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Frankie Beverly kept the culture happy until the very end — Andscape

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The drums start rolling. The rhythm begins. Frankie Beverly’s voice screams a well-known, elongated “whoa.” Then, for a split second, all the pieces falls silent until an electrical guitar begins playing over the speakers. In the right crowd, those first few seconds of “Before I Let Go” create a proverbial tsunami, with waves of friends, family, and even strangers vibrating together. Like lots of Beverly’s works with Maze, the song has turn out to be the soundtrack to family celebrations for generations.

On Tuesday, the man behind those sounds died at age 77. Beverly’s profession spanned a long time as he built a brand in R&B and funk that was unique to him and his band. It all revolved around a private connection to the black community. Beverly and Maze have toured relentlessly since their early days, first opening for Marvin Gaye in 1971.

Beverly, whose full name is Howard Stanley Beverly, loved touring a lot that he didn’t retire from performing until this yr. The band released its last studio album in 1993. How many musicians can hit the road and play to sold-out audiences 30 years after their last album? As the drummer of the cover band Maze once said, “Maze is like the urban Grateful Dead.” Like the late Jerry Garcia’s band, Maze’s music represented a life-style. Their melodies and the man behind them became greater than just music.

Beverly never really broke through to mainstream white listeners. Despite the undeniable fact that they played his shows, hearing “Happy Feelin’s” or “Joy and Pain” on a white radio station was just as rare. Former Capitol Records vice chairman Larkin Arnold attributes this to racism. “I had a lot of arguments with my pop promotion department because they would never put that album on white FM stations,” Arnold said. “When I first saw Maze, the audience was all white. I know if white people were exposed to Maze, they would have liked it, but at the time, the idea was, ‘Well, white people really don’t want to hear black music.’” Arnold tried, unsuccessfully, to persuade his colleagues that Beverly’s band was greater than just “black” music.

Nine gold albums is nothing to sneeze at, nevertheless it’s nowhere near the level Beverly deserves. Or, perhaps more importantly, what you may consider to have achieved, given the universality of his music. Perhaps the music never gained mainstream attention because the band’s record labels, Capitol Records and Warner Bros., didn’t market it properly. Or perhaps it was because Beverly stuck to his vision and made his music without compromising on radio play or awards. “I just refuse to compromise on the music, and therefore I’m going to have a problem with radio.” – Beverly he said in 1985. “You start changing your music and it will end up hurting you.”

Like the Grateful Dead, the Philadelphia artist stuck to what worked for the individuals who paid to see him and his band perform. Even as the genre gave technique to Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, and later Jodeci and Mary J. Blige, Beverly stuck to his principles. In an ever-changing world, his music remained constant.

Singer Frankie Beverly of Frankie Beverly & Maze presents the Phoenix Award on stage at State Farm Arena on March 22 in Atlanta.

Paras Griffin/Getty Images

“The love that people give us is amazing” Beverly he saiddescribing his group’s continued success. “I don’t care about the Grammys. It’s about the award, not the accolade.” While some fans gasp when their favorite artists don’t get the props they feel they deserve from awards shows or the industry, the lack of trophies on his mantel never bothered Beverly. He made music to unite people and encourage them with love, kindness and joy. “I look out at the audience and see so many generations coming together, and that excites me.” Beverly he said. He reveled in performing in front of an audience, irrespective of how many individuals showed up. His dedication to pure performance began at the age of 16. Beverly held on to that core belief throughout his profession. “It’s just something special. It’s probably the most powerful art form, music, and it’s all live.” – Beverly he told NPR in 2005. “You know, you say, ‘Hey,’ they say, ‘Hey.’ You say, ‘Ho,’ and it just comes back to you. It’s — it’s just nothing like that, man.”

For Beverly, the guy Gaye discovered who grew up fearing Sam Cooke, his music has at all times been about people. When the podcast host Questlove from The Roots I interviewed him In February, Beverly paid tribute to the fans who gave his soul songs a deeper meaning. He dismissed the praise from Questlove and his co-hosts. He at all times thought of how the music affected the fans, not what the fans could do for him. That’s how “Before I Let Go,” a song released in 1981 about heartbreak, was transformed right into a fast-paced anthem that is still played at barbecues, street parties, weddings and anywhere black people gather to have a good time.

When Beyoncé covered “Before I Let Go” on her live album in 2019, Beverly said how excited he was that somebody of her caliber had done a version of her. “She’s done so much. It’s one of the highlights of my life.”

It’s typical of a person who at all times had us in mind with every lyric he wrote and each move he made on stage. Throughout his 60-year profession, he put his music and his fans first. That’s why Frankie Beverly and Maze have lasted six a long time and can last for an additional six.

We won’t ever leave you.

Marcus Shorter is a communications skilled and author. When he is not scribbling thoughts for Consequence, Cageside Seats, or Bloody Disgusting, he’s getting extremely nerdy about rap lyrics, politics, poetry, and comics.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Dolly Parton Enrages Beyoncé Fans with Controversial Comments Supporting CMA’s Decision Not to Nominate ‘Cowboy Carter’

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‘Get Out Here, B—ch, You Ain’t Stealin’ Mine’: Dolly Parton Has Strong Feelings About Beyoncé

It’s been over every week and Beyoncé fans are still outraged after learning that the singer’s album “Cowboy Carter” didn’t receive any nominations on the upcoming Country Music Awards.

But now the Beyhive’s fury has been stoked as country veteran Dolly Parton has had her own thoughts on the snub. The 10-time Grammy winner seemed to query whether Beyoncè’s lack of nominations was “intentional.”

“Get Outta Here, B—-ch, You Won’t Steal From Me”: Dolly Parton Has Strong Feelings About Beyoncé’s Performance of Her Country Classic “Jolene” (Screenshot: @dollyparton / Instagram ; Photo: @beyonce / Instagram )
Dolly Parton is seemingly defending the CMA Awards after Beyoncé failed to receive a single nomination for her album “Cowboy Carter.” (Photo by @dollyparton/Instagram; @beyonce/Instagram)

In the September 17 issue of Variety interview, Parton said, “Well, you never know. There are so many great country artists that I think probably in the realm of country music, they probably thought, well, we can’t leave out some of these guys who spend their whole lives doing this. But I didn’t even realize that until someone asked me that question.”

Parton, often known as a rustic music legend, is credited twice on the “Cowboy Carter” project. In the primary instance, Parton lent her vocals to the ninth track, “Dolly P,” which serves because the intro to the second track, Beyonce’s version of Parton’s 1973 hit “Jolene.”

The second song Parton participated in, titled “Tyrant,” is a rustic meets R&B track. In fact, Parton’s performance earned her first place on seven Billboard charts — six of that are R&B.

“But it was a great album,” the 78-year-old continued. “She can be very, very proud of it, and I think everyone in country music welcomed it with open arms and thought it was good.”

Parton concluded her thoughts on Queen Bey’s lack of nomination. She said, “So I don’t think it was a matter of exclusion, of intentionally doing it. I think it was just more of what the country charts and country artists have been doing, who have been doing it all along, not just a special album.”

Irate fans responded to Parton’s response, which was reposted on The Jasmine Brand’s Instagram.

“What do you expect from a woman on yt?” said one commenter. Another shared, “I love Dolly but stop talking crap. The new country slogan should be for white people only.”

“I love my Aunt Dolly but they only did this to send her a clear message,” wrote a 3rd fan.

A fourth fan chimed in: “Goodbye Dolly, with respect. We already know why and YOU KNOW TOO ‼️”

However, others seemed to agree with Parton and debated whether Beyoncé’s album must have earned the “diva” a CMA nomination. “I love Cowboy Carter, but She’s not completely wrong. Special album vs. shutting out someone whose only genre is country,” one fan wrote.

A fourth person said: “Beyonce herself said it’s not a country album. If it’s not country, why does the CMA have to add it to their categories? We need to stop seeking acceptance from people who will never give it to us.”

This is in reference to a post Beyoncè made in March, just 10 days before the discharge of “Cowboy Carter.” In the caption of the post, the “Obsessed” actress confirmed, “This is not a country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.”

She previously opened up in regards to the origins of the album, which took her five years to create. “It came from an experience I had years ago where I didn’t feel welcome,” the Houston native said, noting her performance with the Dixie Chicks — now often known as The Chicks — on the 2016 CMAs.

That same 12 months, Beyoncé was invited to perform the song “Daddy’s Lessons”, which was her first country song from her sixth studio album, Lemonade.

Sure, Queen Bey received loads of praise for her performance, but she was reportedly met with boos from the audience and racially aggravated attacks online. However, the “Run the World” singer didn’t let the mean comments and hate get her down.

Instead, she created an album that touched on all musical genres.

Continuing her post, Beyoncè said, “The criticism I faced when I first entered the genre forced me to push beyond the limitations that were placed upon me. Act II is the result of challenging myself and taking the time to bend and combine genres to create this body of work.”

The CMA Awards will air on November 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Fans Concerned Over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Strange Public Behavior Raises Health Concerns

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is probably the most famous and talented basketball stars. He left the NBA because the all-time leading scorer and broke records that LeBron James had already broken.

That’s why many individuals expressed concern after a video of Abdul-Jabbar and his slow movements while interacting with fans was reposted.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s appearance at Fanatics Fest left fans asking questions on the NBA legend. (Photo: @kareemabduljabbar_/Instagram)

Internet personality Darren Jason Watkins Jr., higher often known as IShowSpeed, met the Basketball Hall of Fame inductee at Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 in August.

Show speed broadcast live his experiences at a New York event for sports fans and collectors; and photographs of the 19-year-old streamer interacting with Abdul-Jabbar on TikTok.

“Yo, Kareem! Yo, Kareem! Kareem!” iShowSpeed ​​​​shouted repeatedly as he approached the 77-year-old sitting on the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

It took a moment for Abdul-Jabbar to show around, after which the YouTuber said, “Hey, what’s up, man? Nice to meet you. My name is Speed. I’m a big fan of yours.”

The six-time NBA MVP hesitated for a moment, but then reached out to shake Speed’s hand and replied, “Thank you.”

When the clip went viral last month, many commenters focused on Abdul-Jabbar’s appearance.

“I hope Kareem is okay, he looked a little out of it” wrote one in every of the TikTok users.

On one other TikTok videoone fan wondered, “Damn, is Kareem good?”

One joker said, “Bro hasn’t been the same since Bron broke his points record.”

Others took issue with the best way IShowSpeed ​​addressed the basketball legend and blamed IShowSpeed ​​for the awkward exchange.

“For fuck’s sake Speed, show some respect,” one person wrote. An analogous comment read, “Kareem ignored him. ‘Yo Kareem’ for an older man is wild.”

Another person defended Abdul-Jabbar, responding: “He’s known for hating it when people approach him in public.”

Another follower said: “Let’s not forget Kareem is old, old, lol he’s old, don’t you think he’ll be old.”

Abdul-Jabbar, 77, has battled a variety of medical issues throughout his life. The former “Dancing With The Stars” contestant has battled prostate cancer and leukemia. He was also diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition that required quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery.

In an interview with NIH Medline Plus Magazine, he explained that he had symptoms of “shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness” that he didn’t take seriously until 2021, when he became dizzy and unable to face on his own at a baseball game. He was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation shortly thereafter.

“I was ultimately diagnosed with atrial fibrillation when my symptoms sent me to the hospital. I was surprised because I didn’t know what AFib was before my diagnosis,” Abdul-Jabbar revealed.

“I’ve since learned that AFib is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm, which prevents the heart’s lower chambers from filling completely or pumping enough blood. Blood can pool in the heart, which increases the risk of blood clots forming and can lead to stroke and other heart complications,” he continued. “In fact, people with AFib are about five times more likely to have a stroke.”

He added: “I also had to accept that I could no longer do everything I did before.”

In December 2023 former Lakers player underwent medical procedure for a broken hip suffered after a fall at a concert in Los Angeles. His business partner, Deborah Morales, publicly thanked the Los Angeles Fire Department and UCLA Hospital staff for his or her help.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar was scheduled for all three days Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 from August 16-18. Participated in autograph sessions, photo ops and panels.

“Just got back from a long weekend in NYC for @fanaticsfest. Best sports show ever! Got to meet so many friends and hang out with so many fans. Thanks to the @fanatics team for all the new memories!” Written by Abdul Jabbar on Instagram.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Gary Owen walks away from ex-wife’s shocking alimony demands, months after claiming he needed a new man in his life

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gary owen joke about ex-wife

Comedian Gary Owen has once more opened up about his personal life amid his legal dispute with ex-wife Kenya Duke.

The Ohio-born artist posted a recording of his performance at Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia online on Wednesday, September 18.

Owen is wearing a black Patriots T-shirt and a black cap. He says at first of the clip, “At one point, my ex-wife was asking for $44,000 a month in alimony.”

Gary Owen Ex-Wife Joke
Comedian Gary Owen believes his relationship with ex-wife Kenya Duke could be higher if she had a man in her life. (Photos: @garyowencomedy/Instagram, @trulykenya/Instagram)

“That’s a lot,” he added, before the group quickly responded by cheering throughout the room.

Owen told Shannon Sharpe on “Club Shay Shay” that he filed for divorce from Duke in 2021 in Ohio before she filed shortly thereafter in Los Angeles, citing infidelity. About two months later, Duke filed more paperwork looking for $44,000 in child support from Owen to assist her and their children financially support themselves.

Responding to his audience, Owen said, “I would never do that. If the tables were turned and she made more than me, I would never say, ‘I want $44,000 a month. No.'”

“I know what my dick is worth at this point in my life,” he said, as someone from the group interrupted, shouting, “Bullshit.”

Eventually Owen understands what a number of the women in the audience are saying, because the clip cuts to him telling certainly one of them, “Why did you say I was lying?”

Reenacting the scenario, he described what happened step-by-step, saying, “I heard you say it was $44,000. I would never ask for that. And you said, ‘You’re lying.'” He then asked the girl, “Do you think I would do it?” She replied, “Yes. I think a man would do it, yes.”

The explanation that the girl was talking about men in general looked as if it would bring him some relief. He jokingly said, “A man, yes—I wouldn’t do that.”

However, one other woman challenged Owen further, saying, “Yes, you would,” to which he replied, “No, no, no, no, I wouldn’t,” and so they began exchanging views.

The father of 5 ended the conversation by joking: “We have some fierce women here in Philadelphia. I’ll tell you that right now.”

Turning to the lads in the room, he said, “My God, guys. What the hell is wrong with women in Philadelphia?” Before hanging up, he said, “Women with bitterness here. Stop being so angry. Go to McDonald’s, take your kid.”

Gary posted a short clip to his Instagram and deleted it inside two hours. The clip remains to be available on YouTube, where commenters had plenty to say concerning the heckler in the audience.

One person said, “If she tells you what YOU would do? …she’s crazy!”

Someone else said: “Goddamn it, she’s mad at the world.”

The last time Owen spoke out about her or their kids, Duke criticized her ex-husband online. This time, nonetheless, it’s unclear whether she encouraged him to delete the Instagram post.

But it’s clear that the Meet the Blacks actor often draws inspiration from his real life. During a comedy performance in July, an audience member asked if he and his ex were getting along, and Owen said they were “polite. But yeah, I wouldn’t say we’re best buds.”

“I just need someone to fuck her. I think that would do the trick,” he said, hinting at something that may ease the strain between them. “Like fuck her in the ass. She’ll probably think, ‘How are you, Gary?’”

The former couple had been married for 18 years. Since filing for divorce, Owen and his two adult children, daughter Kennedy, son Austin and Duke older sonEmilio, who was adopted by the comedian, have been estranged, with his ex-wife repeatedly claiming Owen was a “loser” who abandoned her and their children and stopped caring for them financially in April 2021.

Duke also suggested that the “Think Like a Man” actor cheated on her multiple times, which he admitted, and he knows exactly why his children want nothing to do with him.

But Owen has since bounced back and, with his fiancée Brianna Johnson, welcomed twins, Royal and Rome, into the world.

As for Duke, she doesn’t appear to regret divorcing the “Comic View” stand-up. She told Hype Comedy, “His cheating on her or whatever he did there has nothing to do with me. It’s his fault, right? So I never felt responsible. Like someone could say, ‘Maybe it’s best to have left sooner.’

Duke admitted that she could managed her money higher through the marriage. In spousal support documents, she said, “Twenty-three years ago, I gave up a promising career as an account manager to solely support Gary and his career.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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