The Pulse of Entertainment - January 6, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: Youthful Praise Choir Director JJ Hairston Believes ‘You Deserve It'

"I woke up and realized the first project was 15 years ago," said Youthful Praise Choir Director J. J. Hairston about what sparked the desire to record a new project. "I said wow we've never done anything to celebrate. At first we were going to do a concert celebration...during the process...people were saying you should record it...all those songs on one album."

That was what sparked the new album release of J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise released titled "You Deserve It" - a desire to record the celebratory concert. Released March 10, 2017 the album's first single, the title song, "You Deserve It" was the #1 most downloaded Gospel song on iTunes for two months. The "You Deserve It" single was also #1 at Gospel radio, a first time for the spirited choir. This is J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praises' sixth album release but this is the first project off of Hairston's label Jamestown Music.

"I heard ‘You Deserve It'...and wanted to include it on the project," he said of the title track. "It's doing great...we have a mighty God. We didn't put a lot of energy but we sang the same song for 20 minutes...it was comforting."

Hairston didn't expect that people would be receptive as much as they have been to the music of Youthful Praise, but its 15 years later and they still have a massive following.

"There are 20 songs on the CD, some are new songs," the Connecticut native said about the album. "The record was done and Travis Greene...said I have a song. He pulls out his guitar and started playing...so we recorded it."

Youthful Praise was founded by Hairston and Pastor Shawn Brown, a choir member, in 1991 with J.J. serving as its choir director. He co-wrote the choirs hit "Awesome God." Youthful Praise released their first album in 2001 titled "Awesome God" via the record label of GospelFlava.com. They earned two Stellar Award nominations in 2003. The second Youthful Praise album release "Thank You for The Change" features Coko of the R&B group SVW. Their 4th album "Exalted" was recorded live in my hometown of Baltimore in 2007 and it came with a DVD of the live performance. In 2014 they released their fifth project "I See Victory". J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise have performed on BET's "Bobby Jones Gospel," "Good Morning America," "The Muppets Holiday Spectacular" and on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien".

"A lot of times in music it's on to the next thing...staying relevant... you don't have time to celebrate what you've done before," J.J. Hairston said. "This light came on to celebrate what God has done for us...we've got 100 songs recorded!"

You can learn more about the "You Deserve It" album release or Youthful Praise and their choir director J.J. Hairston by logging on to the website www.YouthfulPraise.org.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Entertainment Conference (Baltimore Sat. April 22, 2017 and Los Angeles in October, 2017). This is a free event that offers an Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting, acting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

March 31, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: Rick Braun Goes ‘Around the Horn' and Back Again with Outstanding Album

By Eunice Moseley

"It's a very physical instrument," said Rick Braun about being a trumpet player. "It's similar to singing you only have a certain number of notes, unlike the sax and piano."

If that is the case then Rick Braun gives a wonderfully exhausting performance on his newest album release "Around the Horn" (Shanachie). Wonderful because you can tell he absolutely loves what he does when you hear the album, which features the vocals of Lindsey Webster and John Stoddart, Peter White on guitar and Tilt Bronner on a muted trumpet.

"It was a challenge," Rick said of recording the new album. "I wanted to set it apart...draw on contemporary music instead of reaching back to the 70's vintage, I wanted to stay with contemporary."

The title "Around the Horn" is a play on words Rich said. One meaning is to push the envelope on playing his horn by exploring the trumpet deeper and the other is to be diverse. In being diverse he offers listeners sounds from the Mediterranean, Urban cities such as New York, South Beach, Jamaica and the Caribbean.

"It's a musical journey," he said about recording this album.

Also assisting on the project are keyboardist John Stoddart who co-produced six songs; Third Richardson on drums; Gerey Johnson on guitar; Ron Reinhardt on keyboards and bass, and Kenny Wild on acoustic bass. This is Rick Braun's 17th solo project. He is known to back and collaborate with some of the best in Jazz music such as Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown, Dave Koz, Boney James and Brian Culbertson.

"John and I had worked together back on Warner Brothers Jazz," Rick said about John Stoddart. "He has been a keyboard player with BWB. He is such a talented vocalist and piano player. I asked him (to help on the album) and he said yes!"

BWB is a trio Braun is a member of with living legends Kirk Whalum on sax and Norman Brown on guitar. The trio BWB has released three albums. Braun attended the Eastman School of Music and co-founded the label ARTizen Music with sax man Richard Elliott. ARTizen is now known as Artistry Music distributed by Mack Avenue Records. Even though the Pennsylvania native is a self taught piano player, he is a trumpeter. In his early years he toured with Natalie Cole, Tom Petty and Rod Stewart.

The "Around the Horn" project includes three covers and eight originals. My favorite selections on the album include #1 "So Strong" because it sounds like the essence of what Jazz is all about; #2 "Pool Dancer" because it has a Funk and B-Bop feel which is laced with the electric sound of Gerey Johnson's guitar and I also love the way Rick flips that horn at the end; #3 "Take My Love" because of the perfect combination of the beautiful vocals of Lindsey Webster and Rick's horn; #4, a cover of Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez's "We Don't Talk Anymore," because Rick Braun's Jazz twist is perfection; #6, a cover of Alicia Key's "In Common," because his Jazz version brings a futuristic feel to it which makes it unique; #9 "Vila Vita," featuring Peter White on guitar, because the cross-breed combination of the B-Bop and Jazz into a Latin musical delivery gives it a unique sound and I love the ending; #10, a cover of Coldplay's "Yellow," because I love the use of what sounds like water at the end, and #11 "One South Beach Night" because it is simply outstanding. I have always believed that Rick Braun is a Jazz icon because his trumpet playing is like no other with skills so awesome he makes the instrument seem alive. Learn more about "Around the Horn" and Rick Braun by logging onto his website at www.RickBraun.com.

April 7, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: Ruben Studdard Inspires Change; The Smurfs Take an Awesome Adventure

By Eunice Moseley

"It's all part of that struggle," said Three-Time Billboard Music winner Ruben Studdard about the release of the single "A Change is Gonna Come" from his upcoming album of the same name. "I grew up admiring that song it was a blessing to sing it with an arrangement by Dr. Panion."

Dr. Henry Panion, III is a producer and conductor who lead the live orchestra recording during the 2016 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Awards Celebration. He is best known for his work with Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and American Idol winners Carrie Underwood and Ruben Studdard. Ruben was the "American Idol" Season two winner. Since that win he has released six albums, the next will be his seventh.
"A Change is Gonna Come," a cover of the Sam Cooke classic, was inspired by former President Barack Obama's act before leaving office - designating Birmingham, Alabama a U.S. Civil Rights District. That action made Birmingham, Alabama a national monument.

"I think that growing up in Atlanta gives you a certainty of the tangible, the importance of...matter," said the America Music Award nominee about his roots in the civil rights movement. "I hope it will inspire...with hope you can do anything."

I am sure it was hope for what his vocal talents could do for him and those that love his voice that gave Ruben Studdard what he needed to compete on "American Idol" in front of not only his neighborhood or city but the country. As a result the Grammy Award nominated soulful singer has created his place in American music history.

"I just spoke with a group of young men at my old middle school," Ruben said at the conclusion of our interview. "I hope they will hear the song and...be absolutely the best."

Ruben no doubt gives it his best garnering also a Teen Choice Award and an NAACP Image Award. The Sam Cooke classic, "A Change is Gonna Come," was the anthem to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Learn more about Ruben Studdard and his new single "A Change is Gonna Come" by logging onto www.RubenStuddard.com.

Columbia Pictures releases Smurfs: The Lost Village on April 7, 2017 in 3D Theatres. Rated PG, Smurfs: The Lost Village follows Smurfette, Clumsy, Brainy and Hefty as they go on an awesome adventure to find the "lost village" of Smurfs to warn them that Gargamel is coming to enslave them all and steal their Smurf powers. Their adventure starts because Smurfette in trying to find her special purpose in life like her friends Clumsy, Brainy and Hefty. As she searches for her purpose Smurfette reaches the edge of the "forbidden forest" and there in the shadows she sees something that looks like two eyes stirring at her. It turns out the eyes belongs to other Smurfs. Grammy nominated Demi Lovato ("Camp Rock") is the voice of Smurfette; Emmy nominated Jack McBrayer ("30 Rock") is the voice of Clumsy; Danny Pudi (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) is the voice of Brainy; MTV Movie Award nominated Joe Manganiello (Spider-Man) is the voice of Hefty, and Rainn Wilson ("The Office") is the voice of Gargamel.

Smurfs: The Lost Village is based on "The Smurfs" comic book series by Peyo. It is directed by Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2) and produced by Jordan Kerner (The Smurfs). What will the Smurfs find in the forbidden forest? Will Smurfette find her purpose? Will Gargamel enslave the Smurfs? The suspense is delightful and the outcome is what makes The Smurfs a successful brand.

The Lost Village inhabitants consist of SmurfLily voiced by SAG Award winner Ariel Winters ("Modern Family"); SmurfStorm voiced by SAG Award winner Michelle Rodriguez (The Fast and the Furious franchise); SmurfWillow voiced by Academy Award winner Julia Roberts (The Pelican Brief) is the leader of the Lost Village; SmurfBlossom voiced by MTV Movie Award winner Ellie Kemper ("The Office"), and SmurfMelody voiced by Grammy winning Meghan Trainor. Other Smurfs, lead by PapaSmurf, voiced by Emmy winner Mandy Patinken ("Homeland"), include Grouchy voiced by Jake Johnson (Jurassic World)); Jokey voiced by Gabriel Iglesias (Magic Mike); Vanity voiced by Emmy nominated Tituss Burgess ("30 Rock"); Baker voiced by Gordon Ramsey ("MasterChef US"); Farmer voiced by comedian Jeff Dunham, and Nosey voiced by Director Kelly Asbury. Smurfs: The Lost Village is a Sony Pictures Animation, Kerner Entertainment Company production. Learn more about the film or see the trailer by logging onto www.SmurfsMovie.com.

April 14, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: Universal's ‘Fast and Furious 8' Combines Action and Comedy Perfectly

By Eunice Moseley

Universal Pictures presents to theaters April 14, 2017 the 8th installment of The Fast and Furious, which is also known as The Fate of the Furious, Fast8 and F8. Director F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton) perfectly combines the legendary fast action of the "Fast and Furious" brand with comic-relief. Fast8 is a fast moving two hours and 16 minutes and it stars Vin Diesel (Chronicles of Riddick), also producer, as Dom (Dominic Toretto) a reformed criminal working for a DSS Agent; Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson (Scorpion King) is Luke Hobbs a DSS Agent who hires Dom's team for a covert operation to stop home-grown 21 Century terrorism; Jason Statham (The Transporter) is Deckard Shaw, a rogue Special Forces Agent jailed by Agent Hobbs, persuaded to join the covert operations to save the world; Michelle Rodriguez (S.W.A.T.) is Letty Ortiz, Dom's new wife, a former street racer and part of his team; Tyrese Gibson (Transformers) is Roman Pearce a reformed criminal that is part of Dom's team; Chris ‘Ludacris' Bridges ("Law & Order: SUV") is Tej Parker a mechanic that's also part of Dom's team; Golden Globe nominated Kurt Russell (Stargate) is Frank Petty who recruited Agent Hobbs for the covert operation called Cipher, and Nathalie Emmanuel {"Game of Thrones") is Ramsey a computer "hackivist" and new member of Dom's team.

In Fast8 Petty enlists Agent Hobbs, in jail wrongfully imprisoned, for a covert op to stop a cyber terrorist and Hobbs then recruits Dom and his team for assistance. During the operation Dom goes rogue and betrays the team and his wife by joining the terrorist group stealing devices that can be used to terrorize. Fast8 starts off all about Dom having to go against his team so you know its action packed, but just when you can't stand the friction between them any more the reason why he has betrayed them is introduced. This secret in-a-way brings comic-relief but it also increased my desire for Dom, himself, to take-down the new age terrorist - Cipher.

Academy Award winner Charlize Theron (Mighty Joe Young) is Cipher a cyber expert who is using ‘god's eye,' a surveillance device, to steal what she needs to obtain a nuclear device so that she can threaten the world into submission. Fast8 also stars Luke Evans as Owen Shaw, the brother of Deckard the former Special Forces Agent, in jailed thanks to Agent Hobbs; Academy Award winner Scott Eastwood (Invictus) is the inexperienced Agent Eric Reisner working for the special operations leader Petty; Academy Award winner Helen Mirren (Red) is Magdalene Shaw mother of Deckard and Owen Shaw who is recruited by Dom for his own special covert operation, and Elsa Pataky (Thor: The Dark World) is Elena Neves a DSS Agent who was a former police in Rio relocated to the U.S. to be Agent Hobbs' partner.

The Fate of the Furious 8 is an Original Film, One Race Films, Perfect World Pictures production. Rated PG-13 Fast8 is shown in 3D, IMAX 3D and 4DX theaters. Other producers aside from Diesel (xXx) who is a multi-People's Choice Award winner are Neal H. Moritz and Michael Fottrell. You can see the trailer for Fast8 at www.FastandFurious.com.

April 21, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: The Heart Knows Best in ‘Gifted'; Ellia English Returns to the Stage

By Eunice Moseley

Fox Searchlight Pictures presents Gifted starring MTV Movie Award winner Chris Evans (Captain America), Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer (The Help) and young McKenna Grace as Mary the gifted seven year-old. Rated PG-13 Gifted shows that the heart knows best. Birth from a troubled gifted mother, Mary is left with her uncle Frank Adler (Evans) as an infant. He raises her with surprising success then he decides she needs to be with kids her own age so he enrolls her in school.

In comes Frank's mother Evelyn Adler, played by Tony nominated Lindsay Duncan ("Sherlock"), who turns up seven years later after her daughter's suicide wanting custody of her gifted grandchild. Spencer (Hidden Figures) plays Roberta Taylor Frank's feisty neighbor who helped him raise the orphaned baby. It is not clear who is in charge Frank or the gifted 7 year-old but I can relate I was in his shoes with a gifted child of my own.

In trying to provide the best for Mary her uncle Frank enrolls her in public school so she can make friends and live a "normal" life. Placing a gifted child, who knows more than her teacher, in a 2nd grade class you know there will be challenges but things go terribly wrong when Evelyn is contacted by the school after the school test her for her level of genius. Gifted will make you laugh and cry. It also stars Jenny Slate (Private \Lives) as Mary's teacher Bonnie Stevenson; Julie Ann Emery, Jona Xiao and Keir O'Donnell.

Gifted is directed by March Webb, written by Tom Flynn with Karen Lunder and Andy Cohen as producers. You can get more information on Gifted or watch the trailer by logging onto www.GiftedMovie.com.

Broadway actress turned television/film actress Ellia English returns to the stage in the Combined Artform/Studio C Artists production of "Yes, Virginia," a new play by Stan Zimmerman and Christian McLaughlin. Stan also serves as the director.

"The director and co-writer is Stan Zimmerman. Stan and I met when I first moved to New York," Ellia said about how she ended up with the role. "We moved to Los Angeles. I am not sure who moved first but when I moved to Los Angeles it took a minute for us to find each other. But he sent me a copy and when he said Mindy Sterling was attached, I said absolutely. I had wanted to work with her"

"Yes, Virginia" is a two character play starring Ellia English and Mindy Sterling based on Stan's mother. The play centers on the relationship between Virginia (Sterlinig) and her maid Denise (English) who helped raise Denise's children during a difficult divorce.

"It's a fun project loosely based on his mom...a role reversal experience," English said. "It is great to get an inside look at parents. I think back to my grandma who had dementia. It is a difficult thing to go through...to have to stop driving. (The play) is not just dealing with parents but it's for parents to know what their kids are going through."

Ellia English is best known for her role as Aunt Helen on "The Jamie Foxx Show," Mary Lou in Disney Channel's "Good Luck Charlie" and as Auntie Rae in HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Her career started on Broadway as Effie Melody White in Dreamgirls. She went on to perform in "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." Other roles include Nurse Isabel in CBS' "Code Black." English is also a Jazz singer who has performed at The Village Vanguard in New York City and The Cotton Club. She also authored a book "I Am That I Am..." (Xulon Press).

"I'm getting into it," she said about returning to the stage. "It's been a minute. The last time might have been 2006 or 2007. I started searching for acting roles and landed the nurse in Romeo & Juliet musical and I said,' Yes, I'm acting! After a lot of theatre...everyone was telling me if you serious you got to be in California. Now all the work is in my home town of Georgia."

"Yes, Virginia" is an 85 minutes performance that opened April 9, 2017. It will offer 15 performances ending on April 30th. The play will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. For more information log onto www.yes-virginia.eventbright.com

April 28, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: Grammy Nominated Jazz Pianist Jeff Lorber Offers a New Thing in ‘Prototype' Album Release

By Eunice Moseley

"When you are getting ready to build you build a bunch of prototypes...to the final prototype...a new thing. I though it was a cool name," said Grammy Award nominated Jazz Pianist Jeff Lorber about the title of his latest album release "Prototype" (Shanachie)/

Lorber offers a new thing with "Prototype" by fusing together Jazz with Soul, Funk, Pop R&B and Gospel. "Prototype" features assistance from guitarist Chuck Loeb and Paul Jackson, Jr. and saxophonist Dave Mann. What a mixture!

"This is where music is going," Jeff said. "Funky Jazz...cool grooves, bluesy."
Just having Paul Jackson, Jr. and Chuck Loeb on the album indicates what type of tone Lorber is trying to set with the "Prototype" album release. Jackson, Jr. is a Grammy Award winning lead guitarist that has back the whose-who in the music industry on stage and in the studio such as Whitney Houston, Dru Hill, Elton John and Michael Jackson. Loeb is a two-time Grammy Award winner whose music is featured on the soundtracks of such films as Untouchables and Hitch.

"I've had a posse of musicians - Paul Jackson, Jr., David Mann, Michael Thompson -he is not well known but he is a top session player. He does a guitar solo on the second (track) that's great. Jimmy has been with me playing base and co-producing...my sounding board," said Jeff Lorber about the featured musicians on "Prototype."

Aside from Jackson, Jr., Loeb and Mann "Prototype" also has bassist Jimmy Haslip; drummer Gary Novak; saxophonist Andy Snitzer; guitarist Larry Koonse; bassist Nathan East, and guitarist Michael Thompson. Lorber has featured the known and unknown musicians and is credited for introducing the world to the skills of Kenny G, who use to play in his band.
"I first was going to name it mutation, but it's like a new car...like a prototype. ‘Hyper Drive' is first on the album and there's ‘Test Drive," Lorber explained.

On "Test Drive" Jeff also plays guitar. While a student at Berklee College of Music he developed his still of Jazz he calls Jeff Lorber Fusion, another name for his band, because it is fused with Funk where as early fusion musicians are more R&B/Pop fused. Jeff Lorber Fusion released their first album in 1977 and their 1980 album released introduced Kenny G. He released a solo project in 1982 and garnered his first Grammy award nomination with his 1986 release "Step by Step." He has also produced projects for Gerald Albright, Richard Elliot and Rick Braun. His 2007 release "He Had a Hat" received a second Grammy Award nominated for the visionary Jazz Pianist. He was on a roll because his 2010 solo release "Now is the Time" also received a Grammy Award nomination, along with his 2012 "Galaxy" and 2013 "Hacienda" bringing his total Grammy nominations to five.

"One of the songs called ‘Park West' is named after a club we se to play in the 80s," Jeff informed me. "I deal with a lot of details; Jimmy sees the big picture...looks from a distance. That's important, you want to overall have a whole approach thing fit where we position."

Visit www.shanachie.com or www.Lorber.com for more information about his new release "Prototype."

May 5, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: ASCAP's ‘I Create Music' Expo Share the Power by Sharing the Knowledge

By Eunice Moseley

"Don't be desperate," the ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo panelist said as I walked it the door to cover its three day music industry extravaganza of panel sessions and exhibits of all kinds there to help visitors reach that next level in the music business. This particular panel was the "Creative Artist Funding" session.

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, is a membership organization of over 600,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers with a mission to license, promote, collect public performance compensations and royalties for its members. ASCAP represents over 10 million copyright works. It is the largest worldwide leader in performance royalties' representative and the only American performance rights organization that is owned and governed by its members.

Other powerful sessions included "We Create Music" with James Fauntleroy (20/20 Experience") on the panel; "Behind the Beat" with producers/songwriter Brian Kennedy ("Forever"); "Where Credit is Due" with producer/songwriter Desmond Child ("I Was Made For Lovin' You"); "The Writers' Jam" with Sevyn Streeter ("Fine China"), and the "R&B/Hip-Hop Feedback" with producer/songwriter Vincent Berry ("Lemonade").

"Melody is the most important part of the song. The hook sounds different than the verse," said Berry as I walk into the "R&B/Hip-Hop Feedback" session. He was giving good information so fast and direct that it made me pull my note pad out cause I could tell from experience he was going to be on point with what he was saying. "Creating journeys of the moments are important."

The 12th annual ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo ended with a "Keynote Interview" with living legend Stevie Wonder who at 12 years old was at the top of the music charts. Today Stevie has received 25 Grammy Awards and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Oscar winning ASCAP President Paul Williams presented Stevie Wonder with the ASCAP "Key of Life Award" for his incredible musical legacy.

Last year the ASCAP "I Create Music Expo" attracted over 3,000 people and from what I saw this year at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles it did not fall short of that number. Some of the exhibitors included CDBaby.com, BerkleeOnline.com. Billboard.com, The Recording Academy GrammyPRO.com, CasioMusicGear.com and MusicRegistry.com. Learn more about ASCAP at www.ASCAP.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

May 12, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: Warner Bros' ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword' is Exhilarating

By Eunice Moseley

Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) directs the Warner Bros. Pictures' presentation of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, an exhilarating version of the English tale. Ritchie comes from a comedy background as a director of films and it is so evident in this medieval story of King Arthur, which arrives in theatres May 12, 2017. Co-produced and co-written by Guy Ritchie, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is about the legendary blade that has mystical powers, seen through the eyes of an orphan boy named Arthur.

It seems Arthur was born to be King, but he doesn't know it. His evil uncle Vortigem, played by English actor Jude Law (Sherlock Homes), is killing all family members in the way of him getting to the thorn of England. English actor Charlie Haunnam ("Sons of Anarchy") is Arthur Pendragon the young Englishman who was raised in a brothel as an orphaned boy until adulthood. Arthur gets wrapped up in his Uncle King Vortigem's devious search for the man who can remove the Excalibur from the stone just so he can eliminate him as a royal bloodline threat to the crown.

Arthur, just out to make some money that any man who participates in trying to pull free the sword received, removes the sword and now his Uncle knows who he truly is. When Arthur is able to handle the power of the sword he can see also who he is and what happened to his parents. What transpires next is an adventure that is full of fantasy, drama and perfect comedic relief moments.

Rated PG-13 King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is also co-produced by Akiva Goldsman, Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, Steve Clark-Hall and Lionel Wigram. Co-screen writer is Joby Harold. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword also stars West African actor DJimon Hounsou (The Legend of Tarzan) as Bedivere who becomes a knight of "King Arthur'; Spanish actress Astrid Berges-Frisbey (Pirates of the Caribbean) is "The Mage" (Guinevere); Australian actor Eric Bana (Hulk, The Finest Hour) is Uther Pendragon - Arthur's father the true King; Tom Wu (Skyfall) is George a fight trainer who also becomes a knight of King Arthur's roundtable; Kamil Lemieszewski as Merlin; Annabelle Wallis as King Vortigem's Maid Maggie; Irish actor Tony Award winner Aidan Gillen ("Games of Thornes") as Bill Wilson another friend to become a knight at the roundtable; English actor Freddie Fox (Victor Frankenstein) as Rubio Arthur's childhood friend also part of the group to be knights; Craig McGinlay as Percival; Kingsley Ben-Adir as Wetstick a friend of Arthur, and Neil Maskell as Backlack. It also stars David Beckham, Millie Brady, Michael McElhatton, Mikael Persbrandt, Lorraine Bruce, Hermione Corfield, Katie McGrath, and Poppy Delevingne.

"King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" is a Safehouse Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Weed Road Pictures and Ritchie/Wigram Productions production. Watch the trailer or learn more about the Warner Bros. Pictures' presentation by logging onto www.KingArthurMovie.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

May 19, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: Film Company Imagination Lunchbox is a Small Ripple Making Big Waves

By Eunice Moseley

anthony_westchester_screening_with_mother_Kerri_cropped.jpg

"I have good friends that support me," said Anthony Michael Hobbs, co-founder and co-executive producer at Imagination Lunchbox, LLC a film production company in Maryland that is a small ripple making big waves.

"I have an anti-social personality so if people come to me (with ill intentions) it's not working because my personality won't allow it," explained Kerri Hobbs, mother of the 12 year old filmmaker, when asked about how she handles the entertainment industry sharks that try to hinder or benefit from her and her son's hard work.

Kerri is also co-founder and co-executive producer at the company that she formed for her award winning son. Anthony Michael Hobbs, as a successful child actor and model, wanted to produce his own films that he could star in. His most notable role as an actor is as a young Frederick Douglas in the Emmy nominated PBS special "The Abolitionist." He represented PBS at the 2013 Emmy Awards and he has also starred in DreamWorks "How to Train Your Dragon: Dragons and Dinosaurs." As a model he has appeared in national marketing campaigns for such major companies as Finish Line Athletics and Toys-R-Us.

Imagination Lunchbox, LLC was named after Anthony's dog and it has already produced three short films for him - One Nation, Naga Pixie and Agent Hollywood. Collectively the films have screened at over 15 international film festivals and have won a total of 6 awards. Recently the production company held its first annual Imagination Lunchbox International Children's Film Festival (ILICFF)) where 15 films from Spain, Thailand, New Zealand, Japan, and the U.S. were screened. The films were made by kids, made for kids or either has kids in starring roles. He also had a premiere screening of his company's 3rd short film Agent Hollywood. Five awards were handed out that day. Aside from the three categories previously mentioned the film festival also presented "Film Festival Choice" and "Most Uplifting Film" Awards. The most uplifting film award was sponsored by the "Uplifting Minds II" entertainment conference celebrating 18 years. ILICFF also offered a panel discussion where the audience had plenty of serious questions. The festival also provided the audience with popcorn, fried chicken wings and drinks! The event was developed by his company's Los Angeles based public relations firm Freelance Associates as a community service event because Hobbs wanted to inspire young kids to accomplish their dreams too.

When asked if he inspired kids at his film festival he said, "I think I did. We had a lot of submissions and half the audience that came were children."

Kerri Hobbs added, "A young filmmaker there looked like she had a good time she came up to Anthony and said he inspired her." The filmmaker she mentioned, Jillian Lebling, won "Best Film By Kids" for her short "SleepTalker."

Imagination Lunchbox, LLC is currently in the production stages of a documentary film made in association with the Smithfield Foundation in Virginia. Kerri sits on the foundation's board and their film production company was hired to produce several projects. This current project is about the interactions between the Preston family, owners of the Smithfield plantation, and one of their enslaved families - the Fractions of which the Hobbs are descendents.

When asked about who makes the final decisions in a company that belongs to a 12 year old Anthony Michael Hobbs said, "If something happens it's my decision. She tells me if it's good or bad...if she says something is bad, but I say it's good we do it."

"You have to support them," Kerri said about letting him lead the way. "Parents ask me how do you make him...and I say I am not making him...he is leading. We talk about it...the only time I do not let him have his way is if it's detrimental to him. I don't let that happen."

Anthony Michael's circle of friends is in all of his movies, though very few want to be actors or filmmakers.

"They only do it for me," Hobbs admitted. "Stace is getting more into acting. My friends Josh and Robert they want to get into the NBA."

Hobbs is also an award winning athlete. He was recently chosen out of hundreds of kids trying-out to be on the Maryland AAU team called the Ravens. AAU was formed in 1888 and is the Amateur Athletic Union where most national championships in the U.S. take place. AAU represents the US in international sports federation games and they work closely with the US Olympic Committee to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games.

Learn more about Imagination Lunchbox, LLC and its projects by logging onto www.ImaginationLunchbox.com or www.Anthony-Michael.com. Imagination Lunchbox's third project Agent Hollywood will be screening at the Ocean City Film Festival June 8 - 11, 2017 on Sunday the 11th. Learn more about the film festival by logging onto www.OCMDFilmFestival.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

May 26, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: Johnny Depp Owns Role of Jack Sparrow Again, in Pirates of the Caribbean 5

By Eunice Moseley

I must admit this is my first time seeing the Pirates of the Caribbean installments and what fun it was thanks to Johnny Depp's superb comedic timing. The Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture presentation of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, the 5th installment of the movie franchise, has three-time Academy Award nominated Johnny Depp owning the role of Captain Jack Sparrow again making the film bigger than life. I can see why Depp has been asked to return to this leading role time and time again. He was also involved in the writing process announcing to the public that Pirates 5 will be the last.

Pirates 5 has Captain Jack Sparrow down on his luck but there are those that still need and believe in him - to steal the Trident of Poseidon. The Trident of Poseidon is an artifact that will allow the owner the ability to control the seas. Depp wants to control the seas in order to free his ship the Black Pearl. Pirates of the Caribbean 5 will be in Digital 3D, Real D 3D and IMAX 3D theatres May 26, 2017.

A young thief, Henry Turner played by Brenton Thwaites, frees Depp from the guillotine so Sparrow can undertake the journey with him to find the Trident of Poseidon. His motives however is to see his father Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) again. Turner is a black Smith and is Captain of the Flying Dutchmen lost at sea. To make the journey the two are in need of a map, that no "man" cam read, that is in the possession of Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario) an astronomer about to be put to death for witchcraft. Turner rescues her and Sparrow. Carina reluctantly joins them only because they map leads the orphaned girl to who her father is. Who her father turns out to be, the adventures involved in their quest and the mind blowing special effects makes this Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg directed fantasy film a winner.
Pirates 5 is a Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Film production Rated PG-13. The Bruckheimer produced project also stars Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa a pirate and former Captain of the Black Pearl; Javier Bardem as Spanish Captain Armando Salazar traveling the seas killing all pirates in his path - even after death; Stephen Graham, Golshifteh Farahani, David Wenham, Jessica Green, Goran D. Kleut, Kevin McNally, Martin Klebba. Keira Knightly, Paul McCartney, and Anthony De La Torre plays a younger Jack Sparrow. The script was written by Jeff Nathanson.

Watch the trailer for Pirates 5 at www.Pirates.Disney.com/Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-Dead-Men-Tell-No-Tales or learn more about the film.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

June 2, 2017

The Pulse of Entertainment: Travis Greene Testifies About God's Patience on ‘You Waited' Single
By Eunice Moseley
"I gave God my faith. People would say it's the favor of God," said seven-time Stellar winning Travis Green about his mind-blowing music career and the meaning behind his single "You Waited" from his new live album "Crossover: Live from Music City." "He has allowed me to do what I'm doing. What would I be if He left me? God is rich in patience. God revealed his patience to me."
A musician, as well as a songwriter, my favorite Travis Greene selection is "Living Water" because it simplifies what God does for us every single second of the day. The recent Billboard Award winner started his career while in college in 2007. He released his first album "Stretching Out" (Pendulum) in 2010 and "The Hill" (RCA Inspirational) in 2015, which reached #1 on Billboard. He has produced two #1 singles "Intentional" (2015) and "Made a Way" in 2016.
"Crossover: Live from Music City" will be his third commercial album release and yet, aside from seven Stellar Awards and the one Billboard Award, Travis has already garnered 13 Stellar nominations, three Billboard nominations and two Grammy Award nominations. The "You Waited" music video is taken from the "Crossover: Live in Music City" recording event, which was a sold-out concert in Nashville.
Greene, now Pastor of Forward City Church in Columbia, SC, is currently performing nationally and internationally. He has a show in Trinidad and Tobago on June 15, 2017, in West Nigeria on June 21st and at the Mega Fest in Dallas, TX June 30 - July 1st.
"I started pasturing just in August, it's only been 9 months," he kind of giggled when I questioned him about his career as a Pastor.
Learn more about Travis as I did by logging onto his website at www.TravisGreene.tv.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
June 9, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Celebrity Supported ‘Jonathan Foundation' Fundraiser a Major Success
By Eunice Moseley
"We are privately funded. We have lots of support... a large following," said Raja Marhaba, founder of The Jonathan Foundation, which recently held its annual fundraiser at the Marconi Automotive Museum in the Los Angeles area. The support she talked about was there in abundant in the form of many young celebrity actors from NBC, Nickelodeon, Disney, and ABC there to meet the press and spread the word - all friends of Jonathan. "We have a scholarships fund. We finance private assessments that can range from $2,000. We give children an identification of their strengths and weaknesses so family can better understand them and so doctors can make recommendations to what the schools need to provide them."
When I ask the many young actors there what it means to them to give back to the community and organizations such as "The Jonathan Foundation" the replies were sincere and heart-warming. Tara-Nicole Azarian (Nickelodeon's "Game Shakers") said, "I'm actually severely dyslexic so this organization is really important to me because it helps kids with severe disabilities...you just need to give kids the attention they need for their disability. What they do here is so amazing."
Jacob Hopkins (Cartoon Network's "The Amazing World of Gumball") a very close friend of the family said about his support of the 16 year old organization, "You're not doing something for yourself...you are doing something for someone else. Its something about that to me that is very important."
"I think it's important...because the community has given us so much," said Amber Romero (Disney's XD "Future-Worm").
"It is not just (about) me," said Jonathan Marhaba, whom the foundation was named after. "It's my brother as well (Omar Marhaba). My brother and I have challenges. His is incognito...it's easy to see my disabilities. I have ADHD and dyslexia so initially it was named after me but my brother is a big part. We endured as a family; his disability compounded with mine is where this foundation was created."
Jonathan's brother Omar is his younger sibling. They both sit on the board of the foundation while mentoring children to help them better understand what they are going through and to let them know they are not alone. They encourage people when they speak on the subject that a learning disorder is not a disability but a gift.
The event co-hosted by Kathleen Bradley ("The Price if Right") auctioned off autograph memorabilia from sports, television and film celebrities to support the organization that in-turn finances private assessments for children with learning disorders. Other actors in attendance included Merit Leighton (Disney's "Sofia the First"), Marlowe Peyton (ABC's "Fresh Off the Boat"), Kiana Lyz Rivera (TNT's "Major Crimes"), Mateo (Comedy Central's "Kroll Show"), Hayley Gripp ("CSI: Las Vegas") and Ava Cantrell (Warner Bros/New Line's "Lights Out").
I asked what super power they would pick and what they would do with it all gave creative and inspiring answer that tells me the world is in good hands, if they only believed - like I do - that they could make those powers real.
"(I'd pick) The super power to multiply things. I would be able to end world hunger," said Hunter Payton (NBC's "A - Z").
"I would have the power to shape-shift," said Amber Romero ("Clique Wars"). "I'd be able to change into anything I want to. There is so much you can do...you can help other people or just have fun."
Jacob said his power would be "immeasurable strength." Tara-Nicole said she would wan psychic powers to know when someone is about to commit murder so she could stop it, "No one would be in jail. That would be really cool."
Raja said the assessments are discovering that, "The school district's assessment is not comprehensive and that is very common. The private sector taps into that and gets clarity on what's happening with them."
"I hate the word disability because like I said it's an advantage...it's a gift. It's being able to find accommodations. I can talk to my phone and say, ‘how do you spell this word?'...thanks to technology," said Jonathan. "We hope to educate people and help people see how they ca use technology...that's what its there fore. If we can use it to help these kids be successful and excel...that is the goal. To have someone come up to you and say you changed my life...money can't replace that."
To learn more about "The Jonathan Foundation" or support their fundraising efforts log onto www.TheJonathanFoundation.org.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
June 16, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Ben Tankard Releases ‘Full Tank 3' featuring Gerald Albright and Take 6
By Eunice Moseley

"I believe you go where you are celebrated," said 15-time Stellar Award winning keyboardist Ben Tankard about his choice of featured artists on his new album "Full Tank 3: CanTANKerous." "(I picked them) not because their singles are popular and can sell records but they're friends of mine."
The featured artists on Grammy Award nominated Tankard's new album are saxophonist Gerald Albright and Grammy Award winning Take 6. Other featured artists include saxophonist Paul Taylor, saxophonist Cord Martin and guitarist Phil Hughley. Ben was a basketball star who injured his knee and was forced to turn to his first love music. He garnered the reputation as the father of Gospel Jazz. Tankard stated that the new album is based on his best-selling book "The Full Tank Life: Fuel Your Dreams-Ignite Your Destiny."
Also a pastor at The Destiny Center in Tennessee Ben is starring in his own reality show "The Tankards" on the Bravo Network. "Full Tank 3" is released on his own label Ben-Jamin' Universal Music/Central South. Tankard believes people should live a "full-tank" life.
"This is year four. Next season we're dropping the ‘thicker than water' part because there are so many versions," he said about his family reality show. "We are just going to call it ‘The Tankards' in season four...Thank you for supporting."
Ben Tankard in 1990 at 25 years old signed a third grade school teacher to his label he met with vocal talents whom we know today as Yolanda Adams. He produced her first 4 projects. He credits Yolanda's success for bringing his own talents to the spotlight and was the first artist noted for releases a full instrumental album combining Gospel and Jazz. Other artists he has produced and collaborated with include Take 6, Fred Hammond, Kelly Price, John p. Kee, Shirley Murdock and Gerald Albright. He taught himself how to play the piano and how to produce. This amazing man is also a pilot who flies himself to most of his concerts
The Ben Tankard Tour is underway he will be arriving in Tallahassee for the Full Tank Concert on June 24, 2017; Denver at the Night of Hope with Joe Osteen on July 7th; Denver at Potter's House on July 9th; Chicago at the Night of Hope with Joel Osteen on August 11th; Milwaukee for the Full Tank Concert on August 12th, and back to Chicago for Living Word CC with Bill Winston on August 13th. You can find more information about the "Full Tank 3" album release and the Ben Tankard Tour by logging onto www.BenTankard.org or if you want to worship at The Destiny Center log onto www.TheDestinyDome.com.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
June 23, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: OSCIA's ‘Celestial Awards of Excellence' Honors Positive Influencers
By Eunice Moseley

Established in 2010 by Oscar Hernandez and presented by his company OSCIA Production the "Celestial Awards of Excellence" honors those with outstanding accomplishments of excellence that have contributed positively to our society. Recently the 2017 "Celestial Awards of Excellence" was held at the Alex Theatre in Los Angeles hosted by actor Oba Babatunde. Awards ranged from entertainment, medical, education, community service and other areas of expertise.
When I asked Emmy Award winning model/actress/sports broadcaster Jayne Kennedy ("The NFL Today," "Greatest Sports Legends") what excellence meant to her she said, "When you find something you are passionate about and you do not let anything get in the way...you never stop."
Young actor Hunter Payton (CBS' "Criminal Minds") said excellence to him meant, "Doing the best you personally can do. For me it's how far you can push yourself to do things and how far you are willing to go for a certain thing because excellence is an arbitrary word that many people have many definitions of."
Those honored included Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr. (Roots) with the "Lifetime Achievement Award;" Founder of "The Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute" Myrlie Evers-Williams with the "Civil Rights Icon Award"; actor Art Evans with the "Mentor for Success Award"; Dr. Williams Charles Akins (Akins High School) with the "Education Award"; Founder of the "Music & Fine Arts Foundation" Conrad O. Johnson with the "Fine Arts Award"; actress Marla Gibbs ("The Jeffersons") with the "Visionary Award;" former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young with the "Civil Rights Icon Award;" Olympic Gold Medalists Edwin Moses with the "Sportsman Trailblazer Award;" Founder of the World Chamber of Commerce Solange Warner with the "International Business Award;" Founder of American Soldier Network Annie Nelson with the "Helping Hands Award;" Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Beamon with the "Pride Award;" President of Tubman Truth Corporation Anita DeFrantz with the "Angel Award." Entertainment was provided by Howard Hewitt, Kim Whitley, Eloise Laws, Shanice Knowles and Glynn Turman.
The "Celestial Awards of Excellence" benefits the Bahati Foundation of seven-time U.S. National Champion cyclist Rahsaan Bahati formed to positively impact inner city youth through cycling, education and music.
Actor Art Evans said about awards in general, "I've been fortunate to have a couple awards but they don't define your craft. But it brings attention to it."
There should be no stress in reaching excellence just doing your best and never stopping. Awards don't provide a measurement of your excellence, but gives them a spotlight.
"Believe in yourself and do the best you can do," said actress Hayley Gripp of "CSI: Las Vegas." "In life we want to be perfect...perfection doesn't exist."
Sponsors include Alcorn State University, World Chamber of Commerce, ACON Construction, Victoria Choi, Gazi Kahn, OPEN Development, VCR Construction & Designs and Ron Berryman. You can learn how you can help fund the "Celestial Awards of Excellence" or the Bahati Foundation by logging onto www.CelestialAwardsofExcellence.org.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
June 30, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Embrace Jackiem Joyner's ‘Trinity' Off of His New Album 'Main Street Beat'; Robert E. Person Releases New Single 'I Give You Praise'
By Eunice Moseley
"My daughter really inspired me," said Soul/Jazz saxophonist Jackiem Joyner about his new album "Main Street Beat" (June 30, 2017 release), which first single "Trinity" is named after his daughter. "It was my first time writing with her in the studio. She loves to sing to the TV."
Released on Artistry Music the single "Trinity" features Steve Oliver on acoustic guitarist - as the voice of Trinity. When I asked if his daughter is showing signs of musical talents he indicated when Beyonce' music comes on she breaks out singing and dancing so her instrument may be vocals. Billboard chart topping Joyner plays the tenor, alto, soprano and baritone saxophones.
"It's a groovy and funky CD. The first five songs are upbeat. I stretched my writing playing more tenor for that Motown feel...takes you back to Motown," said Jackiem.
Known as Lil' Man on stage Jackiem Joyner enlisted Raymond Johnson (drums), Darryl Williams (bass), Kyle Bolden (guitar) and Carnell Harrell (piano) to form his band for the project or for at least six of the tracks. Jazz guitarist Nick Colionne is a featured artist on the "When You Smile" selection. Trombonist Nikolai Egorov is featured on the "Southside Blvd," "That Good Thing" and "Don't Make Her Wait" songs.
"Main Street Beat" is his sixth album. His first album release was in 2007 titled "Babysoul," which garnered him the "Debut Artist of the Year" Smooth Jazz News Award. His sophomore album was released two years later, "Lil Man Soul" garnering him a #1 spot on Billboard Singles Chart and a "Song of the Year" American Smooth Jazz Award for "I'm Waiting for You."
"I had this idea to play the drums. I knew I was going to be part of a band as a freshman in high school. Unfortunately or fortunately they had enough drummers and I had to choose another instrument. I chose the saxophone because it looked like the most expensive. My classmate chose the trumpet. People heard us in science class. (My teacher) He gave me a tape of Grover Washington Jr., Charlie Parker and Coltrane to listen to. I tried to play out what I heard. I advanced quickly. My teacher had the principle come listen and said, ‘...And it's only been three weeks!'"
As they say the rest is HIStory. Jackiem Joyner is now on tour. He has performed at the Cincinnati "Celebration of Black Music," Birmingham's "Jazz in the Park" and at San Diego's Mediterranean Jazz and Super Club. Check out the www.JackiemJoyner.com website for up coming show dates.
Gospel/Jazz vocalist Robert E. Person releases his first single too, "I Give You Praise," off of his upcoming album "Classic Covers" to be released in the Fall, 2017. The single is a 40 year old Richard Smallwood hit song. Robert was able to collaborate with Richard Smallwood on it.
"(Working with Richard Smallwood) It met and exceeded my expectations," Person said when asked about working with a living legend such as Richard Smallwood. "I wanted to breathe new life to it without loosing the interiority to the song. I didn't want to change it too much, but I incorporated as much live music as I could."
Richard Smallwood is a pianist, singer and songwriter and is known for his choirs and hit songs. One song was made infamous by Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard movie titled "I Love the Lord."
"I was so honored because he is so nonchalant. I'm a Washingtonian and I grew up listening to Richard. I know him from a far. I got up the nerve, courage and fear and asked him if I could record his song. He said, ‘Yes, it's bigger than me. This song is 40 years old and is still relevant.' It took a few months but it happened."
Person began his career singing background for Josh Groban. He went on to perform for the Pope as well. An upcoming performance includes an August 27th date at the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Washington, DC. He recently performed at the Berean Baptist Church in DC, the Christian Tabernacle and the Indie Gospel Artist Alliance in Beltsville, Maryland.
Robert E. Person said he hopes his music brings peace to the world.
"We are still dealing with hate. The universal message of love is my message," Person said seriously. "My last two albums centered around love but was just music. I decided to have a message this particular time stating that the word that God is Love, we are love. I don't think we get enough love."
Listen to Robert E. Person's cover of "I Give You Praise" or learn more about his upcoming performances and his "Classic Covers" album release by logging onto his website www.RobertEPerson.com.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
July 7, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Premieres, Jagged Edge's ‘Unsung' on TV One and ‘In the Cut' on Bounce TV
By Eunice Moseley
Four guys from Atlanta had a dream. Twin brothers Brian and Brandon Casey, Kyle Norman and Richard Wingo formed the R&B/Hip-Hop act Jagged Edge. They sneaked in places where entertainment industry notables were to get a chance to sing for them. The Jagged Edge odyssey to worldwide fame is honored July 9, 2017 on TV One at 10 p.m. (ET) on a new season of "Unsung."
"The first time we were introduced to Jermaine Dupri was at Jack the Rapper's." said Brian about their "discovery" moment.
"We sneaked in," Wingo added laughing.
"We introduced ourselves. He said meet him at the bathroom," Brian continued. "We waited 30 minutes, an hour, two hours. JD never showed up. We said we gonna show him. The second time was through Kandi (Xscape) who knows Wingo, they went to school together. We did a demo and he took it by to her."
As it goes Kandi knew Jermaine Dupri because her group Xscape was signed to his label So So Def. Group mate Tiny also spoke up for them to JD so he could listen to the groups' demo.
"To all our surprise," the group said. "She fell in love with it. Sometimes we leave Tiny out of the story but she was part of making the relationship with Jermaine Dupri."
Jermaine hit the scene with his So So Def Records label in early 1990s releasing projects from Kris Kross, DaBrat, and Xscape. It was his collaboration with Mariah Carey on "Always Be My Baby" that gave JD his first #1 song.
Through So So Def/Columbia Records Jagged Edge garnered three hit songs that still have them riding the success-wave today - "I Gotta Be," "Let's Get Married" and "Promise." On the TV One "Unsung" episode highlighting their career and journey to success the network interviewed Tiny and Kandi of Xscape; LaTavia Roberson, formerly of the group Destiny's Child, who the guys toured with; Q Parker of the group 112 who they also toured with; songwriter/producer Bryan Michael Cox; radio personality The Poetess; JD's father Michael Mauldin who was President of Columbia Records' Urban Division, and the man himself Jermaine Dupri.
"Diffidently we are working," said the group. "Every weekend...We have multiple tours offered. We pick what we want...when you don't see us we still on the road."
Jagged Edge also admitted that they own their name. An important thing to note in an industry full of people looking to not only take your name for profit but your image and public performance choices.
"For us we never wanted to be put in that position (to get ripped off). We made sure we got a lawyer...we still got jerked but we are still maintaining. We are...self contained. Black owned, no A&R, no big label...its all us, our style. Some artists don't own their names, we own Jagged Edge," said the group concluding on a serious note.
The twins Brian and Brandon are also songwriters who have written for Usher and Toni Braxton. Jagged Edge is currently promoting their 9th project titled "The Lay-Over." Their TV One "Unsung" episode airs Sunday, July 9th at 10 p.m. ET. Find out more on TV One's "Unsung" episodes for this new season by logging onto www.TVOne.tv and for information on "The Lay-Over" or Jagged Edge upcoming performances log onto www.JEHeartBreak.com.
On Tuesday July 11, 2017 at 9 p.m. (ET) Bounce TV premiers Bentley Kyle Evan's "In the Cut" sitcom starring Dorien Wilson as Jay Weaver, Kallita Smith, Ken Lawson and John Marshall. "In The Cut" takes place in a barbershop owned by Dorien's character Jay and Kallita's character Cheryl - his ex-wife - has a hair saloon a couple doors down the street. Ken is Jay's son Kenny Clark whom he never knew he had and John is Smitty Jay's best friend.
Bentley, producer/writer of "In the Cut," credits include "Martin" (1992 - 1997), "The Jamie Foxx Show" (1996-2001), Family Time (201202017), "Love That Girl" (2010-2014) and of course "In The Cut" (2015 - 2017). This will be the third season for the family sitcom dealing with Jay's relationship with his 30 year old estranged son, his best friend and business competitor ex-wife Cheryl.
"We are not trying to hit you over the head but make you think," Dorien said about the shows message. "We just want to tickle your funny bone and make you forget (your troubles). Our show is structured so everybody can relate - 55 year old men, 30 year old women and teens."
All of Bentley's projects make you feel as though you can relate that's why they are long running shows. Bounce TV's "In the Cut" also stars Golden Brooks, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Ernest Thomas. You can get more details on the episodes by logging onto www.BounceTV.com/shows/in-the-cut/.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
July 14, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Marvin Sapp Profiled on TV One; Jonathan Butler Releases New Single
By Eunice Moseley
Two-time BET Award winner Marvin Sapp's life and career as a Gospel artist, Pastor and father will be profiled in a TV One "Unsung" episode airing Sunday July 16, 2017 at 10 p.m. ET. His career as a Gospel singer started in the 1990s as a member of the group Commission thanks to an invite from Fred Hammond. He went on to record solo projects that resulted in Billboard Chart topping songs, such as his first #1 hit and signature song "Never Would Have Made It" (2007).
"It was after I buried my father at an early morning service," Marvin Sapp said about the birth of his signature song "Never Would Have Made It." "I broke down...we were doing Praise and Worship, its normally up tempo. This time I stopped the music and I started to sing these word, ‘never would have made it, no I never could have made it without you.' I never thought that years later it would still be playing."
Sapp is Pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He received an honorary Doctorate degree in Divinity from Aenon Bible College and an honorary Doctorate degree in Ministry from Friends International Christian University.
"All of us have those ‘never would have made it' moments," Marvin said. "I think it's a powerful message. It's a story about endurance, not giving up. You get knocked down but not knocked out."
Sapp is a prime example of this sentiment because not only did he lose his father but he lost his loving wife to cancer and he battled his own illness. On the "Unsung" episode TV One interviews those that touched his life such as Kirk Franklin, Bryon Cage, Donald Lawrence, Dorinda Clark Cole and Fred Hammond.
The GMA Award winner's solo career includes seven albums. His time with Commission garnered three albums. Sapp has three children Marvin II, Mikaila and Madisson. Learn more about this exceptional man by logging onto www.MarvinSappMusic.com and for more on his TV One ‘Unsung" episode airing July 16th at 10 p.m. ET log onto www.TVOne.tv.
South African born Jazz guitarist Jonathan Butler recently released a new single from his new album titled "Free." The single is entitled "Show Me The Way" featuring vocals from Myron Butler and Travis Greene. Jonathan is currently touring with Gerald Albright, which will take them to his native country South Africa.
"We thought it would be a great move to get Myron and Travis involved," Butler said about his "Show Me the Way" single.
Travis is a very popular Contemporary Gospel artist and when I asked about his collaboration with Greene Jonathan said, "We met twice. We got together at the Stellar Awards this year and had a chance to talk."
Grammy Award nominated Jonathan Butler also plays Jazz Fusion and Worship music. He started touring at the age of seven! By the age of 14 he had the #2 song in South Africa - a cover of The Drifters song "Please Stay." In 1977 he signed to Jive Records, he was 16 years old. He went on to live in the United Kingdom for 17 years before relocating to California.
"As I've been writing certain songs...you feel excited about it," Butler said. "‘Free' is very personal. To be free to speak...walk in your freedom, to say what you need to say."
Jonathan Butler was raised in Capetown, South Africa and he hosts a annual safari taking 30 people across the world to his country.
"It's a bucket list of a life time dream (for them), even for me," he said concluding the interview.
You can learn more about this living legend of a Jazz guitarist and his single "Show Me the Way" featuring Myron Butler and Travis Greene by logging onto www.JonathanButler.com.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
July 21, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: After 7 is Back with a Chart Topping Album 'Timeless'; EURweb's Publisher Lee Bailey Honored by Black Business Association
By Eunice Moseley

"It's hard to know God's mind, but we give him the glory," said Kevon Edmonds about the newest album "Timeless" (eOne Music) of his group After 7. Kevon is one of four members of the R&B group that consist of Kevon's brother Melvin, Melvin's son Jason and childhood friend Keith Mitchell. "We stay faithful and do the work, what happens in the end - happens"
What happened was the Edmond brothers founded a group, After 7, in 1987 years after their brother Kenneth "BabyFace" Edmonds' career was blossoming as a musician (guitar, keyboards), songwriter (with LA Reid) and vocalist in the late 70s - early 80s. The After 7 group reached platinum status carving their own niche in the music industry. The new project is the first since 1995. The latest single of the album, "Runnin' Out" peaked at #3 on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs Chart - next to Bruno Mars who was #2. Kevon launched a solo career in 1999 with an album "24/7" that reached #10 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart. His second album "Who Knew" was released in 2009.
"We started with a song and ended with an album," Keith laughed. "We just wanted to put our toe in the water to see where we were...today we have am album."
"We didn't try to find new producers," Kevon added to stress that they wanted to keep their signature sound.
The platinum selling group After 7 is currently on a promotional tour performing their hits and songs from the new project. They recently performed in Los Angeles July 16, 2017. The Indianapolis natives are now working their way across the country.
"We are extremely proud of that achievement," Keith said about completing the "Timeless" album when they were just going to record a single. "Both songs (first two singles) paved the way for ‘Runnin' Out.' It has the signature sound for After 7."
Radio pioneer and publisher of www.EURweb.com Lee Bailey was recently honored for his achievements, along with the Godfather of Black Music Clarence Avant, by the Black Business Association (BBA) at their annual "Salute to Black Music Awards Gala." BBA was founded in 1970 by Earl "Skip" Cooper, a 501 (c) 3 organization head quartered in Los Angeles which champions for over 100,000 African-American, women and minority owned businesses with strategic alliances with W/MBE Trade Associations nationwide.
"I was talking to Skip about something," Lee Bailey said about the honor bestowed on him by BBA. "I've known Skip for 30-40 years. I was talking to him about doing the narrative for Clarence Avant's video and out of no where he said I need to give you an award."
I agree, he so deserves to be honored. I admired Lee Bailey from afar for over 20 years just from the professionalism and popularity of his website www.EURweb.com, which it seemed everyone in the entertainment industry knew about and made it a point to visit at lease once a day. But that is not the beginning of Lee's career in the entertainment business. The Air Force Veteran started out as a radio personality while serving in the military and in civilian life. Back then they were called radio Jocks. He went on through his company RadioScope to be the first Black radio personality to go syndicated. The news content on his shows was picked up by so many mediums and businesses, such as the Motor Vehicle Administration where he had a segment on the vehicles equipped with television monitors, cell phone apps and so many more places. Every high profile person I have interviewed for this column when they learned it was also published on his website became so excited when I mentioned his name. They all had stories to tell me of how his radio show or website gave them exposure which contributed to their success. I can claim the same when it comes to the success of my column, which now has an estimated syndicated readership of ¼ million per week.
"Big ups to my boss of 30 years Lee Bailey," said LaRita Shelby, a high level executive in his company. "I was honored to follow him from RadioScope to EURweb.com and many, many ventures. So God bless you."
"It took me a while to appreciate (the popularity)," Bailey admitted. "I am not comfortable with people making a big deal. I am low key. I do the work and keep it moving. I think it's my calling."
As someone who was also employed by Lee as his Gospel Content Editor I know that his nick name is "The Voice" because of his unique baritone accent. His company Rabercom was a client of my Public Relations Consulting Company Freelance Associates, which produced for him an award show. The red carpeted "EURweb Awards" Show honored outstanding media companies and personalities and was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Tons of celebrities came out to support him with performances by Shanice and many more who credited Lee for helping to launch their careers. So I know first hand that he is right. Lee is a very humble and low key man who has high standards, which has made him a media living legend.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
July 28, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: The National Convention of Gospel Choirs & Choruses Celebrate 84 Years
By Eunice Moseley

"Dr. Thomas Dorothy had a vision that came to him in 1932, where lay people had a place to get organized," said Dr. Marabeth E. Gentry, current president of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs & Choruses (NCGCC), about its humble beginnings. "It's the comradery...it's the spirituality...it's the beautiful music...the family atmosphere. We're a large family reunion."
Dr. Gentry took over as president of the NCGCC in 2010 when then president Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr. passed. He succeeded founder Dr. Thomas Dorothy who served from 1932 to 1993. The NCGCC was an event where up and coming Gospel singers and songwriters could have a stage to perform. While there they listened to guest speakers who inspired them to keep going. NCGCC will be celebrating its 84th year when it arrives in my hometown of Baltimore August 5 - 11, 2017 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.
The National Convention of Gospel Choirs & Choruses will be hosted by Elder Shawn L. Bell and the Chairman of the NCGCC Board Rev. Dr. Derrick E. Roberts. Guest speakers include Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Archbishop Alfred A. Owens, Bishop Millicent Hunter and Dr. Donte L. Hickman, Sr. Guest performers include Rickey Dillard, Charles Butler and Trinity, Jonathan Nelson, Maurette Brown-Clark, JJ Hairston, the Baltimore Mass Choir and many others.
"Some of our great artists such as Hezekiah Walker...years ago came. Look at them now...Donald Lawrence...you can go back to the Cleveland Singers. Aretha Franklin in Detroit, Della Reese is a part of us, Dinah Washington...," said Dr. Gentry about the many aspiring artists the convention help put a spotlight on.
"Dr. Dorothy saw a vision, a place where songwriters and performers can come and do their music and listen to others do their music," she explained.
Dr. Gentry said before Bishop Moales, Sr. passed away in 2010 he said to her in 2008 that he was going to hand the mantle over to her. She said, "No sir!" Today, against her wishes, but heeding to God's will she now serves as President of the 84 year-old NCGCC event that has provided a free stage to those in Gospel looking to develop their skills.
"A Spiritual thing came into my room," Dr. Gentry explained when asked why she changed her mind. "It said. ‘I will give you everything...I will not forsake you, just do what I tell you,' and I did a walk of faith."
I experienced "Spiritual thing" in my life many times before when I said to God, "Not me, this task is too hard." But I knew as I was saying "no" that I would do it if it was God's will even through I knew the road would be hard, but God certainly gave me and is still giving me all that I need and I have seen mighty things happen because I took that walk of faith. I too have a national event God gave to me called the "Uplifting Minds II" entertainment conference - it is 18 years old held annually in Baltimore and Los Angeles. It too inspires and educates participating artists who have gone on to do great things.
Dr. Thomas Dorothy Sr. was considered the "father of Gospel Music" and he wrote over 400 songs, which include "Take My Hand, Precious Lord." The convention's goal is to foster and promote an appreciation and high standard of excellence for Gospel music and Gospel music performances. It offers session for youth and adults who seek to enhance their skills as singers, instrumentalists, educators and leaders. Find out more about the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses by logging onto www.NCGCC.com.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
August 4, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: The Movie Detroit is the Brutal Truth of Reality Unrestrained
By Eunice Moseley

The Annapurna/MGM Pictures presentation of Detroit, based on a 1967 police raid, is the brutal truth of reality unrestrained. Directed by Academy Award winner Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark 30), Detroit follows the events of one of the largest citizen up-rest in U.S. history following the 1967 12th Street riot. While the Michigan National Guard patrolled the streets three innocent people were tortured and killed by local task force at the Algiers Motel. The Detroit riot was the most documented event of police brutality in the country. Detroit arrives at theatres August 4, 2017.
Detroit stars Anthony Mackie (Ant-Man) as Greene a war veteran just released who check into the motel; John Boyega (Stars Wars: Force Awaken) as black Security Guard Dismukes working across the street from the motel who came on-site as a witness; Algee Smith as Larry an original lead singer of The Dramatics who was visiting the motel at the time; Jacob Latimore (The Maze Runner) as Larry's manager/best friend Fred; Laz Alonso as Detroit Senator Conyers; Leon Thomas as Darryl a member of the group The Dramatics visiting the motel; Jason Mitchell (Straight Outta Compton) as Carl a black motel patron; Ben O' Toole as Detroit Officer Flynn; Will Poulter (The Maze Runner) as racist Detroit Police Officer Krauss who was being investigated for willfully killing two black people during the riots several hours prior to this incident; Hannah Murray (The Numbers Station) as Julie Hysell a white visitor to the motel who was held and brutalized by Detroit Task Force for being with blacks; Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction) as Detroit Police Officer Demens; Kaitlyn Dever as Karen Malloy a white girl, friends with Julie, visiting the motel who were playing cards with war veteran Greene at the time of the incident; Joseph David Jones ("DC's Legends") as Morris a black patron at the motel; Malcolm David Kelley ("Lost") as Michael a black patron at the motel; Nathan Davis, Jr. (:Criminal Minds") as Aubrey a black patron of the motel; Payton "Alex" Smith ("Luke Cage") as Lee a black patron of the motel; Tyler James Williams ("Everybody Hates Chris") as Leon a black patron at the motel, and Oscar nominated Jeremy Strong (Zero Dark 30) as Attorney Lang. Others include Ephraim Sykes, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Samira Wiley, Miquel "Bruno Mars" Pimentel, Glenn Fitzerald, Mason Albany and Bennett Deady.
Detroit was written by Mark Boal and producers include Kathryn, Mark, Matthew Budman, Megan Elison and Colin Wilson. Hugo Lindgren and Greg Shapiro serve as executive producers. Detroit portrays the brutal events that led up to the death of three innocent black men and the brutal beating and humiliation of nine others (which included 2 white women) by members of the "Detroit Riot Task Force," which consisted of the Detroit Police Department, the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Army National Guard. All who were charged, including the black security guard on-site, with murder but later were found not guilty. Their claim was that two of three deaths were self defense, but for the other death there has still not been an explanation.
The Algiers Motel was black owned at the time by Sam Gant and McUrant Pye, who owned two other motels in Detroit. The previous owner of the motel barred black people from patronizing, this changed with the ownership. After the Algiers Motel incident the police never reported the deaths. The motel security found the bodies the next day and called the Police Homicide Bureau. The incident was initially reported as deaths from gunfire exchange because of the riots, but the Detroit Free Press interviewed the witnesses that were eventually let go who all claimed the same - the men were unarmed and not snipers as claimed by police. The deaths were then reported to Congressman John Conyers, Detroit prosecutors and the NAACP on July 29th.
The Detroit Free Press hired a pathologist who examined the bodies. His conclusion was that all three had been killed inside the motel at close range from behind. Later that week The Detroit News reported that the black war veteran Greene had testified that all three were killed by a National Guard Officer. Howeverm Detroit Officers Ronald August and Robert Paille confessed to taking part in two of the three killings and were subsequently charged with murder. Paille's charge was dismissed because his confessional was given before he was read his right to be silent and the jury gave a "not guilty" verdict for Officer August because he said the killings were self-defense.
A book on the Algiers Motel incident was published in 1968 and it contained information on the incident and the legal proceedings. The book sold over 550,000 copies of which the author, John Hersey, donated for college scholarship funds for black students. Paille and Senak, though found innocent, never went back to work at the Detroit Police Department. August resigned in 1977. Two of the three families of the murdered filed lawsuits against the Detroit Police and settlements were awarded. The Defense Attorney Lippit, who did not hide his prejudice against black people during the trail, stated publicly that he was "hoping for all the prejudice" he could get from the jury. He is now a judge in the courts of Oakland, California.
Detroit is an Annapurna Picture, First Light Production, MGM Pictures' production and is Rated - PG. Director Bigelow invited Juli Hysell as special advisor on the film and she was present every day on set during the shoot. Watch the trailer and learn more at www.Detroit.Movie.com arriving in theatres August 4, 2017.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles in October, 2017). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
August 11, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: ASCAP R&S Honors to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis the Highlight of the Night
By Eunice Moseley

"Songs I always go back to are songs we've already created like ‘Open My Heart' by Yolanda Adams and "Optimistic" by Sounds of Blackness'," said five-time Grammy winning songwriter Jimmy Jam during the red carpet arrivals of the 2017 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards about music he created that heals. Jimmy Jam was presented, along with writing partner Terry Lewis, with a special ASCAP "Voice of Music Award." "I think music heals no matter what it is. I think everybody is different and music affects everybody differently."

When I asked him what he would say at the podium after receiving the special honor from ASCAP Jimmy Jam said, "I never know until the moment happens. I let the feelings move me in a certain way."

What Jimmy Jam said when the moment came to accept his "Voice of Music Award" (their ninth ASCAP honor) was that he was asked what he would say on the red carpet and he wanted to take the time to inspire writers to keep writing. The songwriting duo is legendary for writing hits that last forever. Clients include Michael Jackson, Usher, Boyz II Men, Mary J Blige, New Edition, Prince, Eric Benet and many more. The Minneapolis natives started out as members of Prince's band and are noted for creating the "Minneapolis Sound." After the duo departed from Prince's band they opened a recording studio called Flyte Time, which is infamous for being the recording home for Janet Jackson's break-out album, which help solidify them as hit-makers.

That night another special honor was given to Notorious B.I.G. AKA Christopher "Biggy Smalls" Wallace - the "Founders Award." Sean "Puff Daddy/Diddy" Combs, president of B.I.G's label Bad Boy Records, sent a video tapped message honoring his artist for contributing to the labels success and his influence on the Hip-Hop culture. His label mate and wife, the first lady of Bad Boy Records Faith Evans was on hand with their son CJ Wallace to receive the honor - along with Combs two sons.

The award show offered performances by Jeremih ("OUI"), Tasha Combs and Kyle ("iSpy") and lots of excitement as a long list of our favorite songwriters and producers were honors keep everyone on their feet. ASCAP attendees included Remy Ma ("All The Way Up"), 2 Chainz ("No Problem"), Mike-Will-Made-It ("Formation"), DJ Drama, James Fauntleroy, and French Montana ("All The Way Up").

"I've been putting it out there on Youtube. I had zero idea when it (success as an artist) was going to happen, but you know when you are a little kid your expectations are really high. I was like in the 5th grade and I was saying if I don't pop off by 6th grade I'm done," laughed rapper Kyle ("iSpy"), who performed his hit single. "So I thought about it like that. I never knew when it was going to happen, its all about endurance. You have to work as hard as you possibly can for as long as you possibly can."

I asked the writing team Fred "Traxx" Saunders and Lucius Hoskins (Zacardi Cortez/"YDIA") about what they considered healing music and Lucius said," Real music." Traxx added that their music heals because, "We just spread the Gospel of the Lord."

That is what ASCAP's Rhythm and Soul awards did that night they honored real music and all the awardees inspired others to keep creating real music. Awards were presented by Sevyn Streeter, Jonathan McReynolds, Rotimi and Yazz. ASCAP executives on hand included Paul Williams (President and Chair), Beth Matthews (CEO), John Titta (Vice President) and Nicole George-Middleton (SVP).
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
August 18, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Iconic Luenell to be Honored, Appearing on ‘Lopez' and in New Films
By Eunice Moseley

"Her style is not similar to mine but her struggles are similar. I watched Moms (Mabley) when I was young. She was the only female women of color that did stand-up," said iconic comedian/actress Luenell about the woman whose name adorns the honor she will be given on August 24, 2017 at the LOL Comedy Honors in New York - the "Moms Mabley Legacy Honor."

Luenell, as a comedian, is known for her unfiltered comedy, distinctive voice and short blond hair, reminiscent of SisQo. Luenell passion was always acting, that passion motivated her to love to Los Angeles from her hometown of Tollette, Arkansas. Through a series of events while living in Long Beach she ended up doing stand-up as a dare. She was so good she garnered opening act gigs with D. L. Hughley and Robin Harris. After making a name on the stand-up comedy circuit she went back to her acting passion landing a role in The Rock starring Sean Connery in 1996 and Borat starring Sacha Barton Cohen in 2008, which propelled her to icon status. Of course because she is not only black but a female she is still waiting for the iconic worldwide recognition (and may be money) that should accompany the title.

"I can image what she (Moms Mabley) went through about her money. She was a pioneer. I am honored that anybody is thinking of me. We (women) are often an after thought...'oh yea Wanda, oh yea Monique'. So I am just proud," Luenell said sincerely.

Luenell's management services only her and her steady progress shows that this is the case. Luenell also gives credit to her iconic achievements to her first publicist, a dear friend of mine, Eugenia Wright. Eugenia was able to get Luenell (and clients I consult in entertainment business/PR) on red carpets in front of media from all over the world and in major award show gifting events so that she could mingle with the Hollywood elite.
"Her (Eugenia) birthday and my daughter's birthday are on the same day," she added.

Luenell made history recently when she had a photo spread in Penthouse Magazine. She wanted to show full size women that they are still sexy too.
"I'm excited about the Penthouse spread. I am the first black woman of my age and my size (to have a spread in Penthouse)...history making," Luenell said. "It didn't rock the world like I imagined....I hope it makes women like me realize that (because you are plus size) it doesn't mean you don't have swag or is less sexy... I showed my daughter first...I would never to anything to embarrass her."

Upcoming projects for the living legend include a recurring role on TV Land's "Lopez" show, a role in the films All Star Weekend starring Jamie Foxx and A Star is Born starring and directed by Bradley Cooper. Her credits also include roles in such films as That's My Boy starring Adam Sandler (2012); Think Like a Man/Too starring Kevin Hart (2012/2014); Hotel Transylvania/Too starring Adam Sandler (2012/2015), and Taken 2 starring Liam Neeson (2012). She conquered television as well appearing on Starz "Head Case;" "Chocolate News with David Alan Grier;" "Californication," "The Boondocks," "The Middle," "Raising Whitley," "The Tony Rock Project" and "The Rickey Smiley Show." As a stand-up comedian she has left her mark on BET's "ComicView;" Snoop Dogg's "Bad Girls of Comedy" on Showtime; Jamie Foxx's "Laffapalooza;" "Martin Lawrence's 1st Amendment Stand Up," and the "Arsenio Hall Show." As a comedian she has toured with Katt Williams and appears in his "Katt Williams American Hustle" DVD.

"I quite enjoy television. It has always been my friend," Luenell said when I asked what makes her laugh. "I get joy from that. My daughter (Da'Nelle) is 21 and she is hilarious to me. My Ex, who I am dating again, is hilarious."

I asked about her stand up show whether it is a routine or made up when she hits the stage, she said, "Any professional has a routine when on tour. You don't do new material every night. We segue to transition. We have a beginning, middle, an end and a theme. I don't just goof off. My themes are women empowerment, sexual liberation...though I am quick with it."

Luenell said the routine she chooses depends on the venue and audience. She recently did a comedy show in my hometown of Baltimore at the Comedy Factory. Seeing Luenell do her stand up show is certainly on my bucket list of things I want to see. You can log onto www.HeyLuenell.com to see what is next for this iconic comedian/actress and follow her on Twitter @Luenell.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
August 25, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Sax Man Najee Enlist Will Downing and Others on New CD ‘Poetry in Motion'
By Eunice Moseley

   "It simply started with Barry Eastman, a producer who has worked with Freddy Jackson and Anita Baker...I said, ‘Man we need to do something together.' So he started sending me songs," said multi-platinum selling contemporary saxophonist Najee about the making of his newest album release "Poetry in Motion" (Shanachie). "I called everyone else. I didn't know they'd all show up!"
    The others Grammy nominated Najee speaks of in the August 25, 2017 "Poetry in Motion" album release include vocalists Grammy winning Will Downing, Grammy nominated Maysa and Eric Roberson, along with guitarists Bluey Incognito (also a vocalist/producer), Randy Bowland and Blake Aaron, and in addition pianists Emmy winning Bobby Lyle and Eastman. The album ‘pays homage" to Prince and Al Jarreau.
    "Will and I know each other before we were had solo careers as friends, he married a girl I went to school with," Najee pointed out. When I asked him about having such prolific artists such as Will, Maysa, Bluey and Bobby on his album he said, "The challenge is making it your own. Each artist has a very strong identity. I come from a history of accompanying vocalists always playing behind strong vocalists - so you have to find your hole."
    Najee has played for Presidents Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela, with appearances on ‘The Tonight Show" and "Good Morning America." The New York native is celebrating 30 years in the music business that began in the early 80s working for Chaka Khan.
    "I've had many journeys along the way...experiences and memories. Life experiences have been very quick. My oldest just turned 40. I've been blessed..."
    "Poetry in Motion" is Najee's 17th solo album release, but his fourth Shanachie Entertainment project. In the past Najee has collaborated with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Brandy and George Duke. "Poetry in Motion" offers R&B, Jazz and Latin flavored selections. Learn more about Najee, his new release and tour dates by logging onto www.NajeeOfficial.com.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
September 1, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Living Legends Support 24th Annual Pageant for Young Black Girls
By Eunice Moseley

   A highly successful choreographer/actress, Lisa Ruffin ("All My Children") decided to reach back and help young black girls and in 1993 she founded the "Lil Miss African-American Scholarship Pageant" for ages 6 - 12 years-old. It recently held its 24th event at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre where a large number of living legends came out to support.
"Lisa is a very good friend of mine," said Soul Train Award nominated Mel'isa Morgan about the founder of the "Lil Miss African-American Scholarship Pageant" Lisa Ruffin. "She has been doing this for many years and she wanted me to come and perform. This year we were able to make it happen."
    Mel'isa Morgan performed the Whitney Houston cover "The Greatest Love of All," because "it's fitting for the kids," she said. "You know I was in a pageant, the "Hal Jackson Talented Teens" for three years. I always support pageants."
   There was a long line of celebrities coming to support Ruffins' event I lost count.
"I'm looking for someone who is authentically themselves," said actress Daniella Mone' Truitt, who currently stars in John Singleton's BET series "Rebel." "It's not about being perfect it's about showing your heart, that's what I am looking for."
    Truitt use to be a lil' miss African-American pageant contestant and she came back to teach the kids. She said what she taught them was, "poise and I helped them with their monologues and performances. I helped them with their stage presence, to be confident and own who they are."
    Actress Ella Joyce ("ROC"/"My Wife and Kids") came with her actor husband Dan Martin ("Bold and the Beautiful"). She was also a celebrity judge.
     "I'm a judge," Ella Joyce said. "I've been a judge with ‘Lil Miss African-American Scholarship Pageant' for a very long time. We look for poise; we look for a lot of personality and talent. They are just the cutest things in the world. So many of the young ladies go off to be very successful...They become doctors and lawyers. We got to give back to the youth and give them something to be inspired by."
    Lisa Ruffin has been using her pageant to inspire ages 6 - 12 for 24 years. She entered college at age 16 and graduated from The Julliard School of Music. Her first choreographed music video, "JoAnne" for Kool and the Gang garnered her an American Music Award. Other choreographed credits include UPN's "Moesha" and "The Steve Harvey Show." Lisa has also performed on Broadway and has two "Billboard Top 20 R&B" hit songs to her credit.
    "I'm just honored to be here," said actor Rodney Allen Rippy ("Marcus Welby. MD") serving as judge. "I started my career at 3 ½ years-old. It's good to be around great people...to see the next generation of talent. A lot of these young ladies have such a bright future. I lot of people don't realize it isn't about stardom, it's about who you are."
    An experienced actor by four, the Long Beach, California native worked with such legends as Sammy Davis Jr., George Burns, and Louis Gossette Jr. By five years-old he had made history as the youngest artist to record a song "Bubbling" which reached the Billboard Charts.
    You can learn more about Lisa Ruffin's 501(c) 3 "Lil Miss African-American Scholarship Pageant" organization by logging onto www.LittleMissAfricanAmerican.org.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
September 8, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: New Talk Show ‘Sister Circle' Premiers September 11, 2017 on TVOne, TEGNA
By Eunice Moseley

"This is the one and only African-American talk show ever," said Quad Webb-Lunceford reality star of "Married to Medicine." "We would like to have everyone in radio and TV to really get behind this show. This is not a talk show it's the first ever (African-American) panel show in history."

Quad is talking about the TV One and TEGNA talk show panel "Sister Circle" designed for African-American women that will premier on September 11, 2017 on TV One and in 12 TEGNA markets airing weekdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is produced by WATL - TV in Atlanta. It will reach 60% of the U.S. households. The panel consists of Quad, Sports reporter and TV host Rashan Ali, stand-up comedian Kiana Dancie and "R&B Divas" reality star Syleena Johnson. DJ Q will join the ladies spinning music and will periodically add a man's point of view.
"I want the show to transcend race," added Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Syleena Johnson about "Sister Circle." "We hope other races will understand us more. All the women are outspoken...have degrees. It will be hard not to like the show."

"Sister Circle" will focus on African-American women's relationships, parenting, fitness, personal finances, latest trends, joys and frustrations. It will feature interviews with celebrity guests and opinions from experts on important issues.

"We're going to put them in our shoes," said Quad. "We're going to interrupt the silence of black women and give women a voice."

"We like to dress up," Syleena laughed. "(But) we need more from black women. I am excited to show we can work together."

Helen Swenson has been named senior executive producer and show runner for "Sister Circle." In her 30 years in entertainment Swenson as served as senior vice president of The Weather Channel and created and developed "Wake Up With Al" featuring Al Roker.
You can log onto www.TVOne.tv or www.TEGNA.com for more information on "Sister Circle" with hosts Quad Webb-Lunceford, Syleena Johnson, Rashab Ali, Kiana Dancie and DJ Q.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
September 15, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Jazz/Pop Saxophonist Michael J. Thomas Vocalizes on ‘Driven' Album
By Eunice Moseley

"This is a mixture of instrumentals and vocals, said Michael J. Thomas, a Jazz/Pop Saxophonist about his sophomore album release "Driven" has to offer. "I started recording in 2014. I finished, mastered and everything in April 2016. It doesn't sound dated, but we wanted to have a little throw-back sound. We used real drums, guitars and kept some synthesizing."

Thomas recorded and released his album independently on Harbor Breeze Records. The first single "Baby Coffee" was most added song at Billboard and was added o SiriusXM's playlist. The hype from the single's release resulted in a distribution deal with Perry Music Group/Sony Music.

"They came to me," Michael J. explained to me. "One of my music producers was talking to his buddy and played it for him. He said. ‘Bryan Perry need to hear this.' It was kind of funny. I took my time. Did it independently...I talked to Concord and they didn't do anything so I said I'll do it myself."

It was after he made a noise with his independent release that the distributors became interested.

"The label that signed me, have two or three publishing deals," Thomas said. " I sat on it for while."

Good thing he did, timing is always important in the scope of things because being patient enough in any business to wait for the right time will equate to long term success. I believe vocalizing his ability to sing in his sophomore album gave him time to first solidify himself as a saxophonist. The vocals on "Drive" are impressive and I agree with his label that they are reminiscent of a combination between Michael Jackson and George Michael.

"I do house gigs, but no Jazz Fests," Michael admitted about upcoming performance. "The Smooth Jazz industry sticks with the same artists. It's a hard thing to pick up ‘those' Jazz dates."

The Jazz Fests are missing something good. Imagine a mixture of a Jazz saxophonist and Pop vocalist, supported by the best Jazz keyboardists, drummers, guitarists and strings. He would take Smooth Jazz to another level as did Kirk Whalum on sax, Paul Jackson, Jr. on guitar and Keiko Matsui on piano.

My favorite cuts on the "Drive" album include "My Love" with Trammell Starks on keys because of Michael J. Thomas' vocals, so sweet and young sounding, "In America, You Can Do It" with Gino Rosaria on keys because the keys sound so sweet, and the Hip-Hop style hype in the background gave it a fresh twist with Michael's Smooth Jazz sax, "Girls Got Moves" with Oli Silk on keys because Thomas' vocals are sexy supported by that popping sound of the keys and sax made you want to move, and "Say Goodbye" with Dre Forbes on keys and strings because Michael J. Thomas' vocals was so impressive I wanted to reach for a tissue to wipe a tear away. Excellent piece of work, it was worth the wait.

Learn more about saxophonist Michael J. Thomas and his Harbor Breeze Records/Perry Music Group/Sony Music album release "Driven" by logging onto www.MichaelJThomas.net.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
September 22, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Ted Winn Wins in Aerobic Vocal Ability on New Album ‘Stand in Awe'
By Eunice Moseley

I always say artists should know the music business. Ted Winn, the artist, knows the music business. Winn owns a successful song writing and publishing company and his aerobic style vocals on his new solo release "Stand in Awe" (Shanachie) and his two Stellar Award wins show he also knows how to sing. The Memphis native enlisted the help of Grammy winner Hezekiah Walker and Lisa Knowles on "Stand in Awe."

"I intended for it to be inspiring and motivating," said Ted about the new project. "I've been working on it for the last four years...really slow."
Winn took his time because he had a business to run.

"I have 30 songwriters and producers. I've been building my company," Winn pointed out. "Most writers come to me, referred to me."

Ted Winn said it was his business skills' reputation that attracted clientele for his company Veracity Entertainment, such as Ciara, Marques Houston, Toni Braxton, T-Pain, Vashawn Mitchell, Trey Songz and Lil' Wayne. Ted use to be in a duo Ted and Sherri (Sherri Jones-Moffet) that was formed in 1995. In 2009 he branched off for a solo career via his label Teddy's Jamz and immediately secured three Billboard Chart Toppers. Eight years later and he is releasing his sophomore solo project.

"Performing as a duo is not so taxing. As a soloist it's very different. You make all the decisions...it's on you - good or bad," he said about the difference between singing as a duo and a soloist. "It's a different experience. Everything is discussed...you develop a partnership."

As a songwriter/producer, Ted's songs have been recorded by Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp and Bishop Paul S. Morton.

"I had a different title, ‘Perspective'," Ted told me about the new project. "I even had songs for it, but towards the end I felt that the songs didn't fit the recorded body of work."
I can see what he means because the title track, "Stand in Awe," is one of my favorite songs on the album because it is a sweet plea of love for God - vocally. Other favorites include "Grateful" featuring vocal assistance from Maranda Curtis because it's a beautiful, yet powerful, slow Praise & Worship song about God's work - I also love the chimes, "More" because Ted Winn does outstanding vocal aerobics and "Fill Me Up" because, being a former Navy girl, I love the military drum beats matching the powerful vocal build up of the song. In addition, I am totally "standing in awe" of the vocal harmony supporting Winn's project.

You can learn more about Ted Winn and his new album "Stand in Awe" by logging onto www.Shanachie.com or www.TedWinn.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
September 29, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Grammy Nominated Calvin Richardson's ‘All or Nothing' Touches the Soul
By Eunice Moseley

   The voice of Calvin Richardson stirs emotions deep within with his earnest delivery, but on his newest album release "All or Nothing" (Shanachie) the multi-Grammy Award nominated vocalist goes beyond that and touches the soul. Maybe its because he is older now but he stirred in me images of James Brown. Before this album it was visions of Otis Redding. Produced by Willie Clayton, the "All or Nothing" album offers 11 outstanding selections.
    "I'm glad to be here," Calvin said. "It was that time. The last album was in 2014, its been three years. It was just time to create. You have to be obedient to the universe. This particular album was put together with Willie (Clayton). Him and I decided to create."
    What a creation it is. They took the good old sounds of Soul music and mixed it with contemporary beats and rhythms. Styles borrowed from Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock and Jazz. These genres' influences are slight but its just enough to make it the freshest Soul album to come out in a long time.
    "We put it out there and radio just started playing it," Calvin said about the album's first single "Treat Her Right." "The labels started coming. So I've been out there working. I just did the video for ‘Treat Her Right'. Lots of labels are interested in people doing things for themselves."
    Calvin Richardson was doing his thing on the Gospel circuit when he met K-Ci and JoJo (Jodeci) who inspired him with their group to create his own and their song "Love Slave" ended up on the soundtrack of the film New Jersey Drive in 1995. He was doing his thing with his group when Uptown/Universal signed him as a solo artist in 1999 and released his debut "Country Boy." He was doing his thing at Uptown when Angie Stone heard him and did a duet with him on her album "Mahogany Soul." Well you get the picture. Calvin is also a songwriter and has written songs for Charlie Wilson, Angie Stone, Joe, and Raphael Saadiq.
    My favorite cuts on the "All or Nothing" project include #1 the title track "All or Nothing" because it's a funky song and I like to dance, I also think the lead guitar support is awesome and the harmony tight; #2 "The Only One" because his vocals are smooth to offer an R&B number with Hip-Hop influences in the background to give it that club feel; #3 "Can't Let Go (acoustic)" because of his old-time Soul sound that had me thinking of James Brown and I love the organ to take you to church at the end; #4, the single, "Treat Her Right" because he offers his signature Calvin Richardson vocals, that still evoked images of James Brown; #6 "Breaking Down Inside" you find his vocals are calmed down as he sings about love lost in such a meaningful way I made a note that read "there's a new Contemporary Soul man and his name is Calvin Richardson", and #11 "Holding On/Can't Let Go (remix)".
    You can learn more about Calvin Richardson by logging onto http://www.IAmCalvinRichardson.com and more on the "All or Nothing" album release by logging onto www.Shanachie.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
October 6, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Grammy Nominated Calvin Richardson's ‘All or Nothing' Touches the Soul
By Eunice Moseley

The novel by Charles Martin, The Mountain Between Us, published in 2011, comes to life with the 20th Century Fox presentation of the same name starring Primetime Emmy nominated Idris Elba (Thor) and Academy Award winner Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs). The Mountain Between Us is Rated PG-13 and arrives in theatres October 6, 2017. IMDb reports its 143 minutes long, the number for "I Love You," an indication of what's in store between two strangers stranded on top of a mountain that is in a desolated and very cold region.
Idris Elba (Mandela: Long Walk Home) is Brain Surgeon Ben Bess from Baltimore looking to get back to save a young boys life and Kate Winslet (Titanic) is Alex Martin a photo-journalist on her way to score another big assignment. Their individual flights have been cancelled and Alex talks Ben into sharing a private plane driven by old man Walter, played by Emmy winning Beau Bridges (Jerry Maguire) - until he has a stroke.
Surviving the plane crash was a miracle. Their struggle to survive the wilderness will have you so engrossed in the film you may miss the drama becoming an adventure and the adventure becoming - something else. The Mountain Between Us is directed Academy Award nominated by Hany Abu-Assad (Paradise Now) and producers include Peter Chemin, Dylan Clark, David Ready and Jenno Topping. The Fox 2000 Pictures/Chermin Entertainment production also stars Dermot Mulroney (Gracie).

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
October 13, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: ‘Harry' on Fox is Iconic; Will Downings' ‘Soul Survivor' is What's Next
By Eunice Moseley

"It's an iconic season," said three-time Grammy winner Harry Connick, Jr. about the new season of his "Harry" talk show on the Fox Network. "We bringing on people like Billy Joel, Gladys Knight, and Ledisi"

The "Harry" show is produced by NBCUniversal and airs on the Fox Network on weekdays at 4 p.m. It premiered its second season in September. It offers a band and various segments to entertain viewers, such as the "Connick's Icons" where he spotlights iconic people; "Music We Love" where he lets bands perform classic hits; "Leading Lady" where he spotlights empowering women, and "Harry Tries" where he tries something new.

"We learned a lot last season about what we were doing that involved lots of variables. We are going to do more of the things people liked last year," said two-time Emmy winning Harry about any differences in the two seasons. "We got a lot of feed back from people. So we are concentrating on the good things like the ‘Music We Love' segment, the ‘Leading Lady'. It's important to focus on great women in the community. They like when I talk to the everyday people and it's a pleasure to me too."

Everyday at 4 p.m. you can be uplifted and inspired by the "Harry" show and entertained at the same time.

"I was inspired the whole year," Connick, Jr. said when asked about the show triggering his musical creative juices.
  The "Harry" show band is lead by Andrew Fisher - the musical director and band members include Neal Cane on bass; Jumaane Smith on trumpet; Lucien Barbarin on trombone; Don Tucker on trombone; Jonathan Du Bose, Jr. on guitar; Arthur Latin, II on drums; Geoff Burke on sax, and Jerry Weldon also on sax.

"We have the only band in daytime television," Harry bragged. "The people we will bring in are the surprises. We brought in Wild Cherry to perform ‘Play That Funky Music White Boy.'"

Harry signed to Columbia Records at the age of 18 as a Jazz singer and reached platinum status three-years later when his song was placed on the soundtrack for the film "When Harry Met Sally." Today he is known as one of the best selling artists in the world. In 1990 he took on movie roles, which included Independence Day and Dolphin Tale. He went into television starring on such shows as "Will and Grace" where his role was Grace's husband Leo Markus and in ABC's "South Pacific." In 2013 he joined Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban on the "American Idol" panel. He went on to garner Emmy Awards for his NBC Christmas special "Harry for the Holidays." He took on Broadway by composing and writing the music for "Thou Shalt Not" and won a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway revival "The Pajama Game." Harry performed for two Popes, received an Honorary Doctorate from Loyola University in his hometown of New Orleans and he sang the National Anthem for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game and Super Bowl XXVI.

Connick, Jr. is executive producer of the "Harry" show airing on the Fox Network weekdays at 4 p.m. You can log onto www.HarryTV.com to learn more about upcoming guests and segments.
  After over 30 years in the music business R&B/Soul singer Will Downing is still very active in the music industry releasing yet another new project titled "Soul Survivor" on Shanachie Entertainment. The new album features Avery*Sunshine, Maysa, Najee and Phil Perry.

"Three or four months after the release of the last album people were looking at you like - what's next?," Will Downing said when I mentioned I just interviewed him last year for his "Black Pearls" CD release. "It's the way the world is moving so fast...and my creative juices."

Will said his creative juices were flowing in one direction but that is not the direction the album eventually took.

"I had an idea...of course it didn't work out," Will admitted. "While in the studio it was going to be all duets. I would write a song and say I don't want to share that one. The title happened by talking to a friend. It was to be ‘20/30' (20 albums in 30 years) but he said you one of the soul survivors, the only one left. Let people know you the last one standing."

Will Downing is known for his baritone voice, dubbed the Prince of Sophisticated Soul. The first single off the "Soul Survivor" release was "I'll Feeling the Love" featuring label-mate Avery*Sunshine.

"It's a special project working with up and coming artists like Avery*Sunshine. I believe she is the future. Its also good to work with classics like Phil Perry and Najee still sounds amazing."

I agree with Will this is a special project. It offers a different sound from Will Downing more of a danceable vibe to it. My favorite cuts on the album include #2 "I Just Wanna Say Thank You" because Will had me dancing from the inspiration he generated and I love the little Michael Jackson chant in the background at the end; #3 "I'm Feeling the Love" featuring Avery*Sunshine because it's a funky song with Will's sultry vocals supported by Avery*Sunshine's power house voice an excellent combination; #4 "Since You Been Gone" has that old-school sound reminiscence of Luther Vandross and I love the horn support from Mike Ham; #5 "Stop to Start," featuring Phil Perry, a Blue Magic cover, because Phil's superb tenor voice mixed with Will Downing's baritone is perfection in capturing the Blue Magic vibe; #6 "Everything I Want in a Lady" featuring Maysa is pure Smooth Jazz and the two vocals combined makes for a very sexy song and I love the guitar support by Randy Bowland - its the cherry on the cake, and #7 "Our Time" because it offers a signature Will Downing sound with Randy Bowland rocking it again on the lead guitar as support. Will's wife Audrey Wheeler Downing supports the project with background vocals throughout. Producers of the "Soul Survivor" album include Will, Pablo Batista (percussions) and Randy Bowland.

"When you make a record sometimes its company driven, I didn't look at it like that. I wanted to have some fun, regardless. Make some good music. So I called my friends," Will concluded.

His friends show up and gave him 110%. What a great album, "Soul Survivor." Learn more about the album by logging onto www.WillDowning.com or www.Shanachie.com.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
October 20, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: ‘Best Baker in America' Search Begins: Tina Campbell Launches CD/Tour
By Eunice Moseley

"God gave me a song," said Grammy winner Tina Campbell (Mary Mary) about her new solo album "It's Still Personal" released October 18, 2017 along with a tour of the same name. Her WEtv reality show premiered September 29th for the last of six seasons. "I put it out there and sold 40,000 - 50,000. God gave me these songs. My husband said, ‘Put them out there. If God gave them to you to save your life God wants you to share them to save others.'"

That's what Tina did, she just put them out there to share and I guess a lot of people wanted to be "saved" or can relate to being saved. On October 18th Tina Campbell took her new album on tour. It will only last for 30 days so go check out those songs that saved her.

"I decided to do a few new songs and flip some old songs," Tina said about the rest of the material in the "It's Still Personal" album.

"God gave me music to carry me through my marriage (issues), my dad's death and I was pregnant...all at the same time," she said. "God gave me the music to carry me through. If the music brought me through a journey it can bring others. It's not about the money, fame and charts. I got hope and now I have a vision."

Catch Tina Campbell on tour or on her reality show "Mary Mary" on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. The "Its Still Personal" Tour is hosted by sister/stylist Thomasina "Goo Goo" Atkins and features performances by her sister Erica, Grammy nominated The Walls, Grammy nominated JekaAn Carr, Resound, Jermaine Dolly, dancer Jor'Dan Armstrong, and poets Ezekiel Azonwu, David Bowder and Matthews Strange. You can also log onto www.IAmTinaCampbell.com or www.TeddyandTina.com for more on her projects.

The Food Network's cooking competitions are so successful they recently launched another, "The Best Baker in America," airing on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Judges on the show include the "Food Network Star" competition winner Jason Smith and Food Network's Marcela Valladolid, who is host of "The Kitchen."

"I'm looking for who has the skills for taking a basic receipt and put their own spin on it," said Jason when asked how he will be judging. "Do it all well but know how to give me something I haven't taste before. I like hunting for different dishes just to see how people are growing their recipes. I go to different cities. I'm on the road a lot."

Eight people will be competing for $25,000 in Food Network's "The Best Baker in America." In each episode each person competes in two rounds - Skills (of technique) and Mastery (of flavors and ingredients). The judges vote in each round moving the bakers closer and closer to the $25,000.

"I remember growing up...I was cooking and tasting the whole time," said Jason Smith about where his cooking skills came from. Jason is a cafeteria manager and has a catering business. When I asked if he eats what he cooks he said, "You have to taste it while you are cooking it. (And what he doesn't like?) Honey it goes out to the chickens. I'm a perfectionist."

Well the eight competitors may have a hard judge to please of the two on the show. The bakers consist of Brittani Brooker from Charlotte, NC (an executive pastry chef); Andy Chiebana of Plainfield, Ill (a pastry chef and culinary professor); Dwayne Ingraham from Oxford, Miss. (a professional chef); Margarita Kallas-Lee from Los Angeles (a pastry chef); Adalberto Diaz Labrada from Salt Lake City, Utah (an executive pastry chef); Susan Mijeres from San Antonio, Texas (a pastry chef); Thiago Silva from Boston, Mass (a culinary director); Cheryl Storms from San Diego, CA (a pastry chef consultant). Judge Marcela has her own Food Network cooking show, "Mexican Made Easy."

"It's a natural ability to cooking and baking," Jason concluded. "You can be taught but you have to have instinct. I taught several people who couldn't boil water...some couldn't read the receipt."

You can log onto www.FoodNetwork.com to learn more about "The Best Baker in America" competition, judges Jason Smith and Marcela Valladoid or host Adam Rapoport (editor of "Bon Appetit").

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
October 27, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: ‘Best Baker in America' Search Begins: Tina Campbell Launches CD/Tour
By Eunice Moseley

"The show is all comedy...but it allows me to be a straight man, especially with Kevin as the main man," said actor Leonard Earl Howze about his role in the CBS series "Kevin Can Wait," which airs on Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Leonard went into acting wanting to be a dramatic actor but it was comedy roles that gravitated towards him.

"When I first came out of school I envisioned myself being much more dramatic. One of the tools they taught is versatility," said Howze.

That training allowed him to be what ever type of actor he needed to be. That versatility garnered him a role in the film Barbershop, where he played a Nigerian named Dinka. He also starred in Netflix's True Memoirs of an International Assassin, Antwone Fisher and The Lone Ranger. It was in his role on NCIS (Season 8) that he learned perseverance.

"I got to see what Navy life was like doing Antwone Fisher. I learned patience and perseverance. I got first hand training," he said. "It's (acting) not for everybody. My faith keeps me grounded. My belief is what God has for me is for me. I can't stop."

Leonard did not stop he even takes on roles in independent films such as Live Cargo with LaKeith Stanfield and Brave New Jersey with Erika Alexander. He has also had a role in the series "NCIS".

"I am happy to say I am in a more dramatic role in the film Live Cargo," Leonard said. "I did it two years ago and its just coming out."

His role in "Kevin Can Wait" is that of Officer Goody, best friend to Kevin James character Kevin Gable a former police officer. James is the creator of the series which is in its second season.

"I'm a series regular coming on every week," Howze pointed out about his character. "I'm learning from him. I'm taking notes. I was a big fan before the series. This project gives me a lot more exposure. Last season we were #1 as a new comedy."

Learn more about the series "Kevin Can Wait" by logging onto www.CBS.com/shows/kevin-can-wait.

Amazon Prime Video is a streaming online video network offering subscribers a long list of movies and series, such as "Patriot." Patriot is about intelligence officer John Tavner trying to prevent Iran from going nuclear. Actor Jay Abdo, a Syrian actor, plays Cantar Wally.

"This part in ‘Patriot' is a great opportunity for me because it's timely," said Jay who starred opposite Nicole Kidman in "Queen of the Desert" and with Tom Hanks in "Hologram for the King." "It's a good television show, good script, good material and wonderful pool of talent."

The hour long series premiered in 2015 and also stars Michael Dorman ("Wonderland") as John Tavner, Terry O'Quinn ("The West Wing") as Tom Tavner, Kathleen Munroe ("CSI: NY") as Alice Tavner, Aliette Opheim as Detective Agathe Albans and Kurtwood Smith as Leslie Claret ("The 70s Show"). It is currently airing its second season.

The "Patriot" series was created by Steven Conrad and is executive produced by Conrad, Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, Gil Bellows and Charles Gogolak. Marc David Alpert is producer and Amazon Studios is co-producer.
"
I like to play controversial roles," Abdo stated. "Multi-dimensions...It's a great role. I went to school to study acting. I know what it's all about. I'm wearing this character. I'm interested in a wide range of roles. My character (in Patriot) happens to be a nice person, but I enjoy playing the villain because I want to go to that world in art. I first started acting in 1988. I enjoy it so much, the difficult ones that require challenges."

You can log onto www.amazon.com/Patriot/dp/b017apuy62 for more information about the upcoming episodes.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
November 3, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Mario Van Peebles Knocks on Wood; The Phillip Brandon Story Begins
By Eunice Moseley

On October 20, 2017 Mario Van Peeples (New Jack City) premiered his new series "Superstition" on the SyFy network. Mario stars, directs, wrote script and executive produced the series. Van Peeples plays Isaac Hastings in "Superstition," which also stars Brad James as his son Calvin Hastings, Robinne Lee and Demetria McKinney. It focuses on the Hastings family who owns a funeral home and lots of secrets. The son of living legend actor/filmmaker Melvin Van Peeples (Panther, Sweetback's Baadasssss) Mario followed in his father's foot steps as a filmmaker/actor. "Superstition" airs on Fridays at 10/9c on the SyFy channel.

"One thing terrific about life, one day you the child climbing the neighbors' fence for apples, next day you're a homeowner with kids climbing your fence for apples. One day you're chancing someone's daughter and next day you have a daughter being chanced," laughed Mario. "I grew up seeing my dad do his work. I learned what not to do (on the set). He had these Melvinisms - his way of talking - then he'd break it down so you can understand."
Mario has his own way of talking. I guess you can say they are Marioisms - just like his dad. In SyFy's "Superstition" he plays a family man dealing with lots of family secrets. The series is produced by XLrator Media (Barry Gordon) and MVPTV (Mario Van Peeples). Mario's company production credits include "Roots," "Empire" and "Lost".
  "I did ‘We the Party' with Barry Gordon, he is on this project also," said Mario when I said the last time I interviewed him was at the "We the Party" movie premiere. "I'm a good boss, fun and I create a good working environment but I take it serious."

In "Superstition" the Hastings family has to "take down" a supernatural villain.

"The Van Peeples make things happen," Mario boasted. "If you build it they will come."

Hopefully they will come; I know I will because it's a Van Peeple's project. Log onto www.SyFy.com/superstition.
Versatile singer Phillip Brandon, who had a role in the Charles Randolph-Wright ("Motown: The Musical") directed "Born for This: The Musical" about the life of BeBe Winans, released his debut album "The Story Begins" on October 20, 2017. Phillip sings Rock, R&B, Jazz, Pop and Gospel. "The Story Begins" project offers 10 selections that combine those genres. The project has production assistance from songwriter Preston Glass (Natalie Cole, Kenny G) and DrFord.

"I wanted to get all the crazy out," Phillip said about touring with Rock band Trans Siberian Orchestra. "I tour with the Rock band even now...seasonal tours...holiday tours...Far East. We played in 50 cities in six weeks. Fast forward to this album...I wanted to see where I fit. I had a chance to come up with my own sound."

"The Story Begins" has uplifting themed selections when it comes to content. The music varies as does his voice on this project.

"I like to see the silver lining. That keeps us going," he said about the content in his project. "The main thing for me is to make it a journey of hope navigated through love...so much is going on in the world."

Brandon's mother Brenda Davis gave vocal background support for the album. She was briefly a Ray Charles Raelette. Others who assisted included Victor A. Caracedo a Spanish drummer, Eugene Gorskiy a Ukrainian guitarist, Stan Loken an American keyboardist and Carlitos Cuba a Cuban bassist.

"This is my first full album," Brandon said. "I did one in 2013. I have been blessed to work full time in some form of entertainment for 10 years. I said I'm doing all these projects for other folks...what about my story. That's where it started - in 2013."

"My background in music covers old school - Whispers and O'Jays," Phillip admitted when asked what genre is close to his heart. "My mother brought me my first record, Ashford & Simpson's "Solid as a Rock. I approach everything from the foundation of the soul. The Rock band opened me up to different sounds. It can still be Soul but have a Rock element."

My favorite songs on "The Story Begins" include #2 "Chocolate Child" because he vocally sounds more comfortable on this selection - an R&B/Jazz flavored song, #3 "Come On" a sweet Smooth Jazz selection where he is at his vocal best and #8 "Mystic Bleu" a Funky R&B selection. Learn more about Phillip Brandon by following him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ PhillipBrandon2.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
November 10, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: DJ Daryl, Producer of Tupac's ‘Keep Ya Head Up,' Reaches Diamond Status
By Eunice Moseley

"People don't know my face," said Producer DJ Daryl (Daryl L. Anderson) whose clients include Snoop Dogg, Mystikal and Master P. "They know my sound. They say too me, ‘I got these beats dude,' and their mine. It's funny for a long time I didn't realize my sound influenced a new generation."

DJ Daryl's sound is known as "bay area mob music." The era that help create the legacies of Long Beach's Snoop Dogg, New Orleans' Mystikal and Master P, and of course New York's Tupac - a then young aspiring rapper.

"Tupac had heard some of our music. We didn't know who he was. We were working with a friend and he asked to be on the album," said Daryl about meeting the rap legend.

"Keep Ya Head Up" was released in 1993 and it has recently been certified as Diamond in sales by RIAA - that's over 10 million (10 times platinum for one song). The hit single was re-released in 1998 in a "Tupac's Greatest Hits" album, in 2007 for the "10th Anniversary and Best of Tupac" project and in 2008 it was re-released as a single.

"Our group 415 was recording with Digital Underground. In our city we were well known. Tupac was there carrying equipment...we didn't know he was a rapper. We wore bandanas and people thought we were Crips." DJ Daryl laughed when talking about the early days with Tupac.

The group 415 included friends rappers Richie Rich and D-Loc, and producers J.E.D. and DJ Daryl. They independently released "41Fivin" in 1990. In 1991 DJ Daryl co-produced group member Richie Rich's solo album "Don't Do It" with 415 member J.E.D. They signed a deal with Priority Records and released "Nu Niggaz on Tha Blokk," which turned out to be their last project together.

"He (Tupac) got a deal...he asked me to produce his album," DJ Daryl said about how he became producer of Tupac's "Strictly 4My N.I.G.G.A." debut project. "For ‘Keep Ya Head Up' he didn't want to rush that song. We were in Studio A and B...we are in B and YoYo and DJ Pool was in A. We found out later they were using the same beat - same sample. When they realized it, it was a competition. He called a friend to sing the hook - Dave Hollister. They called him Black angel. He did something in that studio I never seen before...straight rap no adlibs."

DJ Daryl said he is working on a documentary and movie script for the last two years about his time with Tupac. He also produced Tupac's "Troublesome 21" before his death, which 9 of the 14 songs were released by Interscope Records. Log onto www.A1YoLA.com for more information about the producer who is also a legend and worthy of diamond RIAA status.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
November 17, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Lionsgate's Presentation of ‘Wonder' Will Make You Cry and Laugh
By Eunice Moseley

You can't fit in when you were born to be different, that is one of the messages of the Lionsgate presentation Wonder starring Academy Award winner Julie Roberts, Academy Award nominated Owen Wilson and Critics' Choice Movie Award winner Jacob Tremblay as August Pullman, a ten year old born with a facial disfiguration. Wonder arrives in theaters November 17, 2017 and is directed and co-written by Stephen Chbosky (Beauty and the Beast).

"We were having lunch (with an agent) and he said, ‘I may have a book for you guys'," said film producer David Hoberman (Mandeville Films) about how he chose "Wonder" by author RJ Palacio for his next film project. "So each of us (his partner Todd Lieberman) read it that night. Usually it takes 2 - 3 weeks, but both of us read it that night, we cried and laughed. It was such a cleaver way of telling a story - from all sides and we like the happy and triumphed ending."

The story centered on the Pullmans and tells the story of how the family dealt with their son and brothers' disfiguration. The Pullmans include Jacob Tremblay (The Smurfs 2) as August, Julia Roberts (The Pelican Brief) as Isabel, Owen Wilson (Night at the Museum) as Nate and Izabela Vidovic as Olivia. August is 10 years old and he is going to school for the first time - Middle School. He wants to wear a space helmet to hide his face, but his dad wants him to be proud of his face and hides the helmet from him. August (who is a genius) learns to live without the helmet; learns to be proud of his genius ability; learns who his "real" friends are, and his "real" friends learn how to be real with him whether alone or in a crowd. But it seems everyone has forgotten about Via, his sister in high school, who is trying to be a good sister and daughter while dealing with her own teenage needs. How everyone deals with their issues in Wonder will make you cry and laugh.
  "We all can be made to be outsiders. Its sort of what the film and book says...told from different perspectives so everyone can relate," David said.

Everyone will relate because everyone has physical conductions they don't want people to see. I have a real phobia about getting my picture taken, some may say its low self esteem because of how I look, but I say it's an irrational fear of the outcome - like August. August had a fear that if anyone saw his face they would run away in fright - but what some did when they saw his face will surprise you.
Wonder also stars Millie Davis as Summer, the only girl in school not afraid to reach out because she was in search of a "real" friend at school too; Tony Award winner Mandy Patinkin ("Homeland") as Mr. Tushman the Principle at August's school who has to deal with the "bullies" and the August situation; Noah Jupe as Jack Wills August's assigned friend whose loyalty is tested, and Daveed Diggs as August's English teacher Mr. Browne.
  David Hoberman's company Mandeville Films was a Metro-Goldwin-Mayers based company for three years and then a Disney based company for five. His credits include The Muppets and The Shaggy Dog. In 1995 his company received a first look deal/5 year deal with Disney. The first look deal with Disney was renewed in 2002 during which time he added a partner Todd Lieberman, who worked previously for his company Mandeville. The company became Mandeville Films and Television. Credits thereafter include The Fighter starring Mark Wahlberg, which won two Academy Awards in 2010 and Beauty and the Beast.

Wonder is a Lionsgate/Mandeville Films/Participant Media/Walden Media/TIK Film production, which arrives in theatres Nov. 17th. It is co-produced, along with Hoberman and Lieberman, by Michael Beugg and Dan Clark. You can log onto www.Wonder.Movie or www.MandiFilms.com to find out more information on the film Wonder.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

November 24, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Christmas with Phillip Carter; Justin Young Releases ‘Blue Soul'
By Eunice Moseley

"Our ministry has been around for many years," said Stellar Award winning Phillip Carter about his Sounds of Victory (SOV) choir, which just released "Christmas with Phillip Carter & SOV." "We always sung Christmas songs. I decided to make it a project to release."

Phillip Carter credits as choir director include serving as assistant director for Howard University's Gospel Choir, director of Georgetown University's choir, and director of Bowie State University's Gospel choir. The Sounds of Victory ministry is 20 years old. A native of White Plains, Maryland Phillip started playing the piano at 18 months old - a prodigy. By the age of nine he was directing choirs.

"My style?...I made a point to cater around songs that choirs can sing and directors can teach," Carter answered.
He admitted when asked about the music ministry's affect that he noticed SOV's music has affected the hearts of women, "Joy in the midst of pain," he said. "In my personal ministry I see that happen but not as often as I hope. I remember deciding to follow Jesus and no body else. I have never been off the music ministry path."

"Christmas with Phillip Carter & SOV" will also be a 30 minute special on the WORD Network. You can log onto for more information about the "Christmas with Phillip Carter & SOV" project and holiday special.
  Jazz saxophonist Justin Young recently released his fourth album titled "Blue Soul" featuring Jackiem Joyner (sax) and Matt Godina (keyboard). "Blue Soul" has already released its first single "Always There" co-written by Joyner, followed by "Jazz Along The 101" co-written by Noel Hall (Kirk Franklin) and "High Definition" - the latest single - a Pop/R&B selection.

"I'm from Detroit, so I grew up listening to Motown... artists like the Gap Band, Cool and the Gang, Cameo, Rick James and Michael Jackson," Justin explained about where his sound came from. "Those were the songs my dad's band played."
Justin also liked Dr. Dre and between his fathers Motown influence and his own you get something fresh.

"I was 3 or 4 years old practicing (drums) in my room," Young explained when I asked how he went from playing the drums to the sax. "As a kid I wanted to be a drummer. My grand parents are ministers, so I started playing in church. Four years later my dad said, ‘how open are you to playing the sax?'"

Justin's father explained to him that all boys want to be drummers, but few wanted to play sax. So he encouraged his son to switch instruments so he can get more jobs as a musician. Young said his father was right, after learning the sax he was always with a job and playing the sax also paid for his college degree from Michigan State University. Later on Justin Young secured a year long residency at Spaghettini's Jazz Club in Southern California, where he relocated.

"That groove thing," he said. "Like Blues Brothers - the tambourine part, that is music."

Justin Young said he took this album "back to the basics to capture that" sound. So far the album is getting great reviews. My favorites songs on the "Blue Soul" album include #1 "Always There" because of his sweet Smooth Jazz horn playing that had a Pop feel to it; #5 "Paradise Found" because his horn playing took me straight to paradise - visually; #6 "New Life" was simply beautiful and the organ support takes you straight to church; #7 the title track "Blue Soul" because he got funky with his sax, I like that, and I loved the piano support; #8 "Sorrento" is a funky Jazz/Soul selection that has a futurist flavor; #10 "India" because it is pure Jazz at its finest; #11 "Song for a Better Tomorrow" has a fairytale feel that gave me feelings of hopefulness, and #12 "High Definition" featuring Jackiem Joyner, because Justin delivers a Pop sound on his sax that's so fresh.

"I think that the song has to tell a story," Justin concluded about his style of songwriting.

Also featured on the "Blue Soul" album release are Alex Al (bass), Hussain Liffry (bass), Ricky Lawson (drummer) and Sheldon Reynolds (guitarist). The album is released on Young's own label JustinTime Records. Learn more about the "Blue Soul" release by logging onto www.JustinYoungSax.com.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
December 1, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Gospel's Deleon Airs Reality Show; Ruth La'Ontra's Got You on New Album
By Eunice Moseley

"A network we were talking to was intrigued I was doing real estate. I said, ‘But, I'm a singer,'" laughed Gospel's living legend Deleon Richards-Sheffield about how she became involved in a reality show. Deleon was the youngest Gospel artist ever signed to a major record deal. She released her debut album at eight years old then made history again, as the youngest to be garnered a Grammy Award nomination - Michael Jackson was the previous title holder. On November 30, 2017 Deleon will launch a reality show, "Sheffield Real Estate," on the FYI Network (a division of A&E Networks). The show will have the audience seeing her as a real estate agent.

When I asked why not one on her as a Gospel artist she said, "A few years ago we were talking about my music, looking at other options on how I could get out there - I was doing real estate (at the time). They were more interested in that...If you like ‘house hunter" type shows you will like this show, it has the same formula."

I interviewed Deleon for her debut album and my P.R. company, Freelance Associates, held a Baltimore based press conference to announce it and her. During that time and through subsequent interviews with her throughout her career I got to know both Deleon and her mother. Deleon' mother Debbie has been a real estate agent for over 30 years, while managing her daughters' singing career. During that time Deleon assisted her. "Sheffield Real Estate" airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m. PT/ET and follows Deleon as she works with her mother in the real estate business, being mother to her children and wife to her husband Gary Sheffield (New York Mets), a baseball legend.

"It's fun! You get to see the interaction between my mom and myself and how I balance that being wife to my husband - sports players are pretty needy," she said with a giggle. Deleon married Gary Sheffield in 2000 and they have three children. "My mothers' been in real estate for over 30 years...she has seen it all. While I was singing she was with me on the road - on the phone...making deals happen. I was her assistant."

Deleon said her mother was even awarded as a top seller.

"I saw her do 60 plus transactions a year when she was with Century 21," Deleon added. "My mother feels like she knows a lot and at times we bump heads...because I feel I got an idea that may be different from hers....but I know how to get it done."

The issues that come with being a real estate partner with a winning expert, the issues that come with being a Gospel living legend, that come with being the mother of three boys and those that come with being the wife of a living legend baseball player is what viewers will see when they tune into "Sheffield Real Estate."

The FYI Network is a joint venture between Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation. It reaches 65 million households in the United States. You can log onto www.FYI.tv for more information on the "Sheffield Real Estate" reality show of Deleon that it airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m.

Another child prodigy from the Gospel industry, Ruth La'Ontra, is releasing a project. Her project is a Contemporary Gospel album titled "I Got You" (Tyscot Records). Ruth's debut happened when she was fresh out of high school and that debut album release, "So Good" (Tyscot Records), garnered a Stellar Award nomination.
"This is my sophomore album," said Ruth La'Ontra pointed out.

When I asked her how she came to be such a young artist on the Tyscot label she said, "My dad. He's in radio....for 30 years. He is well known...had connections. We did a three song EP and put it out there - Tyscot saw it. My fans and supporters said, ‘We like to hear some more from you."
So Ruth started recording on Tyscot Records for her fans and supporters.

"I wanted to do something live," she added. "The album is amazing."

I love live recording as well and "I Got You" does not disappoint. It was released in September and it still has its just released momentum going. It's produced by her label mate Grammy nominated Anthony Brown (Key of A Music) with Justin Savage (Song Savvy Productions) as co-producer.

"We're both on the same label. Anthony is like my big brother," Ruth pointed out. "We were performing together and I said, ‘We need to so something'."

Add do something they did. "I Got You" is a powerful project that should take Ruth to another level. When Ruth sings you forget her young age, but when she starts to talk you realize how young she really is. The first single released on the "I Got You" album was "Kingdom." It peaked at #14 on Billboards Gospel Airplay Chart. The North Carolina native is currently touring the country promoting the album.

My favorite cuts off the "I Got You" release include #2 "Safe," a sweet selection she delivers with a Pop feel that is combined with a twist of Soul; #3 "Come Through" another sweet selection about God's love for his children - and I love the harmony; #4 the Reprise of "Come Through" is so soulful - proof she is anointed and her vocals on this one reminds me of a young CeCe Winans; #7 "Reign" is a powerful selection because of her vocal delivery that builds up to end explosively as a perfect Praise & Worship song, and #8 "Salt" for the perfect harmony supporting her, which makes it a powerful testimony selection and on this one her vocals remind me of a young Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child). You can learn more about Ruth La'Ontra or her album release "I Got You" by logging onto www.tyscot.com/members/ruth-laontra.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
December 8, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Disney Casts Rapper Regan; Sherwin Gardner's ‘Greater' is Powerful
By Eunice Moseley

"I went to audition three times because I was sick," said Regan Aaliyah about being cast as Disney's first rapper in their new "Mickey Mouse Club" show renamed "Club Mickey Mouse." "My agent said to the producer, ‘I know this girl.' (At the audition) They said do everything so I rapped, sang and danced. They said, ‘we are obsessed with you. You are on board.'"

So Regan joined seven other teens to form the new Disney "Mickey Mouse Club." Her fellow Mouseketeers include Australian singer Ky Baldwin (16 year old); singer Brianna Mazzola; dancer Jenna Alvarez (Ballet/Hip-Hop); 16 year old dancer Gabe De Guzman (Missy Elliot/Katy Perry); Los Angeles singer/dancer Leanne Tessa Langston (17 years old); Spanish-American guitarist Sean Oliu; 17 year old dancer Will Simmons (Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar), and 18 year old Regan Aliyah from Los Angeles (Urban Xtreme).

"They wanted to have a fresh start but something they (the audience) can relate to the first one. The first one was a Disney Channel Show. This is the first Disney series," pointed out Regan.

The "Club Mickey Mouse" series is a reality show and it currently airs exclusively on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram at "On My Disney."
"My goal in life is to inspire others. I'm not after fame, I just want to feed my family," she laughed a little then got serious. "...And inspire kids that look like me. With or without the Disney series I'm on the same path - to get the message to people to awaken youth."

Just talking with Regan I can tell she will inspire by just being herself. As they say "she got it honest," because her family has been inspiring through the arts for four generations.

"I'm a fourth generation entertainer," she said. "I saw my mother perform with Janet Jackson and when my grandmother performed they had a full show. My mother said if you don't want to do it we can stop but if you are going to do it, do it 100%.' We put on a full show on any level...at the park, school..."

If you've seen Regan perform you can tell she gives 110% and is enjoying it as she is doing it. This Disney role is not her first in entertainment she is part of an R&B/Hip-Hop girl group called Urban Xtreme who performed on the Disney Channel's "Make Your Mark, Shake It Up Dance Off." The group members included Regan Aaliyah, Ryan Asher and Anaya Strong. Urban Xtreme released a single in October, 2017 titled "Be Ok".

"The one with the red hair is actually my sister," said Regan of Urban Xtreme. "We grew up with music and decided to be in a group. Now we're a duo, me and her. Its cool doing music with someone you can trust."

The first young artists to be cast as Mouseketeers in Disney Channel's "Mickey Mouse Club" had that same concept about performing, giving it 100%, which is why they became American icons - Justin Timberlake (NSYNC), Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Annette Funicello (The Shaggy Dog) and JC Chasez (NSYNC). It will be exciting to see the new Mouseketeers make the same achievements.
Trinidad native Sherwin Gardner released his 16th album titled "Greater," a powerful collection of Praise & Worship songs. In Trinidad he is what Kirk Franklin is to the United States, but he was a Reggae/Dance Hall artist that included a Praise & Worship song on his albums and Kirk Franklin is a Praise & Worship leader that uses secular music on his albums.

"Greater," recorded live at SJPC House of Restoration Ministries in St. John, Antigua, where he is Worship Leader, is his first full Inspirational project.

"Greater" offers 13 original songs with 2 reprises. Of the 15 selections three were recorded in the studio. "Greater" features vocal assistance from Deitrick Haddon and Todd Dulaney. When released it debuted at #4 on the Billboard Gospel Albums Sales Chart.

   "I have 15 albums. This is my first Gospel album...it still has a little island flavor," Sherwin explains. "I have always been a Praise & Worship leader but as an artist it's been Island music. In church I'd change to Praise & Worship."

Sherwin, whose debut album in 1998 offered the hit single "Power in the Name," said his mother got really sick one year. Through examinations they eventually discovered his mother (late 50s/early 60s) was pregnant. That scare changed something in Gardner.

"That was the shift," he confessed. "She was very sick. They went to look for cancer and couldn't find it - they found she was 20 weeks pregnant. The doctors said at her age don't keep it, but she said it was a blessing and kept it. The single ‘Because of You' is based on the testimony from my mother."

When Gardner's label Flow Masters released the "Because of You" single in the United States Tyscot Records heard it and picked him up. "Greater" is a Flow Master/Tyscot Records album release in the United States.

"Now I am more focused on Praise & Worship music," Sherwin concluded.

Good thing he is because this "Greater" Gospel project is very powerful, not only because of the quality of its music or the quality of the live vocal performances, but the content - what he is saying ministry-wise is so on point.

My favorite selections on the "Greater" project include #1 "Restoration" a sweet Praise & Worship song to warm you up to what the album has to offer; #2 "Song of Praise" because of its content and I love the military marching band beat; #3 "Trouble," again because of the content about giving your troubles to God because it's the enemy/evil not the person/God's creation you dealing with; #5 "(Reprise) Because of You" because of the tight vocal harmony and the Caribbean flavor together makes it powerful; #6 the title track "Greater" because Sherwin Gardner's vocals on this one finds him at his best, plus the tight harmony of the background vocals and the content makes it another powerful Praise & Worship song; #8 "Hope of Nations" because I love how he lets the audience sing with him and its such an uplifting selection; #13 "Praises Go Up" featuring Deidrick Haddon because Sherwin shows us his Trinidad accent, which I love, that gives it that Caribbean feel, and #14 the studio recorded "Because of You" because Sherwin shows us he can make his vocal pure American sounding, that's impressive, its like he is speaking multiple languages on the album.

You can learn more about Sherwin Gardner or his Tyscot Records "Greater" album release by logging onto www.Tyscot.com.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
December 15, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Def Jam Recordings Sign Baltimore Girl Group, Riplay
By Eunice Moseley

"Me and my sister Lay was in class...we said there's no girl groups out," said Rapper Shaye about how her group Riplay was formed.
The three member group from Baltimore recently signed a distribution deal with Def Jam Recordings making media folks like myself take notice. Riplay consist of sisters Mayshaye Hebron (aka Shaye) and her younger sister A'laiza Hebron (aka Lay), and friend Kiya Hawthorne (aka Ki).

"My dad did music. We were trying to get his attention...so we kept practicing," Shaye continued.

Lay cut in saying, "So me and my friend was going to do rap and when my sister Shaye came in and had a nice rap voice... so we sing now." I asked them when did their dad finally noticed Lay said, "My dad noticed when we started writing songs. We showed him a song and he said, ‘I have to hear this.'"

Shaye pointed out, "My dad knew some body on another label, they have a partnership with Def Jam."

What an historic moment and opportunity. I told the girls, they have just been given. Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1983 by Rick Rubin while in college at New York University. He released a Punk-Rock single for his group Hose. He met Russell Simmons shortly after, who had been working with Hip-Hop artists since 1977, and they decided to partner in the Def Jam Recordings venture releasing their first single together "Its You" by DJ Jazzy Jay. It was their next two singles by LL Cool J ("I Need a Beat") and Beastie Boys ("Hard Rock") that resulted in a distribution deal or Def Jam with CBS Records/Columbia Records.

Up until Rick sold his share in Def Jam for $120 million to Universal Music Group their artists included EPMD, Warren G and Public Enemy. Under Universal Music Group's partnership Def Jam Recordings released projects for Foxy Brown ("Ill NaNa") and LL Cool J ("Mr. Smith"). In 1999 Baltimore executive Kevin Liles was appointed president of Def Jam and he immediately created an R&B aspect of the Rock and Hip-Hop label signing Dru Hill, the Isley Brothers, Kelly Price, 112, Case, Montel Jordan, Patti LaBelle and Christina Millian. So to be a Def Jam Recordings artist is a monumental event.

"We would not be here if it wasn't for God," the girls said in unison. "We pray every morning. We really want people to look up to us. Our message is very positive. Kids are being bullied. Kids think they have to bully to be cool to fit in. Our message is to be yourself. Don't let negativity get to you. We've experience things like that before."

What Riplay feels about bullying they are putting in songs. Their debut single "Status" is out now. Riplay also has a video out for the single "Strange" starring Lil' Key ("The Rap Game"). The Phantom Boyz Music Group is taking lead on the groups' music. They are a well established international production company (Jim Jones, Christina Aguilera, B5). The three girls offer three genres of music - Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul so they are surely going to make more people take notice.
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.
December 22, 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Changing Faces' Cassandra Lucas to Release Solo Album in 2018
By Eunice Moseley

"There was just a lot of music in my heart...that didn't need to sit on my desk or in my computer," said Cassandra Lucas, a member of the duo Changing Faces ("Stroke You Up"), who is about to release a solo project in 2018. "Now is the time for me to state where we are in the world. I feel we need love."

"Love" is the subject of the first three singles that were released in late 2017 - the Contemporary Inspirational "I Love You," the Reggae driven "Give Love a Chance" and the club banger "Music & a Beat." The duo Changing Faces, who were together from 1993 to 2000, also included Charisse Rose. They started as background singers for artist Sybil and while singing on the street was heard and later signed a recording deal with Big Beat Records on Atlantic Records. R. Kelly wrote their 1994 single "Stroke You Up" hit, which went to #3 on Billboard charts, "G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T", what's noted as their biggest hit went #1 on Billboard's R&B Chart and #8 on Billboards' Hot 100 Chart. They were also featured on the soundtracks for the films Space Jam and Dr. Dolittle.

"My love for the man upstairs...the world...relationships. I had to let it be known," pointed out the New York native as the reason behind the content of the album. "The album is complete but every day I come up with new things to go into it."
The duo, Changing Faces, was platinum selling R&B artists and hopefully when Cassandra's currently untitled album is released she will reach platinum status as well because from what I have heard the vocals, music and content is excellent.
"I plan to work out a tour...see you guys again," Lucas concluded. When asked in ending the interview if we will hear the Changing Faces hits on her solo tour she said, "I'd love to incorporate them in the show - where I came from to where I am now. I ‘am' ...Changing Faces."

Cassandra's songwriting skills are superb and can be heard on Donnell Jones' "Special Girl" and "Apple Pie," Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes' "Friends" and Jodi Watley's "Off the Hook," which went #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Chart. The duo split due to "creative" differences and in 2013 Lucas formed CRC Musik with her husband producer Noel "Chris" Absolam and business partner Richard Smith. The company is currently discovering and developing new talent.

SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 18th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes. www.UpliftingMinds2.com.

December 29., 2017
The Pulse of Entertainment: Syndicated Columnist Eunice Moseley Gives the Highlights in 2017
By Eunice Moseley

There were so many interviews for me in 2017 but the ones with ‘friends' Jazz pianist Marcus Johnson, legendary radio personality Lee Bailey, Ellia English about her return to stage and comedian Luenell were my highlights. If 2018 is as exciting as the year 2017 I will certainly spend the year with a smile permanently positioned on my face.

The year 2017 started off with an interview with Jazz pianist Marcus Johnson about his performance at Rams Head on Stage in Maryland. Later that year Marcus did me the pleasure of serving on the panel of my community event "Uplifting Minds II" in Baltimore. That was followed by an interview with Will Downing, I guest you could say he is a friend too, we talked about his performance at Rams Head as well and later in the year in October we talked about his album release "Soul Survivor."

That interview was followed by movie and event reviews for the SAG Awards, the NAACP Imagine Awards Nominees Luncheon, the NHMC Latino Honors where I interviewed the legendary television producer Norman Lear and I went to a special presentation of the 2017-2018 Sony Picture Animation releases that included screening of Smurf 3, Emoji, The Star and Spiderman the animation. Industry executive interviews followed with fellow journalist Tanya Hart about being the first black female Chair of The Caucus, publicist Arian Simone about her "Fearless" pod-cast launch and Phil Thornton about his new role as Senior Vice President and General Manager at RCA Inspiration and the release of the "WOW Gospel 2017" album.

More movie reviews followed that included the Warner Bros' presentation of Kong is King, Fast and the Furious, Searchlights' Gifted and King Arthur: Legends of the Sword. An interview with three-time Grammy winning Jazz singer Harry Connick, Jr. followed about the new season of his talk show "Harry" on Fox and Jazz singer Phil Perry was interviewed about his album release "Breathless." American Idol winner Ruben Studdard was interviewed in 2017 about his single "Change is Gonna Come" and JJ Hairston about his album release "You Deserve It."

Its only May and the year continues with coverage of the ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo and "The Celestial Awards of Excellence." I had the pleasure of interviewing my own grandson, award winning actor/filmmaker Anthony Michael Hobbs (Emmy nominated "The Abolitionist") and his mom/manager Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs, about the launch of his own international film festival in Baltimore, the Imagination Lunchbox International Children's Film Festival. Interviews with Contemporary Gospel artist Travis Greene followed about the release of his new album "You Waited." Gospel artist/Pastor Marvin Sapp was interviewed twice in 2017 for his TV One "Unsung" episode and his album release "Close." Lee Bailey (EURweb.com publisher) interview followed, it was about him being honor at the Black Business Association Awards and the group After 7 talked about their album release "Timeless."

More movie reviews followed for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean 5, the MGM presentation of Detroit, the Lionsgate film Wonder and the 20th Century Fox presentation of Mountain Between Us. Jagged Edge was interviewed about their TV One "Unsung" episode and Dorien Wilson talked bout starring in the Bounce TV series "In The Cut." The Jonathan Butler interview was about the released of his new album "Show Me The Way" and I talked to comedian/actress Luenell about being honored at the LOL Comedy Honors and the two projects she has - "Lopez" and A Star us Born" with Jamie Foxx.

More event coverage followed with the ASCAP R&S Awards, which honored Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis - I interviewed Jimmy Jam while there. Interviews with Soul singer Calvin Richardson followed, we talked about his album release "All or Nothing." That interview was followed by a talk with Tina Campbell (Mary Mary) about her solo release "It's Still Personal" and Mario Van Peeples talked about his SyFy series "Superstition." I was so hyped to interview producer DJ Daryl about going Diamond with the Tupac hit "Keep Ya Head Up." The year ended with interviews from Grammy winning Gospel artist Deleon Richards-Sheffield about her new reality show "Sheffield Real Estate" and Baltimoreans Riplay a three member R&B/Hip-Hop girl group talked about receiving a record distribution deal from Def Jam Recordings.

There were many other interviews, reviews and event coverage opportunities, but as you can see 2017 was outstanding as always for The Pulse of Entertainment. Visit its website at www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com for more entertainment news and for the video tapped interviews/coverage check out the website or visit www.Youtube.com/ThePulseofEntertainment. Thanks to all who contacted me for placement in my syndicated column The Pulse of Entertainment, which has an estimated readership of ¼ million each week and its website receives over 80,000 hits a week!
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: 19th annual "Uplifting Minds II" Free Entertainment Conference (Baltimore and Los Angeles). Entertainment Business panel and national talent showcase competition (vocal, songwriting and dance) with over $13,000 in prizes.  www.UpliftingMinds2.com.