Kimmie Horne has been a favorite in metro Detroit and beyond (including Japan) for a substantial number of years. Her foundation has always been R&B with its many variations. But something else began to bubble to the surface, and now it’s available for all to hear.
Horne decided it was time to make an album consisting entirely of jazz and standards. The result, “Loving This Jazz,” produced by Michael Privett with Michael Cash serving as executive producer, qualifies as a success.
She sounds very comfortable doing this type of material, and in a big band setting. The selections include “It’s Alright With Me,” “A Foggy Day in London Town,” “Lullaby of Birdland” (our favorite) and “Whatever Lola Wants,” playfully changed to “Whatever Kimmie Wants” for this project.
Horne alters some of the arrangements to make the songs her own. In most instances, it works.
We asked Kimmie how she manages to look so young. She quickly responded, “Because I love what I do!”
In the course of that conversation, she revealed that she is related to the legendary Lena Horne. She never said anything about that before because whatever success she achieved, she wanted it to be completely on her own talent and effort.
If you are interested in acquiring the CD or learning more about the artist, visit www.Kimmiehorne@msn.com.
SPEAKING OF songstresses from Detroit, in a recent column I wrote a tribute to the Jones Girls. Shortly after, I received an e-mail and pictures from lead singer Shirley Jones.
Now living in Georgia, Jones returned to performing two years ago and at the time of writing the e-mail was preparing to join the Love Train/Sound of Philadelphia tour with the O’Jays and others. She is billed as “Shirley Jones of the Jones Girls.”
“I am doing my best to keep the Jones Girls music alive and kickin’,” she wrote.
Forbes magazine, the authority on such matters, reports that Tyra Banks is now the top-earning female on primetime television. She has become a real money machine, between her talk show (“The Tyra Banks Show”), “America’s Next Top Model” and other sources of income, Banks pulled in approximately $30 million in the last 12 months.
That is very impressive. However, it pales in comparison to the $275 million Oprah Winfrey made in that same time period.
And still on the subject of Black women, I was shocked to learn that they spend $9 billion per year on hair. That doesn’t make sense. Hair is not that important, although people have a right to spend their money on whatever they choose.
JERMAINE JACKSON always seems to be involved in something that makes him look bad, such as apparently finding ways to benefit from the passing of his brother, Michael. Now comes word that one of his ex-wives, Alejandra, is taking him to court for non-payment of child support. Alejandra, mother of “Jermajesty” and Jaffar, says he currently owes $35,000.
Rihanna’s new album, simply titled “Rihanna,” will be released Nov. 23. That is also the release date for “American Idol” star Adam Lambert’s debut album, “For Your Entertainment.”
Meanwhile, Chico DeBarge has a new album titled “Addiction.”
Emanuel (“E.J.”) Johnson, lead singer of Enchantment (“Gloria,” “It’s You That I Need,” etc.) sends word that he will be honored for “40 Years of Music Ministry” on Sunday, Nov. 8, at The Church of the New Covenant. Those interested should call (313) 387-8419.
TEENA MARIE was described on one popular magazine’s website as “the Ivory Queen of Soul.” Sounds a bit silly, but it’s a lot better than what Ike Turner had in mind. After Tina left him, he got in touch with Teena Marie to discuss the possibility of them working together as “Ike and Teena.” She wisely declined.
One of our readers, Tony Tsar, is among those greatly disappointed with WVMV, aka V98.7 FM Smooth Jazz, for switching to a pop music format. “No one saw this coming,” said Tsar in his e-mail. “It’s ironic that Detroit has the world’s largest free jazz festival, yet doesn’t have a jazz radio station.”
Chubby Checker continues to be offended by not being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Apparently, most of those who do the voting believe that Checker’s contributions (“The Twist,” “Pony Time,” “Limbo Rock,” etc.) were important as far as dancing in the 1960s is concerned, but have to be designated as fads rather than real contributions to rock ’n’ roll history.
I think Checker should be voted in.
BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW …that singer/actress Darlene Love and Edna Wright, lead singer of the Honey Cone (“Want Ads” and “Stick-Up,” among others) are sisters.
MEMORIES: “I Wanna Know Your Name” (the Intruders), “Get Here” (Oleta Adams), “Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)” (the O’Jays), “If You Want Me to Stay” (Sly & the Family Stone), “Hey Lover” (LL Cool J, featuring Boyz II Men), “I’m Your Baby Tonight” (Whitney Houston), “Make It Like It Was” (Regina Belle), “Atomic Dog” (George Clinton), “In and Out of Love” (Diana Ross & the Supremes), “Don’t Be Afraid” (Aaron Hall).
BLESSINGS to Cheryl Myhand, Claudreen Jackson, Donald Phillips, Brenda Franklin, Artemesha Charleston, Marie Bryant, Edward Phillips, Sandra Woodall, Patrice Gordy and Joe Harris.
WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Harrison Kennedy (who sang with the Chairmen of the Board): “People created society, but God created you. Accept who you are and live the way you want to.”
Let the music play!
(Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol.com and P.O. Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.)