BEYONCE and Jay-Z are to be admired for managing to maintain a substantial amount of privacy despite being one of the most high-profile couples in show business. People want to know a lot more, but that information is not forthcoming.
Shawn Carter (that’s his real name) and Beyoncé Knowles were married in early 2008, and even the when and where of the upcoming nuptials was widely speculated on before the couple chose to make the facts available to the media and the public.
“B” and “J” seem to be very happy together. To quote the Whispers, “It’s a love thing.” But private space is essential.
ROBIN THICKE is one those White artists who, like Teena Marie, Eminem and a few others, is impressive because he is fully immersed in Black music, and is accepted completed by the Black community.
No one ever accuses Thicke, or the others, of ripping off African-American culture, posturing, scamming or any such thing. On the contrary, Black music is what Thicke does, period. It’s as natural as breathing. It would be phony for him to do anything else.
Thicke, who is married to Black actress Paula Patton, ascended to major stardom in 2005 with his breakthrough album, “The Evolution of Robin Thicke,” although he had been around a while.
His current album is titled “Sex Therapy.” (Marvin Gaye might be pleased.)
LOQUACIOUS. Now there’s a word you don’t often hear or see written. After decades of conducting interviews, I was asked which artists were the most talkative.
Interesting question.
That distinction would go to actor Giancarlo Esposito (“School Daze,” “Spenser: For Hire,” “Malcolm X,” “NYPD Blue,” etc.) and Peabo Bryson.
Esposito, who by the way, was born in Denmark, gave new meaning to the word “conversationalist.” The friendly actor’s words flowed as freely and consistently as the water at Niagra Falls. After we sat and talked for nearly two hours, he asked if I wanted to call the next day to talk some more. I told him thanks, but I had enough material for the story!
As for Peabo Bryson, he had so much to say that there was virtually no need for many questions to be asked. I had prepared 15, but only ended up using three. I would ask one question and Bryson would take off like a rocket, occasionally pausing for a second or two to catch his breath.
RIHANNA, of course, went through something no woman, or anyone else, should ever have to. Chris Brown is be commended for paying the price with courage and resolve.
There is nothing whatsoever humorous about what happened. However, a very outspoken friend of mine (initials, D.M.) said something — a sexist, rather crude joke, yet he was very serious — that made me laugh even though I knew I shouldn’t. (You can’t help what tickles you!)
D.M. said Brown was completely wrong and got what he deserved. Nevertheless, he added, “But I’ll bet she pushed his buttons! Women know how to do that within an hour of meeting a man.”
Hey, I said it was wrong for him to say that!
ONE MORE THING: There is more to at least one celebrated “minister’s” determination to battle with City Council, especially its president about adult nightclubs. That’s because the minister is very anti-gay. (“In the name of the Lord,” of course.) People being who they really are means nothing to this minister and others like him, nor do these words from the Bible: “There is one lawgiver who is able to save and destroy. Who are you to judge another?”
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