Woman of Interest: Rue McClanahan (1934-2010)

I will let this genius speak for herself...bye for now dear Blanche...I hope you rest well on that Lanai in the sky...

He's BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! JAMIE LIDELL

So excited...
Check him out...he won't disappoint: http://jamielidell.com/

Woman of Interest: Mrs. Cherry Wyley (September 6, 1923-April 3, 2010)

My dear Aunt Cherry passed away this past Saturday. I was fortunate enough to spend the last fours of her life with her. Not only will the moment when I realized she was about to take her last breathe stay with me for the rest of my life, but I will cherish all the moments we had together; especially the Sunday afternoon dinners with Mrs. Green and crew. I've known Aunt Cherry my entire life, but we became really close about ten years ago just before my Uncle Ed (her hubby) passed away in 2000. We were really like two peas and a pod! LOL! Everyday I realize how much I am like her in so many ways: feisty, ambitious, loyal and about our business (among other things)!

Words cannot express what she has meant to me over the years. She's dropped so many pearls of wisdom and surrounded me with so much love and support...it just warms my heart to think about hearing her raspy voice...so Brooklyn...so Black Jewish lady! LOL! Aunt Cherry loved her Matzahs! Although I will miss her, I am happy that she is in a better place with the loves of her life: her Lord and her Ed.

One of my favorite Cherry Wyley sayings is what she told me she used to say to Uncle Ed all the time, "Love me less, understand me more!" YES! I could not have put it better or more plainly. Every time I hear that...I think to myself, "Aunt Cherry gets me and I get her! That's why I love her so and she loves me."

Aunt Cherry...I love you and already miss you terribly but I am so glad that you stopped by this way a little while to show us how this life thing should be done...to the fullest! I think I am going to hit up some conventions and take some cruises in your honor...I may even finally learn how to play Pinochle and the rules of parliamentary procedure! You were good at and knowledgeable of so many things and did not take anybody's junk but you also knew how to really have fun...even when you were not feeling your best. Not only that, I admire the way you shared your love with us (me, son Stevie and others) and sang hymns and praises even until the very end. You were and continue to be a shining example to me...I will never, ever forget you. Truly, we are all going to miss you because the work you've done will continue to speak for you. Rest in Peace...

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Woman of Interest: Ms. Jackson (if your nasty, of course)

I would be lying if I told you Janet Jackson was not a huge influence on me as a young performer. In fact, she was very much the prototype for a triple threat(behind Ms. Debbie Allen of course...more on her later) when I was a teenager. However, as I got older and became more "refined", I began downplaying the impact she had on me. Besides, she was "just" a pop icon and I had begun discovering greats like Sarah, Ella and Billie as a singer and Babs, Chita and Patti LuPone as a triple threat performer. Still, looking back I remember those days in the mirror "trying" to do all of Tina's choreography (especially the one in the video above! LOL!); not so much! Ironically, as a member of Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Mini-Stars, "Rhythm Nation" was one of my biggest solos; which gave me a chance to perform her dope choreography on a regular basis in front of people other than my Cabbge Patch doll! Although I was merely fifteen years old at the time, this solo is still a career highlight for me.

I could really go on and on about all of my JJ moments: the concerts, the DVDs, the cassettes then CDs...the first time I heard "That's the Way Love Goes" while sitting in the beauty salon getting my hair done for my senior prom! The bottom line is this: Ms. Janet is an icon who is very much her brother's sister...she has more than proven herself worthy of her last name...she can go toe to toe with the best of them because she resides among them in the Pantheon of American Performing Artists...I've seen her in concert...the woman is no joke....and she was Penny for goodness sake!

Unfortunately, as our pop icons get older they are forced to make decisions about their career that can either make or break them. Ms. Jackson has been no exception as she too has struggled to make the adjustment like so many of her predecessors and contemporaries. How do you continue to portray powerful and sexy at 40ish in a business that glorifies 20ishness? Who knows...no matter what...we can't deny the amazing body of work Janet has already given us. Though she continues to make the transition into her full womanly awesomeness, I am sure she has got decades worth of greatness still in her to give. I can't wait to see what she does next besides "Why Did I Get Married Too!" I aint hatin...I'ma be up in that show...#imjustsayin

Beauty Jonez #1: Burt's Bee Repair Serum

Yesterday I made an innocent trip to Rickys NYC for some Hair Rules Kinky Curling Cream and Rosebud Lip Salve and just happened upon this fab facial product. I've only used it once but honey it's already everything to me! And to top it all off I got it for 50% off...$9.99...now that will have a girl Beauty Jonezin' fo' sho! It smells delish...all natural...my face is glowing but not greasy...no reapplication necessary and its nearly 7PM...in a word, it is pure AWESOMENESS.
Try it...K? Until next time...stay beautiful on your own terms...;-)

Woman of Interest: Lorez Alexandria

A few years ago I stumbled upon the treasure that is Lorez Alexandria. Her career was relatively short lived compared to her contemporaries in jazz vocals but her impact is yet strong...at least on me. My views on music and jazz and what it means to be a woman in music have not been the same since finding this gem. I am a different woman and a different kind of singer as a result. Enjoy...



For more information, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorez_Alexandria

Happy New Year +35 days!!!

I am the worst...I know...I am late for New Years! I know, I know...this post is WAY overdue. Excuses are not my thing but I have to say...I was in a major crisis at the top of the year. I had a 20 page paper due and my entire premise collapsed by page 5! So...I totally freaked and made a big deal of the paper as if it were my PhD dissertation. I really need to stop being so hard on myself. That's so 2009!

Anyways...I am sooooooo excited about the...errr...next 11 or so months! I have so much I want to do. For starters:

1. I want to finish out the first year of this anthro grad program with decent grades (need funding!)
2. Finish writing, recording and release my sophomore album
3. Continue tricking out my apartment so I can feel more like a grown up and less like an overgrown undergrad
4. Another maturation issue: better control over my finances...
5. Stop being such a fear monger! ARGH! So not cute...
6. Get started on a research project which may shape up to be my doctoral focus (or not)
7. Get my french going...I've got to get beyond these measly table manners
8. MORE WRITING (Submit for some journals, blogs, sites, conferences, etc.)

Not a bad start, eh?

I am super hopeful about everything. I am not sure if I will get everything done but I am going to keep working while I am waiting. ACTION!

P.S. I chose this pic of lovely Ms. Grier because it just says beauty and empowerment and looking ahead to me. I love!

Woman of Interest: Bette Davis

Simply the best...

Gotta find my CORNER OF THE SKY...

Seu Jorge: NO WORDS...JUST LOOK & LISTEN...YUM!

Woman of Interest: Patricia J. Williams

(photo courtesy of of www.drexel.edu)

Inspiration comes to me from the darnedest places...music...books...films...everyday life...presentations by Law professors!

I have know of my Woman of Interest for the week, Patricia J. Williams for years. I knew she was a prominent legal scholar and recipient of the distinguished MacArthur Fellowship. However, it was not until last week that I had the honor of witnessing her genius in person. I went to a panel discussion about the work of Édouard Glissant at my alma mater, NYU. What an amazing evening...I fell in love over and over again with everyone in the room. But Ms. Williams really struck me with her elegant speech, humility and grace. While everyone else on the all-male panel decided to take a more prepared academic approach to their presentation, Ms. Williams just told a story...one which made an impression on everyone in the room. Surely I could go on and on about my geek crush on this amazing woman, but alas I will allow you to find your own way to her greatness!

For more information, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_J._Williams

Woman of Interest: Paula Kelly

Hey y'all...I know it has been a minute since I've shared a "Woman of Interest" with you. So without further adieu, it is my esteemed pleasure to introduce the incomparable: Paula Kelly.

She is a singer, dancer and actress...a black beauty...and another woman I want to be when I grow up. I could go on and on about this immense talent...but I can show you better than I can tell you. Check her out in action with another fierce lady: Chita Rivera (love her!) in "Sweet Charity":



For more information on Paula Kelly, click here.

Why aren't you married? Are you at least thinking about it?

"It's not good for a woman to be alone."

If this question applies to you or has been asked of you...please feel free to weigh in with comments. I am keeping this one simple and with little explanation. I will tell you why a little later! ;-)

Woman of Interest: Marian Wright Edelman

Hi kids...sorry it's been a minute. I have been running in and out of town! My last trip to Little Rock is actually the inspiration for this post. I spent 4 days with some really great youth and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since. So in honor of my new found love for young people (LOL! Just kidding...I always love the kids!)...my Woman of Interest for this week is none other than Mrs. Marian Wright Edelman, founder and CEO of The Children's Defense Fund.

Working with, fellowshipping amongst, and advocating on behalf of some beautiful young people between the ages of 12-18 this past week has been such a blessing to me. I must admit that many of them seemed to be a little rough around the edges when I first encountered them....I wasn't sure how the weekend was going to go. However, once we were able to create a safe, creative, and open environment for them and gave them the opportunity to express themselves freely, their world completely opened up. Suddenly, these broken and guarded teens were smiling and happy young men and women ready to get to work! They lit up the faces of all of the adult volunteers by the end of the week and inspired us all to do bigger and greater things on their behalf.

No one exemplifies this call to service or advocates on behalf of children more or greater than Mrs. Edelman. I've read about her quite a bit over the years but I really got to know her work through the influence of one of my bffs who works for CDF in Texas. In addition to starting the CDF which she founded as a voice for poor, minority and disabled children in 1973, Mrs. Edelman was an accomplished civil rights lawyer who was the first African American admitted to the Mississippi Bar. In essence, she has been an activist for the marginalized and forgotten in every aspect of her career and life. Mrs. Edelman is the real deal y'all...she's another woman I want to be when I grow up! ;-)

For more information, click here.

"Service is the rent each of us pays for living. The only thing that lasts is what is shared with others." - MWE

A Day of Remembrance for MJ...

I am reminded by witnessing the outpour of love for MJ that you never know who you might touch with your gifts. You cannot let the haters and naysayers run you out of the game. Artistry is service to a dying world.
In life and in death, MJ has inspired me to carry out my God-given calling even when others try to make me feel less than...even when it hurts...even when I feel like giving up.
Only God can judge me...the same goes for Michael. May his soul rest in peace.

Michael Jackson
1958-2009

Woman of Interest: Phyllis Hyman (In Remembrance)

Phyllis Hyman
July 6, 1949 — June 30, 1995

Her beauty was beyond belief...her voice was so rich and her personality larger than life...to know her music was to love her.

I became a fan of Ms. Hyman as a sophomore in high school when my drama teacher showed me a clip of her singing "It Don't Mean a Thing" in the Broadway musical, Sophisticated Ladies (plus I found out that she was originally from my hometown, Pittsburgh!). Ever since that day her beautifully rich alto tone has haunted me. Along with greats like Sarah Vaughan and Anita Baker, her artistry is something that I have aspired to because all four of us possessed one similar gift: a strong lower register (as well as some nifty highs). Now if only I can get mine to sound half as glorious as Phyllis'... Unfortunately, all that talent did not help her bouts with depression and extreme sadness. I wish she knew how much she was and still is loved.

Make it your business to learn more about this American treasure and her music. For more information, click here. As a gift to her memory, purchase some of her music today. :-)

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because...

WHY MY HEART SMILED THIS MORNING...

I often find myself on a subway packed with rowdy 6th graders headed to a field trip on my morning commute and I am far too often tempted to scream on them like I was their mama! They cannot seem to sit still and talk at a normal level to save their lives. Even worse is the scene I see some afternoons outside of my office building which is a block away from two or three NYC Public High Schools. I usually find myself witnessing the sad state of affairs surrounding our young people; huge crowds of teenagers who are lost, with no direction no consideration for ANYONE including themselves. I am sometimes so angry that it scares me.
BUT this morning was different. My heart was made glad on my commute into work when I saw a full row of Black and Latino boys on the train sitting quietly...reading...intensely. I literally almost cried. I snuck a picture (I called it "The Young Cornels")...I had to capture the moment so that when I see another group of BeBes I have a memory...some hope...a glimmer of possibility to get me through.
Why is this such an anomaly in this day and age? I will do whatever I can to make sure that this is something I see everyday...maybe not in everyone...but this MUST become the RULE and not the EXCEPTION. Any ideas?

Secret to World Peace and Harmony...Let Women Rock!

Yo...an undeniable fact is that when women are given the space and place to rock (by rock I mean do what they do and do it well), the world becomes a better place and humanity is at its best.

I have always been inspired by women (famous and not so famous) who just go for it...whatever that means for their lives. However, recently the opportunity to watch women really ROCK what they do has infused my heart with so much pride, joy, and inspiration that I am overwhelmed with new ideas and dreams that I am looking forward to ROCKING in due time.

Every time Michelle Obama steps off of a plane or walks down the hallways of the White House we look on in awe of her because she is totally ROCKING 1st ladyhood. When Beyonce steps on stage some of us hate but others of us recognize the tradition she carries on in the spirit of women like Tina Turner who give audiences 150% every single night. If you have ever had the good sense to read a Toni Morrison book (Beloved being my fav), when you are done not only are you amazed by the work itself but have to recognize the amazing woman behind it.

Lately, two very good friends of mine have combined efforts to create a collective of two known as Dlaila. Dlaila = Key (http://ladyplum.wordpress.com/) + Jini (http://jinita.wordpress.com/). Now individually these women are super fantastic talents and beautiful people. BUT together they REALLY ROCK...and they are just getting started. Check them out and you will see what I mean: http://dlaila.wordpress.com/

Jini has two AMAZING daughters who are just in their preteens and they are already ROCKING IT...AND HARD AND HOW! Jauhara is a crazy fresh visual artist and musician and Chandani is ridiculously gifted writer and singer (among other things). These girls bring me so much hope for the future...WOO HOO! They make me want to have a little girl or two. :-)

Check out the below for a small gallery tour of some of Hara's work. When Chandani allows me access to some of her written work, I will share that with you as well.

So people...I beseech you...instill the gift of ROCK into the hearts and minds of little girls. They don't know the power that they have...I forget all the time so I get it...I do. Tell them that if they choose to sing, or cook, or dance, or write, or nurse, or mother, or police, or profess, or confess, or sweep, or whatever to ROCK ALL THE WAY OUT. The human race is depending on them. ;-)

short gallerie tour from dlaila and company on Vimeo.

What a Man Sounds Like When He Sings...

One thing I often think about as a vocalist is how there is a shortage of great male singers in popular music. Well...not male but MAN! Sure, there are a few adolescent, whining boys to choose from...and I won't name any names. But take a second and think about the first time you heard Sam Cooke or Donnie Hathaway sing...WOO HOO! When is the last time you heard a man and got that loving feeling? Can't remember right? Our boy Maxwell is on his way back to rescue us from the manless landscape of music and I can't wait (he's looking really good these days too) BUT if you REALLY want to hear what a man sounds like when he opens his mouth to sing, check out this one right here: Kurt Elling.

There are times when I listen to Kurt's music and a tear comes to my eye. If you could set the warmth and love of a real man to music, this is what it would sound like. I know it sounds weird but I feel safe and loved when I listen to him sing; even if only in that moment. It is unbelievable.
I listened to him on the subway this morning (after giving him a rest for a few months because I was totally od-ing) and it felt like I was hearing him for the first time again. I had an A-HA moment! LOL!
Elling has created quite a few albums for Blue Note and one for Concord AND he has another one to be released on Concord later this month featuring the music of Hartman and Coltrane...YIPPIE! For more information, go to his site (you won't be disappointed!): http://www.kurtelling.com