Just about everyone knows about the tumultuous one-year (1988-1989) marriage of former pro-boxer Mike Tyson and actress Robin Givens.
She, of course, very publicly revealed that he was physically and emotionally abusive. (He has even said he likes to “hurt” women when he has sex with them.)
In the recently published biography “The Undisputed Truth,” which is also the title of his one-man stage show, the former heavyweight champion severely attacks his ex-wife, who was often accused of being a “gold digger.”
Tyson called Givens, among other things, a “manipulative shrew,” a “delusional ho,” a “dirty, filthy scoundrel” and a “borderline prostitute.”
No matter what the whole truth is, that is more than excessive.
DRAKE, rapper-actor, has entered into a business arrangement with Michael Jordan’s Nike Brand. Drake says he “idolizes” Jordan, is thrilled to be “inducted into the Team Jordan family,” and that “this was one of the best days of my life.”
According to Drake, this is not just an endorsement situation. He says he will actually be involved in designing gym shoes.
Reuben Studdard has been signed by Verve Records and is expected to have a new album, titled “Unconditional Love,” released in early 2014.
There is a lot riding on this album because the season 2 “American Idol” winner’s 2003 debut album, “Soulful,” sold a million copies and was certified Platinum, but each of his succeeding albums has sold fewer copies than the one before.
The picture you see here was taken at the Thanksgiving Parade, in Detroit.
SPEAKING of “American Idol” winners, Fantasia (Barrino) was the source of a lot of tabloid reports and Internet gossip (including social media) when she started going with Antwaun Cook after he and his wife, Paula, separated.
But now they (the Cooks) have reconciled, and Paula Cook must be a very forgiving and open-minded person because during that “marriage interim,” Antwaun and Fantasia had a child.
Interesting quote from actress Jasmine Guy, best known as Whitley Gilbert on “A Different World”: “I don’t much care who is gay or straight. I mostly notice if they are brave enough to confront bigotry.”
And here’s one from Erykah Badu: “I don’t choose any particular religion or symbol or group of words or teachings to define me. That’s between me and the Most High, the Creator.”
RONNIE DYSON was one of the greatest R&B singers ever, but never received the amount of recognition his talent merited.
His big show business break came when he was hired for a major role in the famous Broadway show “Hair” when he was a teen. In that position he was the first to ever sing “Aquarius.” That was in 1968.
From the early to mid-1970s Dyson had a series of hit records, including “The More You Do It (The More I Like It Done),” “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely,” “One Man Band (Plays All Alone),” “I Don’t Wanna Cry” and the one that started it all, “(If You Let Me Make Love to You Then) Why Can’t I Touch You?”
Sadly, Dyson made his transition in 1990 at the age of 40 — not in his teens as was reported by a deejay on a Black radio station.
If you haven’t listened to Ronnie Dyson lately, now might be a good time, and if you are not familiar with him, you will be doing yourself a favor by making the discovery.
BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that in 1974 Smokey Robinson had a single (written by him) titled “Virgin Man” that made some people, including radio programmers, uncomfortable. One line went, “It ain’t like I never wanted to, but it’s easier to think than to do. Can you love a virgin man?”
MEMORIES: “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” (Gladys Knight & the Pips), “(No Matter How High I Get) I’ll Still Be Lookin’ Up to You” (Wilton Felder featuring Bobby Womack and Altrina Grayson), “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” (Eurythmics), “Treat Her Like a Lady” (the Temptations), “Don’t Walk Away” (Jade),” “I Like to Live the Love” (B.B. King), “I Get Lonely” (Janet Jackson), “Can I Change My Mind?” (Tyrone Davis).
BLESSINGS to Dina Peace, V. Lonnie Peek, L.T. Robinson, Stella Walker, Brenda K. Perryman, Jay Berry, Michael Brock, Rogers Foster, James Campbell, Rosalind Ashford, Eddie Allen, Derek Smith, Annette Helton and Jim Burns.
WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Ray Charles: “Soul is like electricity, a force that can light the room.”
Let the music play!
Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol.com and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.
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