The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction, ruling that his second prosecution for filing a false police report violated his constitutional rights. The court determined that Smollett was unjustly prosecuted after an earlier agreement with state prosecutors had resolved the charges.
Renowned dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison, who led the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for over two decades, passed away on Saturday in New York at 81. Jamison’s death occurred at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center after a brief illness, according to Christopher Zunner, managing director of public relations at the dance company.
Quincy Jones, the record producer, arranger, and cultural trailblazer whose influence spanned more than seven decades, has died at 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed his death in a statement, noting that Jones died peacefully at his home in Bel Air. The statement did not specify the cause.
Usually, the Dead of the Dead, Dia De Los Muertos celebrations are held the first couple of days on November 1st and 2nd, 2024. The Annual Dia De Los Muertos Cultural Festival returned to the Inglewood Park Cemetery on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
This past weekend, Crenshaw Boulevard, affectionately known as “The Shaw,” drew several hundred thousand people to celebrate the Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, October 19, 2024. There was a buzz of excitement as the most anticipated event of Fall finally arrived.
Whitney Houston fans around the world are in for a rare treat as Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, in collaboration with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, brings Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) to audiences on November 8. The release marks the first time that fans can own a live album and concert film of the music icon, showcasing Houston’s historic performance in post-apartheid South Africa.
The pioneering rap group 2 Live Crew, known for pushing the boundaries of free speech, has successfully regained control of their iconic music catalog after a decisive court victory. Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, the group’s frontman, celebrated in a video posted to social media. “We got all of our [stuff] back from Lil’ Joe Weinberger,” Campbell exclaimed. “All of it.” The decision marks the end of a years-long battle over rights to some of the most controversial and influential music in hip-hop history, including albums such as As Nasty As They Wanna Be.
John Amos, the Emmy-nominated actor and pioneering television star who brought to life some of the most beloved characters in entertainment history, has died. He was 84. His son, K.C. Amos, confirmed in a statement that Amos passed away more than a month ago, on August 21, in Los Angeles of natural causes. The younger Amos didn’t say why he kept his father’s death under wraps for more than a month.
Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, has filed a lawsuit against his former bandmate Lauryn Hill and MLH Touring, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case 1:24-cv-07403). The complaint, filed this morning, alleges fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract concerning The Fugees’ 2023 reunion tour.
Rapper T.I. and singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris have emerged victorious in a major lawsuit against toy company MGA Entertainment, securing a $71 million judgment. The couple, alongside their music group OMG Girlz, accused MGA of violating their intellectual property rights by copying the group’s image and style for the company’s popular L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls.
The wait is over for hip-hop fans and music lovers— the iconic MC Lyte has dropped her highly anticipated album, 1 of 1, marking her triumphant return after a decade-long hiatus. The album, whose producer is Grammy Award-winning Warryn Campbell, is a celebration of hip-hop, harmony, and artistry. The star-studded project features collaborations with some of the biggest legends in the industry, including Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Common, Mary Mary, Big Daddy Kane, Salt, and Raheem DeVaughn, among others.
Prince fans and those in the late icon’s sphere knew well the tantalizing and provocative dance moves and background vocals of Catherine Vernice Glover. Recognized worldwide as Cat, the extraordinary dancer, choreographer, and singer who achieved legendary status through her collaborations with Prince, Glover died at 60. Glover’s death was announced via her official Facebook page, where a brief statement asked for privacy during this difficult time. No cause of death was provided.
Jubilant shouts of joy and excitement filled the air as word spread for the triumphant return of Jazz at Drew, in fall 2024.
Stevie Wonder has announced that he’s bringing a message of “joy over anger” this fall with his “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour. The 10-show run begins on October 8 in Pittsburgh and concludes on October 30 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This tour arrives at a crucial junction in American politics, and Wonder said he’s seeking to inspire unity and healing.
As we reported earlier this month, Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to dominate the entertainment industry, with his various projects collectively surpassing $2 billion in global ticket sales. The King of Pop’s influence remains unmatched, from groundbreaking concert films to sold-out Broadway shows, making his the most successful celebrity estate ever. Ironically, the greater its success the more it has faced attempts from those seeking to shake down the Estate for money.
Excitement was in the air, on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The occasion was the annual Lawndale Blues Festival, In Jane Addams Park, 15114 Firmona Avenue.
A large crowd of music lovers descended upon Leimert Park Village for the 2nd Annual Barbara Morrison Jazz & Blues Festival, presented by the California Jazz & Blues Museum. This year’s festival presented an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
Frankie Beverly, the iconic frontman of the soul, R&B, and funk band Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news in a devastating post on social media. “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” the family wrote. “During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.”
Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5, has died at the age of 70. The Jackson 5, which included Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s with timeless hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There,” reshaping the music scene and turning the group into teen heartthrobs.
James Earl Jones, the legendary actor whose deep, resonant voice became synonymous with some of the most iconic characters in film history, passed away today at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93.
