A musical about the life of late singer Ray Charles was set to debut Oct 8th, but was delayed until spring of 2011
Producers announced Friday that "Unchain My Heart" will open in the spring instead of its planned opening Oct. 8. The musical is produced by Stuart Benjamin, who worked with the R&B legend for 15 years and produced "Ray," the hit movie about Charles.
Benjamin cited "logistical reasons" for the date change. The production was to play at the Barry Theatre but will instead open at the Shubert Theatre.
The show is to feature a book by Suzan-Lori Parks, direction by Sheldon Epps and star Brandon Victor Dixon as Charles.
Gary Coleman is dead. He was taken off life support on Friday morning and passed away, Radaronline.com reports. His wife Shannon Price and her father were at the hospital.
Coleman, 42, was best known for his role as Arnold Jackson on "Diff'rent Strokes." Word got out that he was hospitalized Thursday and in critical condition.
This is breaking news, more to come.
There were no signs of foul play or criminal activity in the death of the widower of actress Brittany Murphy, Los Angeles Police Sgt. Alex Ortiz said.
British screenwriter Simon Monjack was found dead Sunday night at his Hollywood home, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
Murphy, his wife of less than three years, died five months ago.
Monjack, 39, was pronounced dead after the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the home for a medical emergency, according to police. Brittany's mother, Sharon Murphy, reportedly lived in the home with Monjack.
Murphy, 32, died in December from a combination of pneumonia, an iron deficiency and multiple drug intoxication, a coroner said. The drugs involved were legal and used to treat a respiratory infection, according to an autopsy.
The often bubbly, free-spirited actress appeared in films such as "Clueless," "8 Mile," "Don't Say a Word" and "Girl, Interrupted."
She also lent her voice to animated works, including the movie "Happy Feet" -- in which she also sang -- and a regular role on the animated TV series "King of the Hill."
Monjack and Murphy were married in May 2007. The couple had no children.
One of the first thing's I heard when I woke up this morning was that Guru had passed away. Shocked, I logged onto my twitter and immediately my time line was filled R.I.P. Guru and Gangstarr quotes. A farewell letter that Guru wrote before he died to his fans has the hip hop world going crazy. In the letter he dismissed his former partner DJ Premier and said that he didn't want any association with him even in death. He also revealed that he has been beaten by cancer and gave praise to Solar. A lot of people are refusing to believe
"In the letter, Premier is not even referred to by name, but expresses the wish that Guru's "ex-DJ" not have anything to do with "my name likeness, events, tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ."
In addition to showering praise on the MC (born Keith Elam), a number of commenters expressed their concern that the posthumous letter from Guru's partner, Solar, supplied by a PR firm handling press inquiries about the rapper's health, was suspect.
"The Guru 'farewell' letter reeks of fakeness," wrote Rob, who said he found it hard to believe that Guru was so bitter in death that he would go out of his way to diss his longtime music compatriot Premier. A spokesperson for the PR company that distributed the letter said it was submitted by Solar and approved by Guru and Solar.
"No real fan of Gang Starr is going to believe this letter!," said Louis. "It sounds like something that was written between Solar and his lawyers while Guru laid in bed unable to write or speak. It sounds more to me like a letter bragging about Solar than about Guru's personal legacy. How can you not want Premier to be involved in the death of Guru?"
In the end, though, they were mostly just sad that the world had lost such a gifted lyricist.
Sad day in hip-hop despite the letter we lost a great man. RIP.
I also ran across this video old video of Young Guru talking about the beef between him and Guru and all the respect he had for him.
Rihanna’s 7 year old fan Jasmina Anema, who Rih has been helping to find a bone marrow transplant for, died from her leukemia last night. Rihanna has spent a lot of time with Jasmina over the past year, and so has Kelly Rowland, all to help her their # fan through this rough time.
Here’s the message that was posted on her Twitter account just a few hours ago:
At 10:55 on January 27th, after a long battle, Jasmina lost her fight with leukemia. Thanks for all of your support.
Back in November, Jasmina went to surprise Rihanna on her album release day at an in-store signing. She was diagnosed with leukemia in January of 2009. Such sad news. R.I.P. Jasmina.
I remember this sweet girl from when Rihanna first visited her. So sad to hear news about any child passing, my heart and prayers go out to her family. RIP
Jan 23, 2010 R&B and Philadelphia Legend Teddy Pendergrass was laid to rest. Thousands came out to say goodbye including Philadelphia native Musiq Soulchild, Tyrese who is portraying him in an up and coming film about his life, and many many fans.
Tyrese paid tribute to Teddy Pendergrass on the George Lopez show. Referring to Teddy as a father figure.
Reports have surfaced that singer, songwriter and Philadelphia Music Legend Teddy Pendergrass has passed away in at Brynn Mawr Hopistal at age 59 after struggling with cancer and paralysis.
A close family friend confirmed to the BV Newswire that the ailing crooner died tonight.
The cause of death is unknown and details are pending.
Last summer, buzz started brewing that the ‘Love T.K.O.’ singer was on his deathbed.
At the time, the Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter was hospitalized at Philadelphia’s Bryn Mawr Hospital for about a month, and the nature of his illness was not publicly known. He and his new wife, Joan, addressed the rumors and expressed gratitude to his loyal legion of fans for their support.
“I wish to thank my fans for their prayers, concerns and love,” Pendergrass disclosed in a statement. “While I have faced recent health challenges, I am in the care of my wonderful doctors, wife Joan and family.”
“We ask at this time that you respect our privacy,” the statement continued. “Do know that I’m looking forward to continuing my work at the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to help people with spinal cord injuries.”
Teddy a native of Philadelphia was responsible for several hits in the 70's and 80's including hits "Turn Off The Lights', "Your My Latest Greatest Inspiration" "Love TKO" , and "Come Go With Me" In 1982 he was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down and limited use of his arms, but that didn't stop him from making classic music.
