The Pulse of Entertainment 2019 Archives

The Pulse of Entertainment: Ray, Goodman & Brown Headline Soul Train Cruise January 20 - 27, 2019 and ‘Love Hard' by Joyce Ruiz Available as Book and Audio

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"I love ‘Special Lady' and types like that," said Billy Brown of the legendary Ray, Goodman and Brown who are headlining the Soul Train Cruise (January 20 - 27, 2019) to the Caribbean with Gladys Knight, The Chi-Lites, Morris Day and the Time, New Birth, Ohio Players, George Clinton and Evelyn "Champagne" King, with a special performance by Smokey Robinson (January 23rd). "But I really love ‘Love on a Two-Way Street' it was recorded before...it didn't do anything. I told Joe (Robinson) I like that record and he said, ‘You like that syrupy stuff' and he took the 45 and flipped it across the room and said, ‘take it and learn it.' I learned it that night and the next day I recorded it."

"Love on a Two Way Street" became a break through single of Sylvia and Joe Robinsons via their label Stang/All Platinum Records through the group The Moments. It reached #1 on Billboard's R&B Charts. It was re-recorded by the label with Brown in the lead vocals as Ray, Goodman and Brown in 1969 for legal reasons. It sold over a million copies. That hit single and others from Ray, Goodman and Brown such as "Sexy Mamma" and "Look at Me (I'm in Love") has the group constantly on tour to this day - 50 years later.

Brown continued, "So I took him the ("Love on a Two Way Street") recording and he said, ‘This is the new single'. The way they released it was crazy too...the next day the distributor called for 50,000 more copies. And as they say the rest is history."

You get to see how legends perform if you are on the Soul Train Cruise taking off January 20, 2019 for seven entertaining days. www.AAEG.com/RayGoodmanBrown

A passion for the love of her children's artistic talents Joyce Ruiz, along with her husband, sacrificed and the result was their children reaching unbelievable heights in entertainment. Twins Ashton and Ashley are named 2-UNeek and have toured as opening act for Disney's Raven Symone, Beyonce's Texas pre-show and Robin Thicke. They have also performed as actors in major sit-coms and films. Now Joyce Ruiz offers in more music with poetry in a book called "Love Hard." The topic however is on finding the passion of love in your marriage.

"I worked with 2-UNeek, the Texas Twins, as far as getting them out there," she explained about her part in the husband and wife management team.

Today Joyce promotes her own projects with the help of her children. The "Love Hard" book is also an album version produced by her son Ashton. As a producer Ashton is known as Tone and his credits include a commercial for a Texas Company's advertising campaign.

"I had no desire or intent to do so (publish a book) until that tragic season when I got the news of my husband's transitioning. I felt God birth this project to me. At first it was one poem, then I said...put music to it. It built from there. I talked to my son, who produces under Tone, that one poem led to 22 poems so he did 21 original tracks and one track is from a producer out of Germany."

The collection of sweet and inspiring selections cover all topics with one selection dedicated to her late husband simply titled "A Prayer for my Husband."

"Our family is musically inclined," she explained, indicating the depth and level of talent the Ruiz family has to offer. "2-UNeek, myself and my husband, he was a DJ on the side. We were very much into the music scene."

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019) and Los Angeles (October/TBD). Offering Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Nickelodeon Premiers New Sit-com ‘Cousins for Life' and Will Downing's ‘The Promise,' Featuring Kirk Whalum and Regina Belle, is Amazing

On Saturday January 5, 2019 Nickelodeon premiered a new sit-com, "Cousins for Life," starring Dallas Dupree Young (HBO's "The Good Place") as Stuart and Scarlet Sofia Spencer (Netflix's "Bright") as Ivy, cousins forced to live under one roof. "Cousins for Life" airs on Nickelodeon Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT.

"I watch so many Nickelodeon shows when I heard I was in the car going to acting class. I was screaming in the car," said Dallas about when he found out he got the lead role in a Nickelodeon comedy series. "I felt so bad for the people in the car with me."

Young is not new to acting even though he started in 2016. His credits already include the HBO series "The Good Place" from 2016 -2017, ABC's series "The Mayor" (2017), The Steven Spielberg director and Warner Bros Pictures presentation of Ready Player One (2018) and ABC Family's "The Fosters" (2018).

"My mom told me to bring my phone to her and she started recording me," Scarlet said about when she heard the news she would had a lead role in a Nickelodeon sit-com. "She called my agent who said I got the role, I was screaming!"

Guess the screaming on both their parts tell you how much passion they will put into the roles of Stuart and Ivy, who are 12 years-olds from very different back ground forced to live in one household. They learn however they are better together.

"This is the biggest role I've every had...I had recurring roles. It's a multiple camera show," Dallas pointed out about being on Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment network watched by children reaching over 90 million household in just the United States. "(Stuart) He is an entrepreneur who is very creative but gets in sticky situations."

"(Ivy) She is an activist who wants to make the world a better place, but has a hard head," Scarlet said about her character. With the help of her mother she admitted that her character sounds a lot like her.

When asked what they hope kids watching the show learn from it Young said, "That even though you are cousins and you don't get along sometimes, you have to respect them."

Spencer said she hopes the show teaches viewers "how important family really is and to always be positive." www.Nick.com/Cousins-For_life

Will Downing recently released his first full Gospel album simply titled "The Promise" (Shanachie Entertainment). Downing and Randy Bowland produced the project that features saxophone support from Grammy Award winning Kirk Whalum and vocal support from Grammy Award winning Regina Belle. It is an amazing piece of work, thanks to the heart-felt vocals of Downing, the lyrical messages Downing and Bowland provide as songwriters, the exquisite harmony the background vocalists give and the cherry on this spiriting cake is the power Kirk and Regina bring.

Offering 10 selections "The Promise" gives a Jazz twist to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My favorite selections on the album include #1 "Take it to the Cross," which features Kirk Whalum, just for that reason it puts a Jazz twist to Gospel and uses the old spiritual phrase "take it to the cross." "Take it to the cross" means give your problems to Jesus and don't worry about them - he got you. I also love the Praise and Worship feel Will Downing brings to "Take it to the Cross" as he takes the role of Preacher leading the choir in the "take it to the cross" chant. Of course Whalums' signature wailing on the sax brings the Soul to the single. As soon as I heard the sax solo I knew it was Kirk Whalum. I also love #3 "I Hear a Voice" because of Downings' sweet Jazzy voice, his excellent harmony with the background vocalists, the lyrical message and Will's vocal tone. The #4 selection "You Blessed My Life" was a favorite of mine because Will Downing's vocal superiority is kind of showing-off, along with the heart-felt message of the song and those high-notes Downing does really blessed me. I liked #5 "He Will Be There" because it's a great hand-clapping Praise and Worship song that inspires. The remake #7 "God is so Amazing" is a favorite because Will's heart-felt vocals are Heavenly and I love the message it gives that defines Jesus Christ, The last song on the album #10 "Changed" featuring Regina Belle is a favorite because it's a powerful love song to the glory of God. The lyrics reminded me of the one day when I was five years-old God "changed" me and I started to see the world differently. Regina's vocal support on "Changed" also makes it a vocally powerful song.

"It's the most attached I been to an album," Will said. " I did ‘God is so Amazing' in 2007 when I was real sick. It sounds weak. Listen to the original and this one back to back to see God."

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), held in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (October/TBD). Offering Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Grammy Museum's ‘An Evening with Thelma Houston' was Inspiring

Grammy Award winning Thelma Houston was honored at the Grammy Museum's "An Evening with Thelma Houston" where she performed and received a replacement Grammy Award for one she won in February, 1977 that was destroyed in an earthquake. The evening also included an intimate interview with the songstress by Grammy Museum Executive Director Scott Goldman and the audience, which was a full house.

Thelma Houston's career started at a time when she was a wife and mother. She joined a Gospel group called Art Reynolds Singers. Raised in Long Beach, California Thelma was soon signed to Dunhill Records as a solo artist. She debuted in 1969 with "Sunshower" produced, arranged and composed by Jimmy Webb. Jimmy Webb is a Songwriters Hall of Famer and was the first to every win a Grammy Award for songwriting.

When talking about working with Jimmy at Dunhill Records Thelma compares him to other producers who made her sing the songs over and over, she said, "Jimmy never did that with me. They would say, ‘Let's do it again.' I would say, ‘Do it again!?' Jimmy would say, ‘Ok that's it. How you like it, feels good. Feels good to me, let's move on."

Jimmy Webb hit songs include the 5th Dimension's "Up, Up and Away," "By the Time I get to Phoenix" and "MacArthur Park" - to name a few.

"I moved to Los Angeles," said the Mississippi native. "...And I started to realize who he was. You know Jimmy would drive to Long Beach to pick me up because I wasn't driving, to come up here to his house to practice our songs."

In 1971 Houston signed to Motown Records; however her singles were not too successful until 1974 when her single reached Billboard Charts and she received a nomination for her vocals. It wasn't until 1977 that she received her first #1 Motown hit with "Don't Leave Me This Way," a remake of the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes song.

It was Suzanne DePasse, Berry Gordy's (Motown Records) top level executive, who gave Thelma the song to record. Suzanne heard the song on the radio and thought Thelma could do a better job with it. Thelma did just that because it earned her a #1 Billboard position and a Grammy Award win. Thelma told the audience that she wasn't even at the Grammy Awards to receive it.

When she received a replacement Grammy Award from Grammy Museum's Scott Goldman she said, "I've had a career that has stretched almost 50 years."

Houston, no relations to Whitney Houston, was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in New York City, honored as an "Apollo Legend" and has performed at The Vatican. She has also performed her hit song "Don't Leave Me This Way" on "American Idol" and "America's Got Talent." The Grammy Museum is a non-profit and was established in 2008 as a partnership with the Recording Academy and AEG to cultivate a greater understanding of the history and significance of music. In 2017 it integrated the Grammy Foundation to broaden its reach in music education and preservation.

The end of "An Evening with Thelma Houston" provided the audience with a performance by the living legend of her hit single and those of her Motown label mates. See coverage of the event at https://youtu.be/nf5Ss1SygeE. www.GrammyMuseum.org www.ThelmaHouston.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (October/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Tyscot Record's Casey J's ‘The Gathering' Debuts at #2 on Billboard

"People have a misconception that gathering (In God's name) is just on Sundays," said Contemporary Gospel artist Casey J (Casey Janice Hobbs) about the meaning behind her new album's title "The Gathering" (Tyscot Records). "I think its more than that, it's in the park, in the car... So we decided to do it different. We took 50 friends to the park and recorded the album."

Upon the release of Casey J's project, "The Gathering," it debuted at #2 on Billboard's Gospel Chart. The passionate Contemporary Gospel artist debuted in 2015 with "The Truth," and its single "Fill Me Up" reached #1 on Billboard Gospel Chart.

Casey J's label-mates on Tyscot Records include VaShawn Mitchell, Deitrick Haddon, the Anointed Pace Sisters, Bishop Noel Jones and Rev. John P. Kee. The label was founded in 1976 by Dr. Leonard Scott and his nephew Craig Tyson to record their choir, the Christ Church Apostolic Radio Choir.

An Atlanta native Casey J sings on the choir at her church Lilly Hill Baptist Church, the church of her mother and grandmother.

"I grew up singing in the choir. For this record...me and my friends did pop-up worship in local parks...and it was a success," she said about why they recorded the project in the park.

Casey J and friends were able to minister to people who didn't or couldn't come to church on Sundays.

"We never took up any money offering," she continued. "That was never our purpose. One week someone dropped off a case of water, someone brought bug spray."

Casey J even admits that some Souls were even saved at her pop-up worship ministries.

"Even to this day...I have seen people genuinely respond to the Spirit of God. A natural response...the lights turn on," the 11-time Stellar Award nominated Casey J said sincerely. www.CaseyJMusic.com www.Tyscot.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (October/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Norman Brown Offers ‘The Highest Act of Love' on New Album / Reggaeton Artist PLF on New Rick Ross Single, ‘Party'

"Back in 2002 I did a version of ‘Free' and never used it," said Grammy Award winning Jazz guitarist Norman Brown about the infamous single, "Free," appearing on his new album "The Highest Act of Love" (Shanachie Entertainment) featuring Paul Brown (drums, guitar) and Grammy winning Deniece Williams, who is the original artist and co-writer of the song. "Free" was co-produced by Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire). "I went back to my archives looking for ideas...three/four months later I was on a cruise with her."

Of course Norman mentioned including her single "Free" on his next album and next thing you know Deniece Williams is a featured vocalist on the "The Highest Act of Love" album.
"It took me two records to get to this record," Brown laughed about a project he feels very "spiritual" about. When talking about having Paul Brown on the album Norman said, "He's a producer I have a history with. He produced my Grammy record."

"The Highest Act of Love" releases February 22, 2019 on Shanachie Entertainment. Paul Brown is co-producer along with Norman and he is featured on the single "Inside the Garden of Peace and Love" and Deniece Williams, of course, is featured on the single "Free."

Born in Missouri Norman began playing the guitar at the tender age of eight. During his career as an adult he has played with such notables as Brian McKnight. Kirk Whalum, Mikki Howard, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Everette Harp and Chante' Moore. His debut solo album was released in 2002 titled "Groovin'," featuring Rick Braun on trumpet and Kirk Whalum on sax. In 2004 he released "West Coast Coolin'."

Collectively Norman Brown as sold over two million albums and he comfortably masters Smooth Jazz and then he fuses it with Pop, R&B and Blues. Aside from a Grammy win, Brown has garnered a Grammy Award nomination. www.NormanBrown.com

Fusing genres of music together is not new and seeing the Hip-Hop culture in more countries than America is not new to me either. I have interviewed Hip-Hop artists from outside America, such as South Africa, Australia, Spain and even the UK. Hip-Hop icons Wyclef Jean and Jay-Z have been fusing Rap and Latin music for a while. Latin music, like American music, includes a collection of all genres. The fusion of genres on "Party" gives it a fresh sound that I like. Rick Ross released the "Party" single in late January on MRe/Maybach Music featuring Latin/Reggaeton singer PLF and Latin singer/producer J Val (Jay-Z, Jadakiss).

"The Latin community together with Hip-Hop," said Sergio Morales, co-founder of Monumental Rebels Entertainment imprint, about the single that offers a Reggaeton/Latin flavor thanks to the fusion of Latinos PLF and JVal and Hip-Hop's Rick ‘The Boss' Ross. "Rick loved the track and is excited to broaden his audience - Columbia, Ecuador... Hundreds and millions are engaging in Latin (Hip-Hop). We're doing the video shoot in New York and the Dominican Republic in three or four weeks...working with a band, A-listers and emerging artists in a Latin space and a Hip-Hop space."

As a producer/songwriter J Val has worked with Jay-Z and Jadakiss, and Latin Reggaeton artist PLF, a Dominique Republican, has several singles released "She Wants to Love Me," "Ellos Se Quillan and "Devious." Rick Ross, who began as a music industry executive before signing a record deal with Def Jam Records, is also known for his Wingstop franchise.

"PLF stands for ‘perfection', ‘loyalty' and ‘faith'," said PLF. "For 10 years I've been going back and fourth (to the Dominican Republic). I've learned how to speak (proper) Spanish, not the Spanish you learn in school. My sound has something different. I grew up listening to 2Pac, Jay-Z, Jadakiss and Daddy Yankee."

"Thanks to Val ...he has done a lot in this Hip-Hop game," said PLF as to how they became featured artists on a Rick Ross single. "He's worked with Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Akon. This is the best record...it bridges Latin and Hip-Hop. Big Boss, he said, ‘alright lets go'...and he took the best record."

Sergio added about J Val, "Val produced it. He's been around along time...been talking about merging Hip-Hop and Spanish...He's born from Hip-Hop. All these different sounds...same spirit...Latin community." www.MonumentalRebels.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Donald Lawrence Reunites with Original Tri-City Singers on new Album / Koryn Hawthorne Releases ‘Unstoppable' Featuring Rapper LeCrae

"This is a 25 year commemorative piece. The first album was in 1993, so its 2019 and we're together to celebrate 25 years," said Grammy Award winning Donald Lawrence about his newest album release "Goshen" recorded with the original members of the Tri-City Singers. He added about his reunion with the retired singers, "It's just for the album."

The Stellar nominated singer, songwriter and producer took over as music director for the Tri-City Singers and they debuted on their own label GospoCentric Records with "A Songwriters' Point of View." By 1995 Lawrence was sharing the billing with them as Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers. The "Goshen" album release celebrates that union with the original singers, that came from three different cities (Spartanburg, Gastonia and Charlotte), by his side on the project.

The Tri-City Singers retired in 2006 and Donald released his solo album in 2004 on Verity Records, which featured Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Faith Evans, Carl Thomas and Richard Smallwood. The first single from the new album, "Goshen," was "Deliver Me" featuring Le' Andria Johnson. The current single is "He Heard Me Cry" featuring Sir the Baptist and Arnetta Murrell-Crooms of The Murrells. The title track features Sheri Jones-Moffett. "Goshen" also features Grammy nominated Jekalyn Carr and Jason Nelson.

"I'm always inspired," Donald confessed. "For me when I do music it comes from an honest place and I finish when it's finished. If you end it too soon it's not authentic."

"Goshen" is produced by Lawrence, Sir the Baptist and Troy Taylor.

"This (album) has been in my head for three and a half years," he pointed out. "And we started recording it two years ago." www.DonaldLawrence.com

The Louisiana native Koryn Hawthorne came to fame as a Season 8 finalist in the television singing competition "The Voice." Her debut self-titled album on the RCA Inspiration imprint was released in 2017 yet it is still on the Billboard charts and releasing new singles. The latest single "Unstoppable" features two-time Grammy Award winning Gospel Rapper LaCrae comes with a music video.

"God," Koryn said when I asked to whom she gives the credit for her debut having such staying power. "He gets all the credit...also the team. They word hard. People see the passion and authentic. The record is real. People need it (the Gospel) and when they get it, they hold on to it."

Her first Grammy Award nomination was for the first single from the album, "Won't He Do It," along with four Stellar Award nominations, for which she could win when the Stellar Awards takes place March 29, 2019. Hawthorne recently performed during the Super Bowl celebrations.

On working with hot Gospel Rapper LeCrae Koryn said, "I've been a fan of LaCrae for a very long time. He has been in the game a long time."

Koryn, a Dove Award winner, said they had no plans to feature a Rapper, but when the idea was suggested she went with it and recently had a change to perform with him. Koryn Hawthorne was the first artist to hold the #1 position on Billboard Hot Gospel Songs Chart for, it stayed there for over 40 weeks. www.KorynHawthorne.com

The Pulse of Entertainment: VaShawn Mitchell Release Single from Upcoming New Album ‘Elements' / Smooth Jazz Pianist Keiko Matsui Gives Love and Light on ‘Echo'

"I prayed and asked God. ‘What has kept me in the industry?'...and ‘the elements' came (wind, earth, fire and water)," said Grammy nominated VaShawn Mitchell about his upcoming new album "Elements" (VMan Enter/Tyscot).

When I mentioned how outstanding the musicians, especially the guitar, are in the live music video of the project's first single "God Can Do Anything," which plays as soon as you log onto his website, he said, "Most are from Nashville. Some I know on regular bases...I have several guitar players!"

VaShawn Mitchell, a singer/songwriter/producer, was noticed by Bishop Larry Trotter and hired as Minister of Music at Chicago's Sweet Holy Spirit Church. Though he has a degree in Psychology, music is his calling. In 1998-99 he debuted as a solo artist with "So Satisfied". His break-through single was "Nobody Greater" in 2011, which stayed on the top of the Billboard Gospel Charts for nine weeks.

"Part of it is also giving God the power," VaShawn said about the meaning of the upcoming album "Elements." "We have to put our trust and hope in Him."

Born in Harvey, Illinois Mitchell's achievements so impress his hometown that they names a street after him. As producer he has worked on projects for Grammy Award winners Smokie Norful and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. He has garnered a record breaking 11 Stellar Award nominations, as well as two Grammy Award nominations. VaShawn has won two Dove and a Stellar Award for his music. In 2014 he was a featured artist on Billboard nominated JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise's single "Nothing Compares."

"It's amazing," Mitchell said about the "Elements" project to be release this summer. "It's a fresh body of work that will bless generations to come such as ‘Wind of God is Going My Way.' This is for church goers and hopefully those who just want to be encouraged."

The first single "God Can Do Anything" is out now and is as a powerful Praise & Worship selection that is sure to bless generations to come. VaShawn Mitchell's projects have had distribution support from EMI Gospel, Motown Gospel and Tyscot. The musical achievement of VaShawn Mitchell has solidified him as a Contemporary Gospel icon. www.VaShawnMitchell.com www.Tyscot.com

World renowned Smooth Jazz pianist Keiko Matsui releases another Shanachie Entertainment project called "Echo," where the Japanese icon gives love and light via the piano. Keiko released the "Echo" project on February 22, 2019 with a CD release party at The Rose in Pasadena, California and a debut at #2 on iTunes.

"I'd been touring so much so last summer...I stopped touring to concentrate...for a month. I received inspiration. It's hard to explain in words the way of life and love, and light...many emotions expressed through this album," Matsui said passionately. "Songs started coming to me that same month. Four or five songs were very strong, did not go away. I said, ‘I know this is a sign.' So I went to record them."

That passion is "felt" when you listen to "Echo," which features Grammy Award winning Kirk Whalum (sax), Grammy nominated Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar) and Grammy nominated Marcus Miller (bass). Produced by Keiko and Bud Harner, who also lends vocals, the project offers ten selections.

"The first song...the first time I hear this baseline it became the opening song...the melody of the blues," she said.

Keiko Matsui is referring to "Unshakeable," which is one of my favorites on the project because of the use of the horns (trombone, trumpet and alto sax) are done in an outstanding way and Keiko on the piano keys seem to uplift that tremendous sound in a way that Paul Jackson, Jr,'s guitar playing could make you feel "unshakeable." I also like #2 "Moon Over Gotham," featuring Paul Jackson, Jr., because it's a masterpiece that is simple but intriguing because of the way Keiko's fingers fly on the piano. My next favorite is the title track and first single #3 "Echo," featuring Marcus Miller (bass), because it sounds like a song on the soundtrack of a fairytale movie - I had to reach for a tissue. The fourth selection "Espirt," featuring Kirk Whalum (sax), is a favorite because the two makes it is so soulful I forgot for a minute both are considered "Smooth Jazz" musicians. I'm ending my favorites with #8 "Now is the Moment" because Keiko brings the light with her piano.

"Echo (the name) came after all the recording sessions," she pointed out about the title track.

"Echo" (Shanachie) also features Robben Ford and Ramon Stagnaro on guitar, Kyle Eastwood on bass and Gretchen Parlato on vocals. Keiko debuted in 1980 in the Cosmo band she founded with her husband Kazu Matsui. Cosmo released eight albums and Keiko recorded three albums with her husband. She debuted as a soloist in 1987 and has released 27 albums. In 1996 she received a Soul Train Award nomination. Matsui tours constantly and will be headlining the Smooth Jazz Cruise at Celebrity Infinity March 14 - 21st, performing at the Berks Jazz Festival April 6th and in Alexander, Virginia at The Birchmere on April 7th. www.KeikoMatsui.com www.Shanachie.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Ben Tankard's ‘Rise' Inspires, Garners NAACP Image Award Nomination / 50th NAACP Image Awards Nominee Luncheon Holds the Spotlight on Talent

"We appreciate all the attention, but when your own people say you did a good job I get tears in my eyes," said 15-time Stellar Award winning Smooth Jazz/Gospel pianist Ben Tankard about his nomination for a 50th NAACP Image Award. Winners will be selected when it airs live on TV One from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday March 30, 2019. Ben was nominated for his latest album release "Rise," featuring Paul Jackson, Jr., Kirk Whalum and Marion Meadows.

Tankard's "Rise" was released in late 2018 and aside from a nomination from the NAACP Image Awards the album reached #2 on Billboard's Jazz Radio Chart. The project also features 1LV, Dejuan Williams, Kyle Schroeder, Unlisted Number and Neb Draknat. Ben Tankard is hailed as the "Godfather of Gospel Jazz". He is a pianist, drummer, guitarist, percussionist and music producer. In 2018 he received the Stellar Awards' "Hall of Fame" honor. He also has a reality show that has been airing on the Bravo Network, but will return on another network which Ben says is a more family oriented network.

"What I can say is it will be named "The Tankards' or ‘Bigger Than Ever'," Ben said about his reality show. "We finished season three with Bravo. We're moving on ...to a family oriented network, which I can't tell you about yet. There was a comfort level with Bravo on CBS, but when God say do something... I was with Sony for 16 years and was scared to move out...but five years later I had the #1 record in the world of Jazz."

Ben Tankard's label Ben-Jamin is now distributed by Universal Music. He has worked with Gerald Albright, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Take 6 and Kelly Price - to name a few. He signed Yolanda Adams to his label when she was a 3rd grade teacher and credits her for bringing his music to a wider audience. To hear him play you realize why he is honored so much. His musical talent is unquestionably a gift from God. Once homeless Ben Tankard's reality show "Thicker Than Ever: The Tankards" is very popular and shows the now wealthy Jazz mogul as a family man - husband and father. Ben and his wife Jewell started the Destiny Center Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 2002 - his father who was a minister and his mother a missionary.

My favorite selections of the "Rise" project include #1 "Rise", the title track, which features Marion Meadows (sax) because it's Smooth Jazz simplified and the combination of Ben's keys and Marion's sax playing gives it that rhythm that makes you want to "rise" to your feet. I also like #5 "Still Here", featuring Dejuan Williams, because Ben's key playing offers Praise & Worship in a Jazz format and I love the way the keys be hopping at the end, the superb guitar playing and the horns sound like honey bees. I like #6 "Afternoon Nap" featuring Kyle Schroeder (sax), because it starts with a Latin feel and ends with a Funky dance between the keys and the horn, which gives it that Jazz flavor. I like #8 a cover of Drake's "PassionFruit," because it's an outstanding Smooth Jazz rendition of the track and I love the way the key playing takes off at the end. To end my list of favorites on the Ben Tankard "Rise" project is #9 "Unlisted Number," featuring Unlisted Number, because of the drum roll in the beginning and throughout bringing back memories of my time serving in the military singing cadence as we marched - and we marched everywhere! www.BenTankard.org

The NAACP hosted its 50th NAACP Image Awards Nominee Luncheon recently at the Loews Hotel in Hollywood, California to put the spotlight on talent that was nominated for a possible win at this year's NAACP Image Awards to be aired live on TV One at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday March 30, 2019, hosted by Anthony Anderson ("Black-ish"). I covered the red carpet arrivals and I had a chance to talk with some of the nominees, such as the event's co-host Major ("Better With You In It") nominated in three categories - Outstanding Male Artist/Traditional Song/Best Album; Emmy winning Lynn Whitfield-Green (HBO's "Josephine Baker Story") nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress for the series "Greenleaf"; Tracey Bing, producer of Nappily Ever After, which was nominated for Outstanding Independent, and Sheryl Lee Ralph (CBS ‘Fam"), who co-hosted the event with Major.

"I'm co-hosting with the queen right here," said Major during the red carpet arrivals. "I'm super honored...I'm up for three nominations. Ya'll pray for me. I'm just living the dream."

Nominations for this year's NAACP Awards are led by Bruno Mars and H.E.R. who received five; followed by four nominations for Beyonce' for The Carters (plus "Entertainer of the Year"), Ella Mai (Interscope Records) and Academy Award winner Regina King (Enemy of the State). Those with three nominations include John Legend, Major, Kendrick Lamar, Childest Gambino, Michael B. Jordan, Saana Lathan and John David Washington. Of those who received two nominations Lebron James, Janelle Monae, Toni Bracton, Koryn Hawthroen, Tori Kelly, Rupaul, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith's "Red Table," Russell Hornsby, Winston Duke and Trevor Noah were among them.

"I'm nominated for best supporting actress for ‘Greenleaf'," said Golden Globe nominated Lynn Whitfield-Green during the red carpet arrivals. "And I am part of the cast of Nappily Ever After. This is Tracey Bing who produced the film and it's nominated for best Independent Feature Film. I'm just honored to be involved in two projects honored by the NAACP...it's exciting."

Tracey Bing added about Nappily Ever After nominations, "And best actress (Sanaa Lathan)." When I asked her about casting the iconic Lynn Whitfield Bing she said, "We always wanted Lynn to play the role of Paulette so it's a dream come true and we're so happy to be here and so honored to be nominated for two awards....it's incredible."

The 50th NAACP Image Awards Nominee Luncheon was held to put the spotlight on "all" nominees with food, fellowship and entertainment, before the winners are announced live on March 30th on TV One.

In closing my coverage of the red carpet arrivals for the NAACP Image Awards Nominee Luncheon co-host Sheryl Lynn Ralph wanted to tell you that she is, "So excited, because I want everyone to tune in Thursday nights at 9:30 for my new series ‘Fam' on CBS and my new Podcast ‘Diva Defined,' enriching and enlightening entertaining conversations with some of your favorite people. I need you to listen, download and subscribe." www.NAACPImageAwards.net

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Rev. Stef & Jubilation Celebrate 20 Years with Gala and Single Release / Jazz Funk Soul's ‘Life & Times' Project Soars

"It's the first single He let me write since my stroke," said Rev. Dr. Stefanie R. Minatee, giving God the credit for bringing her back from a stroke that left her in bed for almost a year. The single she is referring to is titled "It's All About You," recorded and released to mark 20 years of being the founder and artistic director of the Grammy Award winning Jubilation Gospel Choir of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). "I have been in music since I was a young girl. I grew up in Mt. Zion, Sara Vaughn's church. I joined First Baptist Church, where Queen Latifah was at. He (the Pastor) allowed me to direct the adult choir."

And as they say, ‘The rest is history." Minatee earned a Bachelor Degree in Music Performance/Music Education from Kean University and a Masters and Doctorate in Theology from Drew University. In 2002 she was ordained a minister. It was also in 2002 that she performed with the Jubilation Choir during the iconic Ray Charles' tour of Japan.

However, before that collaboration with Ray, Dr. Stef Minatee was approached by the CEO of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Larry Goldman, and her uncle Councilman and Civil Rights Activist Donald K. Tucker to create a choir for NJPAC. She took on the task that currently boasts over 300 members in over 25 different cities, of which Queen Latifah's mother Rita was a "charter" member. The choir, called Rev. Dr. Stef and Jubilation, was featured on Queen Latifah's album "Oh Happy Day: An All-Star Music Celebration," which received a Grammy Award win.

"My uncle was Councilman and they were building an arts center," she recalled for me. "My uncle spoke to me about doing some work. He said, ‘whatever you can do to help.' So I worked after school with the choir."

Dr. Minatee has served over 30 years teaching music education in New Jersey's public schools. She also serves as minister at the Community Baptist Church in Englewood, NJ. The Jubilation Gospel Choir offers music scholarships and has collaborated with Gospel as well as secular artists, such as Hip-Hop artist Queen Latifah.

When I asked how she was able to get the Hip-Hop Queen to collaborate with her, Rev. Dr. Stef said, "Dana, also known as Queen Latifah, was a member of the first Baptist Church. I asked her if she new any Gospel songs, She said she knew only one....I called her up to sing the one Gospel song she knew, a Harkins song, and the rest is history."

That is true. Who knew iconic Rapper Queen Latifah had a voice like an angel! From there Queen not only started singing, she released a full album. Aside from being featured on the Queen Latifah's project, Rev. Dr. Stef and Jubilation sang with her on the single "Spirit" at the US Tennis Opening. They have also collaborated with Shirley Caesar, Isaac Hayes, Dionne Warwick and Kenny Logins. Rev. Dr. Stef and Jubilation, which has released six albums, has also performed on stage with Albertina Walker, Kurt Curr and Donnie McClukin.

"(Spreading the Gospel) It's needed," Rev. Dr. Stef said about acknowledging the power of God. When we were talking about her stroke, which started with a headache and ended with her not being able to move, she said, "God saved my life. I'm so grateful He allowed me to live. All I can do is spread the word."
Rev. Dr. Stef and Jubilation is doing that, not only with the released of a new single "It's All About You," but they will be hosting a 20th Anniversary Gala June, 22, 2019 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. www.JubilationChoir.org

The latest project of the trio Jazz Funk Soul titled "Life and Times" (Shanachie) soars on the wings provided by Grammy Award winning Jeff Lorber on piano/keyboards, Grammy nominated Everette Harp on sax and new comer Grammy nominated Paul Jackson, Jr. on lead/rhythm guitar. The project is dedicated to the memory of the Jazz Funk Soul founder multi-Grammy Award winning guitarist Chuck Loeb. Loeb, Harp and Lorber toured so much together they decided to form a group in 2014. "Life and Times" is the trio's third album release together and their first without Chuck. "Life and Times" also features on the album David Mann on sax, Michael White and Gary Novak on drums, Alex Al and Rickey Minor on bass and Lenny Castro on percussion.

Jeff Lorber is also a producer who has worked for such iconic musicians as Dave Koz and Kenny G. He has his own band, Jeff Lorber Fusion, which scored a Grammy Award win for their 2014 album "Prototype." Everette Harp's unique saxophone playing combines Jazz, R&B, Funk and Pop. He has collaborated with such living legends as Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Patti LaBelle. His most recent solo album is titled "First Love." Paul Jackson, Jr. is a living legend who has recorded with such mega icons as Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. His unique style of playing the guitar is also heard on the soundtracks of many movies, such as "Zootopia."

My favorite cuts from the "Life and Times" Shanachie Entertainment release include the first single #4 "Windfall," written by Jeff Lorber, because I could actually feel the wind thanks to Everette's sax playing and Paul's guitar, which was regulating the wind's temperature, as Jeff's key playing made it all dance until the end. The title track "Life and Times", written by Lorber and Harp, is another favorite of mine because it's one of those highway driving kind-of-song. The Lorber and Jackson, Jr. written song, #7, "Sunset Rock" stands out for me because it's piano driven and it made me want to rock until the end. Everette's sax on "Sunset Rock" was dancing in the background while Paul's guitar Rock-n-Rolled its Blues/Jazz rhythm all the way to the end. The Lorber and Harp written "Room W Vu" is the last of my favorites, though the whole album is smooth. On "Room W Vu" the playing sounded like the instruments were singing sweetly together and I could almost hear the lyrics. www.Shanachie.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Baltimore's ‘Rambling Rose' Celebrates Over 60 Years in Entertainment / Norman Brown's ‘The Highest Act of Love' Album is Charming

"It's been over 60 years working with singers. I have a keen ear for notes," said Baltimore's living legend Rosa "Rambling Rose" Pryor-Trusty about her humble beginnings in entertainment, which started as an R&B singer. Her presence at Baltimore's night-clubs developed into a huge following and fan/base. It was that following that prompted the publisher of The Baltimore Times, Joy Bramble, to reach out to her to help develop the newspapers' entertainment section. "Joy found me at the Sphinx Club. I would write about them - the clubs, bars, restaurants...they gave me cash for ads. I had 3 and 4 pages. I surprised myself. I just started asking."

Rosa took the job and called her entertainment section "Rambling Rose," which also appears in the Afro Newspaper today as a syndicated entertainment column. She also wrote for the Baltimore Magazine for a year under the heading "Buzz N' Around Baltimore Magazine." Rosa received the nickname "Rambling Rose" from legendary singer/songwriter Nate King Cole.

When explaining how Nate King Cole gave her the nickname "Rambling Rose" Rosa said, "I love hanging. I wouldn't stay still. We had no cell phones. The band would be talking to each other and I couldn't stand it, being in doors. So I'd leave to go to another bar and be checking out bands. One day Nate King Cole said to me, ‘You a rambling girl,' and then he wrote a song about it."

Rosa is a self taught piano and sax player. She started as a singer in a band she founded called Little Johnny and the Twilights, but because of throat problems she had to give up singing and decided to manage others singers. She wrote and produced for the group a song called "Thanks Mr. DJ" (Decade Records). Her group was managed by Paul "Fat Daddy" Johnson and Rockin' Robin, who were high-profile radio personalities at the time. The "Thanks Mr. DJ" song was about them. Her group performed as opening act for The Shirrelles, The Chantels, Nate King Cole, Jimi Hendrix and Sam Cooke - to name a few. Her trademark, the red rose, is because her favorite color is red and she would perform in red exotic and sexy gowns giving out red roses.

"Rambling Rose" received her Entertainment License to book talent world-wide in 1967 for her company Rosa Pryor Productions. Acts that she has managed include First Class, The SoftTones, Nikki Cooper and Mickey Fields - to name a few. She also managed several clubs, such as Club Casino owned by Little Willie Adams and the Elgin Lounge. Today Rosa manages three acts - two from Baltimore and one from Washington DC. She was also a dancer who won multiple awards for her skills. "Rambling Rose" founded the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund (1991-2016), which offered scholarships to children for their artistic development and she has published two editions of picture books about the history of the entertainment environment in Baltimore titled "African American Entertainment In Baltimore" (2003) and "African-American Community, History & Entertainment in Maryland" (2013). The books are so popular they are used in schools and colleges.

"I never thought my life would be in music," Rosa said. "I grew up in a house with music. Someone gave my father a piano and I taught myself how to play and write music. I look at it as being normal. I received three awards for dancing. I've come to the conclusion it's a gift. I have 27 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and non have ever been in entertainment. No cousins, no one."

Aside from managing her groups and hosting events of her own, "Rambling Rose" supports local community events to provide advice to young upcoming artists. She will be speaking at the 20th "Uplifting Minds II" entertainment conference Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 1 - pm at Security Square Mall, which is offering a panel discussion on the business of entertainment and a stage to showcase young talented singers, songwriters, dancers and actors. www.Rambling-Rose.com

It's so nice to hear the signature sound of Grammy Award winning guitarist Norman Brown again on his newest album release, a Smooth Jazz/Spiritual project, titled "The Highest Act of Love" (Shanachie Entertainment). Brown gives us a charming project we can cherish. "The Highest Act of Love" features assistance from Deniece Williams on a remake of her song "Free," saxophonist Kim Waters on "Peace of Mind" and guitarist Paul Brown on "Inside the Garden of Peace and Love."

"The Egyptian spiritual system is based on the ‘highest act of love,'" Norman explained about the meaning of the projects' titled. That "act" is to achieve the purpose God has for you.

My Christian spirituality equates that to God "ordering my footsteps." When I do that, I've noticed no one seems to understand. When you fulfill your purpose maybe sometimes people won't understand that either. Norman tries to make it simple for you, by example. The ease of how he plays is nothing but natural and divinely ordered, a skill some may not understand.

"The Highest Act of Love" is executive produced by Norman and Daniel Weiss. The project also features Emanuel Wells, Roberto Vally and Tres Gilbert on bass, Lew Laing, Phil Davis, Chris "Big Dog" Davis on keyboard, and Gordan Campbell on drums. Producers include Paul Brown, Big Dog, Phil Davis and Kim Waters.

My favorite tracks on this charming project includes #1 "Inside the Garden of Peace and Love," featuring Paul Brown accompanying Norman on guitar, because it gives me visions of a long winding road with two guitars dancing perfectly together. I like #2 "The King is Here" because it offers that signature Norman Brown guitar playing sound that always makes me rock. The title song #5 "The Highest Act of Love" because its simplicity makes it perfect. The beat and the strings on #6 "Don't Make Me Wait" offers a charming Smooth Jazz feel. I like the cover of "Free," featuring four-time Grammy Award winning Deniece Williams, because together they offer a sweet musical combination. Last, though I must say the whole album is good enough to listen to over and over again from beginning to end, is #9 "Peace of Mind" featuring saxophonist Kim Waters, because the fairytale flavor that Waters bring somehow matches perfectly with Norman Browns' playing as he makes the keys flip. www.NormanBrown.com www.Shanachie.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Stellar Winning Dr. Ernest Pugh Launches Radio Show ‘On the Couch...' / Allen Carman's ‘Carmanology" With Nile Rogers Makes You Want More Bass

"(The Bible says) Let the older teach the younger...artists come to the couch," four-time Stellar Award winner Dr. Ernest Pugh said to young artists about his new radio show "On the Couch with Dr. Ernest Pugh at the Worship Leaders' Lounge." The radio show launched on The Choice 105.3FM in Richmond, Virginia and airs on Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET and Sundays at 5 p.m. ET.

Dr. Ernest Pugh, who has a Doctorate in Ministry from Howard University, just wants to point young artists in the "right direction." His "On the Couch" radio show is also available on Google Play, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts and other outlets. Dr. Pugh has released nine albums through his label EPM Music, which has a distribution deal with Entertainment One. He has over 30 years as a Minister for churches in Houston, Atlanta and Ft. Washington, Maryland at Ebenezer AME initially under the leadership of Minister of Music Byron Cage.

"What they say is safe...we pre-record the show," Dr. Pugh stressed about confidentiality in on-air counseling. "We sometimes shift from the industry...to walking in the Holy Spirit."

Dr. Pugh laughed when recalling that he been in the music business for so long he went from everyone's brother to everyone's uncle.

When I asked how the radio show was conceived he said, "I had been traveling around with a one day symposium covering topics we need to discuss today and a young lady said, ‘did you ever think of doing a podcast?' Then the owner of a radio station said, ‘Did you get that podcast going? I want to be on that list'."

As they say the rest is history. Dr. Ernest Pugh has an Honorary PhD in Theology from the Institute of Teaching God's Word in Rockdale, Texas. He was recently nominated for a 2019 Stellar Award for "Traditional Male Artist of the Year" for his last album "Survive." A native of Memphis, Dr. Pugh is also a songwriter, producer and philanthropist. As a singer/songwriter he has collaborated with Beverly Crawford, Shirley Caesar, Rance Allen, Richard Smallwood, Bryon Cage and Lalah Hathaway. He started performing at the age of 14. As a man he serviced in the U.S. Army and retired after serving 15 years. After military service he began serving as a Worship leader in several churches, when in 2001 he landed at Ebenezer AME. In 2006 he released his debut solo album "A Worshippers' Perspective" which reached the top 30 on Billboard. His 2009 album release was recorded live and the single "Rain on Us" reached #1 on Billboard and the album reached #2. His 2011 single release of "I Need Your Glory" was #1 on Billboard for 9 weeks and it was the first #1 Billboard single released from Entertainment One. www.ErnestPugh.com www.Choice1053.org

Bass player Allen Carman releases a new solo project, "Carmanology" and his skills on it are so good it left me wanting to hear more. Released on April 5, 2019 Allen shares the spotlight on "Carmanology" (ACP Music) with some iconic musicians such as Grammy Award winning Nile Rodgers (guitar), Rick Braun (trumpet), Gumbi Ortiz (percussions), Philippe Saisse (keyboard), Marc Antoine (guitar) Evan Garr (violin), Don Harris (trumpet), Andy Snitzer (sax) and Bill Harris (trumpet).

"He's a legend to me as well," Allen said about Nile Rodgers when I complimented him for having such an icon on his project. "I'm so excited I landed that opportunity to get him involved. To my knowledge this is the first time for him getting into the Smooth Jazz world. He's done so much in his career."

Nile Rodgers is a three-time Grammy Award winning music producer, composer, arranger and guitarist. He is best known for co-founding the group Chic ("Good Times") and for his songwriting/producing on the works of Sister Sledge ("We are Family") and Diana Ross ("I'm Coming Out").

Allen is a lawyer, he said because this mother couldn't see him playing bass for a living at 30.

"I was practicing law for 20 some years," Allen recalls about how when he reached 30 years-old he heeded his mother's advice and went back to school, received his Law Degree and eventually passed the Bar Exam. "I'm excited again about playing. So much unexpected successes...I always felt more of a musician than a lawyer."

He said the time away from playing the bass only made him a little rusty, but I couldn't tell on "Carmanology." Very seldom do I hear a bass take the lead on a song and when Carman did, it was too short for me.

"I needed to get at that level to keep up with the people I am playing with," he laughed.

My favorite cuts on the "Carmanology" album include #1 "Groove Salad" because the horn playing is humming and that piano is crazy smooth; #3 "Carisma" because of Allen's bass solo it left me wanting to hear more bass playing; #4 "State of Mind" because I love that Latin flavor; the title song "Carmanology" because its just crazy cool, and #9 "River" because of its fairytale/Christmas/holiday feel that rides on the wings of excellent piano playing, makes it just heavenly.

Producers of "Carmanology" are Ortiz and Saisse. The project just released its fourth single "Hearsay," which so far has reached #41 on the Smooth Jazz Chart. www.TheAllenCarmanProject.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Laika Entertainment's Missing Link Animation, a Guide to Finding Home and Black Panther and Ella Mai Led in 50th NAACP Image Award Wins

The missing link between humans and apes is found in the United Artists' animated presentation of Missing Link starring two-time Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman (X-Men) as the explorer Sir Lionel Frost who discovers Big Foot AKA Mr. Link. Missing Link is a guide to finding "home" and it arrives in theatres April 12, 2019. Joining MTV Movie Award winning Jackman (The Wolverine) is the voices of BET Award winner Zoe Saldana (Star Trek, Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy), as the adventurer Adelina Fortnight, Primetime Emmy Award winning Zach Galifianakes ("Comedy Central") as the sweet, yet powerfully strong, Big Foot and Academy Award winning Emma Thompson (Men in Black 3) as the Yeti Ruler.

Sir Lionel wants to be a part of a group of prestigious explorers but he needs to impress them first. So based on a letter to him about a Big Foot sighting he goes on a quest to discover the missing link between man and animal. He finds the author of the letter, who happens to be Big Foot, whom Sir Lionel names Mr. Link. Mr. Link does not mind helping Sir Lionel prove that he exist in order to join the group of explorers, but he sent the letter hoping the "myths and monsters" explorer would help him find his way home to his missing relatives - the Yeti. They make a deal and based on information about the Yeti from his former partner Sir Lionel goes in search of Mr. Links' missing family. In order to find the Yeti, via his former partners map, he has to take his former partners' widower, Adelina, with him.

Mr. Link finds his family but what happens next will surprise you. Chris Butler directors the Missing Link animation, that is produced by Travis Knight and Arianne Sutner. Butler is also the screenwriter in this Laika Entertainment and Annapurna Picture production that is distributed by United Artists Releasing. Missing Link also stars the voices of Golden Globe nominated Stephen Fry (The Hobbit), David Williams, Emmy nominated Timothy Olyphant (Live Free or Die Hard), Matt Lucas (Paddington) and Amrita Acharia (Game of Thorns). www.MissingLink.movie

"I was doing school when I heard the news," said Laya Deleon Hayes, the voice of Disney Jr.'s Dottie "DOC" McStuffins, about her 50th NAACP Image Awards nomination. "I got a text from one of my friends Marsai Martin from ‘Black-ish'. She said, ‘Congratulations on your nomination!'."

Even though Samuel L. Jackson won in Laya's category for "Voice Over Performance" for his work on Incredibles 2, she is still a winner to me because she is listed with such iconic actors. Her friend Marsai won twice in her categories - "Performance By a Youth" and "Supporting Actress" for her work in "Black-ish."

It was no surprise that Black Panther led the wins during the live telecast aired on TV One with 10 total - five for the film and five additional for cast members for outstanding "Writer," "Director," "Supporting Actor," "Supporting Actress" and "Actor." English singer Ella Mai follows with three wins for outstanding "New Artist," "Contemporary Song ("Boo'd Up")" and "Album."

"I'm bringing that Soul music back. That's my job," said Omar Wilson, who was nominated for "Outstanding New Artist", along with Ella. "This (nomination) is a combination of 15 years of hard work. This is redemption for me. I am just grateful for this opportunity."

Following Mai's three wins are two-time winners Michael B. Jordan for "Supporting Actor (Black Panther)" and "Actor (Fahrenheit 451)", Marsai Martin ("Black-ish"), and Ryan Coogler "Writing" and "Directing in a Motion Picture (Film)" for his work on Black Panther (Marvel).

"My inspiration is all of our elders that came before us and I hope it reminds us that we do have power," said Katrina O. Gilvie, who was nominated for "Writing in a Motion Picture (Television), but lost to David Shanks for his work on Seven Seconds (Netflix). www.TVOne.tv www.NAACPIMageAwards.net

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: TV Personality Melody Trice Expands Brand to Acting and Modeling and The Harmony by Mighty Men of Faith on ‘Undisputable Is He' is Perfection

"I'm acting now. I am about to appear in another movie, that's why I was at the NAACP," said television personality Melody Trice of "The Melody Trice Show" when I asked why she was now the one being interviewed on the red carpet. "I'm modeling too."

Trice, aside from her own television show which reaches over 2 million viewers, has been making the media rounds thanks to the expansion of her brand from a television host to an actress and model. She recently started a cleansing program that caused her to loose more weight than when I first met her. At that time she was already looking good with a petite waist. She is even smaller now. The owner of the plan has been using her as a spokesperson and that resulted in an appearance on the "Steve Harvey Show".

"You got to sleep with yourself and I need to rest," Melody laughed, when I commented on how sweet her personality was. "I don't care about what people say. I was voted most likely to succeed. My teacher said, ‘I'm going to see you one day on television'."

He was so right. Melody started out as an actress/plus size model, and then she became a licensed cosmetologist and opened a beauty supply store. She gave that up for a daytime talk show, where she interviews high-profile celebrities on the red carpet and on her show. In just two short years she has amassed over 2 million viewers who watched as she interviews such high-profile artists as Omar Gooding, Mark Wahlberg, Hill Harper, Debbie Allen and Nick Cannon.

"As a talk show host I've learned how important it is to be healthy," she admitted. "Entertainment is stressful and stress makes me over eat. Since I was 25 I've had high blood pressure. I went into prayer. I didn't want to take pills. God said, ‘Natural foods.' I was doing my research and I heard of this plan... In 6 days I lost 15 pounds and in 20 days I lost 27 pounds. For me the smaller, the better...I am more happier...more focused. I've lost 80 pounds. I drink a gallon of water a day. I stop drinking soda. You have to discipline yourself. (The program) is teaching me how."

"The Melody Trice Show" is about inspiring her viewers by talking about subjects such as business, health, technology, music, beauty and careers. Just on Comcast alone her viewers are over ½ million. A SAG/AFTRA member, Melody's show also appears on AT&T, Frontier and Spectrum. You can check out "The Melody Trice Show" airing-schedule at www.MelodyTrice.com.

The harmony from the Mighty Men of Faith on their newest album release "Undisputable Is He" (N2L Records) is perfection. Individually the vocals are great and passionate, but together they offer the listener vocal perfection that mixes old-time Gospel with Contemporary Gospel, Pop, R&B and Praise & Worship. I personally love the old school sound reminiscent of the harmony of Earth, Wind and Fire and The Temptations.

"We've been together since 2009. We started at a Men's Day Program," said Wendell Basey, founder of the four member vocal group that consist of Basey, Charles Johnson (a SAG actor), Richard Hayes ( pastor at Victory Center AME Zion) and Ed Harris (pastor at Agape Fellowship AME Zion Church). "It's not perfect all the time. We have not had the same members...two new members since 2013."

What is perfect is the harmony that all four bring when they sing together. I love how they mix the different genres with Gospel and mainstream. I love the different deliveries styles that come with the different age groups they all bring together - new school, old- school and contemporary - making a fresh new sound that is different enough that they stand out.

One of the new members, Charles Johnson, was acting in a musical about the music of the Might Men of Faith, when he was asked to join the group. A proposition he had to think on because of course his career was in acting.
"Spreading the Word," Charles said was the attraction for him to decide to join the group. "The conviction they have for spreading the Word and their dedication. The chemistry is just awesome!"

"We were just putting songs together for over a year," Wendell said about the new album "Undisputable Is He". "We didn't have a concept just making some songs. The songs reflect the belief that God is everything and everywhere."

Writers on the new project include Steve Eaton ("Everywhere," "That's What He Did For Me"), who has written songs for The Carpenters and Art Garfunkel; David DeCuir "Lord of Lords" "Glory Will Be Revealed"), Malvin Scott ("God's Got My Back"), Curtis Hill ("Now I'm New"), Woody Woods ("Because He Loves Me" "Looks Like I'm Falling In Love"), Harold Lily (""It's All God"), Roger Helm ("Show Me The Way"), Luther Barnes ("It's a Good Thing to be Chosen"), David Sample ("River of Life") and Wendell Basey ("God's Got my Back"). "Undisputable Is He" is executive produced by Aaron Basey and Wendell.

My favorite selections from the album include #1 "Lord of Lords" because of the old-school sound and the passion from the lead vocalist; #2 "Now I'm New" because it combines Soft-Pop with Gospel resulting in a fresh new sound; #3 "Show Me The Way" because they mix Hip-Hop with Gospel by adding rap verses that are on-point, and the harmony is so tight; #5 "Everywhere" because of the harmony again, its so "Heavenly"; #7 "It's All God" because I love the message, love the short sermon and its an awesome Praise & Worship piece, and #11 "It's a Good Thing to Be Chosen" because its so simple, almost like a lullaby, with a powerful message and heartfelt vocals. www.MightyMenofFaith.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Rahsaan Patterson Release ‘Sent From Heaven' Single from Shanachie CD and ‘The Baltimore Times' Publisher, Joy Bramble, Immortalized in Wax

"(‘Sent From Heaven') A beautiful love song that was inspired," said Rahsaan Patterson about his new single release from his upcoming May 17, 2019 Shanachie Entertainment project titled "Heroes and Gods." "It's a return to joy...coming whole again after...heartbreak."

The BET J Award winner for "Underground Artist of the Year" hasn't released a project since 2011 with "Bleuphoria." "Heroes and Gods" will be released on the Shanachie imprint, home for such other icon artists as Jazz pianist Keiko Matsui, Will Downing, Kim Waters and Norman Brown.

"That song was ...all songs are from the Creator....absolutely a gift that's from the Universe. I've grown and learned to stay self-aware," said Patterson about the concept for the single "Sent From Heaven." "The future is absolutely promised once you internally do the work. Because of the pain of life and relationships you come away aware of consequences of choices. We create the future."

Rahsaad learned that the focus should always be on creating that future by focusing on the positive aspects of life and relationships, what is "sent from Heaven." Life is too short to focus on anything but that. The Los Angeles based living icon is celebrating 35 years in the entertainment business. I remind him each time we talk that I interviewed him, Fergie, Shanice and Mario Lopez when there was on the television show "Kids Incorporated" and that I have been interviewing them all throughout their careers since then. After "Kids Incorporated" Rahsaad signed a deal with MCA Records and as they say the rest is history.

"It takes the experience of life. The hard times, trauma, the working through the hurt to understand that you can make it through...a heartbreak," Rahsaad seriously pointed out at the end of our interview.

Patterson, who has master R&B, Jazz, Funk and Gospel vocal genres, has collaborated with such iconic artists as Faith, Ledisi, Rachelle Ferrell and Lalah Hathaway. www.Rahsaad.com www.Shanachie.com

The publisher of The Baltimore Times, Joy Bramble, was recently immortalized in Wax for her over 30 years as a black media outlet. Bramble was honored with a Proclamation from the Maryland House and Senate before the unveiling of a wax figure in her name placed at the Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore.

"I was surprised and honored," said Joy Bramble, about the Proclamation and wax figure unveiling. "The reason is what we've been able to accomplish with The Baltimore Times."

As their first employee back in 1986 I was a witness and full participant in those accomplishments. Bramble started The Baltimore Times with the blessing and help from her husband Rev. Peter Bramble, an Episcopal priest. I was straight out of college as a Telecommunications major working at WEBB Radio as a paid intern when I was hired by Joy Bramble. The Baltimore Times, when it changed from monthly to weekly became the largest circulated black owned newspaper in Maryland. It grew to have three sister publications - The Annapolis Times, The Prince George's County Times and The Baltimore County Times. It was the first company to offer community events in Baltimore that provided free services with its Housing Expo (on-site pre-approvals), Health Expo (free healthcare screenings), Men's Expo (free healthcare screenings) and Women's Expo (free seminars).

"My whole life has been like magic," said Joy, who is a native of Montserrat. "I've never been afraid to try things. If that doesn't work you move on. Set an example and keep trying."

The publisher did not start off in the states as a newspaper publisher. She started off as an educator in the Baltimore City School System. She even owned an infamously lucrative Baltimore city "corner store" before deciding she wanted to saturate Baltimore city with "positive stories about positive people," the motto for her newspaper.

"Someone broke into the store and I was afraid and decided to close it," she said about the corner-store venture. As far as her role as a teacher she said, "I feel if I am not making a difference I have to do something else. I found out how hard it was teaching in Baltimore schools. I knew that I wasn't fulfilling my potential and that was not for me."

Bringing "positive stories about positive people" and providing free community services to Baltimore city residents to help save lives and people's homes, was where she was able to fulfill her potential.

"Taking chances and learning," said Joy Bramble was the things that helped her grow her newspaper. "..and the people I've come in contact with. I made a difference in their lives, set an example. Look at you! You are a prime example."

Bramble is talking about all the achievements I have made with her blessing and because of her urging. I came to The Baltimore Times because I love writing, she saw that I could make a great sales person and so we made a deal - she would let me write for the newspaper if I sold ads for her. She was right I became the highest paid sales person at the newspaper. My love for writing resulted in a position as Entertainment Editor at the newspaper. I am now a syndicated entertainment columnist with over ¼ million readers a week nationwide. At one point as her Business Manager she urged me in the strongest way to be her Promotions Director and because of it I helped spearhead The Baltimore Times community event projects. The events garnered the newspaper recognitions from the City of Baltimore for serving the community with events held annually. Each of the four events raked up thousands of dollars in extra venue for the newspaper. All those skills Joy Bramble allowed me to learn on the job, by not limiting me and by urging me. I was able to open up my own business, a public relations/business service company. She did not mind me "moon-lighting" after work as long as I did my job at the newspaper. I founded "Uplifting Minds," a free entertainment conference event for the newspaper in 1999 to reach young readers - the fifth event. In 2000 Bramble granted my request for ownership of the event and as "Uplifting Minds II" I took the free entertainment conference annually to the communities in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston. I am only one of many employees Joy Bramble has helped in this way.

"Life is a challenge, I like challenges," Joy said. "Someone tells me I can't do something - I find a way. The statue will be unveiled at the State House. I'm getting a Proclamation from the Senate and the House and the (wax) statue will be unveiled afterwards at The Great Blacks in Wax." www.BaltimoreTimes-Online.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

The Pulse of Entertainment: Seth and Charlize is the Perfect Odd Couple in Lionsgate's Long Shot and Latino Rapper InnocentMind Turning Heads with his Blend of Hip-Hop
By Eunice Moseley

What a delightful film the Lionsgate presentation of Long Shot is starring Academy Award winning Charlize Theron (Hancock) and two-time Golden Globe nominated Seth Rogen ("Neighbors") - they make a perfect old couple. Charlize (The Huntsman: Winter's War) plays a high-profile politician Charlotte Field working her way to being a Presidential candidate when she meets journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth), someone from her past, who shows his adoration for her on his sleeves.
His care free personality and how he is himself, wherever to whomever, is attractive to Charlotte - so she hires him as her speech writer. As they spend time together their relationship blossoms, contrary to her staff that wants her to hook-up with a more "visually" suited person. She finds that she has to choose between him and having the President of the Unites open the door for her to become the first female president. Their courtship, the different world colliding is hilarious and what she chooses to do abut her dilemma is shocking.

Long Shot arrives in theatres May 3, 2019 and is directed by Jonathan Levine (The Night Before) and produced by Seth, Charlize, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Beth Keno. The Good Universe, Point Grey Pictures and Denver & Delilah Films production also stars O'Shea Jackson, Jr. (Straight Outta Compton) as Fred's best friend Lance, Andy Serkis, June Diane Raphael, Bob Odenkirk and Alexander Skarsgard. Cameo appearances include Boyz II Men and Lil' Yachty. www.LongShot.movie

"I've been at it for a minute. I started as a drummer," said Latin Rapper Wilson Sandoval, known on stage as InnocentMind, about his new studio self-titled album. When asked about his unique Latin sound that combines all genres of music with Latin Hip-Hop InnocentMind said, "I spent five years with a band, then a solo artist. When I was with a band I was surrounded by that type of music Classic, Rock...like The Beatles...Led Zeplin. I try to network with difference people, built my experiences. I am working on increasing my fan base."

All anyone has to do is listen to his music. I met InnocentMind at the 98Cent Store selling his CD. I love supporting aspiring artists and I respect their struggle, so I brought one. I was immediately impress that he had a business card to go with it, and decided then that I would give it a listen and not just "shelve it." I was so pleased that I did. "InnocentMind" has high quality instrumental playing, high quality production and high quality vocals. His flow as a rapper is as diverse has is Hip-Hop styles of music.

"I do study on my own and work with people that know more than me," InnocentMind admitted. "Like this engineer that's with me. He's from Texas. I'm collaborating with him."

The self-titled project from InnocentMind offers 10 selections.

"When ‘I' say Hip-Hop I mean like KRS- One. Real Hip-Hop...with scratching and the beats, it's the sound that motivates me more," he pointed out. "I merge with Latino things I like - my type of Latino has lots of Hip-Hop. Though there are Latinos like Bad Bunny (Trap and Reggaeton singer),,,mine comes from Central America and Mexico. I was born in Los Angeles."

Though the album is mostly in Spanish and I speak "poquito" (little) I was able to make out a few words that I will use to identify my favorite cuts on the "InnocentMind" album. The CD does have at least two selections that are mostly in English. My favorites include #1, which I titled "Listen" cause he says that at the beginning and the phase "Let's Go" at the end, because it starts off almost sounding like a lullaby and ends with an Latin Urban beat that is so simple. I like #2, which I titled "First" because it says "primero" a lot. It has a nice Latin/Hip-Hop feel that I like and I hear in Spanish "Mexican beautiful lady" so it has to be hot lyrically. I like #3, which I titled "You" because he kept saying it in Spanish - "ustedes" and I love the horn and piano keys that were flying which gives it a Latin/Jazz feel. I like #7, which I titled "What Pretty Is" because he says that throughout - "que bonita es." I like it because of the Salvador feel, which he says, along with "good morning" so instantly it became a favorite because that what I say Social Media each day - morning! I also like #8, which I titled "Life" because I heard a couple times "vita." I like it because it has a nice Latin feel that I love to dance to, in fact at one point he said "loco tango" (crazy dance). I also like #9, which I titled "Momma Said There'll Be Days Like This," because that is a hook from a cover song and its said in English by a R&B vocalist. It has a Rap hook that is in both English and Spanish making it very unique and relatable. This is one of two songs that combine English and Spanish, mixing the two cultures. Last, and as you can see I like practically the entire album, I like #10, which I titled "Tomorrow Friend" because it says it a couple of times in Spanish "manana" "amigo". I like the rap flow, which was in both English and Spanish, because it is reminiscent of the flow of Rapper Busta Rhyms "hard and fast." And the lyrics on "Tomorrow Friend" are very deep and I am so glad it was in English too, because it is a prime example of what Wilson aka InnocentMind is all about. InnocentMind raps on "Tomorrow Friend" repeatedly saying "I break my back for the U.S. but it wont let us claim it" and "I know you feel me cause I'm just like you."

Meeting InnocentMind and listening to his music, tells me without a doubt he will make his mark on the Hip-Hop culture in a big way, very soon. www.Youtube.com/InnocentMind
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
May 10, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Experience the Magic of Love in Fox Searchlight's ‘Tolkien' and Virgin Island's VIP Release ‘Make It' Single off May 22, 2019 CD Release
By Eunice Moseley

Fox Searchlight Pictures' Walt Disney Motion Picture Studios presentation of Tolkien arrives in theatres May 10, 2019. Tolkien is a bio-drama about scholar J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the epic novels "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." Tolkien stars Nicholas Hoult (X-Men: Days of Future Past) as Tolkien and Golden Globe nominated Lily Collins (Mirror Mirror) as his love interest Edith Bratt.

The audience will experience the magic of what love can do in ‘Tolkien.' Tolkien (Hoult) lived through World War I, where all of his friends (Rob Gilson, Geoffrey Bache Smith and Christopher Wiseman) die, to marry the love of his life Edith Bratt (Collins). A lover of language, mystery and magic Tolkien is inspired by Edith, an accomplished pianist, to see the world on a deeper level. That vision beyond the surface helped him create the worlds of his ground breaking novels "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."

Both Tolkien and Bratt were orphans that lived in the same foster home. It was love at first sight, but his guardian Father Frances Morgan played by Colm Meaney (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) forbid the relationship and sends him off to college at Oxford (Exeter College). Edith believes Tolkien will move on because she is so use to being abandoned that she gets engaged to another guy. Seeing Tolkien leaving to board a ship for war awakens her love for him and as they embrace goodbye she makes him promise to return to her. How Tolkien accomplishes this with bodies dropping all around him is the climax of the film.

Tolkiens' creation of the "middle earth" was ground breaking at the time in 1937 when he published "The Hobbit." Immediately after he releases a sequel to "The Hobbit", titled "The Lord of the Rings." This novel became the best selling novel of all times with over 150 million copies sold so far. It has been re-printed three times and translated in 38 languages. Tolkien sold the film rights to "The Lord of the Rings" to United Artists in 1969 and as a result garnering multiple Academy Award wins.

Tolkien is directed by Dome Karukoski and produced by Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, David Ready and Kris Thykier. It is a Fox Searchlight Picture, Chernin Entertainment production. Tolkien also stars Primetime Emmy Award winning Derek Jacobi (Vicious) as Professor Joseph Wright a scholarly mentor of Tolkien; Anthony Boyle as Geoffrey Bache Smith, a poet friend whose works were published by Tolkien resulting in Smith receiving a Noble Prize for Literature; Patrick Gibson, Craig Roberts, Pam Ferris, James MacCallum, Laura Donnelly, Genevieve O'Reilly, Samuel Martin, and Tom Glynn-Carney as Christopher Wisemen. www.FoxSearchlight.com/Tolkien/

V.I.P. (Virgin Island Professa) preps for his May 22, 2019 released of his new album "Emergency" (Dust Dem AFF Music), with the release of the first single and music video "Make It." When I tell you the talent level of this Virgin Island singer, songwriter, producer is up there with Bob Marley, take my word for it. It's not because he won my 20 year old "Uplifting Minds II" (ULMII) Baltimore talent competition six-times or that he has been a sponsor of that event since 2008, but witnessing him take an audience of people from their seats to their feet.

"Around the world we have a lot of issues with violence...I want to let everyone know it's an emergency, we need to change, get better, do better," said V.I.P., born in the U.S. Virgin Islands as Marvin Shamal Davis, Jr.. "I hope to bring awareness to crime and violence and the need for change. It's good to be happy."

V.I.P. debuted in 2008 with "Ambassador" (Ivory Penn Entertainment) produced by Steve Ivory (Disney). That was the year V.I.P. started sponsoring the ULMII community event. His hit singles in the states and in the Virgin Islands include "Hands Up" and "Soakin' Wet." - two of my favorite V.I.P. singles. The Virgin Islands radio stations have always played his music as if he was Bob Marley. He is a local Virgin Island celebrity that is always representing his Virgin Islands home. The V. I. is included on his branded products which can be found at IslandPridePrints.com.

"Everyone needs to focus on the root problem. Rich or poor we all have the same problems," he pointed out. "Have feelings, but don't take it to the extreme."

V.I.P. has a sweet and humble personality that people gravitate to. He said he was musically inspired by Calypso music, Bob Marley and Jay-Z.

"My inspiration...Calypso music, Bob Marley of course...he is a global figure not just in the Caribbean and Jay-Z and I am inspired by yourself with your positive energy," V.I.P. said. "My parents too, their strength...gave me the strength to be who I am."

The Virgin Islands, where he was born and raised until he relocated to the states with his father Marvin Sr., has a West Indian culture mixed with African heritage. So his music is a mixture of that West Indian culture and music from the African-American Hip-Hop culture in the states. That gives his music a very fresh and different sound that can be heard in the music video for the "Make It" single (https://youtu.be/k4yO0Yu13Y8).

V.I.P., who has been the opening act for the Baltimore ULMII event almost every year since 2011, calls his style music Vulcha.

He hopes his body of music helps to create "world peace."

"I wish for people to have the ability to know the path they may be taking," he said. "That could help make world peace...something that creates international greatness. We've lost great brothers like Nipsy...too soon. We've lost some powerful brothers and sisters to violence." @VirginIslandsProFessA (Facebook)

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
May 17, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Wendy Robinson's AGC presents ‘Our West Side Story' in Los Angeles May 18 & 19, 2019 in The Little Theatre and BT ALC Big Band Rings True on ‘The Search for Peace' CD
By Eunice Moseley

"It's a milestone for us after 22 years," said actress Wendy Raquel Robinson ("The Game") about the musical production to be presented May 18 & 19, 2019 in the Little Theatre in Los Angeles. A production of her Amazing Grace Conservatory (AGC) called "Our Westside Story." It is a slight twist of the Broadway hit "West Side Story." It features AGC students from their 1999 and 2010 "West Side Story" productions, Alfred Jackson and Gerald Evans, as directors. "Alumni are directing and producing. Full circle from students to staff..."

Jackson is an entertainment phenomenon who has written and produced music for the television show "Ally McBeal," toured with such worldwide productions as "Solid Gold Motown," "Rent" and "Glee" and choreographed for the musical "Sarafina," which garnered him a 2010 NAACP Image Award. Evans' career is just as phenomenal performing in such musical productions as "Sister Act 2", "The Grinch," and Westside Story".

The "West Side Story" Harlem saga is a love story taking place in the 1950's about a boy and girl on opposite sides of a turf war between two gangs who fall deeply in love. The AGC "Our West Side Story" on Saturday May 18th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday May 19th at 6 p.m. is basically the same as the original musical with a remix of the hit song "This is America." For the younger audience there is a production with another twist "Our Side of the Story" Sunday May 19th at 3 p.m. That twist is on the content which focuses on bullying and has a current day dance battle scene.

"Content is for younger audience, 8 - 12. has more musical content," Wendy pointed out. "It deals with bullying, the power of words and self-esteem...which is more impactful today. We didn't have social media. We had the classroom and the play ground. They have cyber bullying."

Robinson said that even the ending in this version has changed, where in the original the boy dies at the end, in this version he lives.

"We wanted to show that issues can be resolved," she concluded.

AGC was also founded by the late Tracy Lamar Coley ("Martin," "The Jamie Foxx Show"). Robinson serves as Executive Director. Launched in 1995 the Conservatory enrolled 75 young actors its first year and cast them in productions at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.

"Our Westside Story," presented by Amazing Grace Conservatory and the Los Angeles Southwest College Department of Arts and Humanities, will be held at the Little Theatre located on the Los Angeles Southwest College campus. www.AmazingGraceConservatory.org

"Every time we play it's a big hit, it's a festival," said Alex Lee-Clark, co-founder of the 19 piece band called BT ALC Big Band based in Boston, which just released its fourth album, "The Search For Peace." "Like any big time city it's a small town...you get called for weddings, you end up calling all your friends."

Trumpeter Alex, and band co-founder trombonist Brian Thomas, friends for this project include Peter Levesque, Jared Sims, Mike Tucker, Ben Whiting and Tucker Antell on saxophone; Benjamin Griffin, Pete Funelli and Angel Subero on trombone; Yaure Muniz, Mark Berney and Doug Olsen on trumpet; Steve Fell, Jeffrey Lockhart on guitar; Sam Gilman on the organ; Darby Wolf on clavinet and piano; Ted Sullivan on drums, and Ernesto Diaz on percussion. Collectively they merge the big band era sound with the current Smooth Jazz genre, with a Boston twist.

"We decided there weren't any big bands that are big in Boston," Alex said about why he formed the 19 piece band with Brian. "We went to school together. We met at a placement test exam to get our Masters. We knew a lot of the same people."

The "In Search for Peace" (Ropeadope Records) album is produced by Alan Evans.

"This is the first one we've done with Alan Evans," Lee-Clark said. "He's a brilliant recording engineer. He did great research."

The research was on big bands because the pair wanted to combine their traditional big band funk sound with Jazz and I believe they successfully did that.

My favorite cuts on the project include #2 "Dance," written by Alex, because the guitar brings that funky big band grove I like that seemed to make the horns jump and I also love the way the percussion gives it that African-drum feel. I also like the title track #4 "The Search for Peace," written by Alex, because it sounds like it could be the soundtrack to a love story that changes into an almost Latin Jazz feel, then ends with comfort that only Smooth Jazz can bring. I also like #5 "Tune For Lou," written by Brian, because the organ, played by Sam Gilman, goes completely off followed by that traditional big band sound from the 60s that I'm use to.

"We started off with traditional big band...like Frank Sinatra and Quincy Jones. That's pretty standard," Alex pointed out about how their music morphed into what it is today. "I grew up playing with those types of groups."

BT ALC Big Band has successfully merged that traditional big band funky sound with today's Smooth Jazz flavor on their newest album release "In Search For Peace." www.BTALCBigBand.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
May 24, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: ‘The Marvin Sapp Radio Show' Syndicated on Superadio and Eubie Blake Cultural Center Partners with Imagination Lunchbox for STEAM

By Eunice Moseley
"They asked me to do a show. I did it at home. Recorded it and sent it in," said 11-time Grammy nominated Marvin Sapp about the launch of his "The Marvin Sapp Radio Show". "The radio station called and asked about syndication...said. ‘You are the #2 show on the station.' I said, ‘Who is #1.' And he said, ‘Steve Harvey's show.' Now I am in 40 markets."
Superadio and Marvin Sapp, produce "The Marvin Sapp Radio Show" in syndication for Superadio Networks. "The Marvin Sapp Radio Show" went from a local to a major syndication show fast. It is carried by such outlets as St. Louis' Praise 95.1FM, Virginia's Praise 104.7FM, New York's WBLS-FM, Atlanta's WXJO-FM, Nashville's WENO-AM and Norfolk's WBXB-FM.
"It's a two hour show. I enjoy it...but I've never heard the show," Marvin pointed out. "When it comes on, 10(am) - 12(noon) on Sundays I'm in church."

Sapp is senior pastor, since 2003, of Lighthouse Full Life Centers in Michigan and Metropolitan Bishop for Global United Fellowship, where he oversees a collection of 150 churches in 19 states that are lead by Bishop Neil C. Ellis. Marvin's ministry started in music as a member of the Gospel group Commissioned. He went solo in 1995/1996 with the release of "Perfect Peace." He is currently promoting his album "Close" and its current single "Kind God," written and produced by Kirk Franklin. Aside from his many Grammy nominations he has four Billboard Music Award nominations and has won two BET Awards, 24 Stellar Awards and a Dove Award. His ministry has garnered him two Honorary Doctorates - in Divinity and Ministry.

"Being busy keeps you out of trouble," Sapp chuckled when I asked about his many projects. "I just published a book. ‘Suitable,' on relationships/dating..."

Sapps' book looks at relationships during the dating stage from a spiritual aspect. He even plans to host relationship workshops to help guide people through finding who is "suitable."

"The Marvin Sapp Radio Show" (Superadio) offers the "Marvin's Motivational Moment" and the "Ask Marvin" segments for listeners to get consul from the Bishop.

"I'm amazed (at being the #2 show) especially since the members of my church haven't heard it either - their in church. I may beat Steve Harvey," he laughed. "I appreciate having the opportunity to use the gifts that I have." www.MarvinSappMusic.com www.SuperRadio.com

Washington, DC's Derek Price took the helm of the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institution & Cultural Center with a goal to expand the arts to include STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) - STEAM. He has partnered with Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs and Baltimore prodigy and math wiz-kid Anthony Michael Hobbs on several projects this summer.

"We're actually broadening what we're offering to children - education and the arts," Derek said. "A new generation of STEAM to include art in science, technology, engineering and math... (For example) This summer we're offering a workshop in (the art of) filmmaking...a culinary art program."

As a result Price, who is Chairman of the Board of Directors at Eubie Blake, formed a partnership with a local prodigy, a multi-award winning actor/filmmaker Anthony Hobbs (www.Anthony-Michael.com) to host his 3rd annual Imagination Lunchbox International Children's Film Festival (ILICFF) again screening the short films made by and for kids from all around the world (USA, Australia, Qatar, Russia and Japan) that was selected by his company Imagination Lunchbox, LLC. ILICFF awarded, in April, the "Best Film Made By Kids," "Best Film Made For Kids, "Most Uplifting Film" and "Film Festival Choice" Awards. Eubie Blake is also partnering with his company to offer the "Imagination Lunchbox/Eubie Blake Filmmaking Workshops for Youth," hosted by Anthony, who has two multi-award winning short films under his belt - One Nation and Naga Pixie.

"First and foremost the rich history of African American culture," Derek said as to why he decided to host Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs' "More Than a Fraction" presentation at the Eubie Blake Cultural Center. "We overcome...perseverance."

Price wants the center to teach young people that we have shown through history that we overcome our adversities and we keep going, striving and surviving. Those projects include, for science, the "More Than a Fraction: African American Heritage & Culture" presentation by Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs, which is based on her scientific research into her ancestors. That research resulted in documented rich-data and a creative nonfiction book ("More Than a Fraction"), on the black experience in America slated for Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 1 - 3pm. For technology its the Imagination Lunchbox International Children's Film Festival screening short films made by and for kids from all around the world on August 17th from 3 - 5pm, as well as the Imagination "Lunchbox/Eubie Blake Filmmaking Workshops for Youth" instructing in the development and production of a short film group project on Saturday and Sunday, November 23 & 24, 2019 from 12 - 3p.m.

"Frankly it was an easy decision," Derek said about the partnerships with the three events, which are also held in partnership with The Baltimore Times Foundation, Times Community Times, Inc. "Like our story that African American story has to be told. Our story continues to evolve, not only in the arts but the history of African Americans."

The Eubie Blake Cultural Center was birth as a first of its kind "after school" program which focused on the arts. Through evolution the program morphed into a museum for original Eubie Blake items. Grammy Award nominated Eubie Blake was a pianist, composer, actor, playwright/director and songwriter who co-wrote the first hit Broadway musical directed by a black man called "Shuffle Along" in 1921. As an actor he starred in the Tony Award nominated musical "Eubie!" with tap dancer/actor Gregory Hines; Warner Brothers' Scott Joplin (1977) and Warner Bros.' Pie Pie Blackbird (1932). As a composer he is known for creating the music genre "Ragtime Jazz." His hit songs include "Love Will Find a Way," "Memories of You" and "I'm Just Wild About Harry." He was also a filmmaker for three projects for Lee De Forest - Noble Sissle & Eubie Blake, Sissle & Blake: Sing Snappy Songs and Fantasy on Swanee River. His three films are among the Maurice Zouary Collection in the Library of Congress. Blake went to college at the age of 59 studying music composition so he could write down all the songs he created in his head. He received eight honorary doctorate degrees (Howard University, Dartmouth University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland). Eubie Blake received a Grammy nomination at the age of 80 with the album release of "The 86 Years of Eubie Blake". www.EubieBlake.org
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
May 31, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Comedian Jasmin Brown Host ‘Kevin Hart's Laugh Out Loud' on Bounce TV and Reza Khan Takes the ‘Next Train Home' Via Brazil
By Eunice Moseley
"I had no idea I was going into comedy," said Jasmin Brown (BET's "50 Central") about being hired by Kevin Hart for his "Kevin Hart's Laugh Out Loud" comedy sketch show airing on Bounce TV Monday nights at 9 p.m./ET. "I'm compelled to keep going. Comedy heals!"

Kevin Hart's LOL is a multi-platform network. Hart started out as a stand-up comedian and became a global entertainment legend. As an actor he has starred in such movies as Jumanji (2017) with Dewayne "The Rock" Johnson and the Ride Along (2014, 2016) franchise with Ice Cube. As a businessman he has inked a "first look deal" with Nickelodeon, the number one brand for kids in the world. As a comedian his "Laugh at My Pain" (2011, "Let Me Explain" (2013) and "What Now?" (2016) tours were to sold out crowds.

"I didn't know he had anything to do with picking," Brown said about Kevin Hart's involvement in hiring her to host the "LOL" comedy sketch show. "When I met him he said, ‘I'm involved in everything,' it made me feel good...means a lot. It's exciting to be a part of something big."

Jasmin was born in Takoma, Maryland and raised in Houston. She was part of the cast of the sketch comedy show of 50 Cent on BET, "50 Central", which premiered in 2017, when she caught the eye of Kevin Hart's manager. She worked along side comedians Katt Williams, JB Smooth, Lil Duval, as well as Ludacris, Vivica A. Fox and Tiffany Haddish. Now she finds herself in 50 Cent's role as host of a comedy sketch series with "Laugh Out Loud."

"I loved working with 50," she said of her experiences. "Now you see me first. I get you ready. Hopefully in season two I can get to be in the sketches."

"LOL" features a collection of content from Hart's LOL Digital Network for the 10 episode show on Bounce TV. It is executive produced by Hart and produced in partnership with Bounce and Lionsgate TV. Other original comedy programming from Bounce TV include "Family Time," "In the Cut" and "Last Call." LOL Digital Network is the first multi-platform entertainment network targeting African Americans on TV, cable, Dish, Roka, mobile devices, apps and websites.

"You have to strike while the irons hot," Jasmin said. "...As long as its entertainment. I love playing both sides. It's just the beginning. People find out about me everyday...follow me and see what I'm like." www.BounceTV.com  www.KevinHartNation.com www.IAmJasminBrown.com

Reza Khan's guitar takes him on the "Next Train Home" via Brazil on his fifth solo album. A Jazz project offering 12 selections that features assistance from Nils on lead guitar; Matt King on piano; Philippe Saisse on keyboard; Andy Snitzer and Jeff Kashiwa on sax; Mark Egan on bass; David Mann on sax and flute; Gumbi Ortiz on percussion and Mauricio Zottarelli and Graham Hawthorne on drums. Khan moonlights as a Program Manager for the United Nations helping to put into place peace throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East - when he is not traveling the world as a Jazz guitarist.

"When you love something you find the time" Reza said about his job at the United Nations and his career as a Jazz guitarist. "My family is musical. It's in the DNA. I was traveling and between countries...had my gear with me. I've traveled to a couple of countries in three weeks. The writing took 5-6 months and another year goes to the production."

"Next Train Home" reached the Top 100 on the Jazz Week Chart based on radio spins from Jazz radio and the single from the album "Drop of Faith" featuring Nils is noted as the most added Smooth/Contemporary Jazz single on Billboard Chart.

"I give them their freedom," Khan said about his featured artists. "I let them experiment. I wanted to make it simple...but afterwards...I said, ‘Wow that was a great idea.' It changed from how it was written but it's a great project. I did it with the intention not to have anyone on the album. But...other than Philippe we all go back... We recorded it as if we were live."

The album seeks to enrich Contemporary Jazz with Brazilian Jazz and does an outstanding job of it. My favorite cuts on the "Next Train Home" album includes #1 "Drop of Faith" featuring Nils on lead guitar because of that sweet Brazilian sound. I also like the blend of the keys and the excellent blend of Reza on classical guitar with Nils on lead. I also like #2 "Gathering" featuring Jeff Kashiwa and Philippe Saisse because the piano solo by Matt King is exquisite. I like #3 "Clear Skies" because of the genius of its simplicity. I like #5 "Beyond the Trees" featuring Andy Snitzer because Reza provides the brilliance of Brazilian Jazz. I also love Kings on the keys and the horn playing of Mauricio Zottarelli on "Beyond the Trees." I also like #11 "Under the Moon" featuring David Mann because Reza provides visions of flying, and last I like #12 the title track "Next Train Home" because it provokes visions of the country side as you feel the clickety-clack of the train tracks.
www.RezaKhanMusic.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
June 7, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Radio Personality Doresa Harvey Joins Radio One's Magic and Praise Stations and Hip-Hop's Deshawn White Release ‘Power Trip' EP
By Eunice Moseley
"I started on an R&B station, but was doing Gospel," said Doresa Harvey a 27 year veteran radio personally in Baltimore. Harvey was recently hired by Radio One, currently Urban One, for their Magic 95.9FM (Sundays from 12 - 3pm) and Praise 106.1 (as a fill in) stations. "But I've been hosting R&B events with the sister station."
Doresa Harvey is known in the Baltimore community for hosting events. She has hosted or co-hosted my entertainment conference, "Uplifting Minds II," for almost all of its 20 years of serving the Baltimore community.

"The operations manager reached out to me to put a resume on the website," Harvey said about the hiring. "They wanted someone with a name locally."
Doresa said it really wasn't hard to make the decision to work for Radio one.
"I look forward to this journey," she said. "I always wanted to work with Cathy Hughes."
Born in December in Baltimore, Doresa Harvey started in radio as an intern at Clear Channel's WCAO Heaven 600 and then she became a paid intern working as a Board Technician. Harvey went on to work in programming on the weekend and an on-air personality on Sundays for their "Melodies of Inspiration" show. She did so well that she was giving the midday time slot for the weekdays - Monday through Friday. Her work there resulted in several Stellar Award nominations for the station. Doresa became the #1 Gospel personality on WCAO and the station ranked as the #1 Gospel station in the country.
"I've been in the business for 27 years," Doresa added. When I asked what are the differences in R&B and Gospel stations are she said, "Just the music. In R&B they have all genres...even play some Gospel like Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary. "
Harvey is also an actress and comedian which comes out as an event host and radio personality. She made a cameo on the Battle Stage Play production "The Crown of Glory". She has interviewed living legends and her most recent on-air interview for Magic 95.9FM was with David and Tamela Mann for their "Us Against the World" album release. Even though Doresa Harvey has a career in radio as a Gospel jock, she said she has never "shoved" her beliefs on her listeners.
"I'm laid back and very good with people," she concluded. "I stay inspired and positive." www.MagicBaltimore.com/Schedule/Doresa-Harvey
Inspirational Hip-Hop artist Deshawn White is back with his Christian style rapping on his new EP "Power Trip". The Devine Jamz Gospel Network helped him receive national radio airplay which resulted in a high rate of radio-adds. The first single off the six tracks EP is "Power Tripping" and he is currently promoting the second single "Dance Party" released a couple of weeks ago.
"As the EP was developing I saw a theme ‘made a believer in Christ'," said Deshawn about his newest EP project. "Be not afraid to speak on things. People are afraid to talk about Christ."
The first single "Power Tripping" is accompanied by a music video that has almost 100,000 views. "Dance Party" was just released and submitted to radio.

"Christ didn't come to just guide us, but to give us power. So I say I'm on a ‘power trip,'" White replied when I asked about the meaning of the album and single's title. "It took me a long time to get here...through lots of prayer and lots of studying...through lots of mistakes...through lots of victories."

Deshawn said he wants the album to challenge people's thought processes.

"If you listen to the EP it's geared towards people who don't know Christ. I want to see people activated," he said. "I want to reach the lost and those shut-out because of our faith."

"Power Trip" is getting a lot of play in mainstream.

"It's doing what it is supposed to do," Deshawn concludes. "Make people think. They don't think for themselves, it's whatever CNN says. Seek truth for yourself...to find out what's real."

Deshawn White toured for Cash Money Records as opening act for the Lil Wayne 2008 -2010 tours. He debuted in 2007 with "My Story" and in 2015 he released "Before the Ceiling Falls." He will be performing at the Creation Festival NE June 20-29, 2019 in Mt. Vernon, PA. www.IAmDeshawnWhite.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
June 14, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Jamaica's Dale Elliott is Sharp in Sprinter, in Theatres June 14, 2019 and The Philippe Saisse Trio Re-Release of ‘The Body and Soul Sessions' is Sweet
By Eunice Moseley
"He is in high school," said actor Dale Elliott about Akeem Sharp, the character he is playing in the FilmRise presentation of Sprinter. Sprinter arrives in theatres June 14, 2019 and is co-executive produced by Will Smith and James Lassiter's Overbrook Entertainment and Jamaican attorney Robert A. Maylor's Mental Telepathy Pictures. About how he obtained the role Dale said, "A Jamaican film director saw one of my videos and there were similarities in his character in Sprinter and me. That's how I got the role."
Akeem Sharp is a very popular Rastafarian track and field star in Jamaica who has a plan to live with his mother who is illegally living in the United States by qualifying for a national track and field world youth championship team. He is fueled by the desired to get away from his unstable father and unruly older brother.

Dale Elliott is a Social Media video "blogger" who uploads videos of his acting skills online. Dale attended Kingston College and participated in track and field there as his extra curricular. He is about to graduate in December from the University of West Indies for his Bachelors in International Relations and Minor in Management Studies.

"The message of the film is to show...regular family doing regular things," Dale said. "This film is different from regular Jamaican films from the inner city where the people die at the end with lots of violence. This movie ending is not like that."

Sprinter also stars Tony Award nominated David Allen Grier ("In Living Color") as Akeem's coach, Shantol Jackson, Kadeem Wilson, Dennis Titus, Bryshere Y. Gray, Usain Bolt, Asha Kalimada, Darren Lee Campbell, Sakina Deer, Jared Michael Jordan, Pablo Ramos, Nadean Rawlins, Apollo Garza and SAG Award winning Lorraine Toussaint ("Orange is the New Black"). The screenplay was written by Storm Saulter. Filmed in Kingston, Jamaica Sprinter is an Overbrook Entertainment, Flipped Out Entertainment, MBG Entertainment, Mental Telepathy Picture production.

Unlike Akeem Sharp Dale's family ties are tight.

"Lots of people dependant on me. I'm the first to get this far. I'm the oldest," he said at the end of our talk. "I am proud of both my parents." www.SprinterTheFilm.com

Sweet is the sound of Grammy Award nominated Philippe Saisse Trio's re-mastered June 21, 2019 re-release of "The Body and Soul Sessions" (Bandar-Log Music). The trio also includes David Finck on bass and Scooter Warner on drums. "The Body and Soul Sessions" project is re-mastered by multi-Grammy Award winning engineer Colin Leonard (Jay Z, Justin Bieber and Khalid).

"The collaboration with Rogers for a new Chic record," Philippe Saisse said was the reason behind the re-release of the "The Body and Soul Sessions" project on vinyl also. "They sent me a copy of the whole Chic CD and it came with a vinyl. I was thinking how great it would be to give a vinyl away for Christmas. I didn't even have a turn table...but set up a listening station in my home. In listening to old vinyls I hadn't played in 20 years the experience was over whelming. The sound was so great. I said we should consider making vinyl again."

"The Body and Soul Sessions" offers 12 tracks that are remakes of very popular hit songs from everyone from Steely Dan, John Lennon/Paul McCartney to Bill Withers and James Taylor. The trio is founded by Saisse, a keyboardist who has worked with such iconic musicians as David Bowie and The Rolling Stones. The Philippe Saisse Trio has opened for such iconic acts as Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and Rick Braun.

"'Body and Soul' has that vintage old school sound," Philippe said about the project. When asked did they re-record the album he said, "We only re-mastered it. The challenge was vinyl. You can only put 38-40 minutes (on vinyl) oppose to an hour for CDs. We had to make the album shorter. We shorten some of the songs and took one out. It's on the CD but not the vinyl."

Saisse said Colin did a wonderful job re-mastering "The Body and Soul Sessions".

"It has an Urban edge to the record," he said.

After listening to the re-mastered version "sweet" is the name that comes to mind. My favorite songs on the project include #1 "Do It Again" (Steely Dan) because it is a sweet rendition of the cover song with a jazzy flavor added. The Earth, Wind and Fire cover #2 "September" is a favorite because I love the bass-line and the tip-tap of the piano keys. Bill Wither's "Lovely Day" #5 on the project is a favorite because I can almost hear Bill Withers singing it. The James Taylor cover "Fire & Ice" #6 is a favorite because Saisse's key playing is exquisite, #8 "Dolphin" (Luis Eca) because it is just plan sweet and #11 "We're All Alone" (Scaggs) because it sounds like it comes straight from Heaven because of the keyboard playing by Philippe. www.PhilippeSaisse.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November/TBD). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
June 21, 2019

The Pulse of Entertainment: Paul Blackthorne Stars in NBC's Paranormal Drama ‘The Inbetween' and Billboard Winning JJ Hairston Releases ‘Miracle Worker' July 26, 2019
By Eunice Moseley
English actor Paul Blackthorne, known for his leading role as Captain Quentin Lance in the Netflix series "Arrow," lands another major leading role in the NBCUniversal paranormal drama "The Inbetween." The suspense drama airs on Wednesdays at 10/9c. Paul ("CSI") plays Detective Tom Hackett whose job it is to solve crime and he uses the paranormal to do it.
"I had a friend that tragically died and he came to visit me all the time," Paul said when I asked if he personally experienced any paranormal activity, as I have. When I asked who he told about the paranormal experience he said, "I only mentioned it to my friend who also knew him."

"The Inbetween" also stars Harriet Dyer ("Love Child") as bartender Cassie Bedford; Justin Cornwell (Training Day) as Det. Damien Asante, Tom's partner, a former FBI agent currently with the LAPD; Anne-Marie Johnson ("In the Heat of the Night") as Lt. Swanstrom, Tom's boss; Cindy Luna as Det. Maria Salinas a member of Tom's team, and Chad James Buchanan as Cassie's love interest. "The Inbetween" premiered on May 29, 2019 and is centered on Cassie Bedford (Dyer) who is a bartender born with psychic abilities that Detective Hackett (Blackthorne), her father, uses to help solve his cases.

Det. Hackett is a Seattle Police and he believes in Cassie's abilities. Producers of the paranormal series include Christina Malach and Matthew Chipera. Executive producers include Charlotte Sieling, Nancy Cotton, Matthew Gross, David Heyman (Harry Potter) and Moira Kirland - the series creator.

"It's...a good script," Paul Blackthorne ("24") said about why he took the role. "The genre doesn't matter. It's just a good script, it just happens to be about paranormals...plus the character and the family aspect of it." www.NBC.com/The-Inbetween
"Last year we had a lot of experiences in Africa, Nigeria and I wanted to record what happened. It is totally different from what people think. That's how we came to "Miracle Worker'," said Billboard Music Award winner JJ Hairston about the new album from the choir he directs, Youthful Praise, titled "Miracle Worker" (James Town Music/Entertainment One). The CD release on July 26, 2019 will be accompanied by a relationship book by JJ Hairston and his wife Trina Hairston titled "A Miracle Marriage."

"It was the passion for worship," he said about the Nigerian people. "We're use to ‘luxuries'. Well to people in Nigeria its luxuries. They have no middle class you are either very wealthy or poor, but the worship for God they're the same. That worship experience is on a CD. You get to see what true worship is like."

The first single off of the project is the title track "Miracle Worker." It was recorded in Abuja, Nigeria at the Coza Church. On June 22nd Grammy nominated JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise launched the "Love and Miracle Tour" at Radio One Praise in the Park event in Washington, DC.

JJ Hairston said his passion for God and all He has done for him is the reason he is still in the business of spreading the Gospel through music. He said the book came to be when he and his wife were about to divorce and God told him to work on it.

About the book three-time Billboard nominated Hairston said, "It was because we were literally in divorce court. Had the paper work and God said to me that He did not forget me and together, with my wife, we had to do certain steps. The book shows the actions we had to take." www.JJHairston.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November 9, 2019/Los Angeles Convention Center). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
June 28, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Marvel's Spider Man: Far From Home is Simply Delightful and The 28th NAACP Theatre Awards Continues to Honor Artistic Creativity
By Eunice Moseley
Spider Man, an Avenger protégée, is left too soon by the death of mentor Tony Stark (Iron Man). Played by Tom Holland, Spider Man finds his place in the world again when Nick Furry hires Talos, played by Academy Award nominated Samuel L. Jackson (Iron Man, The Avengers), to impersonator him to seek Spider Man's for assistance. The Sony Picture presentation of Spider Man: Far From Home, arriving in theatres July 2, 2019, is simply delightful. There is comedy; romance and so much action you may need to watch it at home again and again so you can slow it all down to see the awesomeness of the shots.

Spider Man: Far From Home has Peter Parker ducking Nick Fury, former director of S.H.I.E.L.D who is calling for him to active duty, so that he can attend a class trip to Europe. He plans to tell classmate MJ, played by Zendaya (Disney's "Shake It Up"), how he feels about her. However, trouble follows Peter because it's his destiny to be a hero. While in Italy he witnesses a water monster defeated by Quentin Beck, played by Academy Award nominated Jake Gyllenhaall (End of Watch). Nicknamed Mysterio by Peter, Beck is not who he seems to be and in fact nothing is what it seems to be.

Nick follows Peter to Italy and gives him a gift from Tony Stark, a pair of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sunglasses called E.D.I.T.H. Still not accepting he has super-hero responsibilities Peter gives the glasses over to Mysterio, whom he believes would be a better hero. That turns out to be a big mistake and the result is the climax and the unstoppable action in the film.

Rated PG-13 Spider Man: Far From Home is directed by Jon Watts (Spider Man: Homecoming) and produced by Academy Award nominated Kevin Feige (Black Panther) and Amy Pascal (Sony Pictures Group). The Marvel film is shown in 3D and IMAX and is a Marvel Studios, Columbia Pictures and Pascal Pictures production. Based on Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's character Spider-Man, Spider Man: Far From Home also stars J. B. Smoove ("The Millers"); Jacob Batalon (Avengers: Endgame) as Ned Leeds - Peter Parkers' best friend; Martin Starr (Spider Man: Homecoming); Academy Award winning Marisa Tomei ("My Cousin Vinny") as Aunt May Parker, and Jon Favreau (Iron Man) as Happy Hogan, head of Stark security and the love interest to Peter Parkers' Aunt May, played by Tomei. www.SpiderManFarFromHome.movie
Loni Love ("The Real") hosted the 28th NAACP Theatre Awards, held recently at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, where artistic creativity was honored with a red carpeted event. Aside from awarding actors, actresses, directors, costumes designers, choreographers, producers, lighting technicians, stage designers, sound engineers and playwrights of the theatrical arena the NAACP Theatre Awards gave special honors to Academy Award winner Viola Davis (The Help), Lillias White (Hercules), Condola Rashad ("Sex in the City") and Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, Jr.

Presenters of the 28th NAACP Theatre Awards included Primetime Emmy Award winner Loretta Devine ("Boston Public"), Orlando Bloom (The Hobbit), James Pickens, Jr. ("Greys Anatomy"), Raven-Symone (College Road Trip), Golden Globe Award nominated Richard Roundtree (Shaft) and Julius Tennon (Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice). Nominees included Choreographers Sergio Trujillo for "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" and Joyce Guy for "Les Blancs;" Music Directors Jaret Landon for "Born for This" and Giovanni Adams for "Love is a Dirty Word;" Lead Female Actresses Phylicia Rashad for "Head of Passes" and Kacie Rogers for "An Accident;" Lead Actors Arthur Richardson for "Driving Miss Daisy" and Joshua Wolf Coleman for "Transitions" and Directors Luis Valdez for "Zoot Suit" and Gina Belafonte for "Lyrics from Lockdown."

"It's a Hip-Hop Spoken Word musical about mass incarceration and mistaken identity," said Gina Belafonte about her nomination for directing "Lyrics from Lockdown."

When I asked Kacie Rogers about the role she was nominated for in "An Accident" she said, "I was playing a woman who was paralyzed so I was in the bed most of it. I was only able to move in her mental state. So really studying what's that's like and the feelings of anxiety trapped in your own body, that was a really challenging because I wanted to do it justice."

The challenges of choreography in the theatre were the topic of my talk with Joyce Guy (Lorraine Hansberry's "Les Blancs"), she said, "How do I incorporate dancers from Ghana, Mali and Songhai - all the places I had to dance into the choreography. It's like it's something fresh and something new that their village would be doing. So that was a challenge but also we had a cast of like 20 actors and it was like putting movement into all those actors. So I enjoyed working on this movie so much." (NAACP Theatre Awards Photo: Top: Gina Belfonte and Kacie Rogers) www.NAACPTheatreAwards.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November 9, 2019/Los Angeles Convention Center). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

July 5, 2019

The Pulse of Entertainment: Iconic Pieces of a Dream's New CD 'On Another Note' is Jazz at its Best and The Black Business Association's ‘Salute to Black Music Awards' Celebrates Iconic Industry Soulsters
By Eunice Moseley

Celebrating 43 years together in October the iconic band Pieces of a Dream's new album on Shanachie Entertainment, "On Another Note," is Jazz at its best thanks to founders James Lloyd on piano and Curtis Harmon on drums and percussions. Lloyd and Harmon are joined by regular band members Tony Watson, Jr. on sax, Chris Harris on guitar and George Granville on keyboard. "On Another Note" is executive produced by Danny Weiss and long-time group manager Gar Roberts. The first single off of their 24th album, released in May, is the title track.

"We just started writing songs," said James Lloyd about the new album. "We thought it was time. We just wanted to make fans feel our vibe, make some fun songs to play live...touch people by putting them in a certain mood. A roller coaster ride of ups and downs."

Pieces of a Dream founding members are from the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, and met in school while playing in the same school band and decided to form their own group.

"We met in the Middle School Jazz Band...17 piece band," James informed me about the humble beginnings of the Pieces of a Dream band. "We formed a group out of that for a talent show...we got 3rd place! We liked it and started doing block parties, weddings...night clubs when we weren't even old enough to be in the club. Then we were discovered by Glover Washington, Jr. He produced our first three albums. We got to play with him two times, once was on a television show called ‘City Lights.' Other members that have been in the band have come and gone. We're the founding members -been together for 43 years."

In all those years the Pieces of a Dream band has traveled the world over and has sold millions of albums with their Jazz style that fuses most genres of music together such as R&B, Funk, Pop and Blues. My favorite cuts on the "On Another Note" album include #2 "Floating," written and produced by Lloyd, because I love the Latin/Jazz feel of Chris Harris' guitar playing, Tony Watson, Jr.'s sax playing that brings that traditional Jazz flavor and the simplicity of James' keyboard playing; #5 "A Pieces Fiesta," co-written and produced by Curtis Harmon, because I love the Latin /Jazz feel of the percussions and drum playing by Curtis, the guitar playing by Chris Harris and the popping of the keys by George Granville and Harmon offering that traditional Jazz sound as the icing on the cake; #6 "Images of Peace," written and produced by James Lloyd, because it is simply delightful as Tony Watson, Jr.'s sax playing takes us on a cloud of love, and #7 "Rolling Along," written and produced by Lloyd, because it makes you want to hit the road as the keyboard playing makes the road as smooth as possible and I love the guitar playing by Harris that offers that crazy Jazz feel."

Advice James Lloyd gives to up-and-coming musicians and artists is remain humble and be responsible because no one wants to work with people with a cocky attitude and people that you can not trust. www.PiecesofaDream.net

Since 1970 the Black Business Association has aided in the growth and development of African-American businesses and it recently honored those who are curators of black music with its annual "Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner." This year they celebrated Gospel music by honoring Vicki Mack Lataillade, founder of GospoCentric Records with the "Lifetime Achievement Award," Lisa Collins, publisher of L. A. Focus and founder of "First Ladies High Tea" with the "Outstanding Gospel Publication Award" and Byron J. Smith, president of the National Association Negro Musicians with the "Outstanding Artistic Vision Award." Previous honorees included Berry Gordon, founder of Motown Records, Smokey Robinson and Janet Jackson.

"Tramaine Hawkins, she was actually on my label at one time," said BBA honoree Vicki Mack Lataillade, founder of GospoCentric Records, about one of her favorite artists. Vicki's label played a part in launching the careers of some of the most iconic Gospel African-American artists. "I broke her first record. I was one of the people that broke her first record when I was at Light Records. I knew of Tramaine because I was from the Bay area. Also she was a beautiful dark skin woman."

Gospel music is about acknowledging a relationship with and belief in God. Contemporary Gospel began with the Gospel cross-over into the secular music thanks to the iconic influence of artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Andrae' Crouch.

"I listen to a mixture of Gospel, Jazz and R&B," said BBA honoree Lisa Collins, publisher of L. A. Focus, about her taste in music. When asked about the importance of black business owners she said, "I think everybody has a gift. I think everybody should be able to use those gifts to the best of their ability and take advantage of the opportunities that are there for them. I don't like being beholding to anybody so I like having a little bit more control in my life. So... I can't be fired because I work for myself."

The BBA's "Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner" attracted classic artists as well as the emerging artists to help celebrate their achievements, which helped shape black music.

"I'm Jeanette Hawes one of the original members of the group Emotions. I just released an album that's on Spotify and all the other...music platforms. It's called ‘No Regrets'," said the Grammy Award winning original member of the R&B/Soul group The Emotions (with sisters Pamela and Sheila Hutchinson) there to support black music. "My sisters are doing well. Wanda is still doing live work. I give God the glory...it helps give you the endurance you need." www.BBALA.org
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November 9, 2019/Los Angeles Convention Center). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

July 12, 2019

The Pulse of Entertainment: Disney's The Lion King is on the Brink of Futuristic Cinema and The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston Headline 2020 Soul Train Cruise

By Eunice Moseley

"A lot of attention is paid to the technology but really these are hand made," said Jon Favreau (Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast), director of the Walt Disney Studios' presentation of The Lion King, about the film's animation. The Lion King, which arrives in theatres July 19, 2019, is on the brink of futuristic cinema. It uses virtual reality tools with motion capture and VR/AR technology. It offers something we have not seen much, if at all, in film animation. "The animators were working on every shot, every environment you see in the film, except one shot is a real photographic shot. Everything else is built from scratch by artists."

The storyline of The Lion King is the same but the virtual cinematic technology, the funny script line deliveries by the cast and the adlibs - especially those by Primetime Emmy winning Seth Rogen (Steve Jobs), who plays warthog Pumbaa and Emmy nominated Billy Eichner ("Parks & Recreation"), who plays meerkat Timon - set this version apart from the 1994 version of The Lion King. Let us not forget this version of The Lion King as the voice-over work of global superstar Beyonce'!

"We did a lot of improvising," said Seth about him and Billy working together. "We were actually together as we were recording it."

All those scenes in the original Lion King are there, with slight changes to only enhance what we all have grown to love because of the inspiration the film provokes. The Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture presentation is Rated PG and is produced by Favreau, Jeffrey Silver and Karen Gilchrist. It is a Walt Disney Pictures, Fairview Entertainment production. The Lion King takes place in the African savanna following the life of a young lion cub called Simba played by JD McCrary ("K. C. Undercover") who wants to be so much like his father King Mufasa played by Tony Award winner James Earl Jones (The Lion King) it gets him in to trouble. The suspense comes as King Mufasa's jealous brother Scar played by Academy Award nominated Chiwetel Ejlofor (Doctor Strange) takes advantage of the young cubs mischief ways by executing a plan that kills his brother the King, then he tells a young Simba to run away - making him believe that he not Scar is the caused of his fathers' death. What happens to Simba and how he survives is the climax of the classic tale of Simba - The Lion King.

"The cycle of life," said Golden Globe winning Donald Glover (Spider Man: Home Coming) is the reason he was attracted to the role of the adult Simba. "It's good to make a movie that's global and metropolitan in a sense - citizens of the world. He (Director Jon Favreau) made sure to talk about how connected we are. He was really good in talking about that up front with the beginning of it. He kind of did that in the Jungle Book 2. The Jungle Book story is the same...I think the same...happens in this one."

Other characters and cast members included in The Lion King are lion cub Nala, Simba's childhood best-friend played by Shahadi Wright Joseph (Broadway's The Lion King) and adult Nala played by 23-time Grammy Award winner Beyonce' Knowles-Carter (Dreamgirls); Prideland Queen Sarabi is played by Academy Award nominated Alfred Woodard ("Luke Cage"); the wise grandfather mandrill is played by South African actor John Kani (Black Panther); the red-billed hornbill who acts as Simba's babysitter and King Mufasa's adviser is played by multi-Primetime Emmy winner Jon Oliver ("The Daily Show"), and the spotted hyenas who are Scars' henchmen include Florence Kasumba (Black Panther), Eric Andre' and Keegan-Michael Key ("Key and Peele"). www.Movies.Disney.com/The-Lion-King-2019

Gerald Alston (center in picture) is lead vocalist on such Manhattan classic hits as "Shinning Star," "Kiss & Say Goodbye" and "There's No Me Without You" and he intends to ignite the legacy flames caused by The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston with a headlining gig on the 2020 Soul Train Cruise January 18 - 25, 2019 to the Caribbean, a new album and new hit singles. Gerald is the last living legitimate member of the American Music Award nominated group that started in 1962 in New Jersey by George Smith and classmate Richard Taylor, and Edward Bivins, Winfred Lovett and their classmate Kenny Kelly. At the time Alston was lead singer for the Gospel group Gerald Alston and the New Imperials. In 1970 Gerald was approached, for the second time, to join the group after founder and lead singer George Smitty died of a brain tumor - this time Gerald accepted.

"I met The Manhattans just after graduating high school in 1970," Gerald explained. "I had a group called Gerald Alston and the Imperials - a Gospel group. I started college and the professor called me and asked if The Manhattans could use my equipment. I said yes. As I was setting up the equipment I was singing and they came in with their manager and heard me sing - a God send. They asked me to open their show that night. They took my name and number. So when a member had a seizure they took me with them and the rest is history."
Alston has been with the group for 49 of its 57 years, departing momentarily to record five solo albums (10 singles) on Motown Records. His lead vocals on The Manhattan hits were groundbreaking. The single "There's No Me Without You," written by Bivins, was the 2nd single to ever go platinum and it happen right after R.I.A.A. introduced the status in 1976. "Shinning Star" gave them their first #1 Billboard hit, garnering also a Grammy Award win and it reach platinum status in sales as well. The group accumulated 45 Billboard Chart topping singles, 12 reached the Billboard Top 10 Chart and 16 reached Billboard's Top 100 Chart.
Gerald is a preacher's son, born November 8th in North Carolina. He is the nephew of Johnny Field, noted as one of the best male tenors of all time and Shirley Alston-Reeves lead singer of the Grammy Hall of Famers The Shirelles ("Tonights the Night"). The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston joins the headlining roster on the 2020 Soul Train Cruise that include The Jacksons, The Isley Brothers, Johnny Gill, Cameo, Peabo Bryson, War, Atlantic Starr, Regina Belle, Karyn White and Herald Melvin and the Blue Notes. Special performs include the Barry White Tribute Featuring Jourdon Carroll and the Grover Washington Love Tribute featuring Grammy winning Jason Miles.
"This is not my first year," Gerald said about the Soul Train Cruise. "I did it a year before last. It's a wonderful cruise...being there with the younger generation. They respect and listen to your music...it's a wonderful feeling. We will be introducing out new single ‘Get It Ready'." www.GeraldAlstonMusic.com www.StarVistaLive.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: "Uplifting Minds II," a Free Entertainment Conference held annually in Baltimore (Saturday April 20, 2019), in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times and Los Angeles (November 9, 2019/Los Angeles Convention Center). Offering an Entertainment Business panel and a talent showcase and competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes for each category. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
July 19, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Kurt Carr Wants You to ‘Bless Somebody Else' on New Live Album and Tobias Truvillion and McKinley Freeman Tackle the Truth in the TV One Original Loved to Death Airing July 21, 2019
By Eunice Moseley

"The album was birth out of a lot of pain...I believe it will inspire people to be a blessing to somebody else," said two-time Grammy nominated Kurt Carr about his new live album "Bless Somebody Else" (RCA Inspirations/Sony Music).

The pain Carr was referring to multiple deaths in his life, such as his mother and mentor Andrae Crouch. He reached out to some friends to help him with the project that he hopes will give his fans the same message God gave him when he was going through his pain, and that is to "bless somebody else." It seems as though all his friends said yes. Those friends include the infamous Kurt Carr Singers, John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Miles Caton, Faith Evans, Yolanda Adams, Wess Morgan, Smokie Norful, Erica Campbell, Jekalyn Carr, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Keke Wyatt, Bishop T. D. Jakes, B. Slade and Le'Andria Johnson.

"I wrote a song three years ago I knew was for her," Kurt said about the track "Grace Brought Me Back" featuring Le'Andria Johnson on the "Bless Somebody Else" live project. Le'Andria Johnson is a winner of the BET Gospel "Sunday Best" competition. "I played it and she fell on the floor crying. We can't live in the past of what we did wrong."

Dove Award nominated Kurt Carr started out as Andrae Crouch's pianist, and then he was hired as music director for Rev. James Cleveland. He was also the director of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ Choir. He formed the six member Kurt Carr Singers in 1987 and they debuted in 1988. The Kurt Carr Singers' members through the years have included Erica Campbell, who appears on the title track, Tina Campbell and Smokie Norful. "Bless Somebody Else" is the eighth album of the Stellar Award winning Urban Contemporary Gospel artist.

"I could write a book on them," Carr laughed about his friends. "They all said yes, the season was right. With the government now, and I am not political, but how do you take a child from a parent...society is not loving any more."

It's been six years since the release of his last album.

"It always starts with a song...life experiences, all those things come together and the theme has been ‘bless somebody else'," Kurt Carr concluded about the live project "Bless Somebody Else". www.RCAInspiration.com

TV One was launched in 2004 by Radio One with 2.2 million household via major investor Comcast today it reaches 57 million household. I read somewhere Oprah brought Radio One, now named Urban One, and I wondered if there was a change in programming - TV One originals went from "Born Again Virgin" and "Donnie After Dark" to "Fatal Attraction" and "ATL Homicide." On July 21, 2019 TV One will premiere Loved to Death, a TV One original film based on a true story that stars 3X NAACP Image Award nominated Malinda Williams, 2X Grammy nominated MCLyte, McKinley Freeman and Tobias Truvillion.

Tobias said he almost pasted on the role because of the subject matter, but when he was told it was a true story he wanted to give the role his best to get the story of domestic violence out there. He admitted experiencing the struggle of separation from someone you once loved is hard.

"It takes courage to become unyoked," said Tobias, a NAACP Image Award nominated actor whose credits include "Empire," "Law & Order," and "One Life to Live." "It comes down to self-love...to love yourself enough to find the courage to grow through it."

Love to Death follows Williams' character as she leaves an abusive relationship with Freeman's character for a new love interest played by Truvillion. Both become the target of her crazed ex-lover played by Freeman.

Tobias said he was approached to play the role, but McKinsey had to show his skills.

"It was the normal casting process. I was inspired by the true story," said Freeman, whose acting credits include End of Watch, Delta Force, "The Closer," "Major Crimes" and "Days of Our Lives." "Malinda was there for me. Just to know you got a strong personality carrying the narrative. I wanted to make sure the story was told. I want there to be a conversation."

Just in New York alone it reports in 2018 half of its homicides were from domestic violence cases and they reported over 230,000 domestic violence incidents in 2018. So the TV One original film will certain start conversation and hopefully it will also spark a resolution.

"When I found out that Malinda Williams was playing the lead role, that was one of the things that attracted me to the role," said Freeman. "...And it's a true story. I thought it was important to bring authenticity to it."

Tobias was born in New York and raised in Brooklyn. He is also a producer and model and started on his journey in entertainment in 1999 as a music video model for Fantasia Barrino. He had extra (un-credited) roles in major films in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006 before landing his first credited role in the film Blackout starring Zoe Saldana, Prodigy and Michael B. Jordan. Since then he has appeared in a major film project every year. During that time he was also appearing as extras in television series every year from 2003 until his first credit role in seven episodes of the 2018 BET Network series "In Contempt" - even though he appeared in the daytime series "One Life to Live" as Vincent Jones for 85 episodes and in the Fox Network series "Empire" for 11 episodes.

McKinley, born David Freeman, is also a producer (Illicit) and he started his career as an actor in 2004 in an extra (un-credited) role in the television series "Pop Rocks" and "All My Children." He worked in the same type roles two to three times a year until his first credited role in the Lionsgate motion picture Delta Force. From there his credited roles increased to include "NCIS," "General Hospital," "Days of Our Lives," "Client List," "Major Crimes," "Bones" and "Scandal." www.TVOne.tv

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Eunice is founder of the annual "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), into its 20th year. Next event dates Los Angeles Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (511) and Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2020 in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times offering an Entertainment Business Panel and a Talent Showcase and Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes to selected artists. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information or to participate as a panelist or talent call 562-424-3836.
www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference
July 26, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Chris Walker Honors Al Jarreau with the ‘We're In This Love Together-Celebrating Al Jarreau' Album
By Eunice Moseley

Chris Walker, former music director for the late Al Jarreau, honors his musical legacy with the release of the "We're In This Love Together - Celebrating Al Jarreau" (Chris Walker Music) album. The project offers 14 selections previously recorded by Jarreau who's known for his own style of vocal scatting or that are written to honor him; a personal voice message from seven-time Grammy winning Al Jarreau to Chris; two original songs by Walker in honor of Al, and it features assistance from over 30 musicians, producers, songwriters and vocalists such as David Foster, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar), Regina Belle, Kirk Whalum (sax) and Will Downing - to name a few.

"I use to be her music director years ago," Walker said about Regina Belle when asked about his relationship with some of the many living legends on the "We're in this Love Together - Celebrating Al Jarreau" project. "That's how I got my start. She called me up to sing and I landed a record deal. I was 18. She is an ordained Pastor. Where she is now vocally, she is more seasoned and she takes more chances with her voice. She did a Gospel project some years back."

Produced by Chris Walker and keyboardist Larry Williams, "We're in this Love Together..." also features Marcus Miller (bass), Dave Koz (sax), Gerald Albright (sax), Bobby Lyle (organ), Rick Braun (flugelhorn), Randy Brecker (trumpet), Greg Phillinganes (keyboard), Nathan East (bass), Arturo Sandoval (sax, trumpet), Bob James (piano) and Jay Graydon (guitar) and Jerry Hey (horns) on the David Foster selections such as "Mornin'," "Breakin' Away" and "Roof Garden."

"It exceeded my expectations," Chris said about the project. "...In terms of all the people who came on board to record 16 songs. I'm glad we could. I was apprehensive about a few of the songs...to meet his standards because there is only one Al Jarreau."

As a solo artist, Chris has proved what quality he delivers. He has garnered five Billboard Top Five and Top 100 Charts singles, such as "Giving All My Love" and "Take Time." A bass player as well for artists such as Regina Belle and Al Jarreau, Chris wrote two songs on this project for Jarreau, "Phenomenon" and "Jarreau".

"It's been probably a little over a year," he said about how long it took to complete the project of love. "We recorded 16 songs. It was a studio album with live musicians. David Foster, he played on the original, so he basically played the solo. I didn't have an opportunity to work with him. He recorded it...dubbed it and sent it in."

My favorite selections on the album include #1 "Mornin'," a David Foster/Jarreau song, because in the beginning and throughout it offers signature Al Jarreau - only taken to another level; #4 "Roof Garden," another David Foster/Jarreau song featuring Grammy nominated Paul Jackson, Jr. on lead guitar, because Chris does the Al Jarreau scatting perfectly; #5 "We Got By" featuring Grammy nominated Will Downing, Bobby Lyle on organ and Marcus Miller on bass, because that sax playing by David Caceres was soaring along with Chris' vocals and they took me with them; #7 the title track "We're in this Love Together," featuring Grammy winner Regina Belle and Grammy nominated Gerald Albright on sax, because Chris' vocals are superb and those horns (Gerald, Larry, Bill Reichenbach) are just crazy perfect plus I also love how Regina gets her Jazz vocals going making a perfect combination with Chris' vocals; #8 "Alonzo" because Walkers' vocals show why he is a seven-time Grammy winner and I love the high notes,; #11 "Take Five" again because of the signature Al Jarreau flavor he delivers and Chris' rapid vocals are masterful; #13 "After All" not just because it's one of my favorite Al Jarreau hits, but Chris' sweet vocals did it justice and his high notes again are masterful; #14 "Flame" featuring Arturo on flute and trumpet, because I love the orchestra sound and how Arturo's horn playing and Chris' scatting seem to do a dance, and #16 "Phenomenon", where signature Walker vocals meet signature Jarreau vocals and the lyrics to the song tell about the heart of Al Jarreau.

Other featured musicians on the "We're in this Love Together - Celebrating Al Jarreau" project include John Stoddart on keys and strings; Randy Bowland on guitar; Arno Lucas and Cassio Duante on percussion; Kathleen Nester on flute; Charles Pillao on bass clarinet; John Calderon on guitar; Bill Reichenbach on trombone; Leonardo Amuedo on guitar; Jonathan DuBose on guitar; David Caceres on sax; Mark Simmons on drums; Tom Walsh on trumpet; Robbie Harvey on trombone, and Rohn Lawrence on guitar. www.ChrisWalkersMusic.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Eunice is founder of the annual "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), into its 20th year. Next event dates Los Angeles Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (511) and Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2020 in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times offering an Entertainment Business Panel and a Talent Showcase and Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes to selected artists. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information or to participate as a panelist or talent call 562-424-3836.
www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference
August 2, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Three-Time Grammy Nominee Brian Courtney Wilson Launches ‘Just B(E)' Tour August 23, 2019 in Atlanta
By Eunice Moseley

"I hope we do good and be able to do it again with others," said three-time Grammy nominated Brian Courtney Wilson about the launch of his "Just B(E)" Tour on August 23, 2019 in Atlanta, GA featuring label-mate Gene Moore as opening act. "Gene is from Houston. He is releasing his sophomore album in conjunction with the tour."
Brian, who was raised in Chicago and currently resides in Houston, is on the Motown Gospel imprint and has garnered a long list of accolades for his singing and songwriting, which includes six GMA Dove Award nominations and one win; three Stellar Award nominations and three wins; a Billboard Music Award nomination; an ASCAP win, and of course the three Grammy Award nominations mentioned earlier. He debuted in 2009 with his "Just Love" album. His sophomore album "So Proud" was released in 2012. His 3rd album was a joint project with Fred Hammond, Dave Hollister and Eric Roberson, which was released in 2015 titled "Worth Fighting For" and his 4th album was released in 2018 titled "A Great Work."

"It's a team afford," Brain said about his success in the music business. "Part of that team is the people who support our music."
The "Just B(E)" Tour launches August 23rd in Atlanta, GA at the Center Stage Theatre and visits 10 more venues in Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Durham, NC; Alexandria, Virginia; Orlando, Florida; New Orleans, LA; Houston, TX; St. Louis, MO; Brooklyn, NY, and ending in Philadelphia, PA on September 22nd at the Theatre of Living Arts.

"It's my first time headlining a tour," Wilson pointed out. "I've been on tour with other people. This is my first time...putting together a full concert. I call be ‘Just B(E)' for people who appreciate my music."

"I didn't leave the other tours, I was just compelled to get out there for people who love us," Brian Courtney said. "It's important for the genre, and I am not talking about Gospel but black music, to reach the consumers." www.BrianCourtneyWilson.com

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Eunice is founder of the annual "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), into its 20th year. Next event dates Los Angeles Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (511) and Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2020 in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times offering an Entertainment Business Panel and a Talent Showcase and Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes to selected artists. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information or to participate as a panelist or talent call 562-424-3836.
www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference
August 9, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Jazz Pianist Kayla Waters to Perform at the Birchmere August 17, 2019 and Paramount's Dora and the Lost City of Gold is an Inspiring Fun-Filled Journey

By Eunice Moseley

(August 13, 2019) - As the daughter of Urban Jazz saxophonist Kim Waters, Kayla Waters took to the piano at six years. Her professional training gave her the skills that allowed her to perform with her father in concert and in the studio. On Saturday August 17, 2019 she performs with him father the Birchmere Music Hall in Alexander, Virginia. Last year she released her sophomore album "Coevolve".

"The name of the album...represents growth as an artist," Kayla Waters said when asked. "It symbolizes new ground. You plant a seed; the seed gets water, then it blossoms. God gave me the concept. I prayed about it."

Selections on her "Coevolve" (Trippin N' Rhythm/Sony) project include "Lil' Mustard Seed," "Heaven Said So" and "Sweet Agape." By the titles of the songs you can tell the project is God inspired. The Howard University graduate is also a vocalist, producer, songwriter and arranger.

"One (song) is about a mustard seed and one ‘Signs of Wonder'...linked directly to God," Kayla admitted. "It's all been a spiritual journey."

Kim Waters wrote one of the 12 songs on the "Coevolve" project.

"I did all the writing except for ‘Black Cove', my father wrote that," Waters pointed out. "The whole journey was a spiritual experience - God led me. He gave me different sounds to make it come to life, like ‘Signs of Wonder,' I grew closer to God."

The current single from the "Coevolve" album is titled "Zephyr."

"The name of the single means fresh wind or breeze," she said. "The single sets the tone for the album."

Kayla debuted in 2017 with the "Apogee" and its single "I Am" reached #1 on Billboard. She was honored with the Rising Star in Jazz Award from the Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Foundation and the Best Jazz Artist Award at the Wammies in Washington, DC. Kayla Waters played for and performed with legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Patrice Rushen and Ray Chew. She has performed on the BET Network for "Black Girls Rock." Kayla talents have graced the stages at the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, Catalina Island Jazztrax Festival and the Music City Jazz Festival - to name a few. You can see Kayla Waters perform with her legendary father saxophonist Kim Waters on Saturday August 17th at the Birchmere Music Hall (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22305). www.IAmKaylaWaters.com www.Birchmere.com (Column August 16, 2019)

(August 9, 2019) - The delightful tale of Dora the explorer comes to life in the Paramount Pictures' presentation of Dora and the Lost City of Gold starring Isabella Moner (Transformers: The Last Knight) as Dora, and Michael Pena' (End of Watch) and Eva Longoria ("The Young and the Restless") as her parents. An inspiring fun-filled journey, Dora and the Lost City of Gold arrives in theatres August 9, 2019.

Though there are some animated moments, such as Swipe the fox and Boots the monkey, Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a live adaptation of the Nickelodeon television series "Dora the Explorer." New comer Jeffrey Wahlberg plays Diego, Dora's cousin and sidekick. Her parents send her to live with Diego's family to experience high school and to make human friends, because aside from Diego her friends have been the animals of the jungles her parents went off to explore.

Rated PG Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a Nickelodeon Movies, Media Rights Capital, Walden Media, Screen Queensland, Burr!, Paramount Players production, directed by James Bobin and written by Nicholas Stoller and Matthew Robinson.

A continuation of the adventures of Dora, this film follows Dora as she leaves high school to find her parents who she believes is lost in the rain forest because they stop responding to her calls. They went off on an exploration to find the mysterious Lost City of Gold. With Diego in tow and two classmates who accidentally get themselves involved they enter the jungle following the clues laid out by her parents. A band of treasure hunters are hot on their trail and that is the climax of the story line by Chris Gifford, Tom Wheeler and Matthew Robinson.

Filmed on the Gold Coast Queensland of Australia, Dora and the Lost City of Gold also stars Beniceo Deltoro (The Wolfman) as the voice of Swipes, a treasure hunting fox; Danny Trejo (ConAir) as Boots, Dora's pet monkey who followed her to high school; Madeleine Madden (The Code) as Sammy, Diego's high school classmate; Eugenio Derby as Alejandre, a treasure hunters; Temuera Morrison (Aquaman) as Powell, the leader of the treasure hunters; Pia Miller as Mami, Dora's aunt; Adriana Barraza, Nicholas Coombe, Q'orianka Kilcher, and Isela Vega. (Column August 9, 2019)
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Eunice is founder of the annual "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), into its 20th year. Next event dates Los Angeles Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (511) and Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2020 in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times offering an Entertainment Business Panel and a Talent Showcase and Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes to selected artists. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information or to participate as a panelist or talent call 562-424-3836.
www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference
August 16, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Grammy Award Winning New Age Pianist Peter Kater Releases ‘Wings' August 30, 2019 and Blinded by the Light, an Inspirational Ode to Bruce Springsteen's Music
By Eunice Moseley
(August 20, 2019) - Jazz/New Age pianist Peter Kater with his 14 Grammy nominations prove what an impact he has made on the music industry as a whole. It's that quality he shares again on his new single "Wings" to be released August 30, 2019. The German born, New Jersey raised musician is also a composer.

"Its already #1 on Amazon," Peter said about his new single. "It's passionate and soaring. (The concept) It's about things in my life. I was seeing wings and birds everywhere."

Kater recently performed in Hawaii and in my hometown of Maryland at the Maryland Theatre of the Performing Arts (MTPA) in Annapolis - to a sold out crowd.

"It was excellent, packed - sold out," he told me. "I'll be coming back next summer."

Peter Kater is also a Grammy winner for his 2018 album "Dancing on Water." His first Grammy nomination was in 2003 for his project "Red Moon." As a composer Kater has scored for over 100 television and film productions. Even though he studied Classical music Peter Kater is considered a Jazz / New Age pianist. His first Grammy nomination was for the "Best New Age Album" and his Grammy win was for "Best New Age Music."

"I love playing for people," Peter admitted. "One person or a thousand...that's when I'm most connected to myself and my spirit." www.PeterKater.com
(August 16, 2019) - So realistic is the true story of a Bruce Springsteen fan, the Warner Bros/New Line Cinema presentation of Blinded by the Light inspires. Arriving in theatres August 16, 2019, Blinded by the Light stars Viveika Kalra as Javed - a Pakistani-British teen poetically inspired by the lyrics and music of Bruce Springsteen. Javed is so inspired by the new found music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen that it becomes the turning-point in his life as he tries to find his place in the world.

The realistic feel of Blinded by the Light is thanks to the excellent acting of all under the direction of Gurinder Chadha. Aaron Phagura plays Roops the classmate who introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen. The two teens struggle in the Luton, England neighborhood that is full of racism and economic turmoil. The lyrics of Springsteen's songs gave them the vision and inspiration to find their voice.

The climax in Blinded by the Light is how Javed, who lives in a traditional Pakistani-Muslim home, managed to do that. Kulvinder Ghir excellently plays the stubborn Pakistani-Muslim dad whose dominate role in the family is threaten with a lay-off. Hayley Atwell plays Ms. Clay his teacher who falls in love with his poetry and helps him find his place in the world as a writer - something that goes against what his father wants for him.

Blinded by the Light is Rated PG-13 and also stars Dean-Charles Chapman as Matt, a neighbor Javed writes lyrics for and David Hayman as Mr. Evans, another neighbor who supports Javed's choice to be a writer. Chadha is also producer and writer of the film that also stars Neera Ganatra as Noor - Javed's mother; Tara Divina as Javed as his sister Yasmeen; Nell Williams as Eliza - the love interest of Javed; Nikita Mehta as his sister Shazia; Rob Brybon, Jonno Davies, and Sally Phillip as Mrs. Anderson the school principle. https://www.blindedbythelight.movie/
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Eunice is founder of the annual "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), into its 20th year. Next event dates include Los Angeles Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (511) and Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2020, held in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times. The free conference offers an Entertainment Business Panel and a Talent Showcase and Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes to selected artists. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information or to participate as a panelist or talent call 562-424-3836.
www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference
August 27, 2019

The Pulse of Entertainment: Pioneering Music Executive Dina Andrews Appears in Netflix Documentary, Receives Honorary Doctorate and Eight-Time Platinum Selling Group Switch Loves You More on New Single
By Eunice Moseley

(August 27, 2019) - Music Executive Dina Andrews appears in the Netflix documentary "The Black Godfather" and was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Theology. Imagine a 19 year-old Dina Andrews, a junior in college in 1978, when her aunt hooks her up with a job as a "Girl Friday" (executive secretary) for label owner Dick Griffey. Griffey, a Navy Vet and former partner with Don Cornelius in Soul Train Records launched his SOLAR Records label a year before in 1977 with the group Shalamar ("Second Time Around"). The Black Godfather was Clarence Avant, who managed the career of Sarah Vaughan and launched the first black owned radio station in 1973.

"I didn't know what a Girl Friday was," Dina pointed out. "I dialed his number and he answered. He said meet me at the studio with your resume. I was his third employee. I sat at the front desk for about six months. The company was moving fast. Every record went gold, platinum or multi-platinum."

While at SOLAR Records, she left the front desk after six months and started working as A&R Administrator, Production Manager and in publishing. She assistant in the careers of such acts as The Whispers, Lakeside, Dynasty, Midnight Star The Deele (LA Reid and Babyface), Klymaxx and of course Shalamar. She became the one to go to for music industry connections and her ear for talent resulted in her career moving as fast as SOLAR Records.

"He taught me everything," Dina said about her experiences with Dick Griffey at SOLAR Records. "The first five years of my career was with him. I became the go-to-girl in Hollywood. I worked hard and took care of everybody. I was responsible for production and A&R."

Andrews went on to manage acts such as songwriters and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. She talked about their early struggles when they didn't have a car or a place to stay. That was when she got a call for the production duo to write a song for new artist Cheryl Lynn ("Your Love Deserves an Encore").

"Tina Stephens was Clarence's assistant. She called and said Clarence needs some producers to produce the S.O.S. Band," Dina pointed out. "That's when I first met Clarence. I had all those I worked with put together a demo tape. There were no black female managers - I was one of the first. He said, ‘I'll give them a shot.'"

Clarence Avant started using her producers and songwriters for his Avant/Tabu Records label, launched in 1975, on the works of Cherrelle and Alexander O'Neal. Clarence first label was Sussex Records launched in 1969 and closed in 1975. He made almost a ½ million negotiating a deal to sell Stax Records to Gulf-Western for a friend in 1968. Clarence purchased KTYM-FM radio in 1973 for over $300,000, which he renamed KAGB-FM. Because of miss-management from an investor the station fell into bankruptcy in 1975. He went into film production in 1973 with Paramount Pictures (The Color Purple) and in 2016 received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in Hollywood Blvd, next to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

"I got a call in 1992 from Pebbles (TLC) one day," Dina recalls. "She said, ‘I have this girl group that's really taking off, and I need a GM (general manager). I was home doing my thing with Atlantic Starr, The Mack Band and Paul Jackson, Jr. I did all the deals for songwriters and producers."

She goes on to talk about her ground-breaking music deals, "The first hits for Miki Howard, under Sylvia Rhone, those were my producers. Pebbles called me because I worked with LA Reid and Babyface at SOLAR. I started working in Gospel in 1994 with "Still I Rise" for Yolanda Adams."

In Gospel Andrews represented Virtue, Percy Bady writer/producer for Marvin Sapp, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Yolanda Adams, and Hezekiah Walker. She eventually went back to school and received her Bachelors in Business - Organizational Leadership in 2011 and received her Honorary Doctorate in Theology from Next Dimension Bible University in 2019. Today Dina works in the political arena for the Los Angeles City Council serving Baldwin Hills and Park Mesa Heights districts. She also still works her management company Dina Andrews Management (DAM. www.DinaRuthAndrews.com

(August 23, 2019) - "We've been all over the place," said Gregory Williams co-founder of the eight-time platinum selling band Switch about where the group has been for the last 30 years. "We separated for a minute. We now have three original members with Michael (McGloiry) on guitar - he's on all the music. Bobby (DeBarge) passed in '96. Tommy (DeBarge) can't perform but he is on the new record."

The new record Williams is referring to is the group's recently released single "I Love You More." The song was written by one of the three new members Akili Nickson (percussion/lead vocals), who replaces Bobby. Deon Estus on bass/vocals and Tefer Hazy on drums are new members as well. Original members include Gregory (keyboards/vocals), Phillip Ingram (keyboards/lead vocals), also a co-founder and Eddie Fluellen (keyboards/vocals).

"Akili wrote the single and I put the music to it," Phillip Ingrams said. "I heard his demo. He sounded like Debarge, Switch - so we asked him to join the group. Akilil wrote another song for his wife."

The hit singles by Switch that have made them icons include "There'll Never Be" and "I Call Your Name" that carry that signature Debarge vocal sound that both Bobby and Tommy brought to the band. Both brothers left the group after a time to help manage their younger brothers in the infamous group DeBarge. Co-Founder James is the brother of living legend James Ingram.

"We're dropping singles for a minute...complying," Williams added. "We all record in our own homes. Then we take it to a bigger studio. Phillip has a full grown study in his home."

Switch started on Motown Records and ended on RCA Records. During that time the band released eight albums and 13 singles, not including "I Love You More." From 1977 to 1983 while at Motown they released five albums. Two of the albums went platinum and three went gold upon release. After the DeBarges left the group Switch signed onto RCA Records where they released an album in 1983. Soon after that release they disbanded. Gregory Williams self-published his autobiography titled "Switch, DeBarge, Motown and Me!" (Switch Entertainment Book Publishing). In 2017 TV One's "Unsung" series highlighted the group Switch - interviewing one of the founders and in 2019 they aired the TV One original film "The Bobby DeBarge Story."

"We got a lot of feedback, weird feedback," Gregory said about TV One's "The Bobby DeBarge Story."

"The reason why is because we had nothing to do with the movie," Ingrams adds. "There was no contact with us and Bobby's wife was not around for the first five albums or the DeBarges'. There was an unsung episode on Greg; you would think they would reach out to him."

Phillip continues, "We got a song on the new Shaft movie, so we got positive feedback from that."

Phillip continued telling me about all the covers of their songs and their songs appearances on soundtrack, "Personally I feel blessed. It keeps us alive, keeps our legacy alive. Of course we want to leave a mark...but we love the music period. This is a blessing - keeping our legacy alive."

Switch is currently performing their old hits as well as their new single.

"We been performing this year quit a bit - here in L. A.," Ingrams said. "We're performing September 14, 2019 in Atlanta." www.SwitchEntertainmentWorld.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Eunice is founder of the annual "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), into its 20th year. Next event dates include Los Angeles Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (511) and Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2020, held in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times. The free conference offers an Entertainment Business Panel and a Talent Showcase and Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes to selected artists. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information or to participate as a panelist or talent call 562-424-3836.
www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference
September 3, 2019

The Pulse of Entertainment: Black Music Honors Airs October 20, 2019 on Bounce TV, Performance by 702 and Little Miss African American Pageant Honors Janice Freeman and Nikki Potts, Awards Scholarships to Young Ladies of Color

By Eunice Moseley

(September 3, 2019) - "All are awesome. We've singing two of their songs, ‘Who Can I Run To' and ‘Understanding'," said Kameelah Williams, of the platinum selling group 702, about performing at the "Black Music Honors" to be tapped September 5, 2019 at The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA. "So I don't want to mess up their songs."

The Black Music Honors will air in syndication September 14 - 20th and will air on Bounce TV on September 20th at 12pmEST. The other members of the group, which formed in 1996, are sisters LeMisha Grinstead and Irish Grinstead. The group was signed to Michael Bivins label Biv 10 distributed by Motown Records. They are noted for the hit songs "Stello" co-written by Missy Elliot, "Where My Girls At" and "Get It Together." Their debut album "No Doubt" reached #1 on Billboard Charts. Their second album released in 1999 is self-titled "702," which reached platinum status.

"We think it's an honor to perform at the ‘Black Music Honors,' that's exciting," Meelah said. "One of my favorites is ‘Steelo'. I get excited on that one. ‘Get it Together' - that groove!"

Some of the other performers include Kelly Price, Mali Music, Tony Terry, and Keke Wyatt. Those to be honored include Yolanda Adams, Arrested Development, Freddie Jackson and Xscape. The Honors is produced by Central City Productions and will air as a two-hour ode' to Black music's contribution to American music.

"Heavenly influenced. All music influences us," Meelah informed me when asked. "I grew up listening to all music. I love Jazz, Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop - black music - and Rock-N-Roll can't leave that out!"

Meelah starred in the reality show "R&B Divas ATL" during the 3rd season, and is in a committed relationship with Musiq (Soulchild). They have a son named Zac. The group 702 disbanded in 2006 and regrouped in 2017. They have garnered American Music Award and BET Award nominations, and a Soul Train Award win. She recently released a solo single "I Do What I Feel Like" and is currently in the studio recording a solo album with Musiq.

"People recognized our music. I don't have to sing the lead - its so flattering," Meelah laughed. www.BlackMusicHonors.com

(August 30, 2019) - "I love events like this, that showcases young talent. It's so needed within our community," said actor Norman Towns (I am Ali), who was a judge at the 26th Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant held recently at the Nate Holden Theatre in Los Angeles. "I'm looking for individuality, something that stands out. I'm going into it with an open mind to see what comes at me and I'll go from there."

The scholarship pageant showcases the artistic talents and creativity of girls of color from ages 6 - 12 years-old. They are also interviewed to train them in public speaking. The majority of the participants come from under-served and single parent homes. Started 26 years ago by Philadelphia born Billboard topping singer, actress ("The Raven", "All My Children") and American Music Award winning choreographer Lisa Ruffin ("Moesha" and Broadway's "Up Close and Personal"), the pageant is a 501 C (3) program. The event is produced with the sponsorship support of Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr.

"Lisa keeps us updated," said actress Penny Johnson-Jerald (Deep Space 9 and "24"), who hosted the pageant which had a special tribute to Janice Freeman, finalist of "The Voice" television competition and Nikki Potts, an original member of The Kurt Carr Singers. Aside from the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant host Johnson-Jared ("Orville") other participants included judges Emmy nominated Kym Whitley ("Raising Whitley"), Ella Joyce ("Roc"), Professor Ron Brewington ("The Actor Choice"), Saundra McClain ("Maid in Manhattan"), Norman Towns, Marvelous Miles ("Wild ‘N Out"), Loran Lott ("American Idol"), psychologist Dr. Ndidi Onyejiaka, Peter Wise (Peter Wise Actors Studio), and Camille Hyde ("Power Rangers").

"I'm looking for devotion to your talent," said actress Camille Hyde ("The Good Doctor") about judging the pageant. "Thinking outside the box." www.LittleMissAfricanAmerican.org

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Eunice is founder of the annual "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (ULMII), into its 20th year. Next event dates include Los Angeles Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (511) and Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2020, held in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times. The free conference offers an Entertainment Business Panel and a Talent Showcase and Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes to selected artists. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information or to participate as a panelist or talent call 562-424-3836.
www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference

September 10, 2019
The Pulse of Entertainment: Motown Gospel's Gene Moore has ‘Tunnel Vision' on New Album and Folk Guitarist Livingston Taylor to Perform at the Weinberg Center September 28, 2019

By Eunice Moseley

(September 10, 2019) - "I hope it crosses over, people need to hear it. I don't want to be limited reaching one audience. Even when Jesus walked, he ministered to the world," said Motown Gospel's Gene Moore about his powerful Urban flavored single "Won't Be Moved," from his sophomore Contemporary Gospel album "Tunnel Vision." "That song was written by a friend of mine name BJ, BJ the Chicago Kid. It's a statement of our faith, it's a Universal statement. We need something to believe in we need hope, a belief in our own strength. Life can be unfair, but I ‘Won't Be Moved'"

Gene is currently on the "Just B (E)" tour of three-time Grammy nominated Brian Courtney Wilson, which arrives in Chicago September 13, 2019; Dallas, Texas on September 15th; Charlotte, NC on November 21st, and Charleston, SC on November 23rd.

"The tour's been going really good. When Brian asked me, I thought it was a church tour. When he told me we were playing venues outside the church...it's important to be outside the church," Moore said sincerely. "The vibe is different when you play venues...Christian entertainment, plus ministry. It's been awesome."

The "Won't Be Moved" single has a catchy hook that carries a powerful statement. The single has a Stevie Wonder influenced track written by Bishop Jason Nelson.

"Shout-out to Motown Gospel. They helped build this house," Gene Moore concluded. www.OfficialGeneMoore.com

(September 6, 2019) - Billboard topping Folk guitarist Livingston Taylor is still riding high on the success of his 16th album "Safe Home" as his constant touring takes him to the Weinberg Center for the Arts (Frederick, Maryland) on September 28, 2019. Taylor is celebrating over 50 years as a professional guitarist and 30 years as a professor of music at the Berklee College of Music.

"Yes, I'm back in Maryland! I don't know if there will be any surprises," Livingston said when I asked about the upcoming concert. "What surprises my audience the most is how joyous I am in their company."

Some Folk lovers even get emotional during his performances and sing along loud and strong. Taylor's notable hits include "I Will Be in Love with You," "I'll Come Running," "Boatman," and "I Can Dream of You."

"I want to make it ‘safe' for them to cry," he said when I mention the reaction of his audience to his performances. "I love seeing my audience."

He said the advice most often given to his students at Berklee is, "play with precision to see where the music lands, and practice to be less distracted by the technique." www.LivingstonTaylor.com

September 17, 2019

The Pulse of Entertainment: Gospel Hit Maker Dana Sorey Garners Three GMA Dove Award Nominations and Jazz Trumpeter Rick Braun Sweetly ‘Crossroads' on New Album, Featuring Richard Elliott, Philippe Saisse, Chris Davis, Peter White and Eric Valentine

By Eunice Moseley

(September 17, 2019) - Gospel hit making producer/songwriter Dana Sorey recently received three GMA Dove Award nominations for his work with Jason Nelson ("The Answer") and Maranda Curtis ("I'm All In"). This honor is added to his two Grammy nominations for his work with Grammy nominated Marvin Sapp and Tye Tribbett & GA, two Stellar Award nominations and a Dove Award win for his work with Anthony Brown & Group Therapy on "A Long Way From Sunday." The winners for the 2019 50th annual GMA Dove Awards will be announced at the tapping October 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn and the ceremony will be aired on Sunday October 20th on TBN.

"All of them, at the end of the day," Dana said when asked about collaborations that were special for him. "It's just a blessing to connect with the people - to get the opportunity to work with them. For now Gene is special for me. I've known him even as a background vocalist...eight years...seeing him go from the back to the front of the stage."

The three GMA Dove Award nominations of Dana Sorey were for "Producer of the Year" and "Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year" for Jason Nelson's album "The Answer" and "Traditional Gospel Song of the Year" for the Maranda Curtis hit song "I'm All In." He even worked on the just released "Hitsville: A Motown Gospel Celebration" project as producer and arranger, which features Brian Courtney Wilson, Gene Moore, Lexi and Jerard & Jovaun. It led-up to the documentary of the same name that showcased Motown's history and lasting impact.

"I'm really a work body," Sorey said about his busy schedule. "My wife felt my energy, every movement had a purpose. I'd get discouraged trying to fit in a tour and a few times I got close to leaving. They would cancel the tour while I'm at home relaxing. I had to realize, how am I going to survive. So I had to find some stay home money."

Dana then created the StayHomeMoney Movement, aside from his C Bazz Entertainment company and his C Blake Studios. Sorey, like me, believe if you use your God-given talent the money will come.

"I was told to go on Social Media and post about my (record making) process and I got like 1,000 followers. They asked me questions. I wanted to help them and that's how the movement to help young people started. I did it for free and someone said to charge."

That is where Dana is now, trying to turn a free consulting Social Media initiative into a money maker. Check you local listing for the time for the airing of the GMA Dove Awards October 20th on TBN. www.DanaSorey.com

(September 13, 2019) - "Philippe is a dear friend...I met him through Jeff Golub. He would play in my band. He wrote the title cut," said Trumpeter Rick Braun, a Soul Train Award nominee, when asked about featured musicians on his new album "Crossroads." The Shanachie project is produced by Braun and drummer Bud Harner. "He's also a producer and keyboardist. We have a long history of writing and producing together."

The "Crossroads" project has a sweet Jazz feel that's fresh. The 18th Rick Braun album also features, aside from Philippe Saisse ( keys), Richard Elliott (sax), Chris "Big Dog" Davis (keys), Peter White (guitarist), Eric Valentine (drummer), Nate Phillips (bass), Richie Garcia (percussionist), Greg Phillinganes, Michael Thompson (guitar), Gregg Bissonette (drummer), Richard Fremont (flute), Lenny Castyro (percussion) and Tony Pulizzi (guitarist). His son plays the piano on the "Around the Corner" selection, which was inspired by his daughter. The "Crossroads" album was released on my birthday August 16th on Shanachie Entertainment.

When I asked Rick about the song inspired by his daughter he said, "My daughter loves to dance. She'd put music on loud and dance, freestyle. She feels the music deeply. On every album I put a song on it so she can dance. My son really wants to be a basketball player. We're in Annapolis now, the Navy Academy is interested in him, but he still plays the piano now and then."

My favorite cuts on the "Crossroads" project include the title song #1 "Around the Corner," a finger popping/toe tapping selection thanks to Tony Pulizzi on the keys. The #2 cut "Brazz Street," written and arranged by "Big Dog" (keys), is so sweet. I love the angelic feel of #4, "The Moment I Saw You," because the piano playing by Braun is perfection. The cover of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish," #5, featuring Richard Elliott on sax, Philippe Saisse on piano and Rick Braun on vocals because it's a funky fresh version of the hit. Last, I like #8 "Bahia," written and arranged by Braun and Saisse, because it offers good ole' Jazz and I love the vocals by Braun and LaTisha B. Valentine. www.RickBraun.com

www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference.

September 24, 2019

The Pulse of Entertainment: Grammy Nominated Calvin Richardson Releases Vocal ‘Gold Dust' October 25, 2019 and Rob Hyman's The Hooters Inductees of the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame

By Eunice Moseley

(September 24, 2019) - "I've been in the game for over 20 years. I'm seasoned," said two-time Grammy nominated Calvin Richardson. On October 25, 2019 the season singer releases "Gold Dust" (Shanachie Entertainment), with the newest single "Let Me Love on You" at radio.

Richardson debuted as a solo artist on his label Country Boy/Uptown Records imprint in 1999. Uptown Records was the label of Andre Harrell headed by Heavy D, distributed by Universal Music Group and home of Heavy D & the Boyz, Notorious B.I.G. and Jodeci. In 2003 Calvin released his sophomore album, "2:35PM," off Hollywood Records a label of Disney Music Group. In 2008 Richard signed with Shanachie Entertainment released "When Loves Comes." It was his 2009 release "Facts of Life" that garnered him two Grammy nominations. Three other Shanachie album releases followed. Shanachie was founded by two New Jersey natives Richard Nevins and Dan Collins in 1976 to release "fiddle' music. Evolving to meet the needs of the industry by mid-90s Shanachie was also releasing Reggae projects. Today they also include Jazz (Shanachie Jazz), R&B, Latin and Gospel.

Calvin adds author to his credits with the release of his first book "Do You Without Them."

"I started writing my book three years ago. I finished six or seven months ago," Calvin said about the project. "I shopped the book. It landed a publishing company. I just approved of the cover."

Calvin talked about vocal damage that he is just getting back from.

"I'm still getting back to where I want to be," he sincerely said. "It's like a muscle...you have to rehabilitate it...built it."

Richardson said the "Gold Dust" project us about his life story.

"I went with that as the end result in my mind," said concluded. "To be honest." www.Shanachie.com www.IAmCalvinRichardson.com

(September 20, 2019) - "I'm friends with Randy (Alexander)...on the Board. He knew the band and we talked about inducting The Hooters and it came around," said Robert Andrew Hyman, founder of two-time platinum selling The Hooters. "I'm very thrilled."

The Hooters is noted as a Rock band that combines SKA, Reggae and Folk Rock. They have sold over two million records. On October 22, 2019 The Hooters will be inducted into the 2019 Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame. Joining The Hooters are the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, Evelyn ‘Champagne' King (child prodigy with hits "Love Come Down" and "Shame"); The O'Jays ("Back Stabbers" and "Use to be My Girl"); WMMR air personality Pierre Robert (38 year career); music industry executive Jody Gerson (CEO of Universal Music Publishing for over 30 years), and philanthropist Dorrance ‘Dodo' Hamilton (donating over $47 million). The honors will take place along the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia and conclude with the Philadelphia Music Alliance Gala at The Bellevue Philadelphia.

Rob Hyman, who is a keyboardist, is infamous as a songwriter and producer. He wrote the Joan Osborne debut "Relish." The "Relish" album garnered him a Grammy nomination in 1995 for "Album of the Year." He wrote the Cyndi Lauper's hit song "Time After Time," which garnered him a Grammy nomination in 1985 for "Song of the Year."

"'Time After Time' was the last song (on the ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun' album)," Rob said. "I certainly didn't know it would turn out to be the song it has become. You just do your job and make a song. I had a good feeling. It was the first song we wrote together. My partner and I were working with her first album ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun'."

Rob talked about other writing projects that were monumental in his career successes, which also garnered him a Tony Award nomination in 2018.

"In Reggae I had fun writing with Bob Marley, it touched my life," Hyman confessed. "Creativity is what it's all about, spreading good feelings and healing words."

The Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame is a project of the Philadelphia Music Alliance. The Hooters is a Philadelphia band founded by Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian, which emerged in 1980 as a new kind of Rock band. They combined SKA, Reggae and Folk Rock. Hits include "And We Dance," "All You Zombies" and "Day by Day." Today they remain one of Philadelphia's most beloved Rock bands. The Hooters is celebrating 40 years in 2020 with major plans set-up to highlight that achievement. www.HootersMusic.com