Naomi? What was your favorite song? Have you read her book? Make sure to check on friends and family going through depression and hard times in life. Also make sure to follow me @Cece.Atl
