' By Jacquelyn D. Heath Special to The Milwaukee Times Between 1940 and the mid-1960’s. there were few recording artists – black or white – who enjoyed a worldwide fan base. There were even fewer who were recognizable simply by the sound of their voice or were on a first-name-only basis with the public. Nat “King” Cole was all of that. The life, career and music … [Read more...] about ‘Unforgettable’ recalls life, career of music icon Nat ‘King’ Cole
Arts and Entertainment
‘The Woman King’ slays with overperforming $19-million debut and A+ CinemaScore
Though the box office slump continues, it looks like the worst is over. The weekend’s $48.5-million overall box office is the fourth worst of the year, but it's around a 13 percent increase from last weekend’s $42.3-million, which was the year’s second worst weekend and may turn out to be the season’s weakest. This weekend is the first in September to perform better than the … [Read more...] about ‘The Woman King’ slays with overperforming $19-million debut and A+ CinemaScore
Black women in TV won big at the 2022 Emmys
The Emmys returned to Los Angeles for another year on September 12, 2022, celebrating the best of television over the last year. Some of the biggest names in showbiz were in attendance, from Zendaya to Laverne Cox, RuPaul and Michelle Visage, Lizzo, Murray Bartlett, Jennifer Coolidge and many more. The stars took to the yellow carpet to commemorate another year of … [Read more...] about Black women in TV won big at the 2022 Emmys
Mary Alice, ‘A Different World’ and ‘Sparkle’ actress, dead at 85: ‘A Shoulder We All Stood On’
Mary Alice, the actress best known for her roles in A Different World and Sparkle, has died. She was 85. Alice died on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at her home in Manhattan, a spokesperson for the NYPD confirmed. A cause of death was not provided. The actress's death was also confirmed by "one of her close friends," according to Philip Lewis of HuffPost, who announced the … [Read more...] about Mary Alice, ‘A Different World’ and ‘Sparkle’ actress, dead at 85: ‘A Shoulder We All Stood On’
Nichelle Nichols, trailblazing ‘Star Trek’ actress, dies at 89
Actress and singer Nichelle Nichols, best known for her groundbreaking portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura in "Star Trek: The Original Series," has died at age 89, according to a statement from her son, Kyle Johnson. "Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, … [Read more...] about Nichelle Nichols, trailblazing ‘Star Trek’ actress, dies at 89
The Esquires II perform at Summer Sounds
On Thursday, July 14, 2022, the Uihlein Soccer Park Summer Sounds featured Esquires II, the children of the famous Milwaukee group “Esquires”. The Esquires II performed songs from the Temptations, Aretha Franklin, the Stylistics, the Rolling Stones, and others. The group ended with their family’s #1 Hit Song “Get On Up”. On August 25, 2022, the Esquires II will be … [Read more...] about The Esquires II perform at Summer Sounds
Blues Alright presents the ‘9th Annual Milwaukee Blues Festival’
On Friday April 9, 2022, Blues Alright presented the "9th Annual Milwaukee Blues Festival" at the Miller High Life Theater, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., featuring various blues acts from Mississippi and Memphis, including Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, Willie Clayton, Sir Charles, and Bobby Rush. They played to a sold-out crowd and Willie Clayton did a special tribute to Prince. … [Read more...] about Blues Alright presents the ‘9th Annual Milwaukee Blues Festival’
How Questlove’s ‘Summer of Soul’ win got lost in Oscars’ ugliest moment
The winner of this year’s Oscar for documentary feature was “Summer of Soul ( … or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),” Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s sublime, ecstatic film about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Few were surprised; even fewer seemed to take notice. For those in the Dolby Theatre and those of us watching at home, Questlove’s speech was drowned out … [Read more...] about How Questlove’s ‘Summer of Soul’ win got lost in Oscars’ ugliest moment
Singer Traci Braxton of ‘Family Values’ dies of esophageal cancer at 50
Singer Traci Braxton, who appeared on the reality series "Braxton Family Values" with her sisters, including Grammy- winner Toni, died Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 50, her family said. "We have come to a time where we must inform the public that after a year of privately undergoing a series of treatment for esophageal cancer, our beloved Traci Braxton has gone on to glory," … [Read more...] about Singer Traci Braxton of ‘Family Values’ dies of esophageal cancer at 50
Legendary Vogue editor André Leon Talley dies at 73
The larger-than-life figure was hugely influential both at American Vogue, where he worked for three decades, and in the fashion world at large. André Leon Talley, former Vogue editor and a force to be reckoned with in the world of fashion, has passed away at the age of 73. Reports state that Talley died at a hospital in White Plains, NY. Talley’s career is … [Read more...] about Legendary Vogue editor André Leon Talley dies at 73