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(Journalist) STEVEN IVORY: From Rags to Rick James

by NewsRoom/1Nation.com

STEVEN IVORY: From Rags to Rick James

STEVEN IVORY: From Rags to Rick James
(Aug. 10, 2004) "Hey, man, I just heard James Fox died."
Curt is not the hippest cat I know. But when he reached me on my cell with the news, I was afraid of whom he meant. Minutes later, a more informed source confirmed what I didn't want to believe.

Seeking someone with whom to commiserate, on a stoplight I lowered my car window and told the man in the Jeep that Rick James had died. He just looked at me and shrugged. I guess you had to be there, back in the day.

And I was.

I first met Rick James in 1978. I was a fledgling music reporter looking to cover the Next Big Thing, and the glib, good-natured Rick, a low-budget gonna-be in a worn leather waist coat, dirty jeans and an economy braid job, confidently insisted he was it. Our camaraderie was instant.

As disco and funk fought for domination of the airwaves in 1978, Rick's "You and I," the first single from "Come Get It," cleverly covered both bases by rigging the track with a catchy disco intro that gave way to an infectious R&B groove. The record reached #13 on the national charts, effectively putting the pertinacious Rick--originally signed and dropped by Motown back in 1968 with a rock/soul outfit called the Mynah Birds that included rocker Neil Young (no record was released)--in the big time.

He then produced tracks on a young white girl my roommate, photographer Bobby Holland, was dating, named Teena Marie. Teena, no doubt weary of our grilled cheese sandwiches, graciously bought us pots and pans. Contracted as a staff writer for Jobete, Motown's music publishing arm and a label artist, Teena's dream was to be produced by Smokey Robinson. However, Bobby casually suggested to Teena's manager that maybe Rick could do it. We watched him produce her "Wild And Peaceful" album at Marvin Gaye's Hollywood studio.

I was unaccustomed to how fast things happen in the entertainment business, and found Rick's rags to riches metamorphosis remarkable. Six months after the release of "Come Get It," Rick and his Stone City Band was living in a rented Villa in the hills--where Motown celebrated the album's "gold" status with a big party hosted by their gregarious new star, sporting a smoking jacket and cigarette holder.

From then on, Rick lived like a rock star. His new braids blew in the wind as he cruised Sunset Blvd in a Rolls Royce Corniche. If he was hitting Carlos n' Charlie's or the Roxy that night, he'd mention it to everyone he knew. By the appointed time, his entourage might have swelled to 10 or 15, all of us trying to sit near Rick.

Publicly, Rick was the brash, audacious rebel. However, it was the sensitive and subdued Rick who privately felt that, despite his success, he never got the respect deserved by a musician, writer and producer who made hit music for himself as well as the Temptations, his girl group the Mary Jane Girls, Smokey Robinson and Chaka Khan, even Eddie Murphy.

It made Rick fume to be routinely ignored by MTV (which in 1983 played Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" video only after CBS Records threatened to pull the clips of all its other artists, and only after the song had gone to #1 on the charts. Ironically, Jackson would revolutionize the music video medium altogether, which the music channel profited from greatly) and snubbed by Prince, who, as Rick's opening act on a 1980 tour, refused to socialize with Rick's camp. A couple of years later, Prince, while attending a Rick James show in Los Angeles, to the amusement of the crowd, repeatedly paraded through the audience on the back of bodyguard "Big" Chick, threatening to upstage the Mary Jane Girls' set.

I didn't see Rick much after he left Motown in the late '80s. Indeed, few were around for Rick's dark years, ruled by drugs and alcohol.

However, since his release from prison, I'd rooted for Rick from afar--admired the tenacity with which he sought to rebuild his career. Rick prided himself on being the real deal, even if ailing health prevented him from being the showman he once was.

The saddest thing--that at the time of his death he was touring again with Teena; that he'd finished a new album and written his memoirs; was immortalized in a hilarious send-up by comedian Dave Chappelle and that a movie of his life story is on the drawing board--is also the greatest thing. Hopefully, before he left here, Rick finally found certain satisfaction basking in the proud, RESPECTED shadow that is Rick James the legend.




Posted on Aug 11, 2004, 8:48 PM

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Steve!

by

Please get in touch with me.
Connie from the BusBoys

Posted on Aug 18, 2004, 11:54 PM

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RIck James piece by Steve Ivory

by

Steve,

I thought the piece you wrote on Rick was from the heart, and being a fellow writer, I take my hat off to you. Great job.

"Bad" Brad Berkwitt
Editor/Owner in Chief Ringside Report.com

Posted on Aug 19, 2004, 2:27 PM

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Thanks Steven Ivory for the article.

by

I just want to thank you for a well written and informed article about Rick James.
Thanks

Jerry Cobb

Posted on Sep 5, 2004, 8:00 AM

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BRC's This Week In Black Rock, 9/1-10 ..

by TFSnewsRoom/BlackRockCoalition.org

BRC's This Week In Black Rock, 9/1-10

The Black Rock Coalition Presents...

THIS WEEK IN BLACK ROCK SEPTEMBER 1-10)

Welcome to all the new people who signed up to join the BRC e-mail list. This
is your prime location to find out what's going on with the BRC and things
related to Black rock in all of its forms.

As always, the good people at the multi-national corporate conglomerate known
as America Online have graciously asked my infinitesimal Black behind to
remind you, if you wish NOT to be a member of the BRC weekly e-mails, simply reply
to info@blackrockcoalition.org with the word "unsubscribe." WE ADAMANTLY
DISCOURAGE SPAM, BUT… we won't get mad if you choose to forward this list, but only
if it's to parties with genuine interest in BRC activities. Please ask
permission first!

REMINDER: The deadline for getting listings in This Week In Black Rock is
every Tuesday at noon. T.W.I.B.R. gets sent out Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
E-mail listings to: BRCMembersInfo@aol.com.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE INCLUDE SHOW TIMES, ADMISSION PRICES AND CONTACT
INFORMATION! (And if you're playing outside the New York metropolitan area, please
include city and state).

DO NOT SEND ANONYMOUS/UNIDENTIFIABLE ATTACHMENTS! THEY WILL BE DELETED
UNOPENED!

TWIBR HAS ADS, CLASSIFIEDS AND ARTIST LINKS! For info about taking out ads in
TWIBR, contact Darrell McNeill at BRCMembersInfo@aol.com.

Darrell M. McNeill
BRC Director of Operations
___________________________________________________

A brief public service announcement by the director of operations for the
Black Rock Coalition…

GET YOUR ASS OUT AND VOTE!
IF YOU’RE NOT REGISTERED,
REGISTER!
IF YOU CAN’T BE IN YOUR STATE COME ELECTION TIME, VOTE ABSENTEE!
MAKE SURE YOUR PEEPS VOTE, TOO!

Remember the nearly 10,000 Black votes that were illegally tossed out in
Florida in 2000!
For more info about registering, log on at: http://www.moveon.org.

I can’t tell you who to vote for.
Vote for Ren & Stimpy for all I care.
Just vote, and make it a vote for someone you believe in!

(I’ll beating this into your heads until Election Day…
Thanks for your kind indulgence.)
__________________________________________________

The BRC welcomes Alien Red to the ranks of BRC member bands!
They will be playing at The Tap Bar of The Knitting Factory,
Wednesday, September 8 (See details below).
__________________________________________________

BRC HEAT

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING
BRC LATE NITE @ JOE’S PUB

"The in place for outcasts…"

LAST NIGHT WAS THE JUMPOFF!
NOW WE GETS BUSY!

The next BRC Late Nite @ Joe’s Pub is
Wednesday, October 6.
The curator:

VERNON REID

Featuring: a) Yohimbe Brothers CD launch party
b) Preview screenings of "Afropunk," "Electric Purgatory" and select Vernon
Reid animated shorts
c) Book launch for Maureen Mahon’s "Right to Rock,"
a history of the Black Rock Coalition

WHEN: 11PM-4AM; HOW MUCH: $7 ($5 for BRC Members)
WHERE: 425 Lafayette Street (near Astor Place)
INFO: http://www.blackrockcoalition.org, (212) 713-5097,
http://joespub.com or (212) 539-8778
___________________________________________________

BRC-NY GENERAL MEETING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 3PM

• Meet the officers
• Meet your peers
• Find out what’s happening
• Tell us how we’re doing
• Get ¡$%&#@ off your chest

WHERE: Musician’s Local 802
322 West 48th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenue)
INFO: http://www.blackrockcoalition.org, (212) 713-5097

____________________________________________________

HIGHLIGHTS

• DAVID RYAN HARRIS launches a month-long Saturday residence on 9/4 at Little
Temple, Los Angeles, CA
• BERNIE WORRELL & WOO WARRIORS tour the Southeast, continuing tonight at
Funk Box, Baltimore, MD, 9/2
• PRINCE tour winds down its final leg on 9/11, starting tomorrow night, 9/3
at ARCO Arena, Sacramento, CA
• P-FUNK launches a national tour tomorrow at The Vault, Long Beach, CA, 9/3
• TACKHEAD launches US tour at a New York, NY show at The Bowery Ballroom, 9/7
• Coming in two weeks, the BK NEW MUSIC FEST, 9/16-19
• BEN HARPER tours election swing states in October

______________________________________________________________________________
_______

CALENDAR DATES

Highlighted items indicate BRC artists, bands and/or events

(TONIGHT) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Bernie Worrell & WOO Warriors at Funk Box, Baltimore, MD
(on tour through 9/4)
Opening for The Funky Meters

WHAT: Keyboard wizard and P-Funk co-founder tours his band along the
Southeast. WHEN: 7PM door/8PM show. HOW MUCH: $30 advance. INFO: (410) 625-2000 or
thefunkbox.com. WHERE: 1o East Cross Street. ARTIST SITE: http://www.bernieworrell.com.

The Dirtbombs at Le LR/Le Ramier, Toulouse, France (on tour in Europe through
9/18)

INFO: www.thedirtbombs.net.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Jazz Passengers at Joe’s Pub, NYC
Special Appearances by Elvis Costello & Maroon

WHAT: New York downtown jazz experimentists. Special benefit performance for
"Jazz Against The War." WHEN: 7PM. HOW MUCH: $18. INFO: (212) 539-8778 or
joespub.com. WHERE: 425 Lafayette Street, East Village. ARTIST SITE:
http://www.jazzpassengers.com.

Abbey Lincoln at The Blue Note, NYC (through 9/5)

WHAT: Composer and cultural standard bearer returns to The Blue Note. HOW
MUCH: $35 tables/$20 bar. WHEN: Two sets at 8PM and 10PM. INFO: (212) 475-8592 or
bluenotejazz.com. WHERE: 131 West Third Street between Sixth Avenue and
MacDougal, Greenwich Village.

Norah Jones at Tommy Hilfiger Theater at Jones Beach, Wantagh, NY (on tour
through 11/4)

WHAT: New York pop-jazz chanteuse continues national tour. HOW MUCH: $28-$58,
depending on seating. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (516) 221-1000. WHERE: Jones Beach.
ARTIST SITE: http://www.norahjones.com.

Malene Younglao at Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY

WHAT: Philly rock spitfire. HOW MUCH: $6. WHEN: Noon. INFO: (718) 638-5000 or
brooklynmuseum.org. WHERE: 200 Eastern Parkway at Washington Avenue, Crown
Heights/Parkside Heights. ARTIST SITE: http://www.younglao.com.

Tanglewood Jazz Festival at Boston Symphony Orchestra, Lenox, MA (through 9/5)
Featuring Branford Marsalis, Oscar Brown Jr., Savion Glover & Jimmy Slyde,
Eddie Palmieri and others

WHAT: Three-day outdoor festival featuring leading figures in jazz. HOW MUCH:
$26-$38, depending on seating/show. WHEN: Noon to 8PM each day (CHECK WEBSITE
FOR SCHEDULE). INFO: (413) 637-1600 or http://bso.org WHERE: 297 West Street.

Prince at ARCO Arena, Sacramento, CA (on tour through 9/11)

WHAT: Minneapolis Pied Piper continues tour. HOW MUCH: $47.75-$75, depending
on seating. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (916) 928-6900. WHERE: One Sports Parkway. ARTIST
SITE: http://www.npgmusicclub.com.

Parliament-Funkadelic at Vault 350, Long Beach, CA (on tour through 10/2)

WHAT: George Clinton funk-rock menagerie hits the road again. HOW MUCH: $40
advance/$45 door. WHEN: 7PM doors/8PM show. INFO: (562) 590-5566 or
vault350.com. WHERE: 350 Pine Avenue.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Alouine Guisse at Satalla, NYC (through 9/5)

WHAT: Senagalese traditional music fused with hip-hop. HOW MUCH: $20. WHEN:
10PM. INFO: (212) 576-1155 or satalla.com. WHERE: 131 West Third Street between
Sixth Avenue and MacDougal, Greenwich Village.

Maya Azucena at Cavanaugh's River Deck, Philadelphia, PA
Part of the Independent Music Conference 2004 showcases

WHAT: New York pop-jazz chanteuse continues national tour. HOW MUCH: CONTACT
VENUE. WHEN: 8:30PM. INFO: cavanaughsriverdeck.com or (215) 629-7400. WHERE:
417 North Columbus Boulevard. ARTIST SITE: http://www.mayaazucena.com.

Norah Jones at Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA (on tour through 11/4)

WHAT: New York pop-jazz chanteuse continues national tour. HOW MUCH: $28-$58,
depending on seating. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (215) 546-7900 or manncenter.org.
WHERE: 52nd and Parkside. ARTIST SITE: http://www.norahjones.com.

Bernie Worrell & WOO Warriors at Hookahville, Kirkersville, OH
(EARLY)

WHAT: Keyboard wizard/P-Funk co-founder and band perform at jam band
festival. WHEN: FESTIVAL STARTS FRIDAY, 9/3 - CHECK WEBSITE SCHEDULE. HOW MUCH:
$55-$85, depending on date schedule (CHECK WEBSITE). INFO: hookahville.com. WHERE:
Frontier Ranch, just off I-70 in Pataskala, OH (20 miles east of Columbus).
ARTIST SITE: http://www.bernieworrell.com.

Bernie Worrell & WOO Warriors at The Dame, Lexington, KY (LATE)

WHAT: Keyboard wizard and P-Funk co-founder tours his band along the
Southeast. WHEN: 9PM. HOW MUCH: $12 advance/$15 door. INFO: (859) 226-9005 or
dameky.com. WHERE: 156 West Main Street. ARTIST SITE: http://www.bernieworrell.com.

Prince at Save Mart Center, Fresno, CA (on tour through 9/11)

WHAT: Minneapolis Pied Piper continues tour. HOW MUCH: $38-$61, depending on
seating. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (559) 347-3400. WHERE: 2650 East Shaw Avenue. ARTIST
SITE: http://www.npgmusicclub.com.

Parliament-Funkadelic at Copley Hall, San Diego, CA - CANCELLED-CONTACT
VENUE! (on tour through 10/2)

David Ryan Harris at Little Temple, Los Angeles, CA

WHAT: Former Follow for Now frontman does a September Saturday residence at
Little Temple. WHEN/HOW MUCH: CONTACT VENUE. INFO: (323) 660-4540. WHERE: 4159
Santa Monica Boulevard at Virgil Avenue. ARTIST SITE: http://www.davidryanharris.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Norah Jones at PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ (on tour through 11/4)

WHAT: New York pop-jazz chanteuse continues national tour. HOW MUCH: $28-$58,
depending on seating. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (732) 203-2500. WHERE: Exit 116,
Garden State Parkway. ARTIST SITE: http://www.norahjones.com.

Nadir-Distorted Soul at "Art, Beats And Eats" (Motor City Casino), Pontiac,
MI

WHAT: Detroit Afrocentric rock/soul powerhouse. HOW MUCH: FREE. WHEN: 7PM.
INFO: (248) 334-4600 or artsbeatseats.com. WHERE: Downtown Pontiac. ARTIST SITE:
http://www.distortedsoul.com.

Prince at Cox Arena, San Diego, CA (on tour through 9/11)

WHAT: Minneapolis Pied Piper continues tour. HOW MUCH: $53-$82, depending on
seating. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (303) 405-1111. WHERE: San Diego State University.
ARTIST SITE: http://www.npgmusicclub.com.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 (LABOR DAY)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Tack Head at Bowery Ballroom, NYC

WHAT: Proto-rock/funk/electronic fusion quintet reunites. WHEN: 8PM doors/9PM
show. HOW MUCH: $20. INFO: boweryballroom.com or (212) 533-2111. WHERE: 6
Delancey Street just off Bowery. ARTIST SITE: http://www.tackhead.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Alien Red at Knitting Factory (The Tap Bar), NYC
Also The Ergs and The Don’t Stop

WHAT: Philly alt-rockers touch down in NYC. WHEN: 8PM. HOW MUCH: $8
advance/$10 door. INFO: knittingfactory.com or (212) 219-3132. WHERE: 74 Leonard
Street, between Broadway and Church Street, Tribeca.

Robin André/Chinahblac at S.O.B.’s, NYC

WHAT: Proto alt-pop/soul singer songwriter hits S.O.B.'s. Badu protege shares
bill. WHEN: 7:30PM doors/9PM show. HOW MUCH: CONTACT VENUE. INFO: (212)
243-4940 or sobs.com. WHERE: 204 Varick Street at West Houston, Soho.

Tack Head at Black Cat, Washington, DC

WHAT: Proto-rock/funk/electronic fusion quintet reunites. WHEN: 8PM. HOW
MUCH: $18 advance/$20 door. INFO: blackcatdc.com or (202) 667-7960. WHERE: 1811
14th Street NW. ARTIST SITE: http://www.tackhead.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Keziah Jones at S.O.B.’s, NYC
Also No Exit and Wumni
(Dub As A Weapon is off the date)

WHAT: Nigerian singer/songwriter by way of the UK returns to the states with
soulful pop. WHEN: 9PM doors/10PM show. HOW MUCH: $12. INFO: (212) 243-4940 or
sobs.com. WHERE: 204 Varick Street at West Houston, Soho. ARTIST SITE:
http://www.keziahjones.com.

Malene Younglao at The Clef Club, Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Philly rock spitfire. HOW MUCH: CONTACT VENUE. WHEN: 9PM. INFO: (215)
893-9912 or clefclubofjazz.8m.com. WHERE: 736-38 South Broad Street. ARTIST
SITE: http://www.younglao.com.

Prince at Oakland Arena, Oakland, CA (on tour through 9/11)

WHAT: Minneapolis Pied Piper continues tour. HOW MUCH: $70-$285, depending on
seating and ticket outlet (CONTACT ARENA DIRECTLY FOR PRICE COMPARISONS).
WHEN: 7PM. INFO: (510) 569-2121. WHERE: 7000 Coliseum Way. ARTIST SITE:
http://www.npgmusicclub.com.

Tack Head at Lee's Palace, Toronto, ONT, CANADA

INFO: http://www.tackhead.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Tack Head at The Abbey Pub, Chicago, IL

WHAT: Proto-rock/funk/electronic fusion quintet reunites. WHEN: 9PM
doors/10PM show. HOW MUCH: $20 advance. INFO: (773) 539-6118 or abbeypub.com. WHERE:
3420 West Grace at Elston. ARTIST SITE: http://www.tackhead.org.

Prince at HP Pavilion, San Jose, CA (through 9/11)

WHAT: Minneapolis Pied Piper continues tour. HOW MUCH: $45.50-$75, depending
on seating. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (303) 405-1111. WHERE: 1000 Chopper Circle.
ARTIST SITE: http://www.npgmusicclub.com.

_______________________________________________________________

UPCOMING DATES

DAPHNE RUBIN-VEGA AT JOE’S PUB, NYC, 9/12

MALENE YOUNGLAO AT THE KHYBER BAR, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 9/12

MATTHEW SHIPP QUARTET AT THE BLUE NOTE, NYC, 9/13

BASS EXTREMES AT IRIDIUM, NYC, 9/14-19
Featuring Victor Wooten, Oteil Burbridge and Dereck Bailey

TACK HEAD AT CASBAH, SAN DIEGO, CA, 9/14

SALIF KEITA AT SPIRIT, NYC, 9/15

FELICIA COLLINS/SQUARE EGG/TARREY TORAE/BIG BROOKLYN RED AT SUITE 16, NYC,
9/15

TACK HEAD AT THE ECHO, LOS ANGELES, CA, 9/15

BK NEW MUSIC FEST (VARYING LOCATIONS), BROOKLYN, NY, 9/16-19
Featuring Chocolate Genius, Shrine for the Black Madonna, Jungli,
Tamar-kali,
Suffrajett, G*A*M*E Rebellion, Maya Azucena, Stiffed, Morley, Manchildblack,

Moisturizer and others

TACK HEAD AT THE INDEPENDENT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 9/16

SHELLEY NICOLE’S BLAKBÜSHE AT THE BLUE NOTE, NYC, 9/18

CHOCOLATE GENIUS AT MAKOR, NYC, 9/18

CLARANCE CLEMONS & THE TEMPLE OF SOUL AT B.B. KING’S, NYC, 9/18

KELLI SAE AT THE BLUE NOTE, NYC, 9/20

TOOTS & THE MAYTALS AT SPIRIT, NYC, 9/22

DARLENE LOVE AT JOE’S PUB, NYC, 9/22

KING’S X AT THE SANCTUARY, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 9/22 (on tour through 11/5)

"THE VOCAL WARS" BEATBOX/MC BATTLE AT BOWERY BALLROOM, NYC, 9/25

MALENE YOUNGLAO AT CLUB 5, WASHINGTON, DC, 9/25

CARRIE TAYLOR AT CBGB’S GALLERY, NYC, 9/27

ZAP MAMA AT IRVING PLAZA, NYC, 9/28

JOHN BUTLER TRIO AT JOE’S PUB, NYC, 9/30
___________________________________________________

CONTACT:

Here's how you can reach us here at the B.R.C.:

SNAIL MAIL: Black Rock Coalition
P.O. Box 1054
Cooper Station
NYC, NY 10276
WEBSITE: http://www.blackrockcoalition.org
HOTLINE: (212) 713-5097
TO E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR T.W.I.B.R.: BRCMembersInfo@aol.com

That's it 'til next week.

Peace,
D.Mc.

Posted on Sep 3, 2004, 6:20 PM

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Alicia Keys Travels World With Piano, Pen

by TFSnewsRoom/AP

Alicia Keys Travels World With Piano, Pen ..


By JAKE COYLE, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - Alicia Keys is working on a new film, proofreading her poems for publication and writing travel stories for a newspaper. Oh yeah, and her second album "The Diary of Alicia Keys" recently topped 3 million in sales.



AP Photo



She continues to impress audiences long after the runaway success of her debut "Songs in A Minor."


At Sunday's MTV Music Video Awards, she even had Lenny Kravitz (news) on his knees.


Kravitz displayed his admiration after Keys won her first moonman for best R&B video for "If I Ain't Got You." She then wowed the Miami crowd with a soulful rendition of the song, as well as a rousing, funkified performance of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" with Kravitz and Wonder himself.


But when Keys doesn't have rock stars at her feet, Keys forges her affection for writing.


"I just love the pen and the paper," the 23-year-old singer-pianist says in an interview with The Associated Press. "I like to document what I've seen and what I feel."


She's writing travel reports every few weeks and has already filed three articles for the New York Daily News. (Her upcoming travels included an Asian tour and a concert on the Great Wall of China.)


The five-time Grammy winner thinks she can see things through the average person's eyes: "I mean, I live a very normal life despite whatever anybody may believe. I'm a very low-key person."


Michelle Leifer, a Daily News travel editor, agrees: "She brings a good perspective. She's not jaded and is very youthful. She's seeing a lot of things for the first time."


This fall, Keys will release a book of poetry and next year will publish the nonmusical "Diary of Alicia Keys" — a collection of the singer's personal journal entries since she was 9.


"Very personal and very scary," Keys says of the diary.


Still, she finds strength in the writings of her youth: "To be able to read back on my thoughts remind me of what I feel now, and who I want to be — who I don't want to be."


Keys will also act in her first movie in a Halle Berry (news)-produced biopic about piano prodigy Philippa Schuyler, a biracial woman who encountered racism in her classical piano playing during the 1950s and '60s. Like Schuyler, Keys' mother is white and her father black.


"I've always said I don't want to play a pianist, I don't want to play a singer. But I feel like this story is so powerful and perfect. It always happens like that," she says.


Of course, Keys is still an R&B singer too. She recently finished shooting a music video for her album's second single, "Karma." Part of the video was shot in the Dominican Republic; another part was shot in New York and allowed Keys to fulfill "a fantasy I've always wanted to live out: me playing the piano on the subway platform."


And she just began shooting a video for "My Boo," a duet with Usher. The two previously worked together on a remix of Keys' "If I Ain't Got You."


"Him and I, the songs that we did with each other really showcase us in lights that we aren't often seen in. It takes us both out of our elements respectively, but it's cool," says Keys.



Posted on Sep 3, 2004, 10:51 AM

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'Naked Chef's' Restaurant Panned by Food Critics ..

by TFSnewsRoom/Reuters

'Naked Chef's' Restaurant Panned by Food Critics
Thu Sep 2, 2004 08:07 AM ET


LONDON (Reuters) - Food critics have turned up their noses at Fifteen, the trendy, not-for-profit London restaurant owned by television chef Jamie Oliver.
The restaurant, which starred in the hit TV series "Jamie's Kitchen" and aims to train would-be chefs, was awarded the lowest possible ratings for food, service and ambience in the latest edition of Harden's London Restaurants guide.

The guide accuses Oliver, who first rose to fame through his "Naked Chef" television series, of "taking the piss."

"Just because it's a charity doesn't give them the right to rip people off," a reviewer wrote in the guide.

The a la carte sample lunchtime menu on the Fifteen restaurant Web site advertises starters from about $18 and main courses from around $45, while desserts cost $14 apiece.

A spokesman for Oliver said the restaurant had recently taken steps to improve standards of service and that reviewers had likely visited before this had happened.

"We now get quite a few 'thank you' letters each week to say that they've had a marvelous meal... and we also get a lot of people booking tables again when they leave the restaurant because they've had such a good time," the spokesman said.

Oliver was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) last year after recruiting and training 15 unemployed youngsters to work in the northeast London restaurant.

"Jamie's Kitchen" followed the trainees as they struggled to cope with basic cooking, threw tantrums and generally tested Oliver's patience. By the end of the series the group of apprentice chefs were cooking for Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Another television chef, Gordon Ramsay, famed for his frequent bad language while putting celebrities through their paces in the series "Hell's Kitchen," fared rather better in the guide, which praised his flagship Chelsea restaurant for "exhilaratingly good" cuisine.

Ramsay was voted London's top chef by the survey of 7,000 restaurant-goers.

© Reuters 2004. All Rights Reserved.

Posted on Sep 2, 2004, 10:11 AM

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Rape Case Against Bryant Is Dropped..

by TFSnewsRoom/Reuters

Rape Case Against Bryant Is Dropped

By T.R. Reid, Washington Post Staff Writer

EAGLE, Colo., Sept. 1 -- A Colorado judge dismissed a rape charge against Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant on Wednesday after prosecutors said the woman who alleged she had been assaulted would not testify against the basketball star.



Jury selection was underway, and opening arguments were scheduled for next week. The case had the makings of one of the most high-profile celebrity trials since that of O.J. Simpson.


But in a dramatic eleventh-hour hearing late Wednesday, lawyers said the 20-year-old accuser would not go forward. District Attorney Mark Hurlbert asked the judge, "for this reason and this reason only," to drop the charge.


The dismissal ended a case that had generated intense emotions: Victim advocates had decried Judge Terry Ruckriegle's decision to allow evidence of the accuser's sexual activity in the days surrounding her encounter with Bryant and efforts by his attorneys to attack her reputation.


The woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Bryant, which is still pending. His defenders have said she is now attempting to make money off the basketball player.


Bryant, 26, acknowledged having sex with the woman at a nearby resort but said it was consensual. After the hearing, in a statement read by his attorney Pamela Mackey, he told the woman he was sorry.


"I want to apologize to her for my behavior that night and for the consequences she has suffered in the past year," the statement said. "Although this year has been incredibly difficult for me personally, I can only imagine the pain she has had to endure. I also want to apologize to her parents and family members, and to my family and friends and supporters, and to the citizens of Eagle, Colorado.


"Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did."


It was unclear whether Bryant's statement was part of any negotiated end to the case. Defense lawyers left court without taking questions, and Hurlbert, after speaking to reporters, also did not answer questions.


Bryant faced the possibility of life in prison if convicted. His new $136 million contract with the Lakers would have been voided.


Bryant and the woman were not in the courtroom for the hearing, at which lawyers for both sides agreed that the charge would be dropped "with prejudice." That means Bryant cannot be charged in the same incident again.


Hurlbert, the local prosecutor who is campaigning to keep his job in the November election, told reporters after the hearing that "justice in this case has been interrupted."


"The prosecution team wants to try this case. This is the victim's personal decision. Candidly, I understand why she had misgivings about her rights being protected," he said.


In recent weeks, there were clear indications that the alleged victim had become reluctant to pursue the case. Her personal lawyer, John Clune, said her concern increased sharply when Ruckriegle ruled that evidence of her sexual activity in the days surrounding her encounter with Bryant could be made public at the trial.


Colorado's "rape shield" law would usually protect the complainant in a rape case from such disclosures, but Bryant's attorneys convinced the judge that the privacy law should not apply in this case. The Colorado Supreme Court declined to overrule the judge's decision to let evidence of her sexual history be presented to the jury.


Beyond that, mistakes by the court staff have released the woman's name to the public, and sealed transcripts dealing with her sexual history have been sent to the news media by accident. Her name, photo and whereabouts have been reported on numerous Web sites. Defense attorneys have described her in public documents as a sexually promiscuous liar and drug abuser.


The mother and father of Bryant's alleged victim wrote angry letters to the judge earlier this year, complaining that he failed to protect their daughter's privacy and reputation. The judge has apologized for the accidental release of information.





Three weeks ago, when the woman filed the civil suit against Bryant in federal court, some court observers suggested that move might be part of an "exit strategy."

"It doesn't make any sense to file a civil suit two weeks before the criminal trial unless you are planning to drop the criminal case," said Craig Silverman, a defense lawyer and former prosecutor in Denver. "If Kobe goes to trial and is acquitted, she loses a lot of her leverage for a settlement. If she is interested in getting some money, she would do better to decline to testify for the prosecution and then start negotiating over a settlement of the civil case."

The celebrity trial that has overwhelmed this small mountain village in central Colorado had its beginnings on the night of June 30, 2003, when Bryant checked into a resort in nearby Edwards, Colo. He asked the woman, a desk clerk, to come to his room.

The woman told police the next morning that the couple engaged in "mutual flirting." According to sheriff's deputies who interviewed her, she did not initially resist when Bryant hugged and kissed her. But then, she reported, the athlete gripped her by the neck, bent her over a chair and raped her.

In Los Angeles, some of Bryant's fans reacted with glee over the charge being dropped.

"The Lakers are going to be good now," said Ben Larsen, 19, who was wearing a Lakers jersey as he high-fived several friends at a mall after hearing the news. "I think she was just trying to get some money out of Kobe."

The case of People v. Kobe Bean Bryant generated hundreds of other motions involving four sets of lawyers -- the prosecutors, the defense attorneys, two lawyers representing the alleged victim, and attorneys for media organizations seeking public access to in-court proceedings and documents. Appeals in the case have gone to the Colorado Supreme Court three times and to the U.S. Supreme Court (news - web sites) twice.

Prosecutors suggested last week that Bryant has spent about $12 million on lawyers, investigators and experts to defend against the felony charge. The prosecution has not revealed its spending, but lawyers and investigators from several Colorado jurisdictions have devoted a year's time to assisting the local district attorney.

Advocates for rape victims have deplored the treatment of the alleged victim and warned that other women might be reluctant to report the crime after seeing what happened in the case.


Posted on Sep 2, 2004, 10:10 AM

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OutKast's Andre 3000 Drops in on RNC ..

by TFSnewsRoom/AP

OutKast's Andre 3000 Drops in on RNC
(AP, 09/02/2004 7:41 AM)

By Hannah Lobel

NEW YORK (AP) — A day after Jenna Bush gave Republicans a pop-culture lesson by dropping OutKast's name, half the hip hop duo showed up at the GOP convention to encourage young people to vote.

André Benjamin, better known to his fans as André 3000, came by Madison Square Garden on Wednesday to do interviews for a documentary he's making for HBO on his transformation from an apolitical musician to a voter-registration activist.

"This is my first vote," Benjamin, 29, told The Associated Press.

The film complements Benjamin's activities with "Declare Yourself," a nonpartisan group that's raised millions to try to get young people to the polls.

Earlier in the day he interviewed Jenna and Barbara Bush — who he said surprised him by mentioning his group in their convention speech Tuesday.

Jenna offered OutKast as evidence that her parents "are actually kind of cool."

"When we tell them we're going to see OutKast, they know it's a band and not a bunch of misfits," she said.

Benjamin said it was a "great tack."

"If you're on the team of the Republicans I think it was smart to do," Benjamin said. "'Cause some people, they don't care. They're just like: Hey, I want to go to where all the cool people are."

Rumors that OutKast would perform at a convention-related event have sent Benjamin into "damage control" mode.

"What I'm doing is nonpartisan," said Benjamin, who also was at the Democratic National Convention and interviewed John Kerry 's daughters.

"I just want people to vote."


Posted on Sep 2, 2004, 9:35 AM

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50 Cent Booed Off Stage ..

by NewsRoom/Eonline.com

50 Cent Booed Off Stage
(E! Online, 08/31/2004 4:15 PM)

By Josh Grossberg

Right about now, we're thinking 50 Cent would have rather been in da club than on da stage.

The chart-topping hip-hopster cut short his set at Britain's Reading Festival over the weekend after getting booed and pelted with plastic bottles by a hostile audience just minutes after he began performing.

Accompanied by his G-Unit crew, 50 Cent hadn't even taken the stage at the legendary U.K. music bash on Sunday evening when the cranky crowd of 55,000 began yelling insults at the former crack peddler and hurling plastic cups.

Things got even worse when the lights came up on 50 Cent and he began performing tracks off his 2003 breakthrough, Get Rich or Die Tryin', according to NME.com. Fiddy's attempts to chill out the audience went nowhere--the boos got louder and the deluge of bottles intensified.

"We're just all here to have fun," said the rapper, whose real name Curtis Jackson.

The audience was having so much fun at that point that they began chanting "50 Cent is a wanker." One angry festivalgoer even lobbed a folding chair on stage. A frustrated Fiddy fought back, throwing bottles back at the crowd and flipping the bird. But after 25 minutes, he decided to throw in the towel and make an early exit.

He wasn't the only one to receive such a poor reception. The Rasmus barely made it through its first song when the fun-loving Brits on hand began lobbing mud at the Finnish rockers, who quickly exited stage right, according to NME.com.

Fiddy was one of the few hip-hop acts on display at Reading, the Streets and Goldie Lookin' Chain being the others. Traditionally a bastion for rock 'n' rollers, the fest's weekend roster included such name-brand acts as the White Stripes, the Darkness, Morrissey, Franz Ferdinand and Green Day, which closed out Sunday's lineup.

It's been quite an eventful tour of the U.K. for 50 Cent.

According to British media reports, after playing London's Wembley Arena on Saturday, the rapper went to the trendy Leicester Square-based Circque club. Before he could get in the club, he saw that a fight had broken out among a few dozen wannabe gangstas outside and ordered his driver to ditch the scene, leaving behind members of G-Unit already inside. Cirque's owners reportedly blamed the rapper for drawing the wrong kind of crowd, which touched off the melee.

It's not the first club brawl involving Eminem 's protg.

Back in May, 50 Cent was playing at an invitation-only hip-hop concert at a Boston nightclub when he was hit by another water bottle and jumped into the crowd with his posse. The scuffle didn't escalate beyond pushing and shoving, and Fiddy ended up finishing his song while two men were charged with disturbing the peace.

On the brighter side, 50 Cent is still generating plenty of coin, Sprint announced that music tones from Get Rich or Die Tryin', including ringers for Fiddy's hits "21 Questions" and "In Da Club," has accounted for more than 500,000 downloads purchased since they went on sale six months ago.


Posted on Aug 31, 2004, 11:21 PM

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Dave Matthews Band Blamed For Human Waste..

by TFSnewsRoom/CBS

Dave Matthews Band Blamed For Human Waste

Aug 24, 2004 6:01 pm US/Central
CHICAGO (CBS 2) Rock star Dave Matthews and his tour bus driver are facing a filthy lawsuit.

The Illinois Attorney General's office says they're responsible for dumping up to 100-gallons of raw human waste from a tour bus onto the Kinzie Street Bridge earlier this month.

The nasty mess rained down on passengers aboard a sightseeing boat two weeks ago.

The suit charges both the band and the bus driver with violating state water pollution laws, as well as common law public nuisance laws.

A spokesman for the band says all of its tour buses were parked at the time of the incident.


(MMIV, CBS Broadcasting Inc., All Rights Reserved.)


Posted on Aug 24, 2004, 9:45 PM

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The Dave Matthews Tour Bus Sewage "Story/Folklore"..

by TFSnewsRoom

The Dave Matthews Tour Bus Sewage "Story/Folklore"..

Anybody's Who's Ever Gone More
Than 20 Miles On One Will Tell
You ..YOU CAN 'NOT' GO # 2 ON THE BUS !
The NewsMedia as Taken This "Sexy Sewage" Story
& Ran Wit It (A Lesson In The Facts Getting Lost In The Hype!)
Then Again As George Clinton Say's
"You Can If You Want To" Take A Dump That Is
& Pay The $250 Bus Company Fine...LOL



Posted on Aug 31, 2004, 1:28 PM

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First Official Photo's From RICK JAMES' California Memorial Service..

by TFSnewsRoom



















    
This message has been edited by mbmoonthang on Aug 29, 2004 5:11 PM
This message has been edited by mbmoonthang on Aug 29, 2004 5:08 PM

Posted on Aug 12, 2004, 9:23 AM

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Thanks!

by

Thansk for posting these pix for people who couldn't attend. I only wish that the pictures were clearer.

Peace!
-K

Posted on Aug 12, 2004, 10:47 AM

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Rick James

by

Thanks for keeping the memory alive of Rick for so many solid fans out there.. Rick is with his Mom now, but he left a musical legacy here on earth, that for many years to come, will give people a piece of him.

Posted on Aug 12, 2004, 12:39 PM

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Re: First Official Photo's From RICK JAMES' California Memorial Service..

by Robert

Just my opinion... but I thought no cameras were allowed at the service. I think it is a bit disrespectful to have these photos up on the internet for all to see. I think we would like to remember Rick James as he was in his prime, not after he passed away. Again, my opinion.

Posted on Aug 12, 2004, 1:21 PM

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These Photo's Were Taken By A News Service ..

by TFSnewsRoom









We Have/Had Nuttin' But Love For Our Homeboy...

Posted on Aug 12, 2004, 1:23 PM

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Say not...

by

...that he is dead. He has transcended this plane of things made manifest, and is a form which we perceive not. I am sending my condolences to Rick's family and his larger family of fans, including self.

There is a empty space that no other will ever fill. His genious and talent lives on.

Love,Peace, and continue your journey, Rick. For you have finished your mission on this plane.

The original "super freak," Silver

Posted on Aug 12, 2004, 4:30 PM

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Sad

by Precious

It is so sad to see him like that. This is so unreal to me I am so numb.
God Bless the Family.

Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 5:13 PM

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Updated..

by TFSnewsRoom

08/29/2004

Posted on Aug 29, 2004, 5:09 PM

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Singer Laura Branigan Dead ..

by TFSnewsRoom/laurabranigan.com


www.laurabranigan.com

Dear Fans,

It was confirmed to OneStor earlier today from Joan Di Tursi Laura's previous manager that Laura had passed away in her sleep last night Thursday August 26th of a Brain aneurysm.

Our Hearts go out to Laura's family and friends who have asked that rather then sending flowers you donate on behalf of Laura to Project Angel Food.

Project Angel Food's mission is to provide wholesome meals and nutritional counseling to men, women and children disabled by HIV/AIDS.

http://www.angelfood.org/html/earnyourwings/donate.html

Laura's music has been passed on through the years and will live on not only in our hearts but for generations to come. Laura loved performing onstage, It is where she felt happiness singing to her fans, and we as fans felt such joy in watching this talented singer share with us her thoughts, for when she sang, Laura brought so many things to the stage besides her magnificent voice, She brought Humor, Joy, Honesty, Heart felt Compassion, and most of all Love. In the audience there were times when you would feel as if it was a concert for one. And you were that lucky audience member that got to enjoy Laura all to yourself.

Her deep love and warmth made you feel as if you were the most important person in the world. Her vocal talents were known by many, even some who did not even know her by name. When a song like Gloria or Self Control came on, many would sing with smiles and perhaps remember a shared moment that they may have had to that specific song.

Laura it was your voice that caressed so many of us, and you will truly be missed not only as a singer but also as a person who has brought such happiness with your songs of feeling.

Please Join OneStor and Fans of Laura on www.LauraBranigan.com in lighting a candle in remembrance of such a talented artist. Ceremonies will take place on Saturday August 28th, Sunday August 29th and Monday August 30th. Times will be at 9:00 pm EST.

You left in autumn
The leaves were turning
I walked down roads of orange and gold
I saw your sweet smile
I heard your laughter
You're still here beside me every day
’Cause I know you by heart...





Posted on Aug 28, 2004, 8:38 PM

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BOOTSY BABY BUBBA!: Bassist keeps the funk alive !

by TFSnewsRoom/Eurweb.com

BOOTSY EXCLUSIVE BABY BUBBA!: Bassist keeps the funk alive and skates around politics with new album.


Bootsy Collins


(Aug. 18, 2004) *“I was forced to be different,” funk legend Bootsy Collins says about the origin of his exquisitely mismatched style. “When we were growing up, we were on welfare and I had to get clothes wherever I could get clothes, and it was usually the Goodwill. I had to wear whatever Mama put on us - and none of it ever matched - so all the kids always laughed at me anyway. I had to learn early that this stuff I had on was funny, and learn how to laugh at it.
The world has since come to idolize to the brain that coordinates those otherworldly outfits, because it has also managed to craft some of the nastiest bass lines ever recorded in music history.

William Collins, who as a teenager cut his teeth with James Brown as a founding member of his backing band The Pacesetters, joined forces with George Clinton of Funkadelic in 1972 and began laying the groundwork of 70s funk – one album at a time.

Bootsy, whose nickname was adopted to go along with the alien rock star character from the Mothership, was known for his relentless, hard-thumping attack on the bass that became a staple of the funk genre. In 1976, the musician stepped out and formed his own Bootsy’s Rubber Band, which also brought on a new moniker, Bootzilla – an even more bedazzled and colorful alter-ego that spat vocabulary from another galaxy. Bootsy remembers the exact year when his trademark vernacular and nasal-tinged crescendo-style play on words began.

“It had to be around 1974 when we recorded ‘Be My Beach’ from Funkadelic’s [1975 album “Let’s Take it to the Stage”],” he says. “Me and George was just clowning around in the studio and I was talking like that. And George thought it was just hilarious. He said, ‘Why don’t you record that?’ So we recorded it.”

Fast forward to 2004 and the U.S. release of Bootsy’s first studio album in six years, “Play With Bootsy,” from Thump Records. Guests on the project range from Snoop Dogg, Fatboy Slim and Macy Gray, to Bobby Womack and George Clinton, to Kelli Ali of the Sneaker Pimps.

“It’s a tribute to the funk,” says Bootsy. “They’re not actually giving me a tribute, they’re paying tribute to funk as a whole. It’s the younger artists that come in on this album – their version of the funk.”

The record was released in Europe a few years ago before Thump signed on to release the set stateside. The fact that America is on the late freight with this project reflects a larger issue infecting the music industry, says Bootsy.

“They’re into historic things overseas,” he explains. “In the states, they’re into what’s now and what’s next. [In the States], they’re pretty much led to believe whatever the company says and what the TV says. You can’t fault [the audience] because that’s what they’re getting fed. [Companies] manufacture music today, they manufacture everything and put it in your face and say you got to have it. Fortunately for me, I’ve been able to stay in the present and the now and continue to keep the funk alive. If a record company ain’t gonna put your records out, you gotta find other means to get your records out – video games, films and doing an album like this with current people.”

In addition to lending original compositions to the soundtrack of Acclaim’s NBA Jam video game, Bootsy cites his 2002 Nike ad campaign as an alternative way he was able to get his music to the masses.

“It made such a big noise because a lot of people got to see it at the same time,” says Bootsy. “And that’s what record companies do for artists, but companies aren’t into [the funk] like that. To me, Nike was like a big record company because [my music] got played everywhere.”

Finally, Bootsy fans on American soil have something to chew on, with the recent release of “Play with Bootsy,” which also features a joint credited to “One” and Bobby Womack called “Groove Eternal.” One reviewer described the track as “ a slice of cheesy, funk-soul that could have come straight off a mid-80s Prince album.”

“That just might be Prince,” laughs Bootsy. “We call him ‘the One.’ It’s kind of a hush/hush deal. We call him ‘Chris - the One.’ That’s a clue. Throw it out there, you might get some feedback.”

Bootsy is planning to take his “Play With Bootsy” show on the road for a forthcoming tour, pending the availability of various guest stars on the project. In the meantime, the original funk doctor continues to keep the funk alive by any means necessary. He’s even considering an offer from Sears to star in a new ad campaign.

“Those are the straightest clothes you’ve ever seen in your life,” he laughs. “I thought it was hilarious…but I might do it.”

NOW ON SALE AT WWW.THEFUNKSTORE.COM
http://www.thefunkstore.com/NewBootsyCD.htm








Posted on Aug 28, 2004, 2:37 PM

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Body Count Guitarist Dies of Lymphoma ..

by TFSnewsRoom/Reuters

Body Count Guitarist Dies of Lymphoma


NEW YORK (Billboard) - Dennis Miles, the hockey-masked rhythm guitarist with rapper Ice-T's hard-rock band Body Count, has died after a battle with lymphoma.



Miles, whose stage name was D-Roc, died Aug. 17 in California. He was 45.


Two other members of Body Count have already died: drummer Beatmaster V succumbed to leukemia in 1996 and bassist Mooseman was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2000.


"D-Roc was the backbone of the Body Count sound," said Ice-T. "Words cannot explain how much we will miss D-Roc more as a friend than as a band member."


In the wake of the controversy over the album and single "Cop Killer" during Body Count's early '90s heyday, D-Roc wore a hockey mask on and off-stage. "He didn't want to get caught up in the hype of being a star," said lead guitarist Ernie C, who hoped Body Count would continue in some form. "Ice and I will always play together," he said.


Reuters/Billboard






Posted on Aug 26, 2004, 1:05 PM

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Phil Spector Hires Former Gotti Attorney

by TFSnewsRoom/AP

Phil Spector Hires Former Gotti Attorney
(AP)

By Linda Deutsch

Music producer Phil Spector has hired an attorney who used to work for mob boss John Gotti to defend him on murder charges after his previous attorney resigned from the case.

Leslie Abramson said Tuesday that she and her co-counsel resigned as Spector's attorneys but were taken by surprise when Bruce Cutler filed a motion to take over the case while Abramson was out of the country.

"We were put in an untenable position, and we were forced to resign," Abramson said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. "If we wanted to be ethical and competent, we had to resign."

She declined to elaborate.

Cutler, speaking from New York, said he has known Spector for a long time and had signed on as his personal attorney before Abramson and Marcia Morrissey took over the criminal case.

"I was engaged as Phillip's attorney and confidante last January," he said. "Leslie and Marcia were brought on in February, and they quit in July. They just jumped ship, and I had to take control of the ship and bring it into port."

Federal prosecutors in New York have portrayed Cutler as "house counsel" for the Gambino crime family. He won three trials for Gotti before prosecutors were able to get him disqualified from the defense team by playing 1990 tape recordings on which he had conversations with Gotti about other defendants.

Gotti died in prison in 2002.

Spector, famed for creating rock 'n' roll's "wall of sound" recording technique in the 1960s, is charged in the fatal shooting of Lana Clarkson at his mansion in February 2003.

Clarkson, 40, had gone home with him from the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip where she was a hostess. She was best known as the star of Roger Corman's cult film classic "Barbarian Queen."

The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 20. Cutler said they would seek to postpone the hearing to get up to date on the proceedings.

Spector, 64, is free on $1 million bail.

Abramson was hired in February to replace Spector's original attorney, Robert Shapiro, who was a member of O.J. Simpson's defense team.


Posted on Aug 25, 2004, 9:57 AM

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Mother of Michael Jackson's Accuser to Testify

by TFSnewsRoom/Reuters

Mother of Michael Jackson's Accuser to Testify



Michael Jackson's defense team lead attorney Thomas Mesereau, Jr., arrives August 20, 2004, at the courthouse in Santa Maria, California, for a pre-trial hearing in the case against the pop star. The mother of the boy who accused Jackson of child molestation was ordered by a judge to testify in a pretrial hearing in the case after the pop star's lawyers called her a liar. Photo by Pool via Reuters


SANTA MARIA, Calif. (Reuters) - The mother of the boy who accused Michael Jackson of child molestation was ordered by a judge on Friday to testify in a pretrial hearing in the case after the pop star's lawyers called her a liar.
The woman, who is known in court as "Jane Doe" to protect the identity of her son, will testify in September as Jackson's lawyers battle to have evidence suppressed in the high profile case, Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville said.

Melville had planned on allowing the woman, who is recovering from surgery, to submit a written statement to the court instead of testifying. But Jackson's lead attorney, Tom Mesereau, said he wanted to cross-examine her.

"We firmly believe that this woman lies under oath," Mesereau said. "We would like to examine her (in court)."

Earlier, a Santa Barbara County Sheriff's deputy who was present in a November raid on Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch testified that while searching an open safe near the 45-year-old singer's bedroom he found a tape recording of what he believed was a child talking on a telephone.

Sgt. Ross Ruth said that when he played the tape: "I heard a voice ... definitely a juvenile, saying 'Somebody is coming, I have to go now."'

Ruth said he believed the recording was made in Jackson's bedroom because he could hear in the background the sound of an alarm that rings when someone enters the room. Ruth was unable to identify the child on the tape and its significance to the case was not immediately clear.

Jackson's lawyers have spent much of the week trying to convince Melville that he should throw out evidence seized against their famous client, either at Neverland or at the offices of a private detective.

The entertainer was present for Monday's court session, dressed from head to toe in symbolic white, but has skipped the remainder of the week. The hearing was scheduled to resume on Monday.

Jackson is scheduled to stand trial in January on charges of child molestation and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty.


Posted on Aug 23, 2004, 10:48 AM

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Michael Jackson, Family Attend Hearing ..

by NewsRoom/AP

Michael Jackson, Family Attend Hearing


By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Michael Jackson (news) — dressed in white and accompanied by members of his family — returned to court Monday to watch a showdown over key evidence with the prosecutor who has pursued the singer for years on child molestation charges.

http://www.thefunkstore.com/NewsRoom/MJhearing01.jpg

http://www.thefunkstore.com/NewsRoom/MJhearing02.jpg

http://www.thefunkstore.com/NewsRoom/MJhearing03.jpg

In a tense, packed courtroom Jackson defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. took the offensive, questioning Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon for two hours over a November 2003 search of the office of a private investigator hired by Jackson's former attorney.


The exchanges were testy at times. At one point, Sneddon said he didn't know how the defense wanted him to answer a question. "Truthfully, hopefully," Mesereau replied.


When Sneddon said he couldn't give a yes or no answer, Judge Rodney Melville promptly warned him: "Mr. Sneddon, I'm going to ask you not to spar with the attorney."


Mesereau, arguing Sneddon violated Jackson's attorney-client privilege by searching the investigator's office, is seeking to have evidence gathered during that search excluded from his trial on child molestation charges.


If successful, the move could undermine the prosecution case. It is one of the issues that must be settled before Jackson's scheduled Jan. 31 trial.


Sneddon refused to acknowledge he even suspected a professional relationship between former Jackson attorney Mark Geragos and the investigator, Bradley Miller — even though the prosecutor acknowledged seeing a large file of letters that carried the names of both men.


The singer, who wore a gold brocade armband over a white suit, sat perfectly still and stared at the prosecutor. The rest of the Jackson family, including five siblings dressed in white, also sat impassively.


Jackson's fans erupted in cheers as the singer and his entourage arrived at court in a tan, double-decker bus with tinted windows, and again when they emerged for lunch.


About 100 mostly young fans pressed against a chain-link fence and hoisted signs saying "Our Love is With You" and "Michael Jackson is Innocent" outside the courthouse. Dozens of police and a small group of people demonstrating in support of sexual abuse victims were also at the court.


Like other Jackson supporters, Olivia Baker, 20, said the singer had been unfairly targeted by Sneddon.


"No human being deserves that, especially since he's given his whole heart to the world," Baker said. "His heart is honest. I don't believe he would ever hurt a child."


The hearing came amid dueling public relations moves.


Jackson made a surprise visit to Los Angeles' pre-eminent black church Sunday, which legal experts said was an effort to boost his reputation ahead of the showdown with Sneddon.


In an added public relations flourish, Jackson decided to attend Monday's pretrial hearing with his parents, Katherine and Joseph Jackson, and siblings Jermaine, Janet, Randy, Jackie and LaToya.


Prosecutors received their own boost Sunday with the release of a leaked report by the state attorney general that rejected Jackson's charge he was "manhandled" when sheriff's deputies took him into custody last year.


The report to Santa Barbara County Sheriff Jim Anderson, which was posted on the CBS News Web site, casts doubt on Jackson's claim that his shoulder was dislocated when he was handcuffed.





The judge had rejected Anderson's request Friday to publicly release the report.

Jackson's appearance at First AME Church in South Los Angeles the day before his attorney was to challenge Sneddon in court also raised eyebrows.

"Jackson has never been involved with the African-American community in the past," said Steve Cron, a defense attorney who has been following the case. "I can't imagine why else he would suddenly get religion."

Jackson released a statement Monday thanking brother Randy and the Rev. Cecil B. Murray for inviting him to the service. "God has always been in my heart and a part of my life and my family's lives," he said.

Jackson, 45, is charged with committing a lewd act upon a child, administering an intoxicating agent and conspiring to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $3 million bail.




Posted on Aug 16, 2004, 6:33 PM

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(Photo's)Michael Jackson, Family Attend Hearing

by TFSnewsRoom/AP

Michael Jackson, Family Attend Hearing


By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Michael Jackson (news) — dressed in white and accompanied by members of his family — returned to court Monday to watch a showdown over key evidence with the prosecutor who has pursued the singer for years on child molestation charges.







In a tense, packed courtroom Jackson defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. took the offensive, questioning Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon for two hours over a November 2003 search of the office of a private investigator hired by Jackson's former attorney.


The exchanges were testy at times. At one point, Sneddon said he didn't know how the defense wanted him to answer a question. "Truthfully, hopefully," Mesereau replied.


When Sneddon said he couldn't give a yes or no answer, Judge Rodney Melville promptly warned him: "Mr. Sneddon, I'm going to ask you not to spar with the attorney."


Mesereau, arguing Sneddon violated Jackson's attorney-client privilege by searching the investigator's office, is seeking to have evidence gathered during that search excluded from his trial on child molestation charges.


If successful, the move could undermine the prosecution case. It is one of the issues that must be settled before Jackson's scheduled Jan. 31 trial.


Sneddon refused to acknowledge he even suspected a professional relationship between former Jackson attorney Mark Geragos and the investigator, Bradley Miller — even though the prosecutor acknowledged seeing a large file of letters that carried the names of both men.


The singer, who wore a gold brocade armband over a white suit, sat perfectly still and stared at the prosecutor. The rest of the Jackson family, including five siblings dressed in white, also sat impassively.


Jackson's fans erupted in cheers as the singer and his entourage arrived at court in a tan, double-decker bus with tinted windows, and again when they emerged for lunch.


About 100 mostly young fans pressed against a chain-link fence and hoisted signs saying "Our Love is With You" and "Michael Jackson is Innocent" outside the courthouse. Dozens of police and a small group of people demonstrating in support of sexual abuse victims were also at the court.


Like other Jackson supporters, Olivia Baker, 20, said the singer had been unfairly targeted by Sneddon.


"No human being deserves that, especially since he's given his whole heart to the world," Baker said. "His heart is honest. I don't believe he would ever hurt a child."


The hearing came amid dueling public relations moves.


Jackson made a surprise visit to Los Angeles' pre-eminent black church Sunday, which legal experts said was an effort to boost his reputation ahead of the showdown with Sneddon.


In an added public relations flourish, Jackson decided to attend Monday's pretrial hearing with his parents, Katherine and Joseph Jackson, and siblings Jermaine, Janet, Randy, Jackie and LaToya.


Prosecutors received their own boost Sunday with the release of a leaked report by the state attorney general that rejected Jackson's charge he was "manhandled" when sheriff's deputies took him into custody last year.


The report to Santa Barbara County Sheriff Jim Anderson, which was posted on the CBS News Web site, casts doubt on Jackson's claim that his shoulder was dislocated when he was handcuffed.





The judge had rejected Anderson's request Friday to publicly release the report.

Jackson's appearance at First AME Church in South Los Angeles the day before his attorney was to challenge Sneddon in court also raised eyebrows.

"Jackson has never been involved with the African-American community in the past," said Steve Cron, a defense attorney who has been following the case. "I can't imagine why else he would suddenly get religion."

Jackson released a statement Monday thanking brother Randy and the Rev. Cecil B. Murray for inviting him to the service. "God has always been in my heart and a part of my life and my family's lives," he said.

Jackson, 45, is charged with committing a lewd act upon a child, administering an intoxicating agent and conspiring to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $3 million bail.



Posted on Aug 19, 2004, 8:33 PM

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Them outfits are tight!

by JOKER

.

Posted on Aug 22, 2004, 3:24 PM

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National Enquirer Thrashes Rick James..

by TFSnewsRoom/NationalEnquirer.com

RICK JAMES BOUGHT COCAINE JUST HOURS BEFORE HE DIED



Legend had long history of drug abuse


Late funkmeister, Rick James
Just hours before he died, funk music legend Rick James was seen copping his last score of drugs -- coughing horribly and gasping for air.
Best known for the 1981 hit "Super Freak," 56-yearold Rick was found dead in the morning hours of Friday, August 6, after claiming to be clean and sober following years of drug abuse.

But a female friend who spent the previous evening with the singer told The ENQUIRER that she witnessed him scoring drugs.

"Rick was high for an entire week straight prior to his death," the friend disclosed.

"On Tuesday and Wednesday he'd received four separate drug deliveries -- cocaine for snorting and crystal meth to smoke.

"The last time I saw him on Thursday, he was suffering from coughing fits so bad that he was gasping for air.

LAST TIME

"It's terribly sad. When I said goodbye I had the same feeling I always had leaving him -- it might be the last time I'd ever see him alive."

Rick had a stroke in 1998, two years after he served time in prison for assaulting two women.

"Rick said drugs always made him feel better," said the friend. "He said his stroke gave him a twitch that only cocaine could ease.

"While publicly he professed to be drug free, privately Rick was very cavalier about his addiction. He laughed about his drug usage. He'd always say, 'Other people who take drugs are messed up. But I can afford it.'

"Toward the end all he would do was sleep, work and get high. He just didn't like being sober, except while he was in prison for two years. But in the end, he could never break free from the hold that addiction had on him."

On his last flight to Los Angeles about six weeks before his death, Rick was showing the sad effects of drug abuse, an eyewitness revealed.

"His body was racked with spasms. The first thing he did when the plane took off was ask for a Heineken. He guzzled it and then passed out. He was snoring so loudly the other passengers complained.

"When he woke up he was shaking convulsively. The flight attendants were terrified.

"He demanded a gin and tonic, threw it back, and the shaking subsided. Then he fell asleep -- and started snoring again." Another pal declared: "Rick's appetite for cocaine was massive.

GLASSY-EYED

"Back in the '80s when he was at his peak, Rick was recording an album and he kept a plastic garbage can next to the piano filled to the brim with cocaine!"

Another friend added: "They say Rick died in his sleep -- but I have no doubt he suffered a massive final heart attack brought on by drugs.

"I saw him just a few days ago and he was a wreck. Glassy-eyed, couldn't breath. And he shook terribly.

"He was a sweet man -- when he wasn't screwed up.

"But those days were few and far between." -- ROBIN MIZRAHI, PATRICIA TOWLE, MICHAEL GLYNN and PATRICIA SHIPP

Published on: August 16, 2004


http://www.nationalenquirer.com/stories/feature.cfm?instanceid=62209

Posted on Aug 18, 2004, 8:42 AM

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New York Daily News RICK JAMES Gossip....

by TFSnewsRoom/NyDailyNews.com

Friends remember Rick, in a haze


Fans of Rick James continue to mourn the late "Super Freak" singer - each in his or her own way. Last Saturday, in his hometown of Buffalo, some 6,000 people, including 70 gospel singers, said goodbye to the funk legend with song and prayer at the St. John Baptist Church.

In L.A., at an after-hours club, other friends staged a different sort of memorial to the man they'd partied with. Club regulars paid their respects by approaching his portrait on the wall and blowing either marijuana smoke or cocaine at his smiling face.


While an autopsy has failed to determine what caused the singer's Aug. 6 death, some are wagering that the pending toxicology test will turn up drugs.


One source recalls walking into an upstairs room at the same L.A. club last Valentine's Day and finding "Rick with a mound of coke in front of him."


"He was wearing a bright red suit," the source tells us. "He pointed to his mound of drugs and said to me, 'Dig in partner.'"


In 1993, James was convicted of furnishing a woman with cocaine, a drug he battled for more than a decade.


His manager, Kerry Gordy, tells us, "We tried a couple of rehabs with him, but I never thought they were long enough."


Gordy says that, before his death, James managed to finish a new record, which "is really good."


Chances are there'll be more than a few people scrambling to get a piece of his royalties.


"I don't know if he left a will," says Gordy, the son of Motown founder Berry. "I think it's going to get very nasty."


Porn into politics


America's top porn star Jenna Jameson may not know much about presidential politics, but she has an opinion on which candidate has the hottest daughters.


The author of "How to Make Love Like a Porn Star" tells us that if she had to cast the Bush girls or the Kerry girls in an adult film, there's no question she'd pick Alex and Vanessa Kerry.


"They're Democrats, come on!" Jameson squealed at her book party Wednesday night. "And they're tough - I like that in a woman."


But Barbara and Jenna may still have their shot at raunchy fame. The Jackie Factory, the venerable party machine where celebrities and drag queens mix, will have its annual Hooker's Ball Aug. 26 at Crobar, where Johnny Dynell and Chi Chi Valenti be welcoming early arrivals to the Republican National Convention.


"I know one trannie is dressing as Jenna Bush," said Valenti, who helped organize the bash to benefit the New York Civil Liberties Union. "I don't know any real girls yet."


Split, the cost


It pays to plan for heartache.


Friends of hedge-fund wizard George Soros say he's bought his freedom from wife Susan for a mere $80 million.


We know - you'd take 80 mil in a minute. But consider that the man is worth $7 billion and that he gives away about $450 million a year to charity. Lawyer William Zabel, who mediated the Soroses' split, didn't return calls. But sources say Soros got off easy because he and Susan signed a prenup 21 years ago.


At a weekend party at his Southampton estate, the generous financier assured pals Susan, 49, and their two children would be quite comfortable.


Though he was celebrating his 74th birthday, Soros didn't want presents or a cake. The Democratic contributor did indulge in a few jokes at President Bush's expense. The Hungarian-born charmer also appeared eager to embark on his next bachelorhood. "He was with no one lady," says a snitch, "but flirted with several."


A Rich reward


Grammy-nominated composer Denise Rich had reason to sing yesterday. Manhattan Federal Judge Denny Chin tossed out a $30 million lawsuit in which her former manager, James Hester, claimed that the Pardongate star fired him because he is gay and HIV-positive.


Chin said "overwhelming evidence" showed Rich axed Hester because of his "boorish and obnoxious behavior" with co-workers (including one who accused him of sexual harassment), and because of "his poor performance."


Chin noted that Rich was reluctant to can Hester and that she replaced him with another openly gay man, the Daily News' Robert Gearty reports.


Hester tells us, "I admitted I did curse, but never at anyone. If I was so bad, why did I continue to get raises? I will probably appeal the decision."


Davis' Games face


If the Olympics ever make it to New York, "Sex and the City" star Kristin Davis should definitely be on the team - the cheerleading team, that is.


Yesterday in Athens, the perky Davis was sitting behind Mayor Bloomberg and his girlfriend, state banking superintendent Diana Taylor, as they watched the U.S. basketball team trounce Australia, 89-79.


Davis is rooting for New York to get the next Olympic games.


"New York is already a melting pot," the actress, who was sporting an NYC2012 hat, told the News' Michael Saul. "We've been through a lot. We can handle it."


Meanwhile, Bloomberg knows how to get in good with the mostly male Republican leaders during this month's GOP convention: He's taking care of their wives.


Hizzoner will play host at two luncheons at Gracie Mansion - one for the spouses of cabinet and Senate leaders, and another for the partners of House leaders.


He'll also give parties for three GOP fringe groups: pro-choice Republicans, gay Republicans and Hispanic Republicans.


His daughter Emma Bloomberg is expected to co-host a party with Emily Pataki for the younger set, including Bush twins Jenna and Barbara.


Side Dishes


Is our ex-VP getting a little too speedy? Al Gore was pulled over in Oregon for going 75 mph in a 55-mph zone. Gore won the race for President in that state in 2000, but he failed to win over the officer, who didn't even recognize him until he saw his name on his license. A Gore rep confirmed the $141 ticket and said Gore will not contest ...

Bobby Cannavale has played gay on "Will & Grace," "Six Feet Under," and, we hear, in the the upcoming Jennifer Lopez flick "Shall We Dance?" But off-camera, he's quite straight. We hear Cannavale, 33, who was previously married to Sydney Lumet's daughter Jenny, has been dating Annabella Sciorra ...

Quentin Tarantino and Sofia Coppola are still going strong. After arriving separately to the L.A. premiere of Jet Li's "Hero," they were seen canoodling inside.




Posted on Aug 20, 2004, 10:44 AM

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You F*cking snakes!!!!

by Lilmama

Why do you cowards wait until the body isn't even cold before you trash the dead? Money is your God. You are like vultures. As soon as the body hits the ground, youre feeding. Here's a thought for you. One day someone you love will also unfortunatly also die. I hope God will forgive me, but I hope there are vultures awaiting them to pick their bones dry as you do. I wish the same for the people who give you your nourishment. The fake friends and posers that will sell their kidney for a couple of pennies. F*ck all of you and may you burn in hell.



Posted on Aug 20, 2004, 2:23 PM

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These Type Of Stories Are Unfortunate..

by TFSnewsRoom




& In The Pages Of A Big Newspaper Like The Daily News..

Posted on Aug 20, 2004, 5:40 PM

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Unfornate but probably true.

by joker

that's a reporters job.

Posted on Aug 22, 2004, 3:08 PM

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F#CK THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER!LOL!

by Endzone67

Who the fvck read's ANY of that BS at those checkstand's anyway!?
Maaan! That's one reason right there, i only do my shopping late at night when i have to go to these funky supermarket's! This way i can get in & get out as fast as possible! They got all that BS right there in your face! You can't avoid it, no matter where you turn your head!LOL! Who J-LO is screwing! 1008 ways to keep your lover! Lose a million pounds for summer! UFO's at the OSCAR'S! Now they gonna put RJ in there with the rest of that BS!

I don't know about the rest of you all, but i ingnore ALL THAT $HIT when i'm at the store. I won't look at ANY of that BS or give it ANY credibility at all, because of the damage that $hit does to the way people think, especially women.

I have NO use for the Enquirer, Star, Cosmo, TV Guide, ect.....except to maybe wipe my *** with'em!

F#CK'EM!

Much love

BLACK HOLE EZ67
Oakland


Posted on Aug 20, 2004, 7:01 PM

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THIS WEEK IN BLACK ROCK ..(AUGUST 18-27)

by TFSnewsRoom/BlackRockCoalition.org

The Black Rock Coalition Presents...

THIS WEEK IN BLACK ROCK
(AUGUST 18-27)

Welcome to all the new people who signed up to join the BRC e-mail list. This
is your prime location to find out what's going on with the BRC and things
related to Black rock in all of its forms.

As always, the good people at the multi-national corporate conglomerate known
as America Online have graciously asked my infinitesimal Black behind to
remind you, if you wish NOT to be a member of the BRC weekly e-mails, simply reply
to info@blackrockcoalition.org with the word "unsubscribe." WE ADAMANTLY
DISCOURAGE SPAM, BUT… we won't get mad if you choose to forward this list, but only
if it's to parties with genuine interest in BRC activities. Please ask
permission first!

REMINDER: The deadline for getting listings in This Week In Black Rock is
every Tuesday at noon. T.W.I.B.R. gets sent out Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
E-mail listings to: BRCMembersInfo@aol.com.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE INCLUDE SHOW TIMES, ADMISSION PRICES AND CONTACT
INFORMATION! (And if you're playing outside the New York metropolitan area, please
include city and state).

DO NOT SEND ANONYMOUS/UNIDENTIFIABLE ATTACHMENTS! THEY WILL BE DELETED
UNOPENED!

TWIBR HAS ADS, CLASSIFIEDS AND ARTIST LINKS! For info about taking out ads in
TWIBR, contact Darrell McNeill at BRCMembersInfo@aol.com.

Darrell M. McNeill
BRC Director of Operations
___________________________________________________

The BRC respectfully acknowledges the passing of
two musical giants from the Motherland:

Sipho Gumede (South African bassist composer)
Patrick Balisidya (Tanzanian composer, multi-instrumentalist)
_____________________________________________

The following notice comes from Candice Jackson, publicist, producer and
longtime BRC supporter. She is organizing a fundraiser for AIDS/HIV research and
education and is seeking your assistance:

Hello! I’ll get right to the point…men, women and children living with
HIV/AIDS very much need our help.

One way I’m committed to helping is by coordinating a very special event to
benefit the MAC Aids Fund in the Connecticut region. It’s my hope you’ll
help, too, by supporting this event in every way you can; we’ll all get the great
feeling of helping folks who really need it, while celebrating together and
championing the right to decent living for all people.

Here are the particulars:

Through the MAC AIDS Fund and Viva Glam programs, MAC Cosmetics provides
support to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Christina Aguilera,
Missy Elliot and Boy George are some of our current Viva Glam
spokespersons/models, working hard to gain a lot of national attention for this critically
important cause. This particular event will raise much needed funds for medication,
food, clothing, shelter and more FOR OUR LOCAL AREA.

THE EVENT begins at 7PM on Saturday, October 30, 2004 at BAR, 242 Crown St
reet, New Haven, Connecticut, a long established part of the exciting, culturally
rich, and happening downtown entertainment district that makes New Haven,
Connecticut the truly special place it is. New Haven is the home of Yale
University, where both presidential candidates attended school, as well as the
Peabody Museum and the historical Schubert Theatre.

Since MAC is All Ages, All Races, All Sexes, All MAC there will be a variety
of things happening at this event, including good food and drink, great
giveaways, a silent auction, raffles, performances and comedy entertainment, guest
speakers and so much more...

The event is open to the public, so feel free to bring along friends and let
others know about it. We’re expecting 250+ people to support what will be a
dynamic event for a wonderful cause.

You can help in another important way; we’d appreciate anything you may be
able to contribute in the form of flyers, raffle tickets, grab bags, banners,
T-shirts, performers, to mention a few. Your contributions will be an asset to
this event. Please let us know how you’d like to help…

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT WILL BENEFIT THE FUND, ASSISTING AND HELPING THE
PEOPLE IT SERVES.

Ready to help? Please call or e-mail with any questions on this event. Your
support is needed and appreciated!

Thank you!

Candice Jackson/ CJR Entertainment
Event Specialist
MAC@ CT Post
(203) 877-9393 ext. 3557
CandiceJackson@aol.com
(646) 479-1649 NYC
(203) 596-8296 New England

______________________________________________________________________________
______

BRC HEAT

Tickets are still available for
Joe’s Pub at The Delacorte Theater series!
Including the following BRC artists:

BURNT SUGAR (with Antibalas and Nublu Orchestra), 8/21, FREE TOMORROW!
EMILENE MICHEL, 8/26, FREE!
MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO’S
SPIRIT MUSIC SEXTET
(w/Mos Def’s BIG directed by WILL CALHOUN), 8/27, $40

WHEN: All shows start at 7PM. INFO: (212) 539-8778
WHERE: Middle of Central Park at 81st Street, NYC
__________________________________________________

Mark your calendars, Wednesday, September 1
for the debut of a new monthly party courtesy of the BRC!

BRC LATE NITE @ JOE’S PUB

"The in place for outcasts…"

Guest Curator: Greg Tate
Featuring: Tarmac, Noemie, Cimaj, Deep Cotton
WHEN: 11PM-4AM; HOW MUCH: $7 ($5 for BRC Members)
WHERE: 425 Lafayette Street (near Astor Place)
INFO: http://www.blackrockcoalition.org, (212) 713-5097,
http://joespub.com or (212) 539-8778

____________________________________________________


BRC-NY GENERAL MEETING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 3PM

• Meet the officers
• Meet your peers
• Find out what’s happening
• Tell us how we’re doing
• Get ¡$%&#@ off your chest

WHERE: Musician’s Local 802
322 West 48th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenue)
INFO: http://www.blackrockcoalition.org, (212) 713-5097

____________________________________________________

HIGHLIGHTS

• BURNT SUGAR does a FREE concert in Central Park TOMORROW NIGHT, 8/21,
with Antibalas and Nublu Orchestra at the Delacorte Theater
• TACKHEAD does a warm-up hit at Sully’s Pub, Hartford, CT, TOMORROW
NIGHT, 8/21, before going overseas to Europe
• FISHBONE tour has been CANCELLED!
• LENNY KRAVITZ US tour has been CANCELLED!
• PRINCE wraps Eastern leg of tour with multiple shows in Philadelphia
starting 8/22 through 8/24
• Coming in September, the BK New Music Fest, 9/16-19
• BEN HARPER tours election swing states in October

______________________________________________________________________________
_______

CALENDAR DATES

Highlighted items indicate BRC artists, bands and/or events

(TONIGHT) FRIDAY, AUGUST 20

Guy Davis at Satalla, NYC

WHAT: Traditional blues revivalist celebrates CD release. WHEN: 8PM. HOW
MUCH: $15. INFO: (212) 576-1155 or http://satalla.com. WHERE: 37 West 26th Street between
Broadway/Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, Chelsea-Flatiron district.

McCoy Tyner/Savion Glover at Blue Note, NYC (through 8/22)

WHAT: Legendary pianist teams with young tap virtuoso. HOW MUCH: $8. WHEN:
12:30AM. INFO: http://bluenotejazz.com or (212) 475-8592. WHERE: 131 West Third Street
between Sixth Avenue and MacDougal, Greenwich Village.

Fishbone at The Funk Box, Baltimore, MD (CANCELLED!)

Garland Jeffreys & The Coney Island Playboys at The Stephen Talkhouse,
Amagansett, NY

WHAT: New York singer-songwriter performs at a benefit/send-off for Mike
Rubenstein. WHEN: 7PM doors/8PM show. HOW MUCH: $50. INFO: (631) 267-3117 or
http://stephentalkhouse.com. WHERE: 161 Main Street. ARTIST SITE: http://www.garlandjeffreys.com.

Steel Pulse at NTELOS Pavilion and Harbor Center, Virginia Beach, VA (on tour
through 8/21)

WHAT: Brixton reggae-rock veterans continue national tour. HOW MUCH: $25.
WHEN: 7PM. INFO: (757) 391-3260. WHERE: 901 Crawford Street. ARTIST SITE:
www.steel-pulse.com.

Carrie Taylor at Smith’s Olde Bar, Atlanta, GA

WHAT: Black bohemian hippie chick. WHEN: 8:45PM. HOW MUCH: $10. INFO: (404)
875-1522 or smithsoldebar.com. WHERE: 1578 Piedmont Avenue at Monroe. ARTIST
SITE: http://www.carrietaylor.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

Antibalas/Burnt Sugar/Nublu Orchestra at Delacorte Theatre, NYC

WHAT: A night of three New York-based ensembles—one Afrobeat, one jazz-rock,
one avant-spatial—all rooted in the funk. WHEN: 7PM. HOW MUCH: FREE! INFO:
(212) 539-8778 or joespub.com. WHERE: Middle of Central Park at 81st Street.
ARTIST SITE: http://www.antibalas.com , http://www.burntsugarindex.com .

Body Count Featuring Ice-T at Knitting Factory, NYC

WHAT: Return of Ice-T’s controversial hardcore ghetto-rock. WHEN: 11:30PM.
HOW MUCH: $15 advance/$18 door. INFO: knittingfactory.com or (212) 219-3132.
WHERE: 74 Leonard Street between Broadway and Church Street, Tribeca.

Josh Roseman Unit/Cyro Baptista & Beat The Donkey at Tonic, NYC

WHAT: Trombone alchemist’s troupe shares bill with percussion wizard’s crew.
WHEN: Two sets, 8PM and 10PM. HOW MUCH: $15. INFO: (212) 358-7501 or
http://tonicnyc.com . WHERE: 107 Norfolk Street between Delancey and Rivington Street, Lower
East Side near Williamsburg Bridge. ARTIST SITE: http://www.joshroseman.com.

Val-Inc at Makor, NYC

WHAT: Tricky Dilemma’s drummer/turntablist/sound manipulator does a solo set
at Makor. WHEN: 9PM. HOW MUCH: $12. INFO: (212) 601-1000 or makor.org. WHERE:
35 West 67th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue/Broadway,
near Lincoln Center.

Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Aché at Satalla
Featuring Carlos "Patato" Valdes and Candido Camero

WHAT: New York Latin music drummer is joined by two living percussion
legends. WHEN: Two sets, 8PM and 10PM. HOW MUCH: $20 advance/$25 door. INFO: (212)
576-1155 or satalla.com. WHERE: 37 West 26th Street between Broadway/Fifth
Avenue and Sixth Avenue, Chelsea-Flatiron district.

Dapp Theory at The Jazz Gallery

WHAT: Andy Milne’s jazz-funk-hip-hop fusion project. WHEN: Two sets, 9PM and
10:30PM. HOW MUCH: $12. INFO: (212) 242-1063 or jazzzgallery.org. WHERE: 290
Hudson Street below Spring Street, West Soho.

Tack Head at Sully’s Pub, Hartford, CT

WHAT: Proto-rock/funk/electronic fusion quintet reunites. WHEN: 8PM. HOW
MUCH: CONTACT VENUE. INFO: http://sullyspub.com or (860) 231-8881. WHERE: 2071 Park
Street. ARTIST SITE: http://www.tackhead.org.

Fishbone at Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT (CANCELLED!)

Eric Roberson/Lady Alma at NXNW, Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Philly soul representing. DJ Junior works the wheels. WHEN: 9PM
doors/10PM show. HOW MUCH: $12. INFO: (215) 248-1000 or nxnwphl.com. WHERE: 7165
Germantown Avenue. ARTIST SITE: www.ladyalma.com.

Carrie Taylor at Jake’s Roadhouse, Decatur, GA

WHAT: Black bohemian hippie chick. WHEN: 8PM. HOW MUCH: $10. INFO: (404)
633-4111 or http://jakesroadhouse.net. WHERE: 2284 Lawrenceville Highway. ARTIST SITE:
http://www.carrietaylor.com.

Doria Roberts at Red Light Café, Atlanta, GA

WHAT: Acoustic folkie returns to the Red Light. WHEN: 7PM doors/8PM show. HOW
MUCH: $10 advance/15 door. INFO: (404) 874-7828. WHERE: 553 Amsterdam Avenue.
ARTIST SITE: http://www.doriaroberts.com.

*Nadir-Distorted Soul at African World Festival (Hart Plaza), Detroit, MI

WHAT: Detroit modern rock powerhouse. HOW MUCH: FREE. WHEN: 7PM. INFO:
http://maah-detroit.org/african_world_festival_2004.htm. WHERE: The Kuumba Stage near Hart
Plaza. ARTIST SITE: http://www.distortedsoul.com.

Amp Fiddler at Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco, CA (on tour through 8/27)

WHAT: Ex-P-Funk keyboardist continues national tour. WHEN: 8PM doors/9PM
show. HOW MUCH: $15. INFO: (415) 474-0365 or http://bimbos365club.com. WHERE: 1025
Columbus Avenue. ARTIST SITE: http://www.ampfiddler.com.

Dawn Norfleet & Sacred Garden at Fais Do Do, Los Angeles, CA

WHAT: Flautist/composer/producer performs original jazz and soul. WHEN: 10PM.
HOW MUCH: $10. INFO: faisdodo.com or (213) 576-1155. WHERE: 5257 West Adams
Boulevard, between La Brea and Fairfax. ARTIST: http://www.dawnnorfleet.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22

Fishbone at Don Hill’s, NYC (CANCELLED!)

"Rhythms, Rhymes and Rituals" at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, Brooklyn, NY
Featuring Danny Simmons, Tish Benson, David Mills, Karen Bernod, Louis Reyes
Rivera & The Jazzoets, Syndee Stewart & The Truth and Steve Wallace; hosted by
Radha Blank

WHAT: African Voices’ annual day-long festival of Black culture. WHEN:
2:30PM-8PM. HOW MUCH: FREE. INFO: (212) 865-2982 or http://africanvoices.com. WHERE: Water
Street between Main and New Dock Street, DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights area.

Prince at Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA (through 8/24 - on tour through
9/4)

WHAT: Minneapolis Pied Piper continues tour. HOW MUCH: $47.50-$75, depending
on seating. WHEN: 7:30PM. INFO: (215) 336-3600. WHERE: 3601 South Broad
Street. ARTIST SITE: http://www.npgmusicclub.com.

MONDAY, AUGUST 23

Buddy Guy/Robert Cray at Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN (on tour through 9/4)

WHAT: Two generations of blues join forces for tour. HOW MUCH: $27.50-$45,
depending on seating. WHEN: 7:30PM. INFO: (212) 443-3399. WHERE: 116 Fifth
Avenue North. ARTIST SITE: www.buddyguy.net, http://www.robertcray.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24

Roy Ayers/Eric Roberson at Queensbridge Park, Queens, NY

WHAT: Godfather of funk-jazz vibraphone plays The Bridge. Philly-soul
youngblood opens. HOW MUCH: FREE. INFO: (212) 360-8290 or cityparksfoundation.org.
WHERE: 21st Street, Bridge Plaza, Vernon Boulevard and East River.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25

Ronald K. Brown/Evidence at Lincoln Center Plaza, NYC

WHAT: Noted choreographer and dance troupe does a rare free concert in
Lincoln Plaza. HOW MUCH: FREE. INFO: (212) 875-5766 or lincolncenter.org. WHERE:
Columbus Avenue at West 65th Street and Broadway, Lincoln Center.

Violent Sex/Black Rain/One Day Left/Tremendous/Raination at Suite 16, NYC

WHAT: Alternative showcase. HOW MUCH: $8. INFO: (212) 627-1680. WHERE: 127
Eighth Avenue at West 16th Street, Chelsea.

Seal at The Backyard, Austin, TX (on tour through 9/4)

WHAT: Brit soul/pop stylist returns to the states for another tour leg. WHEN:
8PM. HOW MUCH: $40 advance/$45 door. INFO: (512) 263-4146 or http://thebackyard.net.
WHERE: 13101 Highway 71 West, just before the intersection of Route 620.
ARTIST SITE: http://www.seal.com.

Amp Fiddler at The Echo, Los Angeles, CA (on tour through 8/27)

WHAT: Ex-P-Funk keyboardist continues national tour. WHEN: 8PM. HOW MUCH: $12
advance/$14 door. INFO: (213) 413-8200. WHERE: 1822 West Sunset Boulevard at
Lemoyne Street. ARTIST SITE: http://www.ampfiddler.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26

Emilene Michel at Delacorte Theatre, NYC

WHAT: Queen of Haitian song continues the inaugural Joe’s Pub @ The Delacorte
series. WHEN: 7PM. HOW MUCH: FREE! INFO: (212) 539-8778 or http://joespub.com.
WHERE: Middle of Central Park at 81st Street.

Gil Scott-Heron at S.O.B.’s, NYC

WHAT: Proto-progressive shaman returns to S.O.B.’s. WHEN: 6:30PM doors/8PM
show. HOW MUCH: $18 advance/$22 door. INFO: (212) 243-4940 or sobs.com. WHERE:
204 Varick Street at West Houston, Soho.

Jimmy Cliff at B.B. King’s, NYC

WHAT: Reggae-pop legend returns to B.B. King’s. WHEN: 8PM. HOW MUCH: $30
advance/$35 door. INFO: http://bbkingblues.com or (212) 997-4144. WHERE: 237 West 42nd
Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenue, Times Square.

Carol Thomas at Freddie’s Back Room, Brooklyn, NY
With Sonya Heller, Elisa Peimer & Patty Keough

WHAT: Former One & Twenty front woman performs at a night of indie women
songwriters. WHEN: 8PM. HOW MUCH: NO COVER! INFO: (718) 622-7035 or
freddysbackroom.com. WHERE: 485 Dean Street at Sixth Avenue, Park Slope. ARTIST SITE:
http://www.carolthomas.net.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27

Mos Def’s Big/Me’shell Ndegeocello’s Spirit Music Sextet at Delacorte
Theatre, NYC

WHAT: Hip-hop renaissance man performs with his orchestra, led by Will
Calhoun. Me’shell opens with her all-star jazz unit. WHEN: 7PM. HOW MUCH: $40. INFO:
(212) 539-8778 or http://joespub.com. WHERE: Middle of Central Park at 81st Street.
ARTIST SITE: http://www.mosdefinitely.com , http://www.freemyheart.com.

Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio at The Jazz Gallery (through 8/28)

WHAT: Jazz organ legend. WHEN: Two sets, 9PM and 10:30PM. HOW MUCH: $15.
INFO: (212) 242-1063 or http://jazzzgallery.org. WHERE: 290 Hudson Street below Spring
Street, West Soho.

Bernie Worrell & The Woo Warriors at Stella Blue, Asheville, NC
(on tour through 8/30)

WHAT: Keyboard wizard and P-Funk co-founder tours his band along the
Southeast. WHEN: 10PM. HOW MUCH: CONTACT VENUE. INFO: (828) 236-2424 or
http://stellabluelive.com. WHERE: 31 Patton Avenue. ARTIST SITE: http://www.bernieworrell.com.

Prince at Pepsi Center, Denver, CO (through 8/28 - on tour through 9/4)

WHAT: Minneapolis Pied Piper continues tour. HOW MUCH: $45.50-$75, depending
on seating. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (303) 405-1111. WHERE: 1000 Chopper Circle.
ARTIST SITE: http://www.npgmusicclub.com.

Stew at California Plaza, Los Angeles, CA (through 8/28)

WHAT: L.A. singer/songwriter/storyteller/subversive does an expansive set in
his hometown. WHEN/HOW MUCH: CONTACT VENUE. INFO: (213) 687-2001. WHERE: 333
South Grand Avenue. ARTIST SITE: http://www.negroproblem.com or http://www.stewsongs.com.

Tack Head at Jazz Festival Willisau, Switzerland

Live Stream by Swiss Radio Station DRS2 from 22.30-01.00 Central European
Time. INFO: http://www.tackhead.org.

________________________________________________________________

UPCOMING DATES

"TRUE VOICES OF HIP-HOP" AT THE BOWERY POETRY CLUB, NYC, 8/28
Featuring D-Cross, Snubz, Zero Boy, Renegades of Punk, Midi & Masai and Human
Beatbox Jam Session

IMANI UZURI IN "HER HOLY WATER: A BLACK GIRL’S ROCK OPERA" AT MAKOR, NYC, 8/28

ISLEY BROTHERS AT THE BEACON THEATER, NYC, 8/28

TACK HEAD AT 26TH INTERNATIONAL JAZZFESTIVAL
SAALFELDEN, AUSTRIA, 8/28

CHICK COREA AT LINCOLN CENTER PLAZA, NYC, 8/30

AMEL LARRIEUX AT BLUE NOTE, NYC, 8/30-9/1

DAVID RYAN HARRIS AT SMITH’S OLDE BAR, ATLANTA, GA, 8/30

LITTLE JIMMY SCOTT AT IRIDIUM, NYC, 8/31-9/5

BRC LATE NITE AT JOE’S PUB, NYC, 9/1
Guest Curator: Greg Tate, featuring Tarmac, Deep Cotton, Cimaj and Noemie

REESE/DANNI GEE & SUGABUSH/PAULY ETHNIC’S BRASS KNUCKLES/KILGORE TROUT AT
SUITE 16, NYC, 9/1

AUSTIN WILLACY AT GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL, SAN
FRANCISCO, CA, 9/1

ABBEY LINCOLN AT BLUE NOTE, NYC, 9/2-5

TANGLEWOOD JAZZ FESTIVAL AT BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, LENOX, MA, 9/3-5
Featuring Branford Marsalis, Savion Glover & Jimmy Slyde, Eddie Palmieri and
others

NADIR-DISTORTED SOUL AT "ART, BEATS AND EATS" (MOTOR CITY CASINO), PONTIAC,
MI, 9/5

TACK HEAD AT BOWERY BALLROOM, NYC, 9/7

TACK HEAD AT BLACK CAT, WASHINGTON, DC, 9/8

TACK HEAD AT LEE'S PALACE, TORONTO, ONT, CANADA, 9/9

TACK HEAD AT THE ABBEY PUB, CHICAGO, IL, 9/10

TACK HEAD AT CASBAH, SAN DIEGO, CA, 9/14

TACK HEAD AT THE ECHO, LOS ANGELES, CA, 9/15

BK NEW MUSIC FEST (VARYING LOCATIONS), BROOKLYN, NY
9/16-19
Featuring Chocolate Genius, Shrine for the Black Madonna, Jungli,
Tamar-kali,
Suffrajett, G*A*M*E Rebellion, Maya Azucena, Stiffed, Morley, Manchildblack,

Moisturizer and others

FELICIA COLLINS/SQUARE EGG/TARREY TORAE/BIG BROOKLYN RED AT SUITE 16, NYC,
9/15

TACK HEAD AT THE INDEPENDENT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 9/16

KING’S X AT THE SANCTUARY, SAN ANTONIO,TX, 9/22 (on tour through 11/5)
___________________________________________________

CONTACT:

Here's how you can reach us here at the B.R.C.:

SNAIL MAIL: Black Rock Coalition
P.O. Box 1054
Cooper Station
NYC, NY 10276
WEBSITE: http://www.blackrockcoalition.org
HOTLINE: (212) 713-5097
TO E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR T.W.I.B.R.: BRCMembersInfo@aol.com

That's it 'til next week.

Peace,
D.Mc.




Posted on Aug 20, 2004, 7:42 PM

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CAN SOMEONE POST SOME CLIPS AND PICS OF VAL YOUNG?

by

I tried the link but it doesn't work on my computer. Can someone please post the pics and her appearance on TV were I can view.

Thanks!

Posted on Aug 20, 2004, 11:47 AM

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Jackson's Lavish Lifestyle Put on Display

by NewsRoom/AP

Jackson's Lavish Lifestyle Put on Display
(AP, 08/20/2004 7:02 AM)

By Jeff Wilson

Michael Jackson 's elegant home with its lavish playground for children was placed on display in a courtroom as defense attorneys showed a judge videotapes of a raid last year on the pop star's Neverland estate.

The videotape was viewed at a Thursday hearing in Jackson's child molestation case at which defense attorneys were attempting to limit the evidence prosecutors can present during trial in January. Jackson's lawyers say the search was overly broad and unjustified.

The pretrial hearing was to resume Friday with testimony from the lead detective who directed the search of Jackson's home.

Also Thursday, the defense elicited testimony from the stepfather of Jackson's accuser that validated what had long been rumored — that the accuser's family sought payment from the music superstar for appearing in a video designed to restore Jackson's reputation.

Jackson, 45, is charged with committing a lewd act upon a child, administering an intoxicating agent and conspiring to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $3 million bail.

In a one-hour excerpt from some 15 hours of video, sheriff's detectives trudged ahead of a videographer as they opened doors on scenes from Jackson's life behind the gates of his Tudor-style mansion with its dark wood paneling and glittery chandeliers.

The detectives from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department swept into the entertainer's "toy room," where his children often played with life-sized "Star Wars" figures and a larger-than-life Superman figure.

Also videotaped was Jackson's wine cellar, business office and the "classroom," with its child-sized desks, where he had his children home-schooled.

Jackson and his family were not at home when the search began at 9 a.m. on Nov. 18 and ended well after midnight. Some 40 officers participated, trucking with them portable toilets and two crime scene investigation trucks for collection of evidence.

The search came on the same day Epic Records released "Number Ones," a greatest hits collection featuring Jackson's new single, "One More Chance."

During the earlier testimony, the accuser's stepfather, identified as "Mr. Doe" to shield his stepson's identity, portrayed himself as the moving force behind efforts to obtain payment from Jackson's people.

"I said, 'This family has nothing and you're making millions from this and what are you going to do for this little family,'" the man said of a conversation with someone he identified only as the "gentleman from Neverland."

He said the person offered to provide a college education and buy the family a house.

His testimony appeared to bolster defense contentions that the accuser's family tried to "shake down" Jackson for money. Lawyers for Jackson claim the molestation accusations came when no payment was made.

The attempt to tape a testimonial video interview followed the broadcast of a British TV documentary, "Living With Michael Jackson," which included the alleged victim and showed Jackson defending his practice of having young boys sleep in his bed.

When the documentary raised a storm of controversy, the stepfather said, Jackson hired an investigator to record a rebuttal video to vouch for the entertainer's good character.

The stepfather also testified Jackson wasn't the only one from whom he sought payments. He said he asked British journalists who came to the family's home how much they would pay, adding that they offered $15,000. He said the family never took the money.

In another development Thursday, Jackson, with the judge's approval, released a brief statement on his Web site railing at critics he said have targeted him and his family with lies and ridicule. The statement did not mention the charges he is facing.

"It is unfortunate that for years we have been targets of completely inaccurate and false portrayals," Jackson said. "We have watched as we have been vilified and humiliated. I personally have suffered through many hurtful lies and references to me as 'Wacko Jacko' as well as the latest untruth about me fathering quadruplets."


Posted on Aug 20, 2004, 10:23 AM

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Despite 16,000 hits she had "absolutely zero book orders"..

by TFSnewsRoom/BBC.co.uk

Kerry 'ex-flame' in web backlash




Mr Kerry married his second wife Teresa in 1995

Mr Kerry married his second wife Teresa in 1995
A woman who claims to be an old flame of US presidential hopeful John Kerry says she plans to take down details of their relationship she put on the web.
Lee Whitnum, an aspiring novelist writing under the surname Roystone, said she had received 500 hate e-mails from Democrats and Republicans.

She said she had hoped it might help her sell her novels, but realised it was an "experiment that did not work".

There has been no public word from Mr Kerry about Ms Whitnum's claims.

Ms Whitnum says she had a 20-month romance in the early 1990s, when Mr Kerry was a single man.

She has told the US media that their secret relationship came to an end when it became clear he would not marry her.

Her website includes the 'John Kerry Scrapbook' with photographs of the two together, some notes purported to be from Kerry and an account of their romance. She also encourages readers to vote for him in the November elections.


'Not good days'

She said she hoped it might help publicise her books 'Hedge Fund Mistress' - about a woman who has a relationship with a US state senator - and 'What About the Dead?'

She said that despite 16,000 hits she had "absolutely zero book orders".

"I was so sure that I'd sell some books, buy a house, not have to spend the next 20 years in a windowless cube... living paycheck-to-paycheck. Silly me," she wrote.

She said she wanted to remove the scrapbook but could not right now, without giving more detail.

In an interview in the September issue of GQ magazine, the 60-year-old Massachusetts senator describes single life after his first marriage failed as "not good days".

"Thank God I found Teresa," he said, referring to the billionaire heiress to the Heinz food empire he married in 1995.

In the interview, he also reveals a soft spot for movie stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Charlize Theron, as well as Marilyn Monroe

Posted on Aug 19, 2004, 9:23 PM

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Tribute To RICK JAMES From www.RingSideReport.com

by TFSnewsRoom/RingSideReport.com

Tribute To RICK JAMES From www.RingSideReport.com


Fighters Don't Just Wage Wars in Boxing Rings
By "Bad" Brad Berkwitt - August 18, 2004
http://www.RingSideReport.com




Fighters are best known for being the guys who lace up the boxing gloves and put their lives on the line in that coveted square circle. However, there are fighters in all walks of life who wage battles on many different levels. One such fighter the world recently lost. His name was James Johnson, JR. But to the music world, he was known as Rick James, the ultimate hipster and Punk Funk Legend.

What did he fight you ask? He fought his demons that consumed him via a potent drug called success and cocaine. He served prison time for a crime the courts said he was guilty of. Many times he was down for the count, but as all the great fighters before him and after will show you, he went the distance and proudly showed the championship belt that comes with victory.

James throughout the late 70's and early 80's, shot to stardom with such hits as: You and I, Mary Jane, Give It to Me Baby, Super Freak, Fire and Desire (duet with Teena Marie) and Standing on the Top (backed by the Temptations) to name just a few of his many hits.

In life, we face many demons on many different levels, but at James' success level, excess is the norm and refusal many times is not. Many will say, he died from the life he lived. That may be true, but only one power really knows why he was taken at the time in his life when he was reflective, appeared happy and was on the verge of once again, being the King.

Many reading this article are diehard boxing fans, and now confirmed through close sources to Rick, he was also a diehard boxing fan as well. In fact, he was friends with many fighters over the years. In recent months, I had attempted to reach out to Rick and nail an exclusive boxing interview with him because I have always enjoyed doing celebrity interviews on the sport of boxing. It always gives a fresh approach to the sport and many candid memories come out of fights viewed or attended.

Obviously that interview will never happen. In the recent days since his death, I have been active in chats on his website which has fans and friends of Rick's from all over the world. And without any thought, I can tell they are some incredible folks there that know his career along with share some great memories.

As a fan of music and not ashamed to say, a big fan of Rick's music which was the soundtrack of my childhood, as I am sure it is for many out there.

Finally, to Rick's entire family that has shared with the world their father, brother and family member, remember, "What has been loved can never be lost. As long as we keep the memory of a lost one in our hearts and minds, they can never be far behind."

Rest in Peace Rick and as your song so eloquently was written, you are back in your "Mama's Eyes".

For fans or interested parties, you can visit Rick's website at: www.rickjames.com



To ring in with your views email "Bad" Brad at: bberkwitt@aol.com


Posted on Aug 19, 2004, 8:31 PM

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PFUNK Rip Up The Grammys (Pictures) !

by TFSnewsRoom/AP

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - R&B singer Beyonce Knowles took a commanding early lead at the music industry's Grammy Awards on Sunday, winning five prizes, including the first one handed out during the televised ceremony.


Along with three other performers, Knowles led the Grammy contenders with nominations in six categories. She will vie for the other Grammy, the coveted record of the year award, toward the end of the three-hour ceremony, which began at 8 p.m. EST.















Knowles, the 22-year-old frontwoman with R&B trio Destiny's Child, was lauded largely for her debut solo release, "Dangerously in Love," which won the Grammy for best contemporary R&B album.


"I'm just so honored," Knowles said, a little breathless after she and funk veteran Prince opened the show with a steamy medley of their hits.


In the earlier, nontelevised ceremony, the title track was honored for female R&B vocal performance. She and boyfriend Jay-Z, who also had six nominations, shared Grammys (news - web sites) for the song, "Crazy in Love," which won for rap/sung collaboration and R&B song.


Her other Grammy was for a duet with soul icon Luther Vandross, "The Closer I Get To You," which won for R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals.


Vandross, who was stricken by a near-fatal stroke last April, won two other Grammys. "Dance With my Father" was named best R&B album, and its title track best male R&B vocal performance. Vandross picked up five nominations overall and had hoped to attend the Grammys, but he was not well enough.


In his absence, singers Alicia Keys, Celine Dion (news - web sites) and Richard Marx performed a tribute to him. Vandross, in his first public appearance, sent his greetings a taped video message, and sang the line, "I believe in the power of love."


KRAUSS WINS THREE GRAMMYS


Bluegrass musician Alison Krauss also picked up three Grammy Awards, taking her career total to 17 -- eighth on the all-time list of Grammy winners.


Along with Knowles and Jay-Z, the other six-time nominees were hip-hop duo OutKast and writer/producer Pharrell Williams, who was named producer of the year. OutKast won two Grammys -- but lost two earlier races. Other double-winners included Jay Z, rapper Eminem (news - web sites), rock band White Stripes, jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter, and pop singer Justin Timberlake.


OutKast's infectious hit single "Hey Ya!" won the Grammy for urban/alternative performance. During the televised portion, OutKast's double album, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" was named best rap album.


In one of the shortest acceptance speeches in Grammy history, group member Andre "3000" Benjamin took the stage to say "Thank you," and then bounded off. His cohort, Antwan "Big Boi" Patton, was not present.


Other winners during the televised portion included 'N Sync (news - web sites) star Timberlake, who beat such veterans as Sting, and the late rockers George Harrison and Warren Zevon to take the Grammy for male pop vocal performance.


Once again, he apologized for his part in the Janet Jackson breast-baring scandal at the Super Bowl last weekend, but generally seemed overwhelmed by his victory.


"This is officially the greatest moment of my life," Timberlake said. Earlier, his debut solo release "Justified" was named best pop vocal album.


No Doubt's ballad "Underneath It All" was honored for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal. Singer Gwen Stefani thanked her husband, English rock star Gavin Rossdale, for allowing her to co-write the song about him.





Elsewhere, "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin, country star Vince Gill, rock veteran Sting and jazz musician Pat Metheny each won the 16th Grammys of their careers. Jazz veteran Chick Corea won his 12th Grammy and thanked the Scientology organization. Blues guitarist Buddy Guy won his fifth Grammy.

The Grammy for the late Johnny Cash, in the short-form video category, marked the 12th of his career.




Posted on Feb 8, 2004, 10:59 PM

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Make My Funk The P-Funk !

by Boogie






Mosson !

Posted on Aug 19, 2004, 4:35 PM

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THIS WEEK IN BLACK ROCK (AUGUST 11-20) ..

by TFSnewsRoom/BlackRockCoalition.org

The Black Rock Coalition Presents...

THIS WEEK IN BLACK ROCK
(AUGUST 11-20)

Welcome to all the new people who signed up to join the BRC e-mail list. This
is your prime location to find out what's going on with the BRC and things
related to Black rock in all of its forms.

As always, the good people at the multi-national corporate conglomerate known
as America Online have graciously asked my infinitesimal Black behind to
remind you, if you wish NOT to be a member of the BRC weekly e-mails, simply reply
to info@blackrockcoalition.org with the word "unsubscribe." WE ADAMANTLY
DISCOURAGE SPAM, BUT… we won't get mad if you choose to forward this list, but only
if it's to parties with genuine interest in BRC activities. Please ask
permission first!

REMINDER: The deadline for getting listings in This Week In Black Rock is
every Tuesday at noon. T.W.I.B.R. gets sent out Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
E-mail listings to: BRCMembersInfo@aol.com.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE INCLUDE SHOW TIMES, ADMISSION PRICES AND CONTACT
INFORMATION! (And if you're playing outside the New York metropolitan area, please
include city and state).

DO NOT SEND ANONYMOUS/UNIDENTIFIABLE ATTACHMENTS! THEY WILL BE DELETED
UNOPENED!

TWIBR HAS ADS, CLASSIFIEDS AND ARTIST LINKS! For info about taking out ads in
TWIBR, contact Darrell McNeill at BRCMembersInfo@aol.com.

Darrell M. McNeill
BRC Director of Operations
_________________________________________________

In Memoriam: Marilyn Brown

Some sad news from Beverly Milner, executive director, BRC-LA:

Many of the BRC-NY "OG’s" WILL probably remember former BRC-NY member
Marilyn Brown. We are all shocked and saddened at her sudden death. She was the
quintessential Black Rocker Chick and was big on the BRC-NY rock scene a few
years back.

Marilyn Brown passed away. She unfortunately drowned July 28 in the ocean
here in California. Her family lives in Mt. Vernon, NY. We are starting up a
collection here and hope BRC NY can do so there. This sudden death has put
her elderly parents in a financial bind, as they had to fly out here to dispose
of her personal effects and the added expense of getting her body shipped back
to NY.

Please have any who wants to make donations BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER, send
them in my name and mail them to my own personal P.O. Box, so I will get them
faster. I will cash all checks and combine the BRC Los Angeles donations and
forward a cashier's check on to the Brown family. Thanks.

BEVERLY MILNER
PO BOX 461152
W. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFONIA 90046
_____________________________________________________

RICK JAMES
(1948-2004)
_____________________________________________________

THANK YOU!

The BRC Orchestra & Friends tribute to
Stevie Wonder’s "Songs in the Key of Life"
at Central Park Summerstage
was one of our best received shows EVER!

"We’re just the band, you make the music…"

— Bernard
Wright
___________________________________________

Applicants Desperately Needed for Hampton Scholarship

FYI in case you know of anyone -- A young black mind truly IS a terrible
thing to waste.

If you know someone who wants to go to Hampton University and needs
assistance please forward. We would hate to lose any scholarship because of lack of
participation.

Please help get the word out to current Hampton students that ESPN is
considering taking back two $10,000.00 scholarships because of lack of applicants;
they only got two applications. I told the lady at ESPN the kids must not know
about it and begged her not to pull it even though her boss is getting peeved
that they are wasting the scholarship.

If anyone knows of a deserving student please let the kid know about it and
contact: renee.antoine@espn.com.

Peace & Blessings,
Darryl Carrington
___________________________________________

DEMONSTRATION THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, NYC!

KNITTING FACTORY/INSTINCT RECORDS
DEMAND FAIR TREATMENT!

This comes to us through our esteemed comrade, Marc Ribot, renown indie
guitarist/political activist:

WHO: Take It To The Bridge!, a group of Knitting Factory/Instinct recording
artists, supported by Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians

WHAT: a really fun demonstration in front of the Knitting Factory

WHERE: 74 Leonard Street, between Broadway and Church

WHEN: Saturday, August 14th, from 7:30PM to 10PM

WHY: For years, Knitting Factory Records has routinely underreported our
album pressings and sales and underpaid our royalties. When the label was taken
over by Instinct Records, communication with the label’s management went from
bad to abysmal. Many artists were not only dropped, but also unable to get the
confirmations that would have allowed us to reclaim master tapes and take our
work elsewhere.

In June 2003, we learned that Instinct was throwing thousands of our CDs in a
Dumpster. Not only did the label lack the decency to notify us, they also
refused to let us buy back our own work, and refused the offer from an indie
record store to purchase the stock. Instead, Instinct preferred to destroy it.

Our grievances aren’t unique. Our actions will help secure rights for
recording artists and musicians across the board. While stories of pop stars
fighting their major labels have received enormous publicity, mistreatment of small
or "mid-level" artists by both indie and major labels hasn’t. Unless the
record is a platinum hit, companies routinely rip off artists with impunity.

Artists know this, but have been powerless, individually, to do anything
about it. We too tried approaching management individually with no results. Then
we decided to get together to hold the label accountable. We formed Take It
To The Bridge!, and got support from the New York Musicians’ Union, Local 802.
After many unsuccessful attempts to communicate our needs to Instinct in a
friendly way, we’re taking our fight to the courts and the streets.

WE DEMAND:

• That a full and honest accounting of record sales be made for all artists.
• That all publishing, mechanical, and artists’ royalties owed to the
artists be paid.
• That a full accounting of destroyed and discarded CDs be made for all
artists, and royalties paid on those CDs.
• That all artists whose work has not been kept in print and actively
promoted and distributed be given back their master tapes and any existing stocks of
CDs.

HELP US OUT!

SIGN our petition at www.takeittothebridge.com.
DEMONSTRATE WITH US Saturday, August 14th, 7:30 to 10 PM!

_______________________________________________________________

BRC HEAT

"THE BRC PRESENTS…"
every other month at S.O.B.’s, NYC
starting TONIGHT, Thursday, August 12, 8PM

FEATURING:

CARON WHEELER & TSUNAMIII
with
SCREAMING HEADLESS TORSOS

TICKETS: $15 advance/$17 door
INFO: S.O.B.’s: (212) 243-4940,
BRC Hotline: (212) 713-5097
ADDRESS: 204 Varick Street
at West Houston Street, Soho, NYC
___________________________________________

Tickets are still available for
Joe’s Pub at The Delacorte Theater series!
Including the following BRC artists:

STEW (opening for Ute Lemper), 8/18,FREE!
BURNT SUGAR (with Antibalas and Nublu Orchestra), 8/21, FREE!
EMILENE MICHEL, 8/26, FREE!
MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO’S
SPIRIT MUSIC SEXTET
(w/Mos Def’s BIG directed by WILL CALHOUN), 8/27, $40

WHEN: All shows start at 7PM. INFO: (212) 539-8778
WHERE: Middle of Central Park at 81st Street, NYC
___________________________________________

Mark your calendars, Wednesday, September 1
for the debut of a new monthly party courtesy of the BRC!

BRC LATE NITE @ JOE’S PUB

"The in place for outcasts…"

Guest Curator: Greg Tate
Featuring: Tarmac, Noemie, Cimaj, Deep Cotton
WHEN: 11PM-4AM; HOW MUCH: $7 ($5 for BRC Members)
WHERE: 425 Lafayette Street (near Astor Place)
INFO: www.blackrockcoalition.org, (212) 713-5097,
joespub.com or (212) 539-8778

___________________________________________________

HIGHLIGHTS

• CARON WHEELER and SCREAMING HEADLESS TORSOS perform as part of "BRC
PRESENTS…" at S.O.B.’s, 8/12
• Several FISHBONE dates have been CANCELLED! Check venues in your area!
• PRINCE returns East for a stretch of multiple shows in Washington, Boston
and Philadelphia starting 8/12 through 8/24

______________________________________________________________________________
________

CALENDAR DATES

Highlighted items indicate BRC artists, bands and/or events

(TONIGHT) THURSDAY, AUGUST 12

BRC Presents Caron Wheeler/Screaming Headless Torsos at S.O.B.’s, NYC

WHAT: Ex-Soul II Soul ingenue presents new drum ‘n bass groove project,
Tsunamiii. Jazz-punk-funk legends SHT open. WHEN: 7:30PM doors/8:30PM show. HOW
MUCH: $15 advance/$17 door. INFO: (212) 243-4940 or sobs.com. WHERE: 204 Varick
Street at West Houston, Soho. ARTIST SITE: www.torsos.com.

dead prez at Marcus Garvey Park, NYC

WHAT: Brooklyn hardcore agitprop hip-hop crew. HOW MUCH: FREE. INFO:
cityparksfoundation.org or (212) 360-8290. WHERE: 124th Street at Fifth Avenue, Harlem.

Don Byron & Music for 6 Musicians at Iridium, NYC (through 8/15)

WHAT: Circuitous clarinetist brings his sextet back to The Iridium. WHEN: Two
sets each night, 8PM and 10PM with and 11:30PM set on Fridays and Saturdays.
HOW MUCH: 8/12-13, $27.50; 8/14-15, $30. INFO: iridiumjazzclub.com or (212)
582-2121. WHERE: 1650 Broadway at West 51st Street, midtown, north of Times
Square. ARTIST SITE: www.donbyron.com.

Life: First Family of Funk at B.B. King’s, NYC

WHAT: Members of Sly & The Family Stone make a rare New York appearance.
WHEN: 8PM. HOW MUCH: $20.50 advance/$25 door. INFO: (212) 997-4144 or
bbkingblues.com. WHERE: 237 West 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenue, Times
Square.

Roy Hargrove and The RH Factor at Metrotech Plaza, Brooklyn, NY

WHAT: Shape-shifting trumpeter brings his jazz-funk-R&B-rap project downtown.
HOW MUCH: FREE. WHEN: Noon. INFO: (718) 636-4100 or bam.org. WHERE: Myrtle
Avenue between Jay Street and Flatbush Avenue Extension.

Tricky Dilemma at The Dancing Goat, South Orange, NJ

WHAT: Bruce Mack’s acoustica-electronica project. HOW MUCH: $10. WHEN: Two
sets at 8PM and 10PM. INFO: (973) 275-9000 or thedancinggoat.com. WHERE: 21
South Orange Avenue. ARTIST SITE: www.trickydilemma.com.

Prince at MCI Center, Washington, DC (through 8/14 - on tour through 9/4)

WHAT: Minneapolis Pied Piper continues tour. HOW MUCH: $49.50-$78, depending
on seating. WHEN: 7:30PM. INFO: (202) 628-3200. WHERE: 601 F Street NW.
ARTIST SITE: www.npgmusicclub.com.

Norah Jones at Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN (on tour through 11/4)

WHAT: New York pop-jazz chanteuse launches national tour. HOW MUCH: $28-$58,
depending on seating. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (615) 889-6611. WHERE: 2804 Opryland
Drive. ARTIST SITE: www.norahjones.com.

Amp Fiddler at St. Andrew’s Hall, Detroit, MI (on tour through 8/27)

WHAT: Ex-P-Funk keyboardist continues national tour. WHEN: 8PM. HOW MUCH:
$15. INFO: (313) 961-8137. WHERE: 431 East Congress Street, two blocks north of
Jefferson Avenue. ARTIST SITE: www.ampfiddler.com.

Steel Pulse at Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA (on tour through 8/21)

WHAT: Brixton reggae-rock veterans continue national tour. HOW MUCH: $45.
WHEN: 9PM. INFO: (303) 443-3399 or bellyup.com. WHERE: 143 South Cedros. ARTIST
SITE: www.steel-pulse.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13

Carol Thomas at The Cup Coffeehouse, Wantagh, NY

WHAT: Ex-One & Twenty frontwoman does her solo thing. WHEN: 9PM. HOW MUCH: NO
COVER! INFO: thecupcoffeehouse.com or (516) 826-9533. WHERE: 3268 Railroad
Avenue.

Earth Wind & Fire/Chicago at Chronicle Pavilion, Concord, CO (on tour through
8/17)

WHAT: Sound clash of two Big Shoulder City titans. WHEN: 7:30PM. HOW MUCH:
$23.75-$71.25, depending on seating. INFO: (925) 363-5701. WHERE: 2000 Kirker
Pass Road.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

New York African Chorus Ensemble at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, NYC

WHAT: "Yet Still We Rise – A Celebration of Music from the African Diaspora,"
directed by Joyce Adewumi. WHEN: 7PM. HOW MUCH: $10, $5 for children under
eight. INFO: (212) 862-4858. WHERE: 463 West 142nd Street at Amsterdam Avenue,
Harlem.

Mozayik/Lucky Ngema & Friends at Satalla, NYC

WHAT: Afro-Haitian jazz band shares bill South African legend. WHEN: Mozayik,
10PM/Lucky Ngema, midnight. HOW MUCH: Mozayik, $12/Lucky Ngema, $15. INFO:
(212) 576-1155 or satalla.com. WHERE: 37 West 26th Street between Broadway/Fifth
Avenue and Sixth Avenue, Chelsea-Flatiron district.

Stew at Mass MoCA, North Adams, MA

WHAT: L.A. singer/songwriter/storyteller/subversive. HOW MUCH: $13
advance/$16 door. WHEN: 7PM. INFO: (413) 662-2111 or massmoca.org. WHERE: 1040 Mass MoCA
Way. ARTIST SITE: www.negroproblem.com or www.stewsongs.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15

Nas at Central Park Summerstage, NYC

WHAT: Hip-hop Hemingway plays Summerstage. HOW MUCH: FREE. WHEN: 3PM. INFO:
summerstage.com or (212) 360-2777. WHERE: Rumsey Playfield, off East 72nd
Street and Fifth Avenue.

Steel Pulse at The Roxy, Hollywood, CA (through 8/16)

WHAT: Brixton reggae-rock veterans continue national tour. HOW MUCH: $40.
WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (310) 276-2222. WHERE: 9009 West Sunset Boulevard. ARTIST SITE:
www.steel-pulse.com.

Oranyan at Hard Rock Café (Citywalk), Universal City, CA

WHAT: Hard rock trio led by John Coltrane’s youngest son, Oran. HOW MUCH:
CONTACT VENUE. WHEN: 10:30PM. INFO: (818) 622-ROCK. WHERE: 1000 Universal Studios
Blvd. #99. ARTIST SITE: www.oranyan.com.

MONDAY, AUGUST 16

David Ryan Harris at Sin-é, NYC

WHAT: Former Follow for Now frontman does a quick solo acoustic hit. HOW
MUCH: $10. WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (212) 388-0077 or sin-e.com. WHERE: 150 Attorney
Street at Stanton Street, Lower East Side. ARTIST SITE: www.davidryanharris.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17

Angela Johnson/Hill Street Soul at S.O.B.’s, NYC

WHAT: Ex-Cooly’s keyboardist, singer-songwriter, producer takes center stage
at S.O.B.’s. WHEN: 7PM doors/9PM show. HOW MUCH: $12. INFO: (212) 243-4940 or
sobs.com. WHERE: 204 Varick Street at West Houston, Soho.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra at Marcus Garvey Park, NYC

WHAT: East Harlem’s premier Latin band. HOW MUCH: FREE. INFO:
cityparksfoundation.org or (212) 360-8290. WHERE: 124th Street at Fifth Avenue, Harlem.

Prince at FleetCenter, Boston, MA (through 8/19 - on tour through 9/4)

WHAT: Minneapolis Pied Piper continues tour. HOW MUCH: $49.50-$75, depending
on seating. WHEN: 7:30PM. INFO: (617) 624-1000. WHERE: One FleetCenter. ARTIST
SITE: www.npgmusicclub.com.

Fishbone at Peabody’s Downunder, Cleveland, OH

WHAT: L.A. masters of mayhem. WHEN: 7PM. HOW MUCH: $11. INFO: (216) 776-9999.
WHERE: 2083 East 21st Street.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18

Stew at The Delacorte Theatre (Central Park), NYC
Opening for Ute Lemper

WHAT: L.A. singer/songwriter/storyteller/subversive returns to do an
expansive set at the inaugural Joe’s Pub @ The Delacorte series. WHEN: 7PM. HOW MUCH:
FREE! INFO: (212) 539-8778 or joespub.com. WHERE: Middle of Central Park at
81st Street. ARTIST SITE: www.negroproblem.com or www.stewsongs.com.

Songwriters’ Beat at Cornelia Street Café, NYC
Featuring Rebecca Hart, Eric Stuart, Korin and Morely (with Robin
Macatangay); Hosted by Val Ghent

WHAT: Monthly showcase/chat session with local songwriters. HOW MUCH: $5.
INFO: songwritersbeat.com or (212) 989-9319. WHERE: 29 Cornelia Street between
West Fourth and Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village.

Steel Pulse at Irving Plaza, NYC

WHAT: Brixton reggae-rock veterans continue national tour. HOW MUCH: $25.
WHEN: 8PM. INFO: (212) 777-6800 or irvingplaza.com. WHERE: 17 Irving Place at
East 15th Street, one block east of Union Square. ARTIST SITE: www.steel-pulse.com
.

Little Richard at B.B. King’s, NYC

WHAT: Rock ‘n roll legend returns to B.B. King’s. WHEN: 8PM. HOW MUCH: $60.
INFO: bbkingblues.com or (212) 997-4144. WHERE: 237 West 42nd Street between
Seventh and Eighth Avenue, Times Square.

Roy Ayers/Ledisi at Mahoney Playground, Staten Island, NY

WHAT: Godfather of funk-jazz vibraphone plays Shaolin. Bay Area chanteuse
opens. HOW MUCH: FREE. INFO: (212) 360-8290 or cityparksfoundation.org. WHERE:
Intersection of Beechwood Avenue, Crescent Avenue, Cleveland Street and Jersey
Street.

Fishbone at The World, Pittsburgh, PA (CANCELLED!)

Cipher/Reign of Terror at The Imperial, Jacksonville, FL

WHAT: New York hardcore featured in "Afropunk." WHEN/HOW MUCH: CONTACT VENUE.
INFO: (904) 475-0488. WHERE: 325 West Forsyth Street.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19

Fishbone at The Funk Box, Baltimore, MD (CANCELLED!)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20

Guy Davis at Satalla, NYC

WHAT: Traditional blues revivalist celebrates CD release. WHEN: 8PM. HOW
MUCH: $15. INFO: (212) 576-1155 or satalla.com. WHERE: 37 West 26th Street between
Broadway/Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, Chelsea-Flatiron district.

Garland Jeffreys & The Coney Island Playboys at The Stephen Talkhouse,
Amagansett, NY

WHAT: New York singer-songwriter performs at a benefit/send-off for Mike
Rubenstein. WHEN: 7PM doors/8PM show. HOW MUCH: $50. INFO: (631) 267-3117 or
stephentalkhouse.com. WHERE: 161 Main Street. ARTIST SITE: www.garlandjeffreys.com.

________________________________________________________________

UPCOMING DATES

ANTIBALAS/ BURNT SUGAR /NUBLU ORCHESTRA AT DELACORTE THEATRE, NYC, 8/21

BODY COUNT FEATURING ICE-T AT KNITTING FACTORY, NYC, 8/21

BOBBY SANABRIA & QUARTETO ACHÉ AT SATALLA, 8/21
Featuring Carlos "Patato" Valdes and Candido Camero

TACK HEAD AT SULLY’S PUB, HARTFORD, CT, 8/21

FISHBONE AT TOAD'S PLACE, NEW HAVEN, CT, 8/21

CARRIE TAYLOR AT JAKE’S ROADHOUSE, DECATUR, GA, 8/21

FISHBONE AT DON HILL’S, NYC, 8/22

"RHYTHMS, RHYMES AND RITUALS" AT EMPIRE-FULTON FERRY STATE PARK, BROOKYLN,
NY, 8/22
Featuring Danny Simmons, Tish Benson, David Mills, Karen Bernod, Louis Reyes
Rivera & The Jazzoets, Syndee Stewart & The Truth and Steve Wallace; hosted by
Radha Blank

PRINCE AT WACHOVIA CENTER, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 8/22 (through 8/24 - on tour
through 9/4)

ROY AYERS/ERIC ROBERSON AT QUEENSBRIDGE PARK, QUEENS, NY, 8/24

CARRIE TAYLOR AT JAKE’S TOADHOUSE, ATLANTA, GA, 8/24

RONALD K. BROWN/EVIDENCE AT LINCOLN CENTER PLAZA, NYC, 8/25

SEAL AT THE BACKYARD, AUSTIN, TX, 8/25

EMILENE MICHEL AT DELACORTE THEATRE, NYC, 8/26

JIMMY CLIFF AT B.B. KING'S, NYC, 8/26

CAROL THOMAS AT FREDDIE’S BACK ROOM, BROOKLYN, NY, 8/26
With Sonya Heller, Elisa Peimer & Patty Keough

MOS DEF’S BIG/MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO’S SPIRIT MUSIC SEXTET
AT DELACORTE THEATRE, NYC, 8/27

BERNIE WORRELL & THE WOO WARRIORS AT STELLA BLUE,
ASHEVILLE, NC, 8/27 (on tour through 8/30)

STEW AT CALIFORNIA PLAZA, LOS ANGELES, CA, 8/27-28

TACK HEAD AT JAZZ FESTIVAL WILLISAU, SWITZERLAND
(LIVE STREAM BY SWISS RADIO STATION DRS2 FROM 22.30-01.00
CENTRAL EUROPEAN TIME), 8/27

TACK HEAD AT 26TH INTERNATIONAL JAZZFESTIVAL SAALFELDEN,
AUSTRIA, 8/28

ISLEY BROTHERS AT THE BEACON THEATER, NYC, 8/28

CHICK COREA AT LINCOLN CENTER PLAZA, NYC, 8/30

AMEL LARRIEUX AT BLUE NOTE, NYC, 8/30-9/1

DAVID RYAN HARRIS AT SMITH’S OLDE BAR, ATLANTA, GA, 8/30

BRC LATE NITE AT JOE’S PUB, NYC, 9/1
Guest Curator: Greg Tate, featuring Tarmac, Deep Cotton, Cimaj and Noemie

TACK HEAD AT BOWERY BALLROOM, NYC, 9/7

TACK HEAD AT BLACK CAT, WASHINGTON, DC, 9/8

TACK HEAD AT LEE'S PALACE, TORONTO, ONT, CANADA, 9/9

TACK HEAD AT THE ABBEY PUB, CHICAGO, IL, 9/10

TACK HEAD AT CASBAH, SAN DIEGO, CA, 9/14

TACK HEAD AT THE ECHO, LOS ANGELES, CA, 9/15

TACK HEAD AT THE INDEPENDENT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 9/16
___________________________________________________

CONTACT:

Here's how you can reach us here at the B.R.C.:

SNAIL MAIL: Black Rock Coalition
P.O. Box 1054
Cooper Station
NYC, NY 10276
WEBSITE: www.blackrockcoalition.org
HOTLINE: (212) 713-5097
TO E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR T.W.I.B.R.: BRCMembersInfo@aol.com

That's it 'til next week.

Peace,
D.Mc.
















Posted on Aug 19, 2004, 3:59 PM

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NewThisWeek@TFS...***HENDRIX*** & The Top 10 Funk CD CountDown Starring BOOGIE !

by www.TheFunkStore.com

NewThisWeek@TFS...***HENDRIX*** &
The Top 10 Funk CD CountDown Starring Funkadelic's BOOGIE MOSSON !





Wit A Final Shout To "Rick James" @ The End !

http://www.TheFunkStore.com/NewRelease/A-01.htm


http://www.TheFunkStore.Tv



Posted on Aug 19, 2004, 11:26 AM

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DID VAL YOUNG ATTEND RICK JAMES FUNERAL????

by

From the pictures I have seen and names that I have been mentioned... There has been no word if Val Young was there or not. I know Val & her daughter Tamara would have payed there respects considering Rick & Val was very close.... Can someone please post some pictures if she was there. I haven't seen Val in years!!!

Thanks.

Posted on Aug 19, 2004, 10:03 AM

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We Did Spot Val..

by TFSnewsRoom




On Television Coverage From The Buffalo Memorial Concert..
Which Would Suggest That She Was @ Both Services !
Our Cub Reporter Mallia Franklin Reports That
VAL Is Very Distraught Over Ricks Death..

Posted on Aug 19, 2004, 11:15 AM

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Reed, Simon, Mos Def Rock For Freedom

by NewsRoom/BillBoard.com

Reed, Simon, Mos Def Rock For Freedom


Lou Reed, Paul Simon and Mos Def are among the acts confirmed to perform at the Freedom Concert, sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The event will be held Oct. 4 at New York's Avery Fisher Hall and will be produced by composer Philip Glass.

Also set to perform are Patti Smith, Nancy Griffith and Lila Downs. In addition, actor/comedian Robin Williams and actors Sean Penn and Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaall will offer spoken-word performances to illustrate landmark Supreme Court rulings in which the ACLU has played a major role.

"Our upcoming presidential elections will hammer away at the safest of issues: jobs, the economy and the war on terror," says Glass, who also serves as the artistic director for New York's annual Tibetan Freedom Concert. "But a much larger, more crucial discussion is not being addressed because it rests in a politically unsafe zone: our government believes that the threat of terrorism trumps everything -- even our civil rights."

The evening will also offer a tribute to late comic trailblazer Lenny Bruce, who battled censorship throughout his career. Produced by musical director Hal Wilner, the tribute will draw from archival film and TV clips, audio recordings and still photographs.

Tickets ranging from $100-250, plus patron tickets available at the $500 and $1000 level, go on-sale Aug. 28 via Ticketmaster.


Posted on Aug 18, 2004, 8:33 AM

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36 Hour Buffalo Getaway..

by TFSnewsRoom/NyTimes.com

Buffalo


Dan Cappellazzo for The New York Times



By BARBARA IRELAND


Published: August 13, 2004


ROSPERING where East Coast canal boats and railroads met Great Lakes cargo, Buffalo was a rich city around 1900, a time when a dynamic group of innovators was transforming American architecture. Wealth and vision came together in major works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, H. H. Richardson, Frederick Law Olmsted, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, and more — arrayed amid blocks of Victorian houses and lavish mansions. When industry collapsed, a shaken and considerably poorer Buffalo slowly realized it had a legacy. Now Buffalonians are working to preserve their architectural collection and are eager to show it off. The time to visit is summer, when Buffalo gets a glorious payback for its snowy winters with some of the best weather in the nation — three months of mostly sunny, dry days with temperatures in the high 70's and low 80's.

Friday

6 p.m.
1) On the Waterfront

Join joggers and sailors at Erie Basin Marina (329 Erie Street), a popular park. Climb the small observation tower for a picturesque 360-degree view of grain elevators (a Buffalo invention) on the placid Buffalo River, an 1833 lighthouse, and the final expanse of Lake Erie as it narrows to become the Niagara River. The trees a couple of miles across the water are in Canada — British troops came across to burn Buffalo to the ground in the War of 1812, but all is now forgiven. To the north, the current picks up on the way to Niagara Falls, 15 miles downstream.

7 p.m.
2) The Mansion District

Drive north on Delaware Avenue, where one landmark, a towering red sandstone church at the corner of West Tupper Street, is being restored by Ani DiFranco to become the headquarters of her Righteous Babe Records. At another, the Greek-revival Wilcox Mansion (641 Delaware Avenue), Theodore Roosevelt took the presidential oath in 1901 after an anarchist ruined Buffalo's much-vaunted Pan American Exposition by assassinating William McKinley on the exposition's grounds. Dozens of grand mansions remain on this avenue, but others fell to 20th-century ideas of progress. When the elegant Metcalfe House was demolished in 1980, the Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired part of its Stanford White-designed interior and reassembled it in New York. Delaware Avenue got a parking lot. Relax over dinner at Hutch's (1375 Delaware Avenue, 716-885-0074), a cozy bistro that draws a cheerful crowd. The oysters with mignonette sauce ($12) are cool and crisp, and seafood is a strong contender for the entree, too: specials one recent Friday included a crisply sauteed soft-shell crab and thick, meaty tuna in a sesame-seed crust (both $24.95). Linger for berries and whipped cream in an almond cookie cup ($5.95).

Saturday

10 a.m.
3) Walk and Gawk

Take a downtown stroll among 19th-century masterpieces, beginning with the big star, Louis Sullivan's 1895 Guaranty Building (28 Church Street), 13 stories of intricately molded terra cotta enclosing a steel skeleton and expressing a complex philosophy about manmade and natural forms. Nearby, beyond the stone towers and stained glass of Richard Upjohn's St. Paul's Cathedral (Church and Pearl Streets), 128 terra cotta Medusa heads peer out from the roof-line perimeter of Daniel Burnham's elaborately decorated Ellicott Square Building (295 Main Street). The ornate Gothic Revival Erie Community College (Ellicott and South Division Streets), was built as the main post office in the late 1890's, when the city's friends included Grover Cleveland, a former mayor of Buffalo and, briefly, the town hangman. Advance to Art Deco at City Hall (65 Niagara Square), a 32-story tour de force with symbolic friezes and a colorful, tiled dome. The obelisk in the traffic circle out front is Buffalo's apology to McKinley.

Noon
4) The Temple of Wings

Naturally, the best Buffalo chicken wings are in Buffalo. Stop at the Anchor Bar (Main and North Streets, 716-886-8920), where their fame began, for a plate of the spicy originals and the tale of their creation by a resourceful cook.

1 p.m.
5) Browsing




Posted on Aug 18, 2004, 8:31 AM

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Miller Beer & Their Selective History..

by TFSnewsRoom/Cnn.com

Critics brewing over Rock 'n' Roll cans




Bon Jovi and Willie Nelson are two of the artists featured on Miller's rock 'n' roll cans.

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (AP) -- Miller Brewing is celebrating the "50th Anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll" with eight commemorative beer cans that feature Rolling Stone cover shots of Elvis Presley, Blondie and others.

What's missing, some say, is a black artist.

Robert Thompson, a professor of pop culture at Syracuse University, called the absence "beyond conspicuous," because black artists often are credited with inventing rock 'n' roll.

"It would be like doing a set of cans of six great Impressionist painters and not including any French people on it," he said. "It leaves out an enormous amount."

The promotion, which ties rock's anniversary to Presley's debut at Sun Studios, also depicts Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Willie Nelson, as well as the guitars of Eric Clapton and Joe Walsh, on cans being issued this summer by the brewer and the magazine.

Gary Armstrong, chief marketing officer for Rolling Stone publisher Wenner Media, said race wasn't a consideration when choosing the artists.

"We didn't even consciously think pro or con, the same way that the only woman on there is Blondie. We just went with the people that we thought were appropriate," he said. "We went through (the covers) and said these people we don't think are appropriate, or wouldn't appeal to Miller drinkers."

Miller spokesman Scott Bussen said the company started with a broad wish list, but its choices were limited to Rolling Stone covers.

"I'm sure that our objective was to get as diverse a representation of musical acts as well as diversity," he said.

Armstrong noted that Rolling Stone wasn't around for the birth of rock 'n' roll -- it debuted in 1967, years after many formative black artists of the genre emerged. And some artists who appeared on its covers balked at being associated with a promotion involving alcohol, he said.

"These are the artists that gave us approval to use their images on the beer cans," Miller spokeswoman Molly Reilly said.

Six of the initial 10 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in 1986 were black, including Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles and Little Richard.

The Hall of Fame, which is throwing a summer concert series sponsored by Miller Lite, declined to comment on the cans. Todd Mesek, the hall's senior marketing director, called African heritage "critical" to rock's development.

"Arguably all rock 'n' roll came from, or at least was greatly influenced by, African culture," Mesek said. "Rock 'n' roll came from R&B, jazz, folk. All those genres before rock 'n' roll came together to birth rock 'n' roll."

William McKeen, chairman of the University of Florida journalism department and editor of the book "Rock and Roll is Here to Stay," called the list strange.

"I look at rock 'n' roll in racial terms. Rock 'n' roll is black America meeting white America," McKeen said. "It's about the merger of white people's music -- country -- with black people's music -- rural blues.

"I mean, sure, you can argue that Elvis opened the door, but then Chuck Berry and Little Richard and Bo Didley came through," McKeen said.

Armstrong said each artists shown represents developments in rock history. For instance, Willie Nelson represents Americana and rock's roots, while Alice Cooper is "stadium rock and shock."

The artists weren't paid to appear on the cans, although some received perks such as free beer or magazine subscriptions, Armstrong said.

He said he hasn't heard anything negative about the promotion, which is running in conjunction with three Rolling Stone special editions: rock immortals, moments and photos. In the immortals edition, 20 of the 50 rockers are black.

Black rocker Lenny Kravitz has criticized the use of the 19-year-old Presley's first Sun Studio recording as rock's birth date, saying it leaves out the true pioneers. Kravitz's agent did not respond to an interview request.

Thompson said everyone has an opinion when it comes to rock, and maybe the cans were meant to generate buzz more than anything else.

"My guess is a lot of people will have a lot to say about this list," he said. "Oftentimes that's the point."





Posted on Aug 16, 2004, 8:05 PM

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Lil' Kim Say 's Its A Conspiracy To Take Down Hip Hop (LoL!)..

by TFSnewsRoom/NewsService

Rapper Lil' Kim Says Innocent of Perjury

Mon Aug 16, 3:28 PM ET


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rapper Lil' Kim said on Monday she was innocent of federal perjury charges and charged that the case against her was part of a witch hunt against hip-hop music.

http://www.thefunkstore.com/NewsRoom/LilKim01.jpg
Reuters Photo



Lil' Kim, whose real name is Kimberly Jones, was indicted in April for lying to a grand jury investigating a 2001 shootout involving members of her entourage outside a Manhattan radio station.


"I am innocent of the charges I have been accused of, and am very confident I and my co-defendants will win this case in the courtroom," Lil' Kim told a press conference in Manhattan.


In a statement, she added: "This case is a witch hunt against the hip-hop industry."


Her lawyer, Mel Sachs, said: "Unfortunately, people have a certain opinion of those involved in the hip-hop music world."


Lil' Kim, 29, is charged with one count of conspiracy, three counts of perjury, three counts of making false statements and one count of obstruction.


The obstruction count carries a maximum prison term of 10 years and all the other charges carry possible five-year terms.


Her trial was set to begin Feb. 28.


The charges stem from a Feb. 25, 2001, incident outside Hot 97 radio station, where Jones and associates from the rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A. had appeared as on-air guests.


After they left the studio, members of Jones' entourage and a rival hip-hop group were involved in a shootout in which one man was injured.








Posted on Aug 16, 2004, 6:39 PM

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Rick James Official Buffalo Newspaper Obituary..(RIP)

by TFSnewsRoom/BuffaloNews

James Ambrose Johnson Jr.

'Rick James' August 6, 2004, of Los Angeles, CA, dearest father of Tyenza James-Matthews, Ricardo 'Rick' Matthews and Tazman Johnson; grandfather of Jasmine and Charisma; brother of Carmen Johnson-Sims, Camille (Arthur) Hudson, LeRoi Johnson, Cheryl Johnson, Alberta 'Bertie' Johnson, Penny Gladden and the late William Johnson. The family will be present on Saturday from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, at St. John the Baptist Church, 184 Goodell Street, Buffalo, NY. Funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements (Delaware Chapel), AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. Online register book at www.AmigoneFuneral.com



http://www.legacy.com/BuffaloNews/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2508739

Posted on Aug 15, 2004, 8:11 PM

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James Ambrose Johnson Jr....Amigone Funeral Home (Buffalo)..GuestBook...

by TFSnewsRoom/AmigoneFuneral.com

"Rick James"
August 6, 2004 of Los Angeles, CA; dearest father of Tyenza James-Matthews, Ricardo "Ricky" Matthews and Tazman Johnson; grandfather of Jasmine and Charisma; brother of Carmen Johnson-Sims, Camille (Arthur) Hudson, LeRoi Johnson, Cheryl Johnson, Alberta "Bertie" Johnson, Penny Gladden and the late William Johnson. The family will be present on Saturday from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at St. John the Baptist Church, 184 Goodell Street, Buffalo, NY. A funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by (Delaware Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. Online register book at www.AmigoneFuneral.com


http://obit.amigonefuneralhome.com/guestbook.cgi?id=140994&task=add_form&listing=Current =Sign


http://obit.amigonefuneralhome.com/guestbook.cgi?id=140994&listing=Current = View

Posted on Aug 15, 2004, 8:16 PM

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Rick James laid to rest with a fitting funeral

by TFSnewsRoom/Buffalo.com

Rick James laid to rest with a fitting funeral


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"He was all about living life." Rick James' nephew Rashad Hawkins

By DEIDRE WILLIAMS and JAY REY
News Staff Reporters
8/15/2004


Adam Amato/Buffalo News
Pallbearers carry the coffin of Rick James to a hearse
following services Saturday inside St. John Baptist Church on Goodell Street.



Mark Mulville/Buffalo News
Seven-year-old Michelle Feaster enjoys the grooves atop
her pop, Terrence McDaniel, during the Rick James memorial concert.



Buffalo laid Rick James to rest Saturday in Rick James fashion.
Big. Flashy. Funk-like.

Fans wanting to pay their respects to the funk legend and Buffalo native showed up for his funeral and waited hours in a line that stretched more than two city blocks.

Some 6,000 people filed past James' open casket in St. John Baptist Church. James, who went from the Perry projects to stardom, was as flamboyantly dressed in death as he was known to be in life.

Jeanne McClain, a Buffalo native who lives in Charlotte, N.C., drove 14 hours through bad weather to attend the viewing.

"I bent over and kissed the fabric of the casket," said McClain, 47. "That made everything I went through to get here worth it."

By evening, the mourning subsided, and a celebration James would have been proud of took over at Martin Luther King Park. That's where many of the local musicians he helped paid tribute to James during a free concert.

"We come to praise the brother, not to bury him," the announcer told the crowd. "Let the funk live on!"

James, whose real name was James Johnson Jr., died in his sleep last week at his home near Universal City, Calif. He was 56.

Cremation followed the service, according to funeral director Vincent Amigone, who estimated that about 6,000 fans lined up for the viewing Saturday morning.

Immediate family filed past James' coffin first, then VIPs, and by the time the public was allowed to enter the church, fans rushed the doors. Several times, security and church officials had to make the crowd move back for fear of creating a fire hazard or endangering mourners.

Mary Artison, of Buffalo, who described herself as James' biggest fan, arrived at 6:30 a.m. and waited more than five hours to enter the church, at Oak and Goodell streets. She held an autographed picture on a sign that said: "You'll always be in my heart 4ever." Artison bowed her head as she passed by James, who was dressed in a multicolored jacket with big black lapels. His long hair was in his trademark braids and around his neck were two heavy chains with big medallions. Several bracelets covered his left wrist and a couple of rings adorned his fingers.

"Rick was cool. He was very generous," said Ivan Winn Sr., of Buffalo, who knew James since 1977. "As long as you knew somebody in the band or in security, he opened his house up to you."

Dina Murphy grew up in the same neighborhood as James. When he became a celebrity, she often traveled with the band to Rochester in the early 1970s.

"He was very nice and very respectful. He looked after me and told people to stay away from me because I wasn't a party girl," she said.


From humble origins

James grew up with seven brothers and sisters in the public housing projects and began singing in the choir at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, where he was an altar boy. Later, he played conga drums and bongos with the Cadet Drum Corp. and with the Bennett High School Band.

When he signed with Motown in the 1970s, he took along friend Aaron Dublin, then a Buffalo police officer, as his road manager and security chief.

"I was with him 24 hours a day. We lived together, ate together. We did everything together," Dublin said. "He changed my life. He took me from Buffalo to all over the world when he made me head of security and put me in charge of a multimillion-dollar payroll at a multimillion-dollar company."

James vaulted to stardom by fusing several styles into something he termed "punk funk." James' 1981 hit "Super Freak" earned him a Grammy for best R&B song nearly a decade later, after rapper MC Hammer, who shared the Grammy, used it in his "U Can't Touch This."


"Like a phoenix'

"This Buffalo project boy was like a phoenix rising from ashes to the pinnacle of America's musical world," said his cousin, Louis Stokes, a former congressman from Ohio. He attended the funeral, along with the singer's three children, aunt, uncle, other cousins and friends.

"He took us all with him on a roller-coaster ride," said Stokes, whose brother, Carl Stokes, was elected the first black mayor of a major city, Cleveland, in 1967. "Rick James became our family's first superstar."

But James had a history of cocaine use that led to two assault convictions in the 1990s and a two-year stretch in prison.

While friends said James seemed healthy in recent years - and free of the addictions that had haunted him - he had suffered a stroke in 1998, was diabetic and had a pacemaker.

An autopsy has failed to determine what caused the singer's death. Results of a toxicology test were pending.

One of James' nephews, Rashad Hawkins, 27, of Atlanta, recalled his uncle as being a man who didn't let life's worries get the best of him.

"God showed us a lot through his life," said Hawkins, also James' godson. "He showed us life, and don't go into the darkness. It's about living and finding a way to conquer issues."

"He was all about living life. That's where it's at for him. He didn't want you to be sitting around worried," Hawkins said.

Last week, about 1,200 fans and celebrities, including Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., Stevie Wonder and Jermaine Jackson honored James with a musical tribute in Los Angeles.

And on Saturday evening, several-hundred people showed up at Martin Luther King Park for the tribute concert in what organizers hope will be an annual "Rick James Memorial Jam."



A fitting memorial

This is how James should be remembered, said Edward Quarles, who attended the concert. James' music brought so many people together, he said.

"Great crowd," said Quarles, 49, as he looked over the people dancing and bobbing to the music. "This is what I call a family reunion. You see so many people you haven't seen in the past 10 to 12 years."

"Everybody in my family grew up with his music," said McClain, who made the trek from Charlotte. "In hard times we played his music and in good times we played his music."

Posted on Aug 15, 2004, 11:46 AM

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Kool

by JB The Hook UP

Cool Very Cool... J

Posted on Aug 15, 2004, 7:44 PM

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(Video) Buffalo Remembers PunkFunk Star Rick James With Tribute, Concert

by TFSnewsRoom/Wgrz.com

Buffalo Remembers PunkFunk Star Rick James With Tribute, Concert

Posted by: Tylard Tatt II



http://www.wgrz.com/video/video11.wvx

Funk singer Rick James was laid to rest Saturday in his hometown city, where before his hit, "Super Freak," and the Grammy Award, he was a choir boy from the projects with a soft spot for his mother.

James died in his sleep August 6, at his home near Universal City, California. He was 56.

Seventy gospel singers and a band performed a lively tribute in St. John Baptist Church on Goodell St. Saturday.

About 6,000 people filed past James' open casket after waiting hours in a line that stretched more than two city blocks.

"This Buffalo project boy was like a phoenix rising from ashes to the pinnacle of America's musical world," said his cousin, former Ohio congressman Louis Stokes. He attended the funeral, along with the singer's three children, aunt, uncle, other cousins and friends

At one point Saturday morning, mourners stretched outside the church for close to a mile, down Goodell St. and into the city's fruit belt. Some stood in line as early as 5:30 in the morning.

To see and hear from more the mourners,click on the video icon above right for a report from Channel 2's Aaron Saykin

James, 56, born James Johnson Jr., died last week at his home near Universal City. His work as a musician took him from Bennett High School in Buffalo, to a high profile recording career, public drug abuse and a prison term.

"He was a real person who did some great things, then did some atrocious things. His yin and his yang always shifted," said James's brother, Carmen Johnson-Sims.

James had a history of cocaine addiction that led to two assault convictions in the 1990s and a two-year stretch in prison.

James grew up with seven brothers and sisters in public housing projects and began singing in the choir at St. Bridget's Roman Catholic Church, where he was an altar boy. Later, he played congos and bongos with the Cadet Drum Corp. and with the Bennett High School Band.

When he signed with Motown in the 1970s, he took along friend Aaron Dublin, then a Buffalo police officer, as his road manager and security chief.

"He was without a doubt a musical genius," said Dublin, who worked with James until 1983. "He changed the game of music. There was never anybody like him before and there's never been anybody like him since."

Dublin and other longtime friends described James as a dedicated and loyal family man, who maintained those traits even as he changed his name and saw his career peak.

"I like it that he was a real person. He wasn't a phony," Pastor Michael Chapman said.

The service was followed by an evening concert in Martin Luther King Park, that drew nearly 2,000 fans and friends. Well-known musicians like Rodney Applebee and Val Young performed. Young had recently recorded a duet with James.

"He was everything to me," she said of James." He was mentor, my boss, my friend."

During the concernt, members of James's Stone City Band held a backstage reunion.

"Rick and I went to grammar school together," said drummer Levi Ruffin. "We were still writing music together. It hurts. It really hurts."

At a public viewing Wednesday night in Los Angeles, Nona Gaye was overcome with emotion. The actress and daughter of Marvin Gaye says she knew James all of her life and can't put his loss into words.

She adds at least she'll have James' music to remember him by.


The Associated Press contributed to this report

Posted on Aug 15, 2004, 12:14 PM

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(Video)James Laid to Rest in Buffalo's Forest Lawn Cemetery

by NewsRoom/WIVB.com

http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=2175667&nav=0RapPsaK
click more morning headlines


James Laid to Rest in Buffalo's Forest Lawn Cemetery

(Buffalo, NY, August 15, 2004) - - Earlier on Saturday, hundreds of fans, friends and family members paid their final respects to Rick James at Saint John Baptist Church.

Some of James' longtime friends came from far and near to be pall bearers, and family members were glad to see the hometown crowd come out one last time. James' Brother Carmen Johnson Sims: "This was the best part. We wanted him to come back home. The Hollywood part was great, but it wasn't gonna replace this part."

James was laid to rest in Buffalo's Forest Lawn Cemetery.


Posted on Aug 15, 2004, 12:00 PM

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Rick James Tribute Following Burial In Forest Lawn ..

by TFSnewsRoom/Buffalo.com

Tribute planned for Rick James following burial in Forest Lawn




A musical tribute to Rick James is planned Saturday in Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Rick James will be buried Saturday in Forest Lawn, then memorialized in a free tribute at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, where many of the local musicians he helped are expected to appear.

"We just wanted to have an opportunity to pay tribute to him, not to have a funeral and then just send him to his grave site," said Common Council Member Brian C. Davis, whose uncle, Joe Diggs, provided backing vocals for some of James' recordings.

Born James Johnson Jr. in Buffalo, the 56-year-old James, whose unique brand of punk-funk music made him a superstar, died Friday in his sleep at his Los Angeles home.

The cause of death was pulmonary/cardiac failure, according to his Web site, www.rickjames.com. James had diabetes and a pacemaker and suffered a stroke in 1998, and those health conditions are believed to have contributed to his death. "James Johnson would want us to have a funeral," Davis said. "Rick James would want this to be a party."

A number of the musicians associated with James over the years are expected to be at the concert, including his band, the Stone City Band, although band leader Levi Ruffin Jr. said the band would not perform.

Among those who are expected to attend, but not necessarily perform, are Teena Marie, members of the Mary Jane Girls, and Process and the Doo Rags. James produced albums for all three.

Rodney Applebee and the Applebee Band are expected to be the main performers. The tribute will take place from 5 to 9 p.m.

"He employed a lot of people from the Buffalo area, and everyone wants to pay tribute to him and pay thanks to him for what he did," said Wade Hawkins, who played piano for James.

Before the tribute, there will be a public viewing from 11 a.m. to noon in St. John Baptist Church, 194 Goodell St. A funeral will be held at noon, followed by burial in Forest Lawn.

According to James' Web site, cameras, cell phone cameras, video cameras or any type of recording device will not be allowed at either ceremony.

His family is asking fans to send any photos of James to a special e-mail account, rick-
james@echo88.us. The photos will be used in a video montage at the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Rick James to the American Cancer Society. Cards can be mailed to: Rick James Sympathy Cards, c/o Kramer Accountancy Corporation, 12300 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90025



Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 9:57 PM

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With Rick James gone ...

by TFSnewsRoom/BuffaloNews

The Buzz
By MARY KUNZ

8/12/2004

Ways and means
With Rick James gone - and eulogized, with a round of applause, at the second installment of this year's Pine Grill Reunion in Martin Luther King Park - the obvious question is: Where is Rick James Way going to be? There has to be one. (Unless, of course, we're going to go for broke and have the Superfreak Superspan.) Most Ways, like Dr.

Al Tinney Way, are in downtown Buffalo - but somehow, Buzz feels that Rick James Way belongs in the suburbs. We suggest Youngs Road in Williamsville - erstwhile home of Sinbad's, where James used to play. Or, better still, Orchard Park. Wasn't that where James had his home and recording studio, on Jewett-Holmwood Road? It's a very freaky scene!




Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 9:49 PM

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LL Cool J, Big Boi Lead Atlanta SoulFest ..

by TFSnewsRoom/BillBoard.com

LL Cool J, Big Boi Lead Atlanta SoulFest


LL Cool J and Big Boi, of Atlanta-based hip-hop act OutKast, will headline the inaugural SoulFest event in the Georgia capitol. Set for Sept. 4-5, the festival will take place on the grounds outside of Turner Field, home to the Atlanta Braves baseball team.

LL Cool J will headline the opening day of the festival, which will also feature Mos Def, Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, Angie Stone, Anthony Hamilton, Kem and SEEK.

Big Boi will close the event on Sept. 5 after sets by Frankie Beverly & Maze, Chaka Khan and the Gap Band. The Sunday bill will also boast a "Gospel Session" with Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers, New Birth's Total Praise Choir, Kierra Sheard, J Moss, and B Chase & Shabach. Additional performers are expected to be announced.

Tickets priced at $60 for a two-day pass and $45 for single-day entry are available via TicketMaster and the

Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 9:42 PM

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(Video) From Rick James Memorial Concert In Buffalo - Ny ..

by TFSnewsRoom/Wgrz.com






http://www.wgrz.com/video/videosix.wvx

Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 8:47 PM

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(Video) Thousands Attend Funeral Service for Rick James In Buffalo..

by TFSnewsRoom/WKBW.com

Hundreds attend service for Rick James
August 14, 2004
Buffalo's mourns the loss of it's own royalty.

Rick James, the king of punk funk, was back in his hometown to be honored one last time.

A celebration of life could be seen on every corner with the hundreds of people who lined the street surrounding Saint John Baptist Church on Goodell. All were paying tribute to the man behind the music that will strike a chord in their hearts forever.

“We wanted him to come back home,” said Carmen Johnson-Sims, James’ brother.

His hometown beloved welcomed him with open arms and hearts.

“These people are our here because of what he meant to them, who he was,” said Aaron Dublin, James’ former road manager. “This was his home, and you could hear it in his music.”

It was the music that died last Friday when James was found in his home in California.

Now, it's his music and memories that connect all; fans and family. For them he was more than just a funkmaster, but a master of a man whose life was cut too short.

“He was a real person, who did great things,” said Ron Gayles, a friend.

Rick James, James Johnson, Jr., is survived by his three children, two grandchildren and several siblings.

http://www.wkbw.com/video/news.asp?clip=040814_james>



    
This message has been edited by mbmoonthang on Aug 14, 2004 9:36 PM

Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 8:28 PM

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(Video) Rick James Comes HOME To Buffalo..

by TFSnewsRoom/Wgrz.com

Buffalo Remembers PunkFunk Star Rick James With Tribute, Concert


Posted by: Tylard Tatt II
Created: 8/12/2004 12:50:34 PM
Updated: 8/14/2004 8:14:00 PM


Funk singer Rick James was laid to rest Saturday in his hometown city, where before his hit, "Super Freak," and the Grammy Award, he was a choir boy from the projects with a soft spot for his mother.

James died in his sleep August 6, at his home near Universal City, California. He was 56.

Seventy gospel singers and a band performed a lively tribute in St. John Baptist Church on Goodell St. Saturday.

About 6,000 people filed past James' open casket after waiting hours in a line that stretched more than two city blocks.

"This Buffalo project boy was like a phoenix rising from ashes to the pinnacle of America's musical world," said his cousin, former Ohio congressman Louis Stokes. He attended the funeral, along with the singer's three children, aunt, uncle, other cousins and friends

At one point Saturday morning, mourners stretched outside the church for close to a mile, down Goodell St. and into the city's fruit belt. Some stood in line as early as 5:30 in the morning.

To see and hear from more the mourners,click on the video icon above right for a report from Channel 2's Aaron Saykin

James, 56, born James Johnson Jr., died last week at his home near Universal City. His work as a musician took him from Bennett High School in Buffalo, to a high profile recording career, public drug abuse and a prison term.

"He was a real person who did some great things, then did some atrocious things. His yin and his yang always shifted," said James's brother, Carmen Johnson-Sims.

James had a history of cocaine addiction that led to two assault convictions in the 1990s and a two-year stretch in prison.

James grew up with seven brothers and sisters in public housing projects and began singing in the choir at St. Bridget's Roman Catholic Church, where he was an altar boy. Later, he played congos and bongos with the Cadet Drum Corp. and with the Bennett High School Band.

When he signed with Motown in the 1970s, he took along friend Aaron Dublin, then a Buffalo police officer, as his road manager and security chief.

"He was without a doubt a musical genius," said Dublin, who worked with James until 1983. "He changed the game of music. There was never anybody like him before and there's never been anybody like him since."

Dublin and other longtime friends described James as a dedicated and loyal family man, who maintained those traits even as he changed his name and saw his career peak.

"I like it that he was a real person. He wasn't a phony," Pastor Michael Chapman said.

The service was to be followed by an evening concert in Martin Luther King Park, with The Mary Jane Girls and Teena Marie, acts discovered by James, and featured prominently in his career. Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight were expected to make appearances at the tribute.

At a public viewing Wednesday night in Los Angeles, Nona Gaye was overcome with emotion. The actress and daughter of Marvin Gaye says she knew James all of her life and can't put his loss into words.

She adds at least she'll have James' music to remember him by.


<http://www.wgrz.com/video/vplayer.aspx?aid=5644&bw=>;

Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 8:22 PM

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Buffalo Remembers PunkFunk Star Rick James With Tribute Concert ..

by TFSnewsRoom/Wgrz.com

Buffalo Remembers PunkFunk Star Rick James With Tribute Concert


Posted by: Tylard Tatt II
Updated: 8/14/2004 5:56:26 PM



Rick James, the Buffalo-born funk singer best known for the hit "Super Freak" was memorialized in a Buffalo church Saturday

James died in his sleep August 6, at his home near Universal City, California. He was 56.

There was a public viewing from 11 am to noon on Saturday at Saint John Baptist Church on Goodell St. At one point Saturday morning, mourners stretched outside the church for close to a mile, down Goodell St. and into the city's fruit belt.

The service was followed by an evening concert in Martin Luther King Park, with The Mary Jane Girls and Teena Marie, acts discovered by James , and featured prominently in his career as a Motown recording artist.

James,56, born James Johnson Jr., died last week at his home near Universal City. His work as a musician took him from Bennett High School in Buffalo, to a high profile recording career, public drug abuse and a prison term.

An autopsy failed to determine the cause of James' death.

He had a history of cocaine addiction that led to two assault convictions in the 1990s and a two-year stretch in prison.

Coroner's officials are awaiting results of a toxicology test, which they said could take several weeks.

At a public viewing Wednesday night in Los Angeles, Nona Gaye was overcome with emotion. The actress and daughter of Marvin Gaye says she knew James all of her life and can't put his loss into words.

She adds at least she'll have James' music to remember him by.





Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 6:11 PM

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Fans Gather To Remember Rick James

by TFSnewsRoom/BillBoard.com

Fans Gather To Remember Rick James




Hundreds of friends and fans gathered yesterday (Aug. 12) at a memorial service to remember funk legend Rick James. Stretch limousines pulled up to the auditorium at the Forest Lawn cemetery in California's Hollywood Hills, where a crowd of about 1,200 came to remember the "Super Freak" singer with musical performances.

Guests who arrived at the service included Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., singer Chaka Kahn, Jermaine Jackson and others who worked with James or were fans of his work. James died in his sleep last week at his home near Universal City. He was 56. An autopsy has failed to determine the singer's cause of death.

"On behalf of the James family, we would like to thank all of his fans. This is his moment of glory. He would've loved to have known he had this much support. We appreciate your prayers," Ty James, the singer's daughter, said.

Linda Truitt, a 47-year-old fan, attended the service and praised him and his work. "He was real -- not like other entertainers," Truitt said. "He did what he wanted to do, how he wanted to do it, his way. Rick James forever."

James' career peaked in 1981 with the Grammy-winning hit "Super Freak," but the singer had enjoyed a bit of a revival recently, partly due to comedian Dave Chappelle portraying him as violent and arrogant on his "Chappelle's Show." James himself appeared on the Comedy Central program.

James, who suffered a stroke in 1998, was a diabetic and also had a pacemaker. He also had a history of cocaine addiction that led to two assault convictions in the 1990s and a two-year stretch in prison. Coroner's officials said yesterday they were still awaiting results of a toxicology test, which could take several weeks.

James, who was born in Buffalo, N.Y., will be buried Saturday in his hometown following a funeral service. He is survived by three children and two grandchildren



Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 5:45 PM

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James Burial Mass to be Held Saturday ..

by TFSnewsRoom/WIVB.com

James Burial Mass to be Held Saturday


http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=2170676&nav=0RapPq60
click:this afternoon's headlines..


(Buffalo, NY, August 13, 2004) - - The body of funk legend and Buffalo native Rick James will soon be on its way back to the Queen City for Saturday's memorial service and burial.

Fans lined up for a public viewing last Thursday night at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, California. James is best known for his 1981 hit "Super Freak."

James died last week. There is still no official cause of death.

James' body will be flown back to Buffalo for a public wake Saturday, from 11 to Noon at St. John Baptist Church on Goodell Street.

A private service will follow from Noon to 1. James will then be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery.





Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 5:06 PM

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RIP

by Precious

RIP (REST IN PEACE)



Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 5:16 PM

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Hundreds Expected for Rick James Funeral Today

by NewsRoom/WIVB.com

http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=2173762&nav=0RapPrk1
click on additional morning headlines..



(Buffalo, NY, August 14, 2004) - -
Hundreds are expected to gather in Buffalo today to pay their last respects to funk legend Rick James.

St. John Baptist Church Leaders expect the 14 hundred seat sanctuary to be filled.

An in church video feed will allow as many as three hundred additional people to watch the service in another room in the church.

The public wake starts Saturday morning at 11.

Organizers expect a number of celebrities to be in town for today's service.

Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 4:57 PM

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Local Funeral, Burial For PunkFunk Star Rick James Saturday

by NewsRoom/Wgrz.com

Local Funeral, Burial For PunkFunk Star Rick James Saturday





Rick James, the Buffalo-born funk singer best known for the hit "Super Freak" will be buried Saturday at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo following a funeral service.

James died in his sleep August 6, at his home near Universal City, California. He was 56.

There will be a public viewing from 11 am to noon on Saturday at Saint John Baptist Church on Goodell St., followed immediately by a funeral service. The church is expecting between 1,500 to 2,000 people to attend. Burial will follow.

Some of James' friends planning to be in Buffalo for the service include Eddie Murphy, Smokey Robinson and Teena Marie.

James,56, born James Johnson Jr., died last week at his home near Universal City. His work as a musician took him from Bennett High School in Buffalo, to a high profile recording career, public drug abuse and a prison term.

An autopsy failed to determine the cause of James' death.

He had a history of cocaine addiction that led to two assault convictions in the 1990s and a two-year stretch in prison.

Coroner's officials are awaiting results of a toxicology test, which they said could take several weeks.

At a public viewing Wednesday night in Los Angeles, Nona Gaye was overcome with emotion. The actress and daughter of Marvin Gaye says she knew James all of her life and can't put his loss into words.

She adds at least she'll have James' music to remember him by.


Posted on Aug 14, 2004, 4:54 PM

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George Clinton Pleads No Contest To Drug Charges..

by TFSnewsRoom

George Clinton Pleads No Contest

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Funk musician George Clinton has pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charges.



Clinton, 63, was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and two years of probation. He was also fined $372 in court costs.


The musician was arrested in December sitting in a car near his Tallahassee recording studio; police said when they approached, he volunteered that he had cocaine in his pocket. He was found with a bag of crack cocaine and a glass pipe, police said.


A felony possession charge was dropped before Wednesday's hearing.


Clinton, who is scheduled to begin a concert tour Aug. 27, hoped to teach free music education courses as part of his community-service work, said his attorney, Matt Willard.


"He's a big supporter of the arts," Willard said.


Clinton pleaded not guilty in December, saying the arrest report was inaccurate and his arrest was unlawful.


Clinton, who has a Tallahassee address, headed the funk bands Parliament and Funkadelic — and the collaboration later known as P-Funk — in the 1970s and 1980s. He's considered a father of the funk and urban music. In 1983, his solo record "Atomic Dog," hit number one on the R&B charts.








Posted on Aug 12, 2004, 8:22 AM

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George Clinton's Plea Funk

by NewsRoom/YahooNews..

George Clinton's Plea Funk


By Lia Haberman

George Clinton has got his groove back.



E! Online Photo



The Mothership commander pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor drug-paraphernalia charges on Wednesday--another felony drug charge had previously been dismissed.


In return, the P-Funk frontman will serve 200 hours of community service and two years of probation. He was also docked $372 in court fees.


The sentence will also allow Clinton to embark on his upcoming world tour, beginning Aug. 27, according to his attorney, Matthew R. Willard, who said in a statement, "We are all happy to have this matter behind us."


The legal eagle said he firmly believed that his client would have been exonerated had the case gone any further, but he agreed that this resolution was in his client's best interests.


The 63-year-old was busted last December in Tallahassee after a local cop spotted Clinton in a parked Nissan Sentra in the wee hours of the morning. When the officer approached the car, he allegedly saw Clinton holding a crack pipe and a bag of crack cocaine.


The R&B icon was charged with one felony count of cocaine possession and a misdemeanor count of possessing drug paraphernalia before being released on $2,800 bail.


Initially, his attorneys entered an innocent plea at a pretrial hearing and suggested that their client had been unlawfully detained, searched and arrested.


But the prospect of five years in prison if convicted may have helped convince the "Atomic Dog" dawg to plead otherwise.

Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 6:46 PM

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Blacks rip anti-Dem ads aimed at them

by NewsRoom/NyDailyNews

Blacks rip anti-Dem ads aimed at them



BY HELEN KENNEDY
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON - Angry black leaders predicted a backlash against President Bush yesterday after learning that white Republican fat cats are buying radio ads in urban areas. branding John Kerry "rich, white and wishy-washy."
The ads, which also mock Kerry's Mozambique-born wife for touting her African roots, are being aired on black stations in key battleground states by a group calling itself People of Color United.

They are largely funded by insurance magnate Patrick Rooney of Indiana, a big Bush backer who sold his company for almost a billion dollars in 2003 when Bush okayed private health savings accounts, which the company specialized in.

"Our community doesn't need another wishy-washy, rich, white politician. And boy, does Kerry come across as rich, white and wishy-washy," says one ad.

In another, school voucher crusader Virginia Walden-Ford, who now heads People of Color United, says:

"His wife says she's an African-American. While technically true, I don't believe a white woman, raised in Africa, surrounded by servants, qualifies."

Rooney, who is white, told The Washington Post: "The genuine word from the black community should be heard, not white folks saying for them."

Black leaders were incensed.

"It's laughable that the Republicans would trot out these paid Negroes to try to cut into the 92% of African-Americans that tends to vote Democratic," said Rep. William Clay (D-Mo.)

The ads only mock Kerry - they do not mention Bush - suggesting that their chief aim is to get African-Americans to stay home on Election Day.

The Rev. Al Sharpton predicted the reverse will happen.

"Bush cannot get away with this foolishness," Sharpton said. "It will backfire. It will turn around and energize people to beat George Bush."

Bush won 8% of the black vote in 2000, and his popularity sank even lower after the disputed Florida election.




Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 6:40 PM

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Rick James added color and melody to the rock scene ..

by TFSnewsRoom/BuffaloNewsWeekendGUSTO..

Rick James added color and melody to the rock scene ..

By JEFF MIERS
NEWS POP MUSIC CRITIC
8/13/2004



That James started playing a hybrid of Rolling Stones grit and R&B is less surprising when one considers the attention to melodic detail he brought to the string of songs that will stand as his crowning achievement.

He was known to the world as the man behind the late-'70s cocaine-chic funk of "Superfreak," to in-the-know musicians as a Rickenbacker bass-toting kin to Bootsy Collins, and to friends as a fun-loving guy with a devastating musical ear.
But how many people know Rick James, the folk-rocker with a Mick Jagger obsession?

Yes, James, who died last week at age 56, cut his teeth after leaving his native Buffalo playing in Yorkville, Ont., bars with a band called the Mynah Birds, which he fronted with an acoustic guitar and whose lead guitarist was none other than Neil Young.

In Jimmy McDonough's 2002 biography "Shakey," Young recalls his mid-'60s tenure with James, who he remembered as "intense. . . . Ricky was great. He was a little bit touchy, dominating - but a good guy. He was really into the Stones. "Get Off of My Cloud.' "Satisfaction,' "Can I Get a Witness' - all these songs that we used to do. We got more and more into how cool the Stones were. How simple they were, and how cool it was."

Young and James took an apartment together, partied a lot and eventually landed a deal with Motown - yes, that Motown. The band traveled to Detroit, recorded 16 songs and inked a seven-year deal with Berry Gordy's company.

History should surely look kindly on the fact that this seven-year contract became moot when James was busted for evading the draft.

James went to jail. Young and Mynah Birds bassist Bruce Palmer headed to California, met Stephen Stills and formed the Buffalo Springfield. After serving his time, James would go on to forge a style which eventually came to be known as "punk funk" - a sort of sexed-up alternative to disco, with elements of P-Funk and Sly and the Family Stone subsumed in tight, radio-friendly, aggressively tuneful songcraft.

James became a visual icon as well as a musical one. His long braids, penchant for tight-fitting leathers and knee-high platform boots and ever-present white Rickenbacker bass are as much a visual semaphore for the '70s as is the Kabuki-clad androgyne of Kiss.

That James started playing a hybrid of Rolling Stones grit and R&B and that his favorite group was the Beatles is less surprising when one considers the attention to melodic detail he brought to the string of late-'70s and early-'80s songs that will forever stand as his crowning achievement. "Come Get It" (1978), "Bustin' Out of L7" (1979), "Street Songs" (1981) and "Cold Blooded" (1983) have a distinct pharmaceutical veneer, but beneath lies the work of an artist whose vision was clear and, within its own parameters, complete.

"What can I say? He's an amazing talent," says "Fast" Freddie Rapillo, who played guitar on "Come Get It" and later with Spyro Gyra. "A straight natural musician and artist. One of the best."

Guitarist Alyn Syms also worked extensively with James, and he too recalls the man's considerable instincts as both musician and recordmaker.

"He heard the whole production in his head," says Syms, noting that James, like only the most gifted musicians can, was able to envision exactly what he wanted from each segment of a song's arrangement. He saw and heard how each piece would contribute to the whole of the puzzle.

"I started doing some early session work with him," Syms recalls. "Rick had done a lot of sessions with Motown already, so he knew how to work with a big band. I felt like a rock guitarist, and he asked me to play a really simple part. I said, "You want me to play that?' He said, "Believe me, just do it.'

"When I heard it, I said, "That sounds like a record.' I actually learned about how to record with him. He heard the whole production in his head, so when he was listening to the guitar, he knew that all he needed was what he asked me to play."

Sadly, in addition to his influence as a musician and recordmaker, James will be remembered for his public struggles with drugs and the infamous 1991 bust that landed him five years in jail on cocaine and assault charges. He was a deeply talented musician, but he also loved the rock-star life and was given to heavy indulgences in its excesses.

"I thought Rick was a decent guy," says Syms. "He got caught up in the big time, and he knew how to play the big-time role. He knew how to work the system really well. He knew there was a time to be a serious artist and a time to go way off the deep end. The combination of playing that role and being surrounded by yes people - the same thing happened to Elvis.

"He didn't have anybody telling him, "You're messing up.' "


A Rick James memorial concert takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday in Martin Luther King Park. Scheduled to appear are Teena Marie, the Mary Jane Girls, Stone City Band, Process and the DoRags, and others.

News Staff Reporter John F. Bonfatti contributed to this report



Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 5:32 PM

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Rick James Memorial Concert ..

by TFSnewsRoom





A Rick James memorial concert takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday in Martin Luther King Park. Scheduled to appear are Teena Marie, the Mary Jane Girls, Stone City Band, Process and the DoRags, and others.

Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 5:36 PM

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Family,Friends & Peers Pay Respects To RICK JAMES In California ..

by TFSnewsRoom/AP

Rick James said goodbye to Hollywood Thursday.



E! Online Photo


http://news.yahoo.com//p/v?u=/ap_av/20040812/av_ap_us/174e64ba7b22dd64caca79e526c7a867&cid=448&f=53746353",650,450

Hundreds of fans and close friends of the R&B/funk singer tearfully paid their respects at Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills, not far from where James lived for many years.


Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Jermaine Jackson, Jamie Foxx (news) and Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. (James famously helped revive Motown's declining sales in the late 1970s and is credited with helping save the label) were among the notable guests at Thursday's somber, if not slightly surreal service. Legendary porn star Ron Jeremy, for reasons perhaps only known to James, was also in attendance, as were Marvin Gaye's daughter, actress Nona Gaye, and R&B singer Teena Marie, with whom James recently toured.


Controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan spoke at the four hour-long ceremony, as did a provocatively dressed Yvette "Corvette" Barlowe, a former singer for the James-produced act the Mary Jane Girls.


Wonder, who performed the song "I've Had Some Good Days," told the crowd, "We're here to celebrate a father, a husband, a brother, a friend, a son...to celebrate life."


The Grammy-winning "Super Freak" singer died in his sleep last Friday. He was 56. James is survived by three children, two grandchildren and thousands of fans.


"On behalf of the behalf of the James family, we would like to thank all of his fans. This is his moment of glory. He would've loved to have known he had this much support. We appreciate your prayers," Ty James, the singer's daughter, said Thursday.


Hundreds of wildly dressed Rick James aficionados turned out for the memorial. One, 47-year-old Linda Truitt, summed up the her feelings for the singer by telling the Associated Press, "He did what he wanted to do, how he wanted to do it--his way."


Los Angeles coroner's officials have yet to rule on an official cause of death, pending the results of toxicology tests. His family believes that James most likely died of natural causes. In addition to his long history of drug abuse, he was a diabetic and suffered a stroke and heart problems in recent years.


James, whose super-freaky life had its major ups (hit songs like "Super Freak," "Give It To Me Baby," "Mary Jane") and downs (a stint in prison for a crack-fueled assault), had been in the midst of a comeback. He had recorded more than two dozen songs for a new album and was working on an autobiography titled Memoirs of a Super Freak.


He was also the subject of a wildly popular skit on Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show. The show's star, Dave Chappelle, was in talks to star in a movie version of James' autobiography, but the future of the project is unknown in the wake of James' death.


The Buffalo-born singer will be buried Saturday in his hometown following another funeral service with local family members and acquaintances



























Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 1:16 AM

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The artist behind the Superfreak.

by NewsRoom/Slate.msn.com

The artist behind the Superfreak.

_________________________
The artist behind the Superfreak.
I'm Rick James, B*tch: The artist behind the Superfreak.
By Tony Green

James: The real deal

Among the many downsides to the death of funk legend Rick James was its uncanny penchant to bring out the worst in human decorum. Namely, the inability not to go for the obviously stupid one-liner. To wit: I was hanging out in a record store (they still have those, you know) when the cashier mentioned that James had died.

Before I could comment, a voice chimed in from behind me. "Rick James is daid, beeyitch."

Which was tasteless and a little corny. But it caused me to bemoan the fact that James' status as Joe Cocker to Dave Chappelle's Belushi is what the average person will remember him for.

Part of it, of course, is James' doing: No one disputes his appetite for chemical and sexual excesses, least of all the juries that sent him to jail for two separate sexual assaults in 1991 and 1992. James performed a mea culpa on "Good Old Days," from his 1997 album Urban Rhapsody, part of a planned comeback that was derailed by a stroke that same year. And James' recent appearances demonstrated just how unkind time is to flashy, spotlight-stealing artistsdouble-chinned super freaks in too-tight jumpsuits tend to invite ridicule.

But thanks to a news media that can't keep its mind on anything long enough to provide any semblance of context or perspective, it's tough to come up with a take on Rick James compelling enough to compete with the admittedly hilarious Dave Chappelle version (which James himself thought was pretty funny; Chappelle is now reportedly gearing up for a role in a James biopic). Even during James' peak, mainstream pop culture didn't quite get the full picture.

A skilled instrumentalist, songwriter, singer, bandleader, and performer, James was an heir to the do-it-all mantle that Prince fooled everybody into believing was his alone. The classic "Rick James sound"new-wavey synths spread over a barely discernible rock foundation (he shared bandspace with Neil Young early in his career and played a Rickenbacker bass more often adopted by rockers like Paul McCartney than funksters)was just one color in his sonic palette. As a producer, he knew when to get out of Teena Marie's way, how to make the Mary Jane Girls sound even better, and how to distract listeners from Eddie Murphy's voice (on the Murphy vanity project "Party all the Time"). He could funk with the best of them ("Loosey's Rap") and craft the kind of slow-grind ballads ("Fire and Desire," "Ebony Eyes") that cause birthrate spikes. He fit in with both MC Hammer (whose "U Can't Touch This" spun off James' "Super Freak") and old school stalwarts like Smokey Robinson and the T!
emptations, both of whom he penned tunes for. Not for nothing did the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers honor him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in June.

Unfortunately, James' salad years coincided with the creation and consolidation of what Black Rock Coalition founders Greg Tate and Vernon Reid called "Apartheid Oriented Radio." It may seem hard to believe, what with urban culture leading the pop world around by its nose nowadays, but MTV didn't consider urban music part of the "rock 'n' roll" universe (read: everything that mattered) until Sony allegedly threatened them with a companywide boycott if they didn't allow Michael Jackson in their rotation. That opened things up for some other megastarsPrince, Whitney Houston, Janet Jacksonleaving the rest to fend for their own on urban-only outlets like BET. The iron curtain separating "urban" (black acts) from "pop" (white acts, and black crossover acts) spawned a whole subgenre of artistsmany of them gold- and platinum-sellingwho are household names to African-Americans and trivia questions to nearly everyone else: Kashif, Roger Troutman and Zapp, Levert. James crossed ov!
er, to be sure, but the core of his listenership still consisted of the ordinary working-class African-Americans who flirted with the jheri curl for a bit, chilled out with Canei wine, and looked at you funny if you didn't know who Donnie Simpson was.

The fact that 1980s funk and soul is still searching for its place in the retrospective pop timeline makes it even tougher to contextualize James. It was sandwiched between the '70s creative whirlwind (Sly, James Brown, P-Funk, the Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder) and the mainstream rise of hip-hop and New Jack swing, which is kind of like being president between Reagan and Clinton. One reason for this is that the '80s spawned what writer Rickey Vincent dubbed "Naked Funk." It was still funk, but without the extra-musical calling card that helped it break out of the "urban" ghetto.

The great lie about music of the post-rock era is that it was something other than dance music at its core. Which is garbage, of coursethe Rolling Stones aren't still touring because their fans are debating the meaning of "make some girl."

But the appearance that dance music is something other than "just dance music" has always been essential to success in a pop-music universe full of fans who haven't yet disowned critical oxymorons like "intelligent drum and bass." When you heard P-Funk or Prince, you felt were getting, at the very least, something more than just a call to shake your ass. On albums like Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome George Clinton recontextualized extended dance jams as Star Wars-esque space epics with allegorical references to the corporate entertainment complex. Prince's mysterious (and sometimes creepy) take on sex and spirituality allowed you to think that your taste for armchair psychology was impelling you out of your seat. And more than one hip-hop scribe has ridden the "pain and roar of a disaffected generation" angle to mainstream status.

James, as good as he was, never really had that kind of cachethis hedonistic funk-punkster played well, but it didn't obscure the fact that he was just an extremely accomplished, seriously prolific, outlandishly funky individual who had more of an effect on pop music than people give him credit for. That should be enough for people to try to scratch the surface of the Chappelle caricature, and "Super Freak" and all the other totems that we associate with his legacy. But in the real world, it isn't. And that's a bitch.


Tony Green, a musican/writer, lives in Largo. Fla. He teaches 7th grade at Clearwater Intermediate School and hosts the Grooves show on Community Radio WMNF-FM in Tampa.



Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 8:51 AM

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Pictures from Rick's service

by

Thanks for taking the time to post these and sharing with his many fans.. Rick's fans are some strong folks!

Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 3:14 PM

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Mr. Policeman-The Rick James Elegy-Of Ital Iman I {A Song}

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<img src="http://www.unn13.com/images/Realistic_candle.gif"><img src="http://www.unn13.com/images/lthumb.jpg"><img src="http://www.unn13.com/images/Realistic_candle.gif">


8-6-2004 Yes the poet sang Street Songs during the time the weed was still good, this was before crack and manufactured rap, and taught us how to 'sing' if we really wanted to be heard, Like a prophet he said sing your song loud from every street corner And the world would hear...

First I encountered the Artist from broadcast class given an assignment of any artist I chose the inside album cover of Rick James as first Project-explaining the symbolism portrayed in his pose; Yes Rick James is esoteric. Have you noticed Stone City Band logo? It's the wing and the heart, which is Sufi...

See the following link for entire article...
http://www.UNN13.com/RickJames.html

Da.Uru I
Executive Editor/Web Grandmaster
Underground News Network-UNN13
http://www.unn13.com
dauru@unn13.com

Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 10:18 AM

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Good Post !

by TFSnewsRoom

Good Post !
Only Our NewsRoom Can Post Pictures Tho !

Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 11:09 AM

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Hot Link To Great Rick James Tribute..

by TFSnewsRoom/www.UNN13.com







http://www.UNN13.com/RickJames.html

Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 11:13 AM

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I'm Sorry .... I didnt' know!

by

I am glad you enjoyed the article/tribute and hope it was enlightening for you and will be to others.

We wish for Rick James to be seen in his proper "light" not just a "Super Freak" that he has been portrayed as in the media.

He was spiritual, a prophet and legend. It has been a great loss for he was about to do greater works...

Thanks for linking it for me...

In the Spirit of Truth...

Da.Uru I
Executive Editor/Web Grandmaster
UNN13.com
dauru@unn13.com

Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 11:33 AM

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It's All Good...1Nation/Love !

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RIP 'RJ' ..


Tracks From The DAMN Good 'Great White Cane'
Canadian Lp Will Be Streaming In http://www.TheHypeBox.com !
Later Today ,Ricky James Matthews Sings Lead On ALL Tracks !




http://www.TheFunkStore.com

Posted on Aug 13, 2004, 12:11 PM

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Final Resting Place for Rick James

by NewsRoom/WIVB.com

Final Resting Place for Rick James



(Buffalo, NY, August 11, 2004) - - Buffalo will be the final resting place for singer Rick James.

Loved ones tell News 4 the Buffalo native will be buried this weekend at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The 56 year old funk singer was found dead in his California apartment last week.

An autopsy has failed to determine his cause of death.

His body will be flown back to Buffalo for a public wake this Saturday from 11 to Noon at Saint John the Baptist Church on Goodell Street.

A family service will follow from Noon to one.



http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=2158802&nav=0RapPk08
click:this mornings headlines..



Posted on Aug 11, 2004, 10:52 AM

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