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Otis Williams’ Extraordinary Long Play with The Temptations

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I am unable to let you know how again and again I’ve watched “The Temptations,” a miniseries that aired during my sophomore yr in college in 1998 that chronicled the rise, rise, and fall of certainly one of my favorite vocal groups, The Temptations. The Temptations, after all, are the legendary Motown band that gave us a few of Motown’s most iconic classics, including “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “Ball of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today)” and my personal favorite, “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me),” amongst many, many others. You know The Temptations’ songs even when you do not know you already know The Temptations’ songs. Their songs have been covered by countless artists, featured in movies, and sung by choirs. And when you’re black, you are probably familiar with their version of “Silent Night.” That’s… The Temptations.

The original lineup was probably the most famous lineup of the group—David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams. And when the group had problems with David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards joined, and people six are people most of us know and might name by heart. The miniseries “The Temptations” was on repeat in my house when it first got here out on VHS. My sister Spelman bought me a VHS tape and I let it play until it popped. And then, after we all graduated from VCRs, I got the DVD. Between “The Five Heartbeats” and “The Temptations,” I probably watched one or the opposite each day for years, and I’m not exaggerating.

The Temptations took on a lifetime of its own when social media threw the world for a loop. There are just a few scenes within the film which can be perfect for visually expressing any variety of human situations. One of the web’s favorites, though, is when Otis Williams (Charles Malik Whitfield) and Melvin Franklin (DB Woodside) confront David Ruffin (Leon) about his scheming and why they’re kicking him out of the group. Otis notes that nobody is above the group and that nobody involves see David, they arrive to see The Temptations, to which David responds: “Nobody’s coming to see you, Otis!” Those seven words have develop into the stuff of legend. It’s value noting that Otis Williams (real-life member of The Temptations) is certainly one of the manager producers of the miniseries.

I rewatched the show (it’s mainly only a movie at this point) since it had been some time, and once I got to that scene, I laughed, like I all the time do, but then it hit me: If you’re going to look at The Temptations now, you’re actually going to see Otis, because he’s the last surviving member — at age 82 — of the unique Temptations. Paul Williams died in 1973. David Ruffin died in 1991, followed by Eddie Kendricks in 1992. Melvin Franklin died in 1995. I imagine those ’90s were really tough on Otis and all of the fans of the group. Dennis Edwards eventually died in 2018, leaving Otis Williams because the last surviving original member and certainly one of the explanations you’d wish to see The Temptations.

Music

Sure, they’ve had a ton of lineup changes, members have come and gone; they have been touring for six a long time now. But all of the individuals who were the magnets for the overwhelming majority of the songs we all know and love within the Temptations canon, well, Otis is the just one who’s still alive on those records. I’m not saying he’s outlived everyone else out of spite, but I’m saying that Otis’s longevity is impressive. Especially when the miniseries got here out, Otis and Dennis were the one guys left. He mainly needed to outlive Dennis by one other 20 years to find a way to say, “After all, they’re just coming to see me, Otis.”

By all accounts, Otis Williams looks as if an awesome guy. I’ve listened to countless interviews with him, and he’s an awesome storyteller who speaks highly of everyone within the band. But I’m wondering if he’s ever, within the quiet of a room, alone before he goes on stage, said to himself, “They’re coming to see Otis tonight.” I do know I might. Maybe he’s got good genes. Maybe he’s been maintaining a healthy diet for a long time and that is what’s kept him going. I’m sure it’s a mixture of luck, healthy habits, and the life he’s chosen. But after watching the Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance , which exposed his ultimate competitiveness and pettiness, you could have to wonder if sometimes these guys whose talent and determination prove they’re built in a different way don’t have anything to prove and might’t rest until they do.

Sure, “Ain’t nobody coming to see you, Otis” is a line from the show, however it’s taken on a lifetime of its own. I can’t let you know how again and again I’ve said it to people I do know and random strangers. It’s a component of black popular culture. I’m wondering if Otis didn’t pass though all of them to prove David fallacious. Who knows if David ever said it (apart from Otis)? Either way, Otis William remains to be alive, concert events and performances and when you plan on watching The Temptations in 2024…

…you will certainly see Otis.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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