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Media Questions Of The Week

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Is the new music market shrinking? 

Is Anita Baker officially un-retired now that she has a Las Vegas residency? 

What made Howard Hewett publicly apologize to Jody Watley after 40 years?



Throwback: Shalamar-This Is For The Lover In You

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Shalamar’s reputation as exclusive makers of party music was challenged in 1980 with the release of “This Is For The Lover In You.” The group was known for their feel-good songs like “Take That To The Bank,” “Uptown Festival, ” “Right In The Socket” and “Second Time Around.” As the brainchild of SOLAR Records founder and Soul Train booking agent Dick Griffey and Soul Train’s creator Don Cornelius, Shalamar was originally intended to make dance music. Group member Howard Hewett and songwriter Dana Meyers co-wrote “This Is For The Lover In You” which revealed Shalamar’s ability to deliver a ballad. Three For Love was their fourth album and was seen as the highest point in their creativity. “Make That Move” was the leading hit single from the album but “This Is For The Lover In You” became a “wedding song” and would be Shalamar’s entry into subsequent generations. Babyface made his own version in 1996 and got the classic lineup of Hewett, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel on it with LL Cool J. They all performed the song together that year on the UK’s Top of The Pops. Shalamar recorded 10 albums collectively with various members before breaking up in 1990.  Jody Watley left the group and went solo and became a Grammy-winning pop star before the decade was over. Howard Hewett disbanded from Shalamar to become a platinum-selling R&B singer. Jeffrey Daniel taught Michael Jackson how to moonwalk and worked as a choreographer with Vanessa Williams, Sheena Easton, Paul McCartney and more. He became a judge for Nigerian Idol in 2010. Hewett, Daniel and Griffey’s daughter Carolyn still tour as Shalamar.

 

 



Kashif Home Going Celebration

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[youtube id=”7DcSQgo3Kgw”] [youtube id=”KcES-MmvQcc”] [youtube id=”EFaOMuRPp0I”] Kashif passed in September after decades of creating his innovative R&B that shaped the sound of the ’80’s.  The Los Angeles Sentinel attended his home going celebration and filmed his friends speaking about him and the musical performances. Dawnn Lewis sang “Unforgettable” and Howard Hewett performed “Good Bye Good Friend.”



Actress Vivica A. Fox and R&B Balladeer Howard Hewett To Highlight 2016 DNC Watch Party Celebrating the Black Vote

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VivicaA.FoxHowardHewett1

Philadelphia, PA – The city of Brotherly Love will declare more than liberty onTuesday, July 26, 2016 when a convergence of trendsetters, elected officials, labor and civil rights leaders descend upon the city and partake in the DogonVillage.com 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) Watch Party. Heralded as the ‘must attend’ side event of the Democratic Convention, “Independence Day: Resurgence” star, actress Vivica A. Fox will host the affair, alongside the Chair of the Darby Township Democratic Party, Richard Womack Jr. R&B’s smoothest balladeer, Grammy award winning singer, Howard Hewett will perform. Planned as a resounding “Celebration of the Black Vote,” there will be a special tribute to the dean of the civil rights movement, Rev. Dr. Joseph E Lowery, and Samuel Staten Jr., vice president of LIUNA will also be honored.
The festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end at 12:30 a.m. at Penns Landing Caterers Ballroom,  1301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. in Philadelphia. 

Rev. Dr. Joseph E Lowery
Rev. Dr. Joseph E Lowery

 

 

Confirmed attendance includes: Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH); Congresswoman Corrine Brown (FL); Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman, George “G. K.” Butterfield (NC); Assistant Democratic Leader, Congressman James Clyburn (SC); Congressman David Scott (GA); woman’s rights leader, Melanie L. Campbell; civil rights attorney, Barbara Arnwine; and civil rights leader, Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Award-winning journalist, Roland S. Martin will bring his crew from TV One’s News One Now with Roland Martinand Joe Madison The Black Eagle will broadcast live from the event on SiriusXM Urban View Ch 126 from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Samuel Staten Jr.
Samuel Staten Jr.

Ryan N. Boyer, business manager for Laborers’ District Council of Philadelphia & Vicinity, the Presenting Sponsor of the Watch Party states, “It’s an honor to celebrate those who fought for our right to vote, the hard-working individuals getting people to the polls, and most importantly, voters.”  Boyer continues, “We will also honorSamuel Staten Jr., – who was recently appointed vice president of Laborers’ International Union of North America - for his outstanding contribution to increasing Black voter participation.”

Produced by Edrea Davis, the founder of DogonVillage.com, the oldest Black-oriented website focused on digital advocacy, the nonpartisan celebration will project a live stream from the convention floor so guests can assess how  important issues related to the Black community are addressed.  “Our civil rights leaders made huge sacrifices to make sure every citizen can vote. Their work created opportunities for people of color and women to become elected officials and led to the election of President Barack Obama. We are celebrating past leaders and those tenacious activists continuing to protect the right of all Americans to cast a ballot. We are thrilled to have Vivica A. Fox and Howard Hewett among this prestigious gathering of influential minds.”
DNC Watch Party sponsors include: Laborers Local 332,   Tri State Design Construction Company, and Transport Workers Union of America.
To join the celebration, become a sponsor, purchase a table or tickets, visitwww.dogonvillage.com, email production@dogonvillage.com,  @dogonvillage on Twitter or Instagram, or call 770.961.6200.