MEET SNEAKER HEAD QUEEN DEZ
YEP YEP To all you Sneak Head who want that custom design you might as well get with Dez!
You can holla at her on twitter https://twitter.com/FlyKickz or visit her website http://www.IamFlyKickz.com
WHO’S THAT LADY ENTERTAINMENT THE NO GOSSIP WEBSITE! 2,000 + Phenomenal Women and Men featured on our website with everyone linked to their website or social network. Easy access for the Fans! Visit our website www.whosthatladyent.com
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Tara Wallace (LHHNY) Mix and Mingle Tour Miami Fl, 4/26/15 More info
Tara Wallace
Presents
The Miami Mix & Mingle
Sunday, April 26th 2015
4pm-8pm
Studiotress Hair Bar & Salon Suites
20401 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami Gardens, Florida
Come enjoy shopping, complimentary cocktail, delicacies, beauty services, and luxury swag bags.
Advance tickets can be purchased at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
More dates coming soon
ATLANTA GEORGIA TBA
JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA TBA
PHILLY, PA TBA
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Serena Williams Covers Vogue (Again)
The athlete is on the April issue, which was shot by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz. In the image, we see Williams in a navy blue Rag & Bone sheath dress, natural makeup and, of course, her gorgeous curly hair.
The full article, which appears on Vogue.com, talks about Williams' friendship with tennis champion (and competitor) Caroline Wozniacki, her plans to expand her interest in fashion beyond her current clothing line on the Home Shopping Network and how she used to hate her toned arms.
TO READ MORE http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/21/serena-williams-vogue-cover_n_6917192.html?utm_hp_ref=black-voices&ir=Black%20Voices
Support Rucker Education Scholarship 3rd Annual Fundraiser
Join us Sunday, April 26th for the 3rd annual Rucker Education Scholarship Fund fundraiser. Rucker Education Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to deserving students who matriculated through A.R. Rucker Middle School and Lancaster High School. This year's fundraiser will feature a three course meal at McCormick and Schmick's restaurant, Southpark Mall. There will be a keynote speaker, SC Representative Justin Bamberg, as well as a host of other outstanding local leaders. A silent auction will be available throughout the event with all proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund. Purchase your non-tax deductible tickets here. This event will sell out quickly due to limited seating. Make a tax-deductible donation online at www.ruckereducationfund.com Diamond, Platinum, and Gold sponsorships are available, contact Ione Rucker Jamison at ruckereducationfund@gmail.com for information.
Rucker Education Scholarship Fund 3rd Annual Fundraiser
Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT) Charlotte, NC
For Tickets visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/rucker-education-scholarship-fund-3rd-annual-fundraiser-tickets-16194024764?aff=eac2
Read the Rucker Sisters Latest Interview on http://www.whosthatladyent.com
Saturday, March 21, 2015
SATURDAY SIZZLER! CLAUDIA JORDAN AND FRIENDS AT THE BEACH!!!
American Beauty Claudia Jordan Reality Star/Radio Host always stay in the company with her beautiful friends chilling in South Beach 3/21/2015
Follow Claudia Jordan on Instagram instagram.com/claudiajordan and her friends as well instagram.com/aishathalia and instagram.com/exoticaleila and instagram.com/christianne09
More of Claudia Jordan
Claudia Jordan More photos https://www.pinterest.com/whosthatladyent/american-beauty-claudia-jordan-reality-starradio-h/
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
GREAT JOB! Debbie Allen & Mario Van Peebles Directing the Finale 2 Eps of EMPIRE!
Follow Debbie Allen on Twitter https://twitter.com/msdebbieallen and Mario Van Peebles https://twitter.com/MarioVanPeebles
http://www.whosthatladyent.com
Meet Ariana Miyamoto The First Multiracial Miss Universe Japan Has Been Crowned
The stunning Miss Nagasaki, Ariana Miyamoto, is the first multiracial contestant ever to be crowned Miss Universe Japan and will represent Japan in the 2015 Miss Universe pageant.
Born in Japan to a
Japanese mother and African American father, Miyamoto is a Japanese
citizen, grew up in Japan, and identifies as Japanese. Described in
local media as a "saishoku kenbi," a woman blessed with both intelligence and beauty, she holds a 5th degree mastery of Japanese calligraphy.
But reaction
to her win has been both positive and negative, with some people
questioning whether a multiracial person can truly represent Japan.
According to local media, even she was initially a little wary about
entering the pageant because she was "hāfu," the Japanese word used to
refer to multiracial or multi-ethnic half-Japanese people.
"The selection of Ariana Miyamoto as
this year's Miss Universe Japan is a huge step forward in expanding the
definition of what it means to be Japanese," filmmaker and co-director
of the film "Hafu," Megumi
Nishikura told NBC News, "The controversy that has erupted over her
selection is a great opportunity for us Japanese to examine how far we
have come from our self-perpetuated myth of homogeneity while at the
same time it shows us how much further we have to go."
According to the film, "Hafu: The Mixed-Race Experience in Japan," 20,000 half-Japanese people are born in Japan each year, including both multiethnic and multiracial people.
"In a country where the
majority of fashion beauty magazines and TV shows are reigned by 'hāfu'
models and actors," filmmaker and co-director of the film "Hafu," Lara Perez Takagi told NBC News, "It was actually about time that a mixed-race Japanese girl won the Miss Universe pageant."
TO READ MORE http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/first-multiracial-miss-universe-japan-has-been-crowned-n325131
Kraft recalls more than 200,000 boxes of Macaroni & Cheese
Kraft Foods
Group is recalling 242,000 boxes of Original flavor of 'Kraft' Macaroni
& Cheese because some of the boxes may contain small pieces of
metal, the company said Tuesday.
The food group announced in a news release Tuesday
that officials have received eight consumer complaints about the
particular product, but no injuries have been reported.
'We deeply regret this situation and apologize to any consumers we have disappointed,' the company said in the statement.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Training Day Actor Cle "Bone" Sloan is Suge Knight Hit & Run Victim
According to investigator's docs ... Cle "Bone" Sloan was still in his hospital bed when he described the incident to cops by saying, "I fu**ed him up!"
In the docs, Sloan adds he punched Suge several times through the driver side window ... and when Suge tried to exit his truck ... he punched him some more. That part of Sloan's story matches exactly with the surveillance video TMZ first posted of the incident.
But Sloan also told investigators he was attempting to walk away from the truck when he was hit -- but in the video he still appears to be fighting when Suge throws the truck in reverse and smashes Sloan.
Another inconsistency ... Sloan says he arrived at the Tam's parking lot AFTER Suge. In the video ... Sloan is waiting right next to the parking lot when Suge pulls up.
Suge has claimed he only ran over Sloan and Terry Carter in self-defense ... believing they were getting ready to shoot him.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
VIDEO- Pharrell Williams 'Happy' vs. Marvin Gaye 'Ain't That Peculiar' (mashup)
But the dumbest person in this world knew that was Marvin Gaye work as there are many problems with many artists stealing other work including Beyonce "Drunk In Love' intro was used without permission from a Hungarian artists, Kanye and Jay Z is being accused of such said practice called. STEALING!
When rap records back in the beginning of Hip Hop started getting notice many got sued, or lost the right to publishing. And the word' SAMPLE" came up in this industry and the respect of paying for the SAMPLE was granted to most artists and not the publishing. But alot don't know being the writer and publishing of the said song is where the real money is at. So instead of doing good business, why not just take it and deal with it later.
THERE IS NO RESPECT TO THE COMPOSER WHO CREATED ORIGINAL MATERIAL THESE DAYS.
Even in the crooked days of White artists re recording the Black artists song over at least the writers and publishing credit were on the labels of the songs of the said artists and they got paid for their work.
Pharrell and Robin knew what they were doing, so did the record label and every awards show that gave them an award knew that was Marvin Gaye song. So shouldn't they give them back. I can remember a group called Milli Vanilli having to give back their Grammy for not being the real singers on their songs.
Every DJ at every HOT, POWER or whatever tagline these stations have knew that was Marvin Gaye song ripped off. But if you had ask them their opinion they would have had no answer in fear of losing their job. And this is what we called the one who are thought to have power are powerless and are controlled by the paycheck.
To me a crook will always be a CROOK!
A court is awarding Marvin Gaye's family $7.3 million in the "Blurred Lines" lawsuit, and now another chart-topper might come under fire: Pharrell Williams' "Happy." YouTube videos have pointed out similarities between the track and Gaye's 1965 single, "Ain't That Peculiar," for months, but now the family says there may be grounds for legal action.
"I'm not going to lie. I do think they sound alike," Gaye's daughter, Nona Gaye, told "Entertainment Tonight" correspondent Nischelle Turner in an interview. His ex-wife Janis also said, "I heard the mash-ups -- but I didn't really need to hear them. I know 'Ain't That Peculiar' and I've heard 'Happy.'" No charges have been filed.
to read more http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/13/marvin-gaye-pharrell-happy_n_6863992.html?utm_hp_ref=black-voices&ir=Black%20Voices
Friday, March 13, 2015
S2S Exclusive: LHHNY Star Tara Wallace
S2S recently sat down with Tara Wallace from VH1’s hit show Love & Hip Hop NY. If you aren’t familiar with the show here is a quick recap…
Tara is an entrepreneur and was the long-time girlfriend of rapper, Peter Gunz. They had a relationship for over 13 years and were living together with their 2 children, Jamison and Kaz. During the show her relationship with Peter takes a turn for the worse when she finds out he started a relationship with Amina (also on the show), married her and got her pregnant.
She gave us an update on how she is coping with the situation currently, her relationship with Amina, and advice she has for women in her same situation.
TO HEAR THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW Visit http://s2smagazine.com/2015/03/12/s2s-exclusive-lhhny-star-tara-wallace-opens-up-about-peter-gunz-her-relationship-with-amina-and-moving
Miami 3/20 Jazz In The Garden Party with Rickey Smiley, Claudia Jordan & Crew
The Rickey Smiley Morning show is coming to Miami!! Come meet us at the opening night of Jazz in The Gardens! It's happening March 20th starting at 7:30 pm On the Plaza. $50 in advance/$60 day of. The line up is amazing and you do NOT want to miss this event! For more information go to www.JazzInTheGardens.com and come experience a night of music and comedy.
Follow CLAUDIA JORDAN on IG INSTAGRAM.COM/CLAUDIAJORDAN
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
celebnmusic247 MTV’s Are You The One Season 2 Tyler Abron Interview
But what’s next for the Boston native?
For this complete interview http://celebnmusic247.com/mtvs-are-you-the-one-season-2-tyler-abron-interview/#.VP8jnOFqDIU
Follow Tyler Abron On Twitter http://www.twitter.com/tabron27 and IG instagram.com/tabron27 and for TYLER ABRON FANPAGE Visit http://www.whosthatladyent.com/#!tylerfanpage/cep8 and on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/whosthatladyent/reality-star-tyler-abron-mtv-are-you-the-one/
Sunday, March 8, 2015
President Obama Lead The Way In Historic March Across Edmund Pettus Bridge In Selma
A large delegation marched behind in an act commemorating the historic civil rights moment by following in the same footsteps as those who risked their lives to march just decades before in what came to be known as "Blood Sunday."
"We gather here to honor the courage of ordinary Americans willing to endure billy clubs and the chastening rod, tear gas and the trampling hoof; men and women who despite the gush of blood and splintered bone would stay true to their North Star and keep marching toward justice," Obama said in his speech.
The march took place just moments after Obama delivered a soaring, and well-received, speech on race and civil rights in America. A massive crowd, gathered at the foot of the bridge, applauded Obama's remarks honoring the landmark civil rights moment and praised him on social media for his "powerful and poignant" words.
Obama was also joined by Representative John Lewis who welcomed him to the stage but not without taking a few moments to recall his own experiences in Selma that day.
"We come to Selma to be renewed. We come to be inspired. We come to be reminded that we must do the work that justice and equality calls us to do," he said.
Lewis also shared some of his powerful memories and photos from the march on Twitter, which resonated strongly with readers who celebrate him as one of the few living marchers who witnessed the iconic moment in history.
"There's still work left to be done," he said in his speech. "Get out there and push and pull until we redeem the soul of America."
AS REPORTED BY http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/07/obama-selma-bridge-march_n_6823938.html?utm_hp_ref=black-voices
Tony Robinson Was Unarmed When Fatally Shot By Wisconsin Police Officer
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A 19-year-old black man who died after being shot by a white police officer was unarmed, the Madison police chief said Saturday, assuring protesters who earlier in the day had chanted "Black Lives Matter" that his department would defend their rights to gather while imploring the community to express their anger with "responsibility and restraint."
Tony Robinson was shot Friday night after assaulting Officer Matt Kenny, Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said. Kenny was injured, Koval said, but didn't provide details. It wasn't clear whether Robinson, who died at a hospital, was alone in the apartment.
"He was unarmed. That's going to make this all the more complicated for the investigators, for the public to accept," Koval said during a news conference. Police department spokesman Joel DeSpain said Kenny would not have been wearing a body camera.
TO READ THE REST OF THE STORY http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/07/police-chief-19-year-old_n_6823624.html?utm_hp_ref=black-voices&ir=Black%20Voices
Exclusive Interview Olympian Heptathlon Chantae McMillan On Her Way To Olympic Gold!
Chantae
McMillan
On Her Way To Olympic
Gold!
May The Games Begin…
By Belinda Trotter James
It takes endurance, mental strength, patience with
yourself and a list of ‘to do’s’ to be considered an Olympian athlete. If you don’t know her already, let me in
introduce you to Chantae McMillan, a USA Olympic heptathlete who qualified to compete
in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Now she is training to be in the 2015 Olympics in Beijing China and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
What does a woman have to do to be a heptathlete? Well, the women's outdoor heptathlon
consists of 100 meters hurdles, High jump, Shot put plus 200 meters on the first
day, and then Long jump, Javelin throw and 800 meters on day two. The heptathlon
has been contested by female athletes since the early 1980’s when it replaced
the pentathlon as the primary women's combined event
contest.
Almost every story I’ve ever heard of an Olympian
champion always starts with the story of how they started out at a very young
age. The parents would have to
travel hours to get to a particular coach or practice daily in hopes of becoming
an Olympic champion one day. I’m
guessing Chantae is going to tell me a similar story. "Oh no, no, no… everything was local,”
starts Chantae. “We had a
basketball team that was set up and the furthest we probably traveled was about
one hour and then once track started it was organized by the high school. I
didn't do anything extra. I just did what any normal kid would do in high
school.”
Some kids know at a very young age that they would like
to have an Olympic career. However, that’s not Chantae’s story. "No I started
track in the eighth grade because my friends and I couldn't play soccer so we
did track and then I had the discussion with my mother on if track or soccer
would have a better route for me and we decided on track in the end. Then I got
recruited out of high school for the long triple jump and went to the University of Nebraska where I became a heptathlete and
I just got better and better throughout college and the Olympic trials became
more of a reality.”
Wow! Chantae started her Olympic journey in the eighth
grade. The first question that came to mind is why did she start so late in life
to pursue being on the USA Olympic team? She responds, "The Olympics wasn't even
on my radar at that point. I was just enjoying sports… soccer, basketball and
the next sport I became involved in was volleyball and then track. I was just
having fun playing sports and being active. If I look back at it, I wouldn't
change it for anything. I think I am doing exactly everything correctly and I'm
exactly where I need to be so I wouldn't say it was a late start. I just
encourage parents to get their kids active in something and then those kids are
going to find out what they love and continue down that path.”
At least Chantae had a chance to have a childhood and
friends from first to seventh grade and just enjoy being a kid. Chantae
adds, "Right. Exactly. I was outside playing in the streets; I loved that.” She
laughs remembering back to when being a child was fun and carefree instead of
constantly being at some sort of practice.
Chantae grew up in Tennessee, Texas and
Missouri
because both of her parents were in the Army for 20 years each. Her coach was in
Ohio and
that's where she trains. “My parents were really fortunate because they didn't
have to move a lot. The first eight
years of my life we stayed in Tennessee Fort Campbell, then two years in
Texas and Missouri for five years and then I went to
college. I didn't have to move a lot, but my mom did have to leave me to go to
Korea for one year so that I could
stay in the same high school for four years.”
Most athletes just like doing one thing and becoming good
at it. It takes a special athlete to take on a series of skills and participate
in various events to become excellent at all of them. It also means more time
practicing to perfect each skill.
What type of person would put themselves through the strenuous exercises
to become a heptathlete? "I had a really bad triple jump injury coming out of
high school”, remembers Chantae. “So I didn't want to triple jump anymore
ever again and that left me with doing the long jump, but then seven events just
sounded very intriguing for some reason and I wanted a challenge so I asked if I
could switch over to that and that's what I did."
Wow, training for seven events must mean her social life
is really down the drain, but she disagreed and said, "No, actually I just spoke
about that to my sports psychologist. I was wondering if having too many friends
was a distraction and she said, ‘No’, she thinks that it’s good for me to grow
as a whole person because as I walk on the track, its not just Chantae the track
athlete, it’s Chantae and every other aspect of my life walking on the
track."
Having friends to give you a mental break from always
thinking about competing is a good thing.
However, in any phase of life you will have to choose what types of
friends to have around you. The
best ones are the friends who have the same interests. In this way they will understand your
busy training schedule that could put a strain on any relationship.
If you want to be a world class athlete, get ready to
hear what a typical day is like in the life of an athlete… “Right now I wake up about 7:15 to get
ready for practice at nine”, says Chantae. “I work on my sprint mechanics and
endurance for the 100 hurdles and 200 meter dash… Then I just do general
exercises after that. The general exercises are a replacement for my lifting
exercises. I only lift two days a week… Tuesdays and Thursdays because I have
great genetics where I can build muscles very easily and my coach knows that and
does not want me to blow up by lifting four days a week. I'm okay with just
doing push ups, sit ups, body squats and at least 10 other exercises like that
daily… and that was my Monday. Everyday I work on something different. I have
high jump on Wednesdays, 800 work on Tuesdays, long jump on Fridays... it's fine
because everyday is different. I'm learning everyday is a challenge and my
mind is always working through it so it’s fine; I’m never bored. If I only had one event to do, I would
be so bored.” For that reason
alone tells me why she was born to be a heptalthete.
In any sports athletes can hit the gym to tone and
sculpture their body to perfection, but there is always concern for keeping
injuries to a minimum. In every
athlete’s life, there will be challenges to face and overcome when it comes to
the care of a healthy body. “In
2011 I ruptured my patellar-tendon high jumping at a track meet and I started
rehabbing in Nebraska,” reveals Chantae. “Right after that
meet I was supposed to move to Ohio to start training for the 2012 trials, but
that injury put me back and I ended up in Pittsburgh to do my rehab with a
trainer that my coach thought would be a great trainer to do my rehab… and
so I went to Pittsburgh
We had no doubts that I wasn't going to make it to the
2012 trials. It was definitely a setback to tear something, but I think it just
made me better overall because I was able to hit all my weak muscles that I
wasn't using. Only a trainer would
know that and I got my body in the best shape. I lost some weight that
I needed to lose from college… that was at six months and I had four more months
to be on track before the Olympic trials. My coach whipped me into shape and got
me the great technical work that I needed. He switched my takeoff leg for
long jump and high jump. He taught me all that and it’s still pretty hard for me
today to learn all that new stuff. This has probably been some of the biggest
obstacles I've had to face this year. In the past two years I had to deal with
on and off injuries with my knees being over trained on a program built
specifically for me. It was hard to
deal with because I wasn't performing like I knew how. I wasn't good and it
really hurt my confidence. So I'm still really in the stages of rebuilding my
confidence right now and becoming the great athlete that I know how to be with
the coach that I trust so much with my future. So I'm so thankful to
be here again.” What looked
like a setback was actually a set up for victory in Chantae’s quest for Gold! Sometimes life will give you a test to
see if what you asked for is what you really want.
Even though Chantae has a tight training schedule she
does make time to participate in community organizations. "There's
actually a program called Athletes For Help,” says Chantae. “They helped me get into the Cincinnati
Children's Hospital. I get to visit
with the children, take pictures with them and just make their days a little
better. I'm certified as a personal trainer; I have a degree in education. I
don't think I want to teach, but I do like working with kids. I like training
them. I had a chance to train some children in Florida before I left and it was super
fun."
Fans can help Chantae in her journey to the 2015 USA
Olympic World Team in the heptathlon which takes place in Beijing, China and then off to the 2016 Olympics in
Rio de Janeiro
by making a donation of any size.
In return you can request a workout that is customized specifically for
your body type to achieve great results.
Just go to her website at www.chantaemcmillan.com to fill out the workout request and make your donation
through Pay pal. Check out heron Instagram instagram.com/chan_taemac and on twitter http://www.twitter.com/chan_taemac
“Thank you so much for your support; it means the
world! Can’t wait to see ‘before’
and ‘after’ pictures!” --- Chantae
Support COLOURING BOOK: The Mixed Race Documentary.”
My
name is Jason Cuthbert and I am the biracial (African Trinidadian and Caucasian
American) creator and director of the upcoming production of “COLOURING BOOK:
The Mixed Race Documentary.”
Multiculturalism
in
the United States’ “Melting Pot” and Canada’s “Mosaic” will be examined
to
expand diversity awareness by exploring three generations of my own
multiethnic family. Academic experts and animated information will flesh
out the
educational value of the storyline.
We
are in the midst of a crowdfunding campaign and only have until 4/19/15 to
raise our $30,000 equipment goal on: http://www.seedandspark.com/studio/colouring-book-productions follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/A2Jason
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Video- Amber Nicole from (The Voice) Sings "I'm Not the only one"! Plus More!
Well she was one of the hottest singers on NBC The Voice #5 who was voted off. Amber Nicole has a voice and her talent as a singer is fantastic.
Coming Soon will be Amber Nicole exclusive interview for http://www.whosthatladyent.com and make sure to follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/THEamberscott and on IG instagram.com/ambernicolemusic
Check out Amber Nicole latest Videos and latest cover of songs
Amber Nicole "I'm Not The Only One" Sam Smith
Amber Nicole (Cover) Whitney Houston "I Will Always Love You"
To see more of Amber Nicole visit her Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHKLsx9we-G_DYakkBVYQbA
Friday, March 6, 2015
Exclusive Interview with the Iconic Pointers Sisters.
THE LEGENDARY POINTER
SISTERS
By Lenell King
Ladies and gentleman, the
legendary pointer sisters…
Lenell: With over 40 years in the
business, what is your secret to longevity?
Anita: Having fun and staying healthy.
Ruth: Hard Work and loving what you do.
Lenell: You always hear about the Motown sound, the Philly sound, the Chicago sound, but many people seem to sleep on the Oakland sound and the impact it has had on soul music from Tony, Toni, Tone, EnVogue, you name it. What makes the Oakland sound special and are you guys often credited for spearheading that sound?
Anita: Well, we actually received a star on the Oakland Walk of Fame in 1994.
Lenell: Congratulations.
Ruth: A lot of good talent has come from Oakland. People originally thought that we were from New York or Philly. I love it all, Sly Stone, Tower of Power, Herbie Hancock, Sylvester; you name it. They all came from our hometown.
Lenell: What was life like growing up in
the Pointer Household with 4 sisters, 2 brothers and ministers
for parents? You know what they say about preacher
kids…
Anita: Loud
Ruth: A lot of fun.
Bonnie: We couldn't do anything, (laughing) we couldn't date boys, couldn't wear nail polish, and we had a curfew
Ruth: That was the norm for a long time. I remember being sent home from school. I was trying to hide pants underneath a dress and a rain coat. Someone told on me and it was so cold, I got sent home. That's just how our parents were, but at the time women were coming into their own.
Anita: Having fun and staying healthy.
Ruth: Hard Work and loving what you do.
Lenell: You always hear about the Motown sound, the Philly sound, the Chicago sound, but many people seem to sleep on the Oakland sound and the impact it has had on soul music from Tony, Toni, Tone, EnVogue, you name it. What makes the Oakland sound special and are you guys often credited for spearheading that sound?
Anita: Well, we actually received a star on the Oakland Walk of Fame in 1994.
Lenell: Congratulations.
Ruth: A lot of good talent has come from Oakland. People originally thought that we were from New York or Philly. I love it all, Sly Stone, Tower of Power, Herbie Hancock, Sylvester; you name it. They all came from our hometown.
Anita: Loud
Ruth: A lot of fun.
Bonnie: We couldn't do anything, (laughing) we couldn't date boys, couldn't wear nail polish, and we had a curfew
Ruth: That was the norm for a long time. I remember being sent home from school. I was trying to hide pants underneath a dress and a rain coat. Someone told on me and it was so cold, I got sent home. That's just how our parents were, but at the time women were coming into their own.
Lenell: Were your parents influential in
your singing career?
Anita: My mom was always singing.
Ruthie was the choir director; we sang all the
time.
Lenell: What about your brothers; what career
paths did they take?
Anita: Our brother Aaron Pointer played
professional baseball with the Houston Colts from 1961 -1963, then with the
Houston Astros from 1963 -1967. He was later traded to the Chicago Cubs and
retired in 1972 after playing with Nishitetsu Lions in Japan.
Upon retiring, he went on to referee for the Pacific 10 Conference from 1978 to
1987 where he became the first African American to referee in the PAC 10. He
later joined the NFL as a head linesman and retired in 2003. Our
brother, Fritz Pointer is currently a professor at Contra Costa
College in California.
Lenell: Wow, look at all that talent in the Pointer household!
Bonnie: Yeah Girl, you better stay away
from us. (All Laughing)
Lenell: Bonnie, you are the founder of
the group before it was a quartet. Tell us how the Pointer Sisters
originally got started and grew from a duet to a
quartet?
Bonnie: We wanted to get out of the ghetto and
try something new in life. I didn't want to really work; just try something new.
We had the talent, and Ruth was our stylist. We all played different parts
and a lot of different music were happening at the time. We made the
opportunity for ourselves, and created our own sound. We forced it on everyone
and made them like it.
Lenell: They sure did! Now the group's break out hit was "Yes We Can" in 1973 and a year later you guys released “Fairytale" which earned your first Grammy. Congrats on that… Did you think it was risky to go from one extreme to the next, meaning from R&B to Country? Obviously it worked. Was there any backlash from fans?
Anita:
We said that we
were going to sing what we liked; jazz, country; we did it all. We did
what we wanted to do. If you do something that no else has
done, that is a great way to get noticed. We love country music. We
grew up in a country church. We still love country music today, but
still appreciate new styles like rap.
Lenell: Bonnie, you left the group for a
solo career in 1977, and had success with hits like "Heaven Must Have Sent
You". Why did you decide at that time to pursue a solo
career?
Bonnie: I actually hated my sisters and wanted
to get rid of them… (Laughing)
Lenell: You guys are crazy!!!!!!
Bonnie: Honestly, I just wanted
to see what I can do on my own and see what I was really made
of.
Lenell: Were you scared being out there without
your siblings?
Bonnie: Of course I was. It was
very scary, but once you put your foot in the water, you may as well jump
in and start swimming.
Lenell: Now upon Bonnie leaving Ruth,
Anita, and June continued on as a trio. Your first hit was "Fire" written
by Bruce Springstein off the "Energy” album in 1978. Shortly after you had back
to back hits like "He's so shy", "Slow Hand", "Jump", "I'm So Excited" and my
personal favorite "Automatic". What do you think contributed to that
success?
Ruth: You are referring to the Richard
Perry records?
Lenell: Yes
Anita: We didn’t co-write many of the
“A” side songs. Back then you had singles, which had a “B” side. We
always had a song on the “B” side.
Ruth: Richard Perry had just launched his
new record label, Planet Records, and the hits just kept
coming.
Anita: Yes, we actually brought some music
ideas to Richard and he thought they were great. We had a very successful
collaboration.
Lenell: Anita, you also had success as a
songwriter. You performed "Too Many Times" with Earl Thomas Conley in 1986
and have had success on your solo album in 1987 entitled "Love For What It Is".
One of your major accomplishments was a cover of your song "Fairytale" by the
King himself, Elvis Presley. What was that experience
like?
Anita: I performed with Earl Thomas Conley in
1986. He asked me to perform with him on several shows in Nashville. He and I were
also presenters at the country music awards that same year. I was scared
to death. Yes, I co-wrote “Fairytale” with Bonnie that Elvis
recorded. We never met him, unfortunately. However, we did meet his
daughter; he left us too soon.
Lenell: Anita, your songwriting efforts landed you in the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1998, congrats. Yet, many don't know about your collection of fine art, especially Black Memorabilia. Tell us how you first got into collecting pieces.
Anita: Well by being black.
(Laughing) I was traveling through Arkansas on my way from Little Rock and we stopped at an antique
store and I saw these black puppets called, "Danny Sams”. That was the
first time I got started. That was in the 80’s; I just kept going to
antique stores. Every time we were on the road, I would look for black
collectibles. There are some great collections out there, but I think
New Jersey has
the best.
Lenell:
Ruth, you have had solo projects as well from the
"Streets of Gold" single for the Disney film Oliver & Company in 1989 and
"Enemies Like You and Me" for the Iron Eagles II soundtrack. One of your
most notable accomplishments is being an international spokesperson for the USO
(United Service Organizations). What inspired you to become involved in
serving our troops?
Ruth: I just completed five shows by
myself. The servicemen are so young and their stories are so compelling.
When I talk to them, I feel so good to be able to give something back. It
feels like I am really contributing to my country. I love my country and I
just enjoyed it and have so much pride from the experience. I got a
chance to see what war torn countries are like. I brought back bullet
casings that the children of Kosovo would get on the battlefields and make vases
and little souvenirs out of. They would sell them to tourists. It is an
experience that I would never forget.
Lenell: June has had solo success as
well with recordings such as "Little Boy Sweet "(1983) for National Lampoon's
Vacation , "Respect Yourself" with Bruce Willis (1986) and "Tight on Time (I'll
Fit You In) (1989) and with the release of her solo projects like
Baby Sister (1983) and June Pointer (1989). However, most people remember her for
lead vocals on "Jump", "Happiness", "He's So Shy" and a host of others. Sadly,
we loss June in 2006. Some would consider her the ‘wild one of the
group’. Would you agree with that and what is something that her fans
would be shocked to find out about June?
Anita: I don’t know if there was
anything not known about her because June was an open book. She didn’t
really hide much from anyone. She was known for being extremely generous
and she was such a happy soul. She may be known as one of a few artists to
actually wear braces while performing.
Bonnie: That was the first thing we bought her
when we started making money. She was embarrassed to wear
them.
Anita: She was such a beautiful
person. She loved everyone and everyone loved
her.
Lenell: We know that addiction has affected the family over the years. How have the Pointers been able to overcome addiction and triumph through the years?
Ruth: You have to want to heal.
During the time we came along drugs and alcohol was
everywhere.
Anita: You weren’t invited anywhere if
you didn’t do it.
Ruth: Everybody was participating so
you get caught up in it and pray to God you survive. Unfortunately, many did
not.
Anita: Recovery is hard; you just have to
stick with it and want to do it. Everybody has their own personal
addictions and demons.
Lenell: How has your family expanded individually throughout the years? Children? Grandchildren?
Bonnie: I married legendary Motown Producer,
Jeffrey Bowen, but later divorced in 2014 after 35 years of
marriage.
Ruth: I have five children. None
are really children anymore. I have three grandchildren and my first great
grandchild is on the way.
Lenell: That’s
exciting!!!!!!!!!
Ruth: I know I can’t believe it
myself.
Bonnie: Ok, now name them all!
(Laughing)
Anita: I have one daughter, Jada,
and she is deceased. I have one phenomenal granddaughter. I
love her to death and she is my reason for living. She also works on the road
with us from time to time.
Lenell: How does your family feel about your success?
Ruth: Well, we are a family, those that are
grateful and those that don’t know what to do with it. It’s tough. It’s
not much fun when you’re a famous family and others have so many
expectations and pressures coming your way from family members that didn’t do
what you did. We love them and they love us. My children love
interviewing me; asking about the different people I’ve met in the
business.
We recently
attended the funeral for Andrae` Crouch. It was a magnificent
event. We were sitting there talking about a specific song that we used to
sing growing up called, “The Blood”. They started playing it on the piano,
and we lost it. We had no idea that he wrote that song. It was
such a wonderful service; Stevie Wonder was there, Yolanda Adams, Be Be and Ce
Ce Winans, and many, many more.
Lenell: Wow, talk about true star power. Ok, we know that you have won Grammys’, American Music Awards, and a host of other accolades including a star on the Oakland Walk of Fame in 1994, individually what would you say is your most memorable time with the group and accomplishment?
Anita: Going to Africa with Muhammad
Ali.
Lenell:
Really!
Anita: We flew to Zaire
with Muhammad Ali and we stayed there for five days. We did one show
and I went coo coo. I walked so much my shoes turned a different
color. I met friends there.
Bonnie: She hooked up with Doo Doo
J
Lenell: (laughing) Who?
Bonnie: Doo Doo J. He was a pilot and
that was his real name. He flew us around on Air Zaire. I
remember James Brown got into it with Bill Withers over Denise Nicholas.
Lenell: Imagine That!
Bonnie: There are a lot of stories. I
also remember being on the plane with Sister Sledge, the Spinners, and many more
all on our way to Zaire.
Lenell: I want to address two rumors… One, Bonnie there is a rumor that you are reuniting with your sisters, is that true? If so, when?
Bonnie: I never really left, but a
comeback is still in the works.
Lenell: Second rumor… Is it true that BET is scheduling some type of ICON award or paying special tribute to the Pointer Sisters? In my eyes it is long overdue.
Bonnie: I haven’t heard anything about
that.
Ruth: Neither have I. Maybe it’s a
surprise.
Lenell: Oops!! I hope I didn't open a can of
worms. (All laughing)
Lenell: Since the Pointers sisters impacted so many genres of music, who do you listen to today? Pop, R&B, etc.?
Ruth: I listen to satellite radio, The
Heat, Foxxhole, Praise with Kirk Franklin, and others. My twins keep
me up on the new stuff like Drake and Lil
Wayne.
Bonnie: I listen to whatever is on
the radio. I’m down for whatever.
Anita: I listen to news radio, not a
lot of music anymore.
Bonnie: Yeah, she gets mad! (Laughing) She
gets mad at the world. Anita is going to run for office after she retires from
singing. President Anita!!!!!!
(Laughing)
Lenell: Any new music? What plans are in the near future for the group?
Ruth: We hope so. Music is so
weird; you don’t really need a record company to record anymore.
Bonnie: We were just talking about this
the other day; you can do it right on your computer. We’re never together
enough. We’re going to surprise everyone.
Fans can keep up with the
Pointer Sisters on Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/PointerOfficial
Bonnie Pointer On Twitter http://www.twitter.com/BonniePointer
Bonnie Pointer On Twitter http://www.twitter.com/BonniePointer
Follow the Pointer Sisters on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pointer-Sisters-Official/
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