Singer

May 12 2011

Teaches kids about manners, health and just having fun

BURBANK, Calif.—Actor, singer and comedian extraordinaire Wayne Brady now adds children’s entertainer to his resume with the release of Radio Wayne, his Walt Disney Records’ debut children’s album. Re-creating the world of drive-time radio, Brady plays DJ Wayne on the album, talking to listeners while introducing a hot mix of songs designed help kids with everyday life lessons. Radio Wayne is now available exclusively on Amazon.com, and arrives at retailers nationwide and online music stores May 31.

Apr 21 2011

First lady of song

On April 25, 1917, the world received a young singer who would become known as the first lady of song—Ella Fitzgerald. She was born to a couple in Newport News, Va., who parted ways shortly after her birth. Ella was considered a tomboy in her early years in New York, where she and her mother moved, but she made friends easily and was often seen playing with the local boys in neighborhood games like baseball.

To help with finances at home, she took up odd jobs and worked as a runner for gamblers, picking up and dropping off money for bets.

Terri Schichenmeyer  |   OW Contributor
Mar 17 2011

Author: Dionne Warwick with David Freeman Wooley

Throughout your life, music has been your background.

Hear the first notes of “Baby Love,” and you’re 10 years old, sitting on your back steps in the sun. Listen to the opening of “Hot Stuff,” and you’re doin’ the Hustle in your memories. Hear “Chances Are,” and you’re ready for cuddling.

C. Alexander Haywood   |   OW Staff Writer
Mar 17 2011

The death of a Hip Hop legend

He ruled the airwaves of the ‘90s with his smooth, soulful sound, infectious ballads and authentic West Coast swagger. His numerous collaborations with some of Hip Hop’s elite may never be forgotten or duplicated. Nathaniel Hale, better known by his stage name, “Nate Dogg,” died early Tuesday afternoon due to complications from a massive stroke he suffered in 2007, his family was reported as saying.

Stanley O. Williford  |   OW Editor
Mar 3 2011

Money raised doubles the estimate

Adoring fans paid more than $315,000 recently to pluck up portions of Lena Horne’s life. That was OK since the singer-actress-activist had vacated her earthly premises eight months before, leaving only the trappings of the great and courageous life she had led.

After about three hours, some 150 fans who had packed the small Manhattan auction house—Doyle, New York—went their way, owners of books, art, gowns and others items that had once been some of  Horne’s favorite things.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

California
San Diego college students and volunteers will carry out their sixth home restoration project on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14. as part of the “Healing our Heroes’ Homes” (H3) program created by the nonprofit Embrace. The five-day effort will take place at the home of medically retired Marine Corps Capt. Sarah Bettencourt. Bettencourt served with many different units across the country during the Global War on Terrorism and developed a rare neurological disorder in 2008. With a focus to restore the homes of disabled veteran homeowners, H3 falls in line with Embrace’s mission to mobilize college-student volunteers and community members to serve less fortunate members of civilian and veteran communities. The project for the Bettencourts’ home includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, building ADA-compliant disability ramps, widening their driveway to ADA standards, widening doorways and landscaping.
 
District of Columbia
The 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will showcase its five-year community research project on African American identity with the program “The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity.” This multicity collaboration examines the history and culture of the aesthetics of African Americans. The festival will be held June 26-30 and July 3-7, outdoors on the National Mall between Seventh and 14th streets. “Whether we realize it or not, we are all dress artists. The way we compose our look is a creative expression of our ideas about who we are and who we aspire to be,” said Diana N’Diaye, program curator. “This program explores the diversity of African American traditions of style, but also teaches young people the importance of documenting their own culture and saving that information for themselves and future generations.”