On Sunday evening (June 27th), Prince was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2010 BET Awards. He also was treated to a rousing medley of some of his greatest hits by the all-star lineup of Janelle Monae, Esperanza Spalding, Alicia Keys, and Patti LaBelle.
Here's his acceptance speech, which followed the musical tribute:
Lena Horne - a pioneer in stage, screen, and music - died yesterday (May 9th) at the age of 92.
Born to parents of African-American, European, and Native American descent, Lena Horne began her entertainment career as a 16-year-old dancer in Harlem's famous Cotton Club. From there, she performed as a jazz singer in the New York nightclub scene, ultimately becoming the first African-American singer to tour with an all-white band.
Horne eventually relocated to Hollywood, where she pursued her acting career. She became the first African-American to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio. She is best known for her work in the films Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather, both of which were released in 1943.
Over the years, however, Horne grew disillusioned by the film industry, and how she was used in films. In addition, she was blacklisted by Hollywood during the 1950's because of her involvement in the civil rights movement, and because of her associations with civil rights activists such as Paul Robeson. She eventually went back to her roots, performing again in nightclubs, and focusing on her recording career.
In 1981, she won a Tony Award for her one-woman show on Broadway, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, which chronicled her early life and her nearly 50 years in show business at that time, and the challenges she faced.
Perhaps Lena Horne's most lasting legacy, aside from her talent, is as a trailblazer, and how she paved the way for so many other African-Americans in the entertainment industry. She will truly be missed.
R&B singer-songwriter Amel Larrieux is 36 years old today (March 8th).
Her first claim to fame was as one half of the successful 90's duo Groove Theory, teaming up with producer Bryce Wilson.
After leaving Groove Theory in 1999, she went on to pursue her solo career, producing four albums (Infinite Possibilities, Bravebird, Morning, and Lovely Standards).
Larrieux's music is an eclectic mix of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, hip-hop, folk, and gospel, and is very much a reflection of her diverse cultural background (her mother is African-American, and her father is of French, English, and Scottish descent).
Currently, she has her own independent music label, Blisslife Records, and she recently released a new single, "Orange Glow," which hit stores on March 3rd. She's also working on her fifth studio album.
Official Blisslife Records Web site: http://www.blisslife.com
Amel Larrieux's Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amel_Larrieux
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