Alturo Shelton was, in some ways, a throwback to other eras. As increasingly raunchy comedy became more popular, due to the “Def Jam Comedy” TV show, a changing society and many other factors, Shelton kept it clean. He had made a commitment.
One of the most talented female vocal groups of all time, and one of Detroit’s greatest gifts to the music world, is the Jones Girls. For whatever reason, Shirley, Valorie and Brenda Jones have not received the amount of attention their talents and accomplishments merit.The Jones Girls were at their peak from 1979 to 1982 when they enjoyed national success with hits such as “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else,” “I Just Love the Man,” “Nights Over Egypt” and “Dance Turned Into a Romance.” Their well-received albums include “The Jones Girls” and “At Peace With Woman.”
It would be virtually impossible to overstate the importance and impact of “Soul Train,” which came to the end of the track in 2006, although reruns continued to air for an additional two years.
A little bit of Kanye West goes a long way, for some of us more than others. If ever an (overrated) artist needed to get over himself, it is this man. His ego-driven rants have been numerous, and annoying, in the past, but jumping onstage as teen country star Taylor Swift was accepting her Best Female Video award at the MTV Video Music Awards ceremony was a new low.
Giving Kem Owens his well-deserved propsFew and far between are the successful entertainers who are willing to give back to the extent that KEM does. His recent free concert at Cass Park speaks volumes about his character.
One of the surest signs that summer is nearing its end is the presentation of one of metro Detroit’s favorite events. The 30th Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival will take place Friday through Monday (Labor Day), Sept. 4-7.
Prince was a favorite of mine from 1979 through 1987 when, unlike now, he made outstanding albums. He recently appeared on one of the late night talk shows. In conservative attire, he came across as mature (he just turned 51) and mellowed.
The passion and perseverance that has motivated those with a vested interest to succeed in America’s film industry now can flourish in the heady climate of opportunity that visiting Hollywood film crews are offering to Southeastern Michigan right now.
When the subject of Motown Record Corp. comes up, what people think of are the hundreds of major hit records, and rightfully so. However, it was not “all hits all the time” (to borrow a radio station slogan).
