Mary Did You Know

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy, would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know-w-w-w
That your baby boy, would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know
That your baby boy, has come to make you new?
And this child that you delivered will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy, will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy, will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know
That your baby boy, has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby you kissed the face of God?

Oh, Mary did you know

 The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
And the praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy, is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy, will one day rule the nations?

Did you know
That your baby boy, is Heaven’s perfect Lamb?
The sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am

Performed by Clay Aiken

Song lyrics by Mark Lowry (1984), music Buddy Greene

Photo: Esquire/People -- Pop singer Rihanna named 2011 Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Magazine

Pop singer and fashion risk-taker, Rihanna, displayed her special kind of heat on the cover of Esquire’s November issue. The magazine named the 23-year-old Barbados native, 2011 Sexiest Woman Alive! On the Internet today, there is some debate about whether the entertainer really deserves the title.

People magazine has more on Rihanna’s new title. Also, to ah, see more of Rihanna and check out the runners-up … click over to the Esquire website.

Catching up on some celebrity book deals. Rocker Courtney Love has signed a deal with HarperCollins for a “tell-all” memior, according to the publishing  site Galleycat. Love’s untitled memior reportedly will be a no-holds-barred telling of her life from “ childhood to the present day.”

Love was married to deceased rock legend, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Love has had success with her band, Hole, but also personal problems and trouble with drugs in her later years.

Also Galleycat is reporting the autobiography of  Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to hit bookstores in October of 2012. Simon & Schuster has worked out a deal with the former California Governor to publish, ” Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story.” Schwarzenegger’s recent love child scandal/marriage collapse to Maria Shriver will probably make it a best seller from day one of publication.

Photo: Kevin P. Casey/Los Angeles Times -- Sax man Clarence Clemons joined Bruce Springsteen for a tour stop on the E Street Band tour in Anaheim 2010

 Rock musician extraordinaire, Clarence Clemons, died today of complications from a stroke.  Clemons was 69. The talented saxophonist was known as the soul of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. The Los Angeles Times has a nice piece on the “Big Man” and his incredible sax sound.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Morning sun shining through the camphor trees in Burbank March 2011

A music pioneer has passed on. Poet and spoken-word musician, Gil Scott-Heron, died in a New York City hospital yesterday at the age of 62. He reportedly became ill after returning from a European trip.

Scott-Heron became famous for his well-known song, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” from his first album “125th and Lenox” (1970).  Other versions of the composition appeared on the artist’s other albums including “Pieces of a Man” (1971).

Scott-Heron was known for his songs that spoke of social and political issues. He’s considered an inspiration for many of the rap and hip hop artists of today. I will remember Scott-Heron for his heartfelt songs about the simple pleasures of everyday living.  Here’s an excerpt from one of my favorites.

Gil Scott-Heron “I think I’ll Call it Morning” from “Pieces of a Man” Album (1971)

I’m gonna take myself a piece of sunshine
And paint it all over my sky
Be no rain…
Be no rain…

I’m gonna take the song from every bird
And make em sing it just for me
Bird’s got something to teach us all
About bein free, yeah
Be no rain…
Be no rain…

And I think I’ll call it morning
From now on
Why should I survive on sadness
And tell myself I got to be alone
Why should I subscribe to this world’s madness
Knowing I’ve got to live on
Knowing I’ve got to live on
Knowing I’ve got to live on
Yeah I think I’ll call it morning
From now on

###

Photo: Rodrigo Pena/Audio File blog -- Rock fans throw their hands up for Broken Social Scene at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio April 16, 2011

Thousands of music fans and art lovers are enjoying a hot weekend at the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. If you think it’s been hot here — this festival is going in the deep desert town of Indio in the Coachella Valley.  

Photo: Vanessa Franko/Audio File blog -- Singer Erykah Badu performed at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio April 16, 2011

Despite some technical difficulties, Grammy winning artist, Erykah Badu, rocked out with fans at Coachella on the Empire Polo Grounds yesterday. Music critic, Vanessa Franko, is following the events, the artists, the fans, celebrity sightings, and more in her blog Audio File. A lot of great Coachella photos as well on Franko’s blog.

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House -- First Lady Michelle Obama talked with singers John Legend, Smokey Robinson, Motown Records Founder Berry Gordy, Jr., and Grammy Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli at the White House February 24, 2011

The sound of Motown was in the air at the White House last month. During a special tribute to the legendary Motown sound of pop/soul/rhythm and blues, First Lady Michelle Obama chatted with singers John Legend, Smokey Robinson, Motown Founder Berry Gordy, Jr., and Grammy Museum Executive Director, Bob Santelli, right before a Motown Music Series student workshop.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- Entertainer Stevie Wonder got a standing ovation from the audience during "The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" concert February 24, 2011

PBS stations across the country ran the premiere of the TV special, ”The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House,” last night. The concert recorded in the East Room of the White House back on February 24, 2011, was a celebration of Black History Month and the legendary soul/pop/rhythm and blues sound of Motown Records.

Some of the great artists who helped create that Motown Sound: The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Stevie Wonder.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the event, which included appearances by Seal, Jamie Foxx, Smokey Robinson, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Nick Jonas, and Southland KJLH radio station owner/entertainer, Stevie Wonder — just to name a few.

Christina Aguilera jailed for public drunkenness

The pop diva with the big voice, Christina Aguilera, has hit a rough patch. Her movie, “Burlesque,” stumbled at the box office, she botched the national anthem at the Super Bowl a few weeks ago, and then last night, the singer was arrested for being intoxicated in public. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies reportedly pulled over a car in West Hollywood early this morning with the singer’s boyfriend, Matthew Rutler, behind the wheel. He was busted on suspicion of DUI and Aguilera, a passenger in the car, was so out of it — she reportedly was taken into custody for her own safety. People has details including comments from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s spokesman, Steve Whitmore.  

Charlie Sheen’s TV show ratings soar

Actor Charlie Sheen is in meltdown, but the ratings on his now canceled-for-the-season TV show are terrific. A repeat of “Two and a Half Men” was the most watched program on television last night. Deadline has the numbers.

Natalie Portman and the designer controversy

Lead actress Academy Award winner on Sunday, Natalie Portman, condemned alleged anti-Semitic remarks by Dior designer, John Galliano. Portman is Jewish and  promoting a perfume for Dior. The company reportedly has begun proceedings to fire Galliano. More on The Wrap.

Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times -- Rolling Stones frontman , Mick Jagger, performed at the 53rd Grammy Awards ceremony at Staples Center in Los Angeles February 13, 2011

The Staples Center in L.A. got turned out by some entertainers who came to blow the roof off the place at the 53rd Grammy Awards ceremony. First time Grammy performer, Rolling Stones lead singer, Mick Jagger, was one of the veteran who took to the stage, along with the young stars like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Eminem.

Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times -- Rihanna and Eminem joined forces to sing their hit "Love the Way You Lie" at the 53rd Grammy Awards ceremony in L.A. February 13, 2011

Rihanna and Eminem’s duet, “Love the Way You Lie” is on his disc “Recovery,” which won for best rap album. The country group, Lady Antebellum, won record and song of the year for the tearjerker, “Need You Now.” It’s an emotional song– but not a great one. However, country music –particularly — pop/country — has become the new rock-n-roll.

Los Angeles times has more on the shocking winners of the top awards, the performances, the red carpet fashions, and how the TV censors were kept busy during the broadcast. And a ton of photos, too!

Photo: The Black Eyed Peas from their website -- (l-r) will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo, apl.de.ap

The hip Grammy winning SoCal band, The Black Eyed Peas, is planning to really rock the house at the Super Bowl on Sunday. In a post on the Spin Magazine website, band member will.i.am described their plans for Super Bowl XLV:  “We’re known for doing outlandish things and we’re going to make this a big spectacle.”

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events of the year. The Spin article has more on past Super Bowl halftime shows, some details on the “Peas” spectacle, and what this performance means to the Southland rockers.

The kick-off for Super Bowl XLV, the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Green Bay Packers, is this Sunday, February 6, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

Judge dismisses charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend

Photo: www.theinsider.com --Actress Anna Nicole Smith and her attorney Howard K. Stern in 2007

In a surprise decision, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge today threw out the charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s long-time boyfriend/attorney, Howard K. Stern. Last October, a jury found Stern guilty of two conspiracy felony charges in connection with drugs prescribed for Smith — who died of an accidental overdose February 7, 2007.

Also, the judge reduced from four to one — the charges against one of Smith’s doctors — saying the evidence did not support the charges. More on the judge’s decision and the prosecution’s reaction on the People website.

Day three of Michael Jackson’s doctor’s hearing

More dramatic revelations today in the Los Angeles hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for Dr.Conrad Murray to stand trial in the death of Michael Jackson. Murray was apparently engaged in phone conversations and texting when he should have been paying attention to the medicated superstar according to records presented in court.

On June 25, 2009, paramedics rushed the singer from his rented Holmby Hills mansion to the UCLA Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Later, the Los Angeles Coroner’s office ruled the entertainer’s death a homicide — the result of an overdose of the powerful anesthetic, propofol, which was being given to him as a sleeping aid.

A report on the hearing and the testimony on the Los Angeles Times website site.

2011 People’s choice Awards

The movie blockbuster, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” snatched four top awards at the People’s Choice Awards last night at the Nokia Theatre Live L.A. in downtown Los Angeles. Among the People’s Choice awards for this “Twilight” sequel, favorite movie and favorite movie drama.

These award winners for film, television and music are selected by the fans.  A list of the winners, the nominees, photos and videos and more on the People’s Choice website.

Whether you’re ringing in the new year at a small or intimate affair at  home or rocking the night away with a crowd of friends, relatives and or strangers — check out radio station K-Earth 101 FM. This Los Angeles oldies station is counting down the top 101 party jams of all time right now.

On the radio or on the Internet, K-Earth is boogieing down this New Year’s Eve. They’ve just played  number 71, “Brown Sugar,” by the Rolling Stones. Party over there!  Party over here!  Party everywhere!!!

I wonder if they’re going to play any Snoop Dogg, Notorious B.I.G., or Teena Marie? Only way to find out is to listen-up and hear the tunes that make this hot list.

Photo: cover of "Michael" the new Michael Jackson Album from www.michaeljackson.com

The first official single from that upcoming album of previously unreleased material from the late Superstar, Michael Jackson, was released today. “Hold My Hand” apparently was initially recorded in 2007, but not  finished during MJ’s life.

It’s a duet with popular Rapper, Akon, who recently went back into the studio to complete, “Hold My Hand.” Akon has sung with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and many others. I love his duet, “The Sweet Escape,” with Gwen Stefani.

You can catch a listen of “Hold My Hand” on the new Michael Jackson site. Unlike the previous cut, “Breaking News,” — the Michael Jackson vocals on this duet really sound like the voice of the King of Pop.

The new album, “Michael,” is due out next month, December 14, and reportedly includes duets with 50 Cent and Lenny Kravitz as well.

Photo: Cover of "Michael" the new Michael Jackson album from www.michaeljackson.com

A cut from a new soon-to-be-released Michael Jackson album hit the airways and the Internet today and already there’s a controversy.  The song, “Breaking News,” has the funky beat and sound of a King of Pop track — but is the voice that of the late superstar?  That is the much-debated question today.

Sony Records is releasing the album,”Michael,” next month on December 14, and reportedly has vouched for the authenticity of the work.

You can hear “Breaking News” on the new website  michaeljackson.com , get more details on the album, as well as a new production centered on MJ’s music and choreography by Cirque du Soleil and more on the site.

 Lindsay Lohan back on the streets

Photo: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times -- Lindsay Lohan heading to court in Beverly Hills , September 24, 2010

 After a freaky Friday that included court drama and a short stay in jail, Actress Lindsay Lohan is a free woman once again. After failing a court-ordered drug test, Lohan appeared in a Beverly Hills court yesterday. True to his word, Judge Elden Fox, sent her to the slammer for 30 days without bail.

However within hours, Lohan’s lawyer got another Los Angeles Superior Court judge to reverse the bail ruling. Lohan’s lawyer, Shawn Chapman Holley, pointed out defendants convicted of misdemeanors are allowed bail under the law. Sometime before midnight, Lohan walked free on $300,000 bond.

Did Lohan get a break because she’s a celebrity? Folks are debating that today. The way I see it, the major difference between Lohan and the average inmate in Los Angeles County jail is the money to pay for lawyers and to post bail.  The Los Angeles Times has more on the debate here.  

Jay-Z’s memoir and hip hop decoder

Business Mogul/Hip Hop Artist, Jay-Z, has a book coming out. It’s a memoir and a decoder for 36 of Jay-Z’s songs — which provide an intimate look at his art, according to the publishing site Galleycat.

The printed and e-book formats of “Decoded” include illustrations and lyric analysis as well as the autobiography content. “Decoded” goes on sale in mid- November, just in time for the holiday shopping season.

 NBC Universal President Jeff Zucker on the way out

No surprise, NBC Universal President Jeff Zucker is leaving the network. Zucker made the announcement himself in a company memo yesterday. NBC is in fourth place and who can forget Zucker’s orchestration of the Conan O’Brien/Jay Leno financial/public relations disaster.

Zucker apparently got the word from Comcast that once it’s deal to buy NBC is official, he would be getting the boot. Unlike most NBC employees who lose their jobs at the network and barely score chump change, Zucker will probably get one of those multi-million-dollar executive parachutes. More on Zucker’s departure at The Wrap.

Jamie Foxx’s new production deal

Actor Jamie Foxx has hooked-up a new production deal with Writer/Producer/Director, Deon Taylor. No Brainer Films reportedly will be scouting for films and TV projects under $10 million. Details over on Deadline.com

Lady Gaga & her fans invade Staples Center

Photo:Kirk McKay/Los Angeles Times -- Two of the many fans who dressed in Lady Gaga-style for the singer's concert at Staples Center in L.A., August 11, 2010

Pop sensation, Lady Gaga, wraps up a two-concert gig at Staples Center tonight. Some of the fans at last night’s concert showed up in Gaga-inspired outfits. More photos and a review of Gaga’s Monster Ball show on the Los Angeles Times website.

Billy Idol still rocking

A flash from the past, 80s Rocker Billy Idol, can still put on quite a performance. Last night Idol took to the stage for two shows at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Inland SoCal Music Blogger, Vanessa Franko, was there and posted a review on her AudioFile blog today. Franko’s got Idol concert photos, too. Also, Idol is set to rock that same venue again at a sold-out concert tomorrow.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The entrance to The Walt Disney Studios on South Buena Vista in Burbank

 Actor Rob Lowe reportedly part of the group that bought Miramax

Miramax, a hot commodity in Hollywood, has been sold to a group of investors led by Billionaire/Construction Magnate, Ronald Tutor. The price tag — somewhere between $600-$675 million. The announcement came out yesterday. Late today, The Wrap reported that Actor Rob Lowe is among the investors.

The prestigious Miramax library includes such films as “My Left Foot”  (1989), “Pulp Fiction”(1994), and “Shakespeare in Love” (1998).  The Wrap has several reports on the deal and the behind the scenes drama.

President Obama’s appearance generates the best ratings ever for “The View”

Thursday’s edition of “The View” is now historic for two reasons. President Barack Obama’s appearance was the first ever on a daytime talk show by a sitting president. Also, the show’s rating went through the roof.  

Obama’s chit-chat with the ladies of “The View” was  reportedly watched by an average of 6.6 million viewers — the most ever for the talker.

“We were honored to have President Obama on ‘The View.’ The ratings indicate that our show continues to break new ground. ‘The View’ has proven to be an important stop for political candidates and is appointment television for our loyal audience who value our opposing views,” Barbara Walters, the co-executive producer and one of the show’s hosts, is quoted as saying on TV by the Numbers website.  Also, Walters returned to the show yesterday for the first time since having heart surgery.

And a first for the “Black Eyed Peas”

Super successful rockers, the” Black Eyed Peas” keep racking up the accolades. The latest involves the SoCal band’s single, “I Gotta Feeling,” which has become the first digital download to pass the 6 million mark.

The song is from the group’s Grammy-winning album, “The E.N.D,” which has sold more than 7 million worldwide.  “The E.N.D.” won a 2009 Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. Also, it’s the first album in two decades to deliver five top ten hits.

In a PR Newswire press release band members reacted to their latest milestone:

“I am so proud to be leading our industry with 6 million digital sales,” said will.i.am. “It means so much for the future of the music industry.”

This is an incredible accomplishment for us,” said Taboo. “Of all the exciting news that has happened to us over the past year, reaching this 6 million mark with ‘I Gotta Feeling’ stands out as one of our proudest achievements.” “Congratulations to all the people behind the scenes who made this happen, and most of all the fans – they are the best!” added Fergie.

Meanwhile, the “Peas” are on the final leg of their “The E.N.D. World Tour 2010.” As of June, the 100-date tour has raked in nearly $50 million and it’s not over until August 23. 2010 is shaping up to be one heck of year for the “Peas.” More on what’s happening with the “Peas” on their website.

Michael Jackson  (August 29, 1958 — June 25, 2009)

Kudos, flowers, tears, and memories are being shared around the world today for Legendary Entertainer, Michael Jackson, on this the first anniversary of his death.  Like millions of his fans, first I was shocked and then saddened, when reports of Jackson’s death were confirmed on June 25, 2009.

Later, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office would rule the singer’s death a homicide from a drug overdose. Jackson’s personal physician, Cardiologist Conrad Murray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with his death. Today, the singer’s father, Joe Jackson, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Dr. Murray. Details in a CNN report here.

At the time of his death, the pop superstar was in the Southland rehearsing for a series of “This Is It” concerts. The poster for the first leg of that tour in the UK is shown above.

Photo: Raul Roa/ Glendale News-Press —  Fans gather in front of the Holly Terrace today, the mausoleum where Jackson was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale

 Locally, some fans came from as far away as England, Scotland, Japan, and Australia to either visit the entertainer’s star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood or his grave site at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.

Family members, including Janet Jackson, and brothers Jermaine and Tito, visited Jackson’s crypt at Forest Lawn Glendale this morning. Some photos of Jackson’s family and the fans are on The Burbank Leader and Glendale News-Press websites.

Also, the Stevie Wonder-owned Southland radio station, KJLH, is paying tribute to Jackson all weekend long by playing his music and remembering his life and legacy. I’ve been listening off and on throughout the day and evening — how cool– to groove to some of the old hits and album cuts I have never heard before. You can tune your radio to 102.3 FM or listen live on the KJLH website here. 

Photo: Vanessa Franko/The Press-Enterprise 4/18/10 — Sly Stone on stage at Coachella

The unpredictable rocker Sly Stone did show at Coachella last night, but his appearance was a disappointment. Stone showed up late, which he is known to do, and did more jabbering than singing.  Music Blogger Vanessa Franko caught the Stone set and reports about it here. The Inland SoCal journalist has several posts and great photos from the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival on her blog. 

I remember seeing Sly (Sylvester Stewart) Stone back when he could still rock the house and “…take ya higher.” Those were the good old days.