Unspool Hollywood

Little Richard, Legendary Rock n Roll Artist, Has Died at 87

On May 9, 2020, the world lost one of its most significant musical icons, Little Richard.

Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia, “Little Richard” became a household name with the success of his hit songs, “Tutti Frutti” , “Long Tall Sally and “Rip It Up”

Known as The Innovator, The Originator, and The Architect of Rock and Roll, his flamboyant stage costumes, screaming vocals and over-the-top piano playing, make-up and hairstyle made Little Richard a dynamic musician who was able to crossover and bring people of all races in as his fans. Because he had such a diverse fan base , his concerts were successful in stopping segregation because everyone came to see him perform.

He was a major influence on Elvis Presley who covered at least four of his songs and on soul and funk, rhythm and blues, rock and hip hop music. In addition to Elvis Presley, his music was covered by Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, The Everly Brothers, Bene Vincent and Bill Haley.

Little Richard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Recording Academy and Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

The Beatles opened for Little Richard as well as The Everly Brothers, the Rolling Stones and Bo Diddley. In 1964, famed guitarist, Jimi Hendrix joined his band the Upsetters.

According to Johnny Otis, R&B icon, “Little Richard is twice as valid artistically and important historically as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones put together.”

He leaves his only child, his son Danny Jones Penniman.

Andre Harrell, Hip Hop and R&B Icon, Founder of Uptown Records Has Died at 59

Andre Harrell. Photo: Yevette Renee

May 8, 2020

New York native, music trailblazer, Andre O’Neal Harrell, passed away on May 7, 2020 in West Hollywood, CA.

Harrell, a man that knew the music business from front and back as an Artist in the music duo Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and as an industry executive when he worked with Russell Simmons at Def Jam Records as its Vice President and general manager.

Harrell eventually left Def Jam to start his own music label, Uptown Records, in 1986. It is at Uptown where Harrel hired Sean “Diddy” Combs as an intern. Not only did this hiring lead to the start of Diddy’s mega successful career but also to the long-lasting careers of Mary J. Blige, the first successful solo Uptown artist, Heavy D and the Boys, The Lost Boyz, Anthony Hamilton, Al B. Sure, Jodeci, the Notorious B.I.G., Teddy Riley and Guy. He launched the career of Robin Thicke while at Nu America Records. He executive produced Robin Thicke and Pharrell’s mega hit song “Blurred Lines.”

His career path includes the 1995 position as CEO and president of Motown and founder of the Nu America advertising agency. Harrell came full circle in his relationship with Diddy when he became Vice Chairman of Diddy’s Revolt TV and Media.

He also experienced success in the TV and Film industry. He created and produced the highly successful tv show “New York Undercover” starring Malik Yoba and gave Halle Barry her first lead role in Strictly Business and the same is true for Jessica Alba in Honey.

Andre Harrell was a major force in the early days of Hip Hop and was able to seamlessly merge Hip Hop with R&B, a style of music that continues to endure.

He leaves his only son, Gianni.

Ja’Net Dubois Memorial Postponement

Television Star Ja'Net Dubois. Photo: Yevette Renee

March 5, 2020

After thoughtful reassessment of the coronavirus and risks associated with having many attendees who are coursing through international hubs, ultimately to intersect with family, friends, and the general public, our family has made the concerned decision to postpone the memorial service for our mother, Ja'Net DuBois.

We understand this announcement will grieve many who wish to honor her and pay tribute to her body of work on the stage, in film, in television, and behind the scenes.

We would like especially to recognize any of you who made changes to your schedule to be with us. We do not want to put anyone at unnecessary risk and hope all will understand and agree with our decision.

Ja’Net Dubois Memorial Service

Television Star Ja'Net Dubois. Photo: Yevette Renee

Feb 25, 2020

On behalf of the family, we would like to ADVISE that the Memorial service for Janet Dubois will be held Saturday, March 14th at 12 pm at the City of Refuge located at 14527 S. San Pedro Street Gardena, CA 90248.

At this time the family would like to request that all flowers be sent to this address.
Bishop Noel Jones will be officiating the ceremony.

Any other expressions of appreciation should be sent to P.O. Box 31 Glendale CA 91209.

In addition, the service will be lived streamed for those who cannot attend.

Further information can be found on the church’s website https://cityofrefugela.org

NAACP Image Award Winners 2019

2019 Image Award Winners

Outstanding Comedy Series
WINNER: black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
WINNER: Anthony Anderson, black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
WINNER: Tracee Ellis Ross, black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
WINNER: Marcus Scribner, black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
WINNER: Marsai Martin, black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Drama Series
WINNER: Power (Starz)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Jason Mitchell, The Chi (Showtime)

WINNER: Omari Hardwick, Power (Starz)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

WINNER: Taraji P. Henson, Empire (FOX)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

WINNER: Jesse Williams, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

WINNER: Lynn Whitfield, Greenleaf (OWN)

Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series

WINNER: Kerry Washington - How to Get Away with Murder - "Lahey v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" (ABC)

Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special

WINNER: The Bobby Brown Story (BET)

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special

WINNER: Michael B. Jordan, Fahrenheit 451 (HBO)

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special

WINNER: Regina King, Seven Seconds (Netflix)

Outstanding News / Information - (Series or Special)

WINNER: Oprah Winfrey Presents: Becoming Michelle Obama (OWN)

Outstanding Talk Series

WINNER: The Real (Syndicated)

Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)

WINNER: Iyanla: Fix My Life (OWN)

Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)

WINNER: Black Girls Rock! (BET)

Outstanding Children's Program

WINNER: Doc McStuffins (Disney Junior)

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series)
WINNER: Marsai Martin - black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
WINNER: Steve Harvey - Family Feud (Syndication)

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
WINNER: Jada Pinkett Smith, Adrienne Banfield Norris, Willow Smith - Red Table Talk (Facebook Watch)

Outstanding New Artist
WINNER: Ella Mai (10 Summers/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Male Artist
WINNER: Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Female Artist
WINNER: H.E.R. (RCA Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
WINNER: "All The Stars" - Black Panther -

Kendrick Lamar, SZA (Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Jazz Album
WINNER: The Story of Jaz - Jazmin Ghent feat. Jeff Lorber, James P. Lloyd, Kim Scott, Philippe Saisse (Jazmin Ghent Music)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album (Traditional or Contemporary)
WINNER: Unstoppable - Koryn Hawthorne (RCA Inspirational)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
WINNER: "This Is America" - Childish Gambino (RCA Records)

Outstanding Song - Traditional
WINNER: "Long As I Live" - Toni Braxton (Def Jam Recordings)

Outstanding Song - Contemporary
WINNER: "Boo'd Up" - Ella Mai (10 Summers/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation
WINNER: Black Panther The Album Music From and Inspired By - Kendrick Lamar, SZA feat. 2Chainz, ScHoolboy Q, Saudi, Khalid, Swae Lee, Vince Staples, Yugen Blakrok, SOB x RBE, Jorja Smith, Anderson .Paak, Ab Soul, Reason, Zacari, Babes Wudumo, Sjava, Travis Scott (Interscope Records)

Outstanding Album
WINNER: Ella Mai - Ella Mai (10 Summers/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
WINNER: An American Marriage - Tayari Jones (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill)

Outstanding Literary Work - Non-Fiction
WINNER: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics - Donna Brazile (Author), Yolanda Caraway (Author), Leah Daughtry (Author), Minyon Moore (Author), Veronica Chambers (With), (St. Martin's Press)

Outstanding Literary Work - Debut Author
WINNER: Us Against The World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage, and Family - David Mann (Author), Tamela Mann (Author), Shaun Saunders (With), (W Publishing)

Outstanding Literary Work - Biography/Autobiography
WINNER: Becoming - Michelle Obama (Crown)

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

WINNER: Rise and Grind: Outperform, Outwork, and Outhustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life - Daymond John (Author), Daniel Paisner(With), (Currency)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
WINNER: Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart - Alice Walker (Author) (37 Ink/Atria Books)

Outstanding Literary Work - Children
WINNER: Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race - Margot Lee Shetterly (Author), Laura Freeman (Illustrator), (Harper)

Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens
WINNER: Clayton Byrd Goes Underground - Rita Williams-Garcia (Author), Frank Morrison (Illustrator (Amistad/HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Documentary (Film)
WINNER: Amazing Grace (Sundial Pictures/Neon)

Outstanding Documentary (Television)
WINNER: Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland (HBO)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Film)
WINNER: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole - Black Panther (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Television)
WINNER: J. David Shanks - Seven Seconds: Matters of Life and Death (Netflix)
Katrina M. O'Gilvie - Behind the Movement (TV One)

Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series
WINNER: Kay Oyegun - This Is Us - "This Big, Amazing, Beautiful Life" (NBC)

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
WINNER: Trevor Noah, Steve Budow, David Kibuuka, Zhubin Parang, Dan Amira, Lauren Sarver Means, Mr. Daniel Radosh, David Angelo, Devin Trey Delliquanti, Zachary DiLanzo - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah - "23087 Alex Wagner" (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Film)
WINNER: Ryan Coogler - Black Panther (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special
WINNER: Tracy Heather Strai - Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart (PBS)

Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series
WINNER: Deborah Ann Chow - Better Call Saul - "Something Stupid" (AMC)

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
WINNER: Donald Glover - Atlanta - "FUBU" (FX Networks)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance
WINNER: Samuel L. Jackson - Incredibles 2 (Disney and Pixar Animation Studios)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
WINNER: Chadwick Boseman - Black Panther (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
WINNER: Amandla Stenberg - The Hate U Give (20th Century Fox)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
WINNER: Michael B. Jordan, Black Panther

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
WINNER: Danai Gurira, Black Panther

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
WINNER: If Beale Street Could Talk

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
WINNER: Letitia Wright - Black Panther (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
WINNER: Black Panther (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Motion Picture
WINNER: Black Panther

Special Award - Entertainer of the Year

WINNER: Beyonce

Wendy Williams Receives a Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Wendy Williams, a National Radio Hall of Famer, daytime talk show host, Broadway and film actress and stand-up comedian, received a well earned star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Thursday, October 17, 2019.

Rina Ghadbar, CEO and President of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced Wendy Williams had the largest Walk of Fame crowd of the year.

There were Wendy Watchers, that's what Miss “How you doing” calls them. They were lined up all across the street and on both side of the her ceremony podium. Wendy Watchers were truly diverse mix of people and was good representation of America.

When just about everyone else stands up next to those speaking in their honor, Ms. Wendy had her a purple velvet chair on stage. Her s

She had Heart radio host Elvis Duran, wearing what I call a California Yellow two-piece suit, he came ready to LA, and the CEO of Fox Television speak on her behalf. City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell provided her with a proclamation from the Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles City Council. Rina Ghadban announced the declaration of Wendy Williams Day in Hollywood.

Her son Kevin, Jr. , a nephew and her Jersey team was out in force supporting her, including her show's DJ, hair and make, the show’s head of security and staff.

I must say, her team was on point, including being professionals, well organized and efficient. They took good care on Wendy.

Wendy spoke about being a young girl and wanting to work in radio. She truly is a woman who knew what she wanted and made it happen beginning with her degree in communications, being a college radio DJ and going on to years of radio success and on to dominate television as well.

I must say I admire the professionalism of Wendy’s team from her arrival , the handling her guest, having her purple chair on stage and especially the way they orchestrated her exit, making sure she went down the line and shook her fans hand.

Wendy said, "...as a little girl she wanted to work in radio. "

And, know, after over thirty years as a radio and television personality Wendy's Black Girl Magic is being recognized with her very own Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.