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'TBH Politoons'
Thanks, again, Tim!
Reader Opinion
Re: Michelle On Elvis
Michelle V.'s hateful letter about Elvis and black musicians is completely
wrong. Her family may be grounded in music theory but she knows absolutely
nothing about music history and culture.
Elvis Presley always gave full credit to the sources of the songs he
covered. And he always made sure that the songwriters (black & white)
received the money that was due to them. Songwriters fought to have Elvis
record their songs. It was money in the bank. It was a new house.
And Elvis was not the only musician that was influenced by black music.
Ever hear of Johnny Otis? Leiber & Stoller? Mose Allison? Louis Prima?
Ella Mae Morse? And Chuck Berry has always said that not only was he a fan
of C&W music, his first single was written as a country song. Nat King Cole
gave up a fairly successful R&B career to become a pop superstar.
It was a common practice for a C&W hit to be covered by a R&B artists in
those days. And it worked the other way around. Why would't a songwriter
want his song to be a hit in as many markets as possible? Elvis Presley
was able to take the same recording to the top of both charts. And nobody
was forcing black teenagers to spend their money on Elvis' records. They
wanted to have them.
While Elvis may have taken quite a bit from R&B, he took just as much from
C&W. Anyone that can't hear the blending of both styles of music in Elvis'
music really needs to listen to it again. With an open mind this time.
Elvis and most of the early rock & rollers were not stealing from anyone.
They were sharing the music with each other. Because of the early rockers
ability to ignore skin color, the charts of 1956 were a lot less segregated
then the music charts of 1950. Or the charts of 2002.
~~ Kip
Both you & Michelle have valid points. But, when I said ''her family is firmly grounded in the realm of jazz, and be-bop, specifically,'' I wasn't implying
it in theory, or a book-learnin' way. Her dad not only played with Stan Kenton, but also had his own orchestra. He can legitimately be mentioned in the same breath as both Kenton and Raeburn as a Progressive. That's being
fairly entrenched in the 'culture' from my point of view.
While not trying to put words in her mouth, I believe her experience also includes some incredibly gifted musicians who never got their big break (or even a little one), and how sad when a 'chosen one' squanders his gift.
Your concept of 'sharing' is interesting. Would seem to me that Chuck Berry might appreciate more residuals than 'credit.'
And speaking of ripping off, how about what Col. Tom Parker did to Elvis? 50% off the top. And don't forget a tip of the Stetson to Dr. Nick, too.
Isn't there more than a bit of irony that Elvis (the drug addict) offered his services to Richard Nixon (the crook)?
So far as a color line, wasn't C&W 'colorblind' til Charley Pride? Oh, they'd rip off - er - borrow a 'beat' or a riff - er - I mean 'share'.
Nat 'King' Cole's TV show in the late-50's was cancelled not for lack of audience, but a lack of sponsors. Talent that 'never' did TV did his show. It made no difference.
Basically, it seems to me that most American music does share with other American music forms to some degree. And that's fine (I'm just grateful Gregorian chants aren't part of it), because we all get something from the experience.
Personally, I see all this 25th death anniversary as being the best handled PR stunt of the decade (so far).
Reader Response
Re: Elvis
To add to that, the worst part was watching journalistic standards go swirling down the commode. I realize that the dog-days of summer are traditionally slow-news days, but an entire WEEK devoted to this drivel? On
every conceivable channel? The 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor didn't get this much coverage. I thought the Princess Diana fiasco was the epitome of excess 'til this bloated excuse for news reared its' fried banana 'n peanut
butter sandwich head. Tho' I tried my infinitesimal best to use my remote to ward off the evil, everywhere I switched had the slug.
Looming war w/Iraq, Middle East foment, corporate fraud, economic woes, UN report on the state of the planet's continuing demise, --- those and more immediate stories left languishing on back pages to make room for this craven
indulgence. And we wonder why even our allies are back-pedaling from us as fast as they can.
Michelle V
In The Chaos Household
Last Night
Was so overcast the sun never broke through til after 3. Was back under cloud cover by 6pm. No need to even turn on a fan today.
Momma cat is home, and while a bit tuckered, she's going to be OK.
It's 'Camp-Out, Night 2' in the backyard. Tonight the boys are having tacos. Going to get up early & do French Toast. Have a great recipe where you leave the bread to soak up
all the good stuff in a pan over night in the fridge. Just have to roll out of bed, fire up the oven & try to wake up...LOL
So, in looking over the tv schedules, I'm alarmed at a vile new trend here in LA. UPN, channel 13, and the local Faux outlet are simulcasting programming Sunday afternoon,
and none of it is worth simulcasting. An episode of 'Different World', for example? Effing A! This is what the FCC sees as wise use of the airwaves? Talk about a lack of variety...Koresh, it
doesn't even matter if you change the channel. And now with the CBS / KCAL duopoly, the spectrum keeps getting smaller, not larger. This does not bode well for the future of broadcasting.
Tonight, Sunday, as usual, CBS starts the night with '60 Minutes'. Next is a rerun of 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' and then the movie 'Three Blind Mice'.
NBC opens with 'Dateline', then 2 rerun of 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' and then a fresh Crime & Punishment'.
ABC has 2 hours of pre-taped 'X Games' then reruns of 'Alias' and 'The Practice'.
The WB has 2 reruns of 'For Your Love', then reruns of 'Charmed' and 'Angel'.
Faux has reruns of 'Futurama', 'Greg The Bunny', 'Simpsons', 'King Of The Hill', and then back-to-back reruns of 'Malcolm'.
UPN has reruns of 'Enterprise' and 'Stargate SG-1'.
Anna Nicole on E! at 10pm (edt).
'The Osbournes' on MTV at 10:30 pm (edt).
Anyone have any opinions?
Or reviews?
(See below for addresses)
Sings Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Sting & Eagles
Johnny Cash
For those who thought Johnny Cash recording songs by Soundgarden and Beck a few years ago mind-blowing, wait'll they hear the Man In Black's forthcoming American IV: The Man Comes Around, which
includes covers of Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails.
The album, scheduled for release November 5 on American Recordings/Island Def Jam, is Cash's fourth collaboration with producer Rick Rubin. The 15 tracks mix new versions of Cash's own songs and his
interpretations of material that includes Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus," Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt," Sting's "I Hang My Head," the Beatles' "In My Life," and the Ink Spots' "We'll Meet Again."
The set is loaded with guest stars, including Don Henley, who sings on a version of the Eagles' "Desperado." Aussie Nick Cave adds his somber touch to Hank Williams's "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and
Fiona Apple appears on a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water,"
All all-star roster of musicians are featured on the release, including keyboardist Billy Preston, stringed instrument pickers Randy Scruggs and Marty Stuart, guitarist John Frusciante of the Red Hot
Chili Peppers, and keyboardist Benmont Tench and guitarist Mike Campbell from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
Johnny Cash
Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones arrives for a surprise concert for up to 1,000 fans at the the Palais Royale in Toronto, Canada on Friday, Aug. 16, 2002.
Photo by J.P. Moczulski
Urn Tour Earns Enmity
Anna Nicole
The war of words between former Playboy centerfold Anna Nicole Smith and the son of her late oil tycoon husband is heating up.
The flare-up came after Smith gave an urn containing half of J. Howard Marshall's ashes a tour of her home on a recent episode of E! Entertainment Television's "The Anna Nicole Show."
"This is the fireplace. See?" Smith said, holding back tears as she cradled a box containing the urn. "This is the kitchen. Food. I have money now."
A judge in 1995 ruled that Marshall's cremated remains should be split evenly between Smith and Marshall's son, E. Pierce Marshall.
With a smear of lipstick on his face, attorney Howard K. Stern accompanied Smith on the tour.
Said Marshall in a statement: "I think the public will conclude that this plus-sized model and her lipstick-covered attorney don't have an ounce of decency or credibility between them."
Shot back Stern, also in a statement: "E. Pierce should just pay the money he owes, mind his own business and let Anna Nicole move on with her life."
Anna Nicole
Rolling Stones
Keith Richards
Keith Richards, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, is reflected in his limousine window at lower right, as he acknowledges fans waiting to attend a surprise concert for up to 1,000 fans
at the the Palais Royale in Toronto, on Friday, Aug. 16, 2002.
Photo by J.P. Moczulski
Supportive Parents
John Waters
John Waters, who directed "Hairspray," was happy his parents came from Baltimore to see the stage version of his 1988 movie classic. Waters said that 30 years ago, his dad financed his
first big hit, the raunchy "Pink Flamingos," but was so horrified by the bad reviews he'd never seen the film. The parents partied at Roseland with the likes of AOL Time Warner chairman
Dick Parsons, whose New Line Cinema will make many millions in royalties; Matthew Broderick, with a thin mustache; Sarah Jessica Parker, looking ready to burst; Diane Sawyer and Mike
Nichols; Nathan Lane; Rosie O'Donnell; Lou Reed, and Patty Hearst Shaw, who has appeared in five of Waters' movies.
John Waters
Liberal Radio !
Erin Hart
Liberal radio - what a concept!
Join Erin Hart at regulation time (10 pm to 1 am [pst] Sunday on www.710kiro.com or www.kiro710.com (It's
a browser thing).
This week, Erin subs for Bryan Suits, Thursday and Friday (8/22 & 8/23) from 9 pm to 1 am (pdt).
There's a chatroom, but NO MORE STREAMING AUDIO!. Boo. Hiss.
For more details, visit Erin's fan page (courtesy of 14Dem), http://erinistas.com/, or to join her mailing list, drop a
note to erinistas@aol.com
Leads Hometown Parade In Newark, Ohio
Wayne Newton
This central Ohio city said "Danke Schoen" as Wayne Newton came home to lead its bicentennial parade.
The Las Vegas entertainer — best known for the thankful hit — greeted fans and received a key to the city from Mayor Frank Stare as grand marshal of
Friday's parade, which an estimated 25,000 people attended.
"Whoever it was who said you can't go home again just never went to Newark, because this is one of the highlights of my life," Newton said.
Newton, 60, who lived in Newark as a child in the 1950s, said he didn't immediately recognize anything.
Newton said his aunt and uncle, who still live in Newark, encouraged him to lead the parade.
Wayne Newton
Hails Elvis Fans
Lisa Marie Presley
Elvis Presley's daughter took the stage long enough to introduce a song she had written for her father at a concert marking the 25th anniversary of his death.
A nervous Lisa Marie Presley, who strongly resembles her father, appeared for about a minute at Friday's concert. She said she would not sing the song but that a recording of it would be
played for the audience of 14,000 cheering fans.
In the mournful rock number, Lisa Marie told her father she wished she had had more time with him and that no one had noticed the trials he endured.
"I wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten," she sang. "You made me. I love you. You're still lovely. You were lovely then."
This year's festivities marking Elvis' death on Aug. 16, 1977, at Graceland have drawn the largest gathering of fans — an estimated 35,000 — since Presley died.
Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie, and her new husband Nicholas Cage secretly visited Graceland early Friday morning and watched from the mansion windows as fans carried candles
to Elvis' grave in an all-night vigil. They were unseen by the crowd as they entered and left.
They then made a brief stop at Elvis Presley's Memphis, a restaurant and night club on Beale Street, where they watched revelers from the privacy of a VIP area.
Lisa Marie Presley
In The Kitchen With BartCop & Friends
Brother Sues Hendrix Estate
Leon Hendrix
The brother of rock icon Jimi Hendrix filed suit Friday to gain what he considers his fair share of Hendrix's estate.
Hendrix died more than three decades ago at the height of his career. His legacy was controlled by his father, Al Hendrix, who died in April at age 82, leaving nearly everything to his adopted daughter.
In the father's will, Janie Hendrix was given control of Experience Hendrix LLC and the Hendrix estate, worth about $150 million to $240 million. Leon Hendrix got a souvenir gold record.
The suit argues the will and living trust are invalid because Al Hendrix signed them under Janie's undue influence.
"It's my legacy and heritage," said Hendrix, a struggling artist and musician who has lived in his late brother's shadow for decades.
Leon Hendrix
Rolling Stones
Ron Wood
Ron Wood, guitarist for the Rolling Stones arrives to play a surprise concert for up to 1,000 fans at the the Palais Royale in Toronto, on Friday, Aug. 16, 2002.
Photo by J.P. Moczulski
Campaigns for ADHD
Christopher Knight
Christopher Knight played the rambunctious, jittery middle brother on the 1970s sitcom "The Brady Bunch" and says it was perfect casting.
"Peter definitely had ADHD," says Knight, now 44, who learned he had an attention deficit disorder five years ago.
Knight says he had difficulty focusing and speaking slowly, symptoms that went undiagnosed until he sought medical help for depression after his brother's suicide in 1997.
Now Knight is lending his voice to a national awareness campaign about ADHD, which usually is diagnosed in childhood but can last a lifetime.
Christopher Knight
Honored for AIDS Work
Danny Glover
Actor and human rights activist Danny Glover has been honored by the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund for his efforts to combat AIDS in Africa.
The 55-year-old star of "The Royal Tenenbaums" and the "Lethal Weapon" movies accepted the Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award, named for a Wilcox County
civil-rights activist, at Birmingham's Civil Rights Institute on Thursday.
The organization supports the rights of farmers and rural cooperatives in the South's Black Belt.
Glover said he was honored to receive the award because his grandparents were Georgia farmers.
Danny Glover
BartCop TV!
Witnesses Prague Flooding
Sean Connery
Sean Connery had a front-row seat for the devastation wrought by flooding in Prague.
"I don't know if the world realizes the depth of the disaster," said Connery, the star of "Dr. No" and other James Bond movies. The 71-year-old actor has been in the
Czech capital since June to film "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," a historic thriller.
City officials have described the flooding as the worst in Prague in 175 years.
"The magnitude of it won't be complete until you see the destruction," Connery told reporters Thursday. "I have to just say how sorry one is to see all this (damage)."
Sean Connery
Rolling Stones
Charlie Watts
Buys $10 Million Worth Of Disney Stock
Michael Eisner
In a series of recent purchases, Walt Disney Co. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Eisner has scooped up just over $10 million worth of the company's stock, according to a federal filing.
Eisner, who is under pressure to restore Disney's earnings growth and turnaround its slumping stock, bought 725,700 shares at an average price of $13.94 a share on Wednesday, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
"Mr. Eisner's investment demonstrates his personal confidence in the company's direction and prospects for growth over the long term," the company said in a statement.
Earlier this month, Disney said it expected its current, fiscal fourth quarter earnings to be weaker than had been expected due primarily to slowing admissions at theme parks in the weak economy.
Michael Eisner
Not to be too blunt, but what family of 3 wants to spend over $113 just to get through the front gate? Disney has cheaped out on the park every way it can, and it shows.
In Memory
Alfred Ligon
Alfred Ligon, the owner of the longest continuously operated black-owned book store in the nation and a valued supporter of many black writers, has died in a Los Angeles area hospital at the age of 96, friends said on Friday.
Ligon, who opened the Aquarian Book Shop in South Central Los Angeles in 1941 and made it a center for black literary and philosophical activity for 51 years, died Saturday in a Montebello, California, hospital after a brief illness. His store had to be relocated after it and its 7,000 volumes were destroyed during the devastating 1992 Los Angeles riots.
As the operator of a store that became an obligatory stop for black writers promoting books in Los Angeles, Ligon was a well-known figure in Los Angeles' African-American community. Among those who held book-signing sessions at the Aquarian over the years were Maya Angelou, Alex Haley, Ossie Davis, John Henrik Clarke and Lerone Bennett.
The store also came to be regarded as an intellectual beacon which, in the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, introduced young activists to black history and thought.
"When I first started going to book stores I was amazed to see all the works of James Baldwin on one shelf in B. Dalton," said James Fugate, co-owner of Esowon Book Store, a competitor to the Aquarian in South Central Los Angeles. "But you never found black history. To go into a store like Aquarian and see all of those books displayed, even if you weren't looking for history or philosophy, opened your eyes to a whole different world."
Poet and gallery manager Kamau Daa'ood said the store had changed his own life. "For years I passed by the Aquarian and thought it was a fish store," he said. "Then I found out it was not only a bookstore but they held classes there."
Ligon and his wife conducted black history classes at the store, and it became a staging area for local civil rights groups. Ligon had a lifelong interest in metaphysics and spirituality, founding the Aquarian Spiritual Center, which promoting esoteric spiritual studies.
He had to call upon that spiritual devotion to ease his distress when the Aquarian was destroyed during the riots that followed the acquittal of police officers charged in the beating of black motorist Rodney King.
Ligon ultimately decided that the burning of the store and its books was part of a larger cycle of destruction and renewal. "I realized that these things had to be destroyed to give one an opportunity to move to a higher stage," he said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
The store reopened in a strip mall shortly afterwards, with the help of $70,000 raised by Angelou, novelist Alice Walker and others. But it closed its doors for good in 1994, after Ligon's wife, Bernice, was diagnosed with liver cancer.
Ligon was born in 1906 in Atlanta, Georgia. After moving to Chicago in his youth, he became a ballroom dance instructor and printer's apprentice. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1936 and opened the Aquarian with money he had saved from working as a waiter on the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Ligon was skilled at guiding his customers. "The most ragged itinerant was treated with as much respect and elegance as well-dressed professionals and academics who came in there," Angelou told the Los Angeles Times. But he could be brusque or impatient with those he saw as intellectually lazy, friends said.
"He and his wife were really a pair," Daa'ood said. "She sort of softened his hard edges."
Alfred Ligon
'The Osbournes'
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