Month: June 2021
Page: 2
Clarence Williams III, the legendary actor who appeared in television shows and films including The Mod Squad, Purple Rain, 52 Pick-Up, Tales from the Hood, Half Baked, and Reindeer Games, died Friday from colon cancer. He was 81. Born in New York City, Williams was the son of a professional musician, Clarence “Clay” Williams Jr., and grandson of jazz and blues composer/pianist Clarence Williams and his singer-actress wife, Eva Taylor. Raised by his paternal grandmother, he became interested in acting after accidentally walking onto a stage at a theater below a Harlem YMCA. Williams began pursuing an acting career after spending two years as a paratrooper in C Company, 506th Infantry, of the 101st Airborne Division. His breakout theatrical role was in William Hanley’s Slow Dance on the Killing Ground, for which he received a Tony Award nomination. The New York Times drama critic Howard Taubman wrote of his performance, “Mr. Williams glides like a dancer, giving his long, fraudulently airy speeches the inner rhythms of fear and showing the nakedness of terror when he ceases to pretend.” He also served as artist-in-residence at Brandeis University in 1966. Williams’ breakout television role was as undercover cop Linc Hayes on the popular ABC counterculture police television series The Mod Squad (1968), along with fellow relative unknowns Michael Cole and Peggy Lipton. Since the series ended in 1973, he worked in a variety of genres on stage and screen, from comedy (I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, Half-Baked) to sci-fi (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). Spanning over forty years, his career includes the role of Prince’s tormented father, who was also a musician, in Purple Rain (1984). From 2003 to 2007, Williams had a recurring role as Philby Cross in the Mystery Woman movie series on the Hallmark Channel. He appeared in all but the first of the eleven movies alongside Kellie Martin (J.E. Freeman played Philby in the Mystery Woman first movie). In the seventh (Mystery Woman: At First Sight) movie, he reunited with his Mod Squad co-star Michael Cole. He played Bumpy Johnson in the film American Gangster. From 2005 to 2007 Williams had another recurring role as the voice of Councilor Andam on the Disney series American Dragon Jake Long. Williams married the actress Gloria Foster in 1967. They worked together on The Mod Squad; Foster made two guest appearances. The two were also in a movie, The Cool World, in 1964. In 1984 they filed for divorce, but remained friends. They had no children. Foster died in 2001.
Ari Lenox, the older cousin of Jaelyn “JaeRene” Chapman, has recorded a verse on a song with the singer after her untimely passing. Shortly before being killed in a crash caused by a drunk driver, JaeRene recorded “Bed of Lies,” a song about dishonesty in relationships. JaeRene’s wish was to record with her cousin, but Lennox did not receive the news until after the teen died. “Jaelyn (JaeRene) means the world to me. Her immaculate voice has so much control, rifts, colors, and layers. I’m simply honored to be featured on this beautiful record she wrote, ‘Bed of Lies.’” Lennox said. “I’ve been a fan of hers ever since I heard her sing at the age of 9. Her debut EP is a true favorite of mine. Paradise and Ride or Die have been on repeat ever since.” On April 8, JaeRene and several others were traveling on the Westpark Tollway around 2 a.m. when they were struck by a wrong-way driver. JaeRene was killed, and three others in the vehicle were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The wrong-way driver, who was also injured, was charged with intoxication manslaughter, authorities said. The singer’s death left family, friends and fans in shock. Born and raised in the city that birthed a unique sound, diverse culture, and many national talents, JaeRene was the epitome of Houston. The self-proclaimed Houston R&B Princess made her mark on the music scene in a major way. She was no stranger to the stage as she won a plethora of local and national beauty pageants since the age of 4. Her personality, talent, and tenacity led her to perform at festivals, sporting events, concerts and social events. Her diverse sound was featured on one of Houston’s most requested songs, “H-Town For Real (Remix),” which featured artists including Kiotti, Paul Wall, Lil Flip, Trilly Polk, ZRo, and others. In addition to singing, JaeRene also wrote her own music, which was often inspired by life situations. She was formerly a host of Kidz Jams on 95.3 Jamz where she encouraged teens to live out their dreams. She loved the community, and often hosted “Baddie Bootcamps” where she promoted positive self-esteem, body images, and confidence to young girls of the ages of 5-18. “Bed of Lies” is a single from JaeRene’s final project, “Unfinished,” which features artists including Z-Ro, Paul Wall, Marqus Clae, Inayah Lamis and more. The talented artist had such a bright future ahead of her, and her family’s prayer is that her music will live on forever, and that her fans and supporters will make wise decisions to not drink and drive.
Internationally acclaimed artist and actress Mary J. Blige shared the trailer of her new documentary, My Life, on her Twitter page Tuesday. We know her as an icon who has contributed so much to music and entertainment, but in her new documentary, Mary J. Blige gives us backstage passes to the story behind My Life, one of her most successful albums. The legend shares how the album saved her in one of the darkest times in her life, and how it saved others. The trailer includes a montage of clips of Mary J. Blige’s tour around the world, highlighting her impact. Taraji P. Henson and other commentators are in the trailer speaking on how Mary J. Blige paved the way for many people. Though all of her albums and projects are record-breaking and instant household classics, My Life launched Mary J. Blige into new heights because of her being able to share herself in her most vulnerable state. The documentary will be released June 25 on Amazon Prime. https://twitter.com/maryjblige/status/1399790323241558017
Kroger Houston, as part of Kroger Health – the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) – is eager to motivate more Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine to better protect communities across America. Through the newly launched #CommunityImmunity Giveaway, Kroger Health will provide customers and Kroger Family of Companies associates the opportunity to win life-changing prizes like one of five $1 million checks or one of 50 “groceries for a year.” The giveaway starts Thursday and runs through July 10, with winners scheduled to be selected weekly. The #CommunityImmunity Giveaway was created by Kroger Health to support the Biden Administration’s national effort to have at least 70% of U.S. adults receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by July 4. “Since day one of this pandemic, Kroger’s most urgent priority has been the health and safety of our associates, customers, and communities,” said Joe Kelley, President of Kroger, Houston Division. “Kroger’s #CommunityImmunity Giveaway is designed to inspire more adults to get vaccinated and help Houston recover and move ahead.” How the #CommunityImmunity Giveaway Works: Between June 3, 2021 and July 10, 2021, Kroger Health is giving away $5 million, reflecting a $1 million winner each week for five weeks, as well as 50 “groceries for a year,” ten each week for five weeks, each valued at $13,000 (which is the equivalent of $250 a week for 52 weeks). To enter, participants must be 18 years of age or older, and legally reside and physically be located in one of the 50 United States or Washington, D.C. To enter online, entrants must receive or have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a Kroger Family Company location or by a Kroger Family Company healthcare professional at an off-site event. To schedule a vaccine, visit Kroger.com. To enter the giveaway and view the Official Rules, visit KrogerGiveaway.com. Additionally, The Kroger Family of Companies will continue to award a one-time payment of $100 to associates who become fully vaccinated. As of today, the Kroger Health’s organization’s pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and healthcare technicians have administered more than 4.7 million COVID-19 vaccines — and that number continues to increase daily. Kroger Health has created more equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine through its scheduling tool, walk-in appointments, and mass vaccination off-site clinics. According to the CDC, 62.8% of adults in America have received at least one vaccination shot.
