Two Sad "Good Times" Deaths

Hello all,
A friend found this article on the Internet and wanted me to post. RIP Ernie Jones and Timothy Wright both who contributed to one of our favorite 70's sitcom "Good Times."

Artist Ernie Barnes Dies

( blackoncampus)

If you were a devoted fan of Good Times back in the day, you know that Jimmie Walker's James Evans, Jr. character was an artist. That character and the show introduced the rest of the world to the artwork of Ernie Barnes.

'The Sugar Shack' dance scene appeared on Marvin Gaye's 1976 I Want You album and the closing credits of Good Times. It also inspired a generation of artists. Collectors of his work range from Ethel Kennedy, various professional sport team owners to Sylvester Stallone, Eddie Murphy, the late Sammy Davis, Jr., Kanye West, and from Seton Hall University to the California African American Museum.

The 70 year old Barnes died Monday night at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles from complications from a rare blood disorder, said his longtime personal assistant Luz Rodriguez. Barnes is survived by his wife Bernie; brother James of Durham; sons Michael and Sean; and daughters Deidre, Erin and Paige.

His signature style uses elongation and distortion to convey a sense of power, fluidity, grace and intensity, addition to featuring people with closed eyes because as he put it, 'we are blind to people's humanity.'

Barnes was born in Durham, NC on July 15, 1938. His love of art began when he would accompany his mother to her job at a prominent local attorney's Frank Fuller, Jr's home in which she oversaw the staff. The attorney had a large collection of art books that young Ernie was allowed to peruse which fueled his passion for art.

In junior high Ernie was an overweight and introverted kid taunted by bullies, and spent that time sketching in a notebook. A sympathetic teacher who recognized his artistic talent put him on a weightlifting program. It allowed Ernie to excel in football and track in high school to the point in which Ernie was the state shotput champion in his senior year.

He received over 25 scholarships, but no thanks to Jim Crow segregation couldn't attend Duke University or the University of North Carolina. He attended HBCU North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University) on a football scholarship and majored in art.

He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1959, but that was problematic once they discovered he was Black. The Redskins racist owner George Preston Marshall refused to integrate his team until 1962, and they traded Barnes to the then NFL world champion Baltimore Colts. After playing for the Colts for a season he moved to the rival American Football League in 1960 and played for the New York Titans, the San Diego Chargers in 1961-1962 and the Denver Broncos in 1963-1964.

He still pursued his love of art while playing and painted his first piece called 'The Bench' which sold for $25,000 at a Denver show. A painting of his caught the attention of Barron Hilton, who commissioned him for a piece and encouraged him to successfully apply to become the official artist for the AFL. His artwork began appearing on the game day magazine programs across the AFL.

That led in 1965 to New York Jets owner Sonny Werblin noticing his work, and after having three art critics appraise it Werblin commissioned him to do thirty paintings. It led to a critically acclaimed 1966 art show at Grand Central Art Galleries in Manhattan that jump started his art career and led to his retirement from pro football.

In 1984 Barnes was named the 'Official Artist of the Games' and commissioned by the Los Angeles Olympic Committee to create five paintings to commemorate the LA Games. He was also commissioned by the NBA to create 'A Dream Unfolds' for the league's 50th anniversary, 'Fastbreak' for LA Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and the owners of the New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders and Boston Patriots football teams.


Former Baltimore Colts teammate and Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson commissioned Barnes to create 'Victory In Overtime', which is now on permanent display at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

There are ongoing plans for a traveling exhibit of Ernie Barnes art entitled 'Liberating Humanity From Within' which will be coming soon to an art gallery near you.

"Ernie Barnes is one of the premier figurative artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries," said Paul Von Blum, a senior lecturer in African American studies, communication studies and art history at UCLA.

"His richly detailed paintings and drawings chronicling the lives of people have made a profound contribution to the contemporary history of American art."

Von Blum said the works that Barnes produced over 40 years "elevated him to the top rank of African American artists in the United States" and "solidified his stature in the grand tradition of visual art, a reputation that will serve as a model for younger artists for generations to come."

NY Gospel Singer Timothy Wright Dies At 61

Grammy-Nominated Singer, Composer Injured In Crash

The Associated Press

POSTED: Friday, April 24, 2009

UPDATED: 7:18 am CDT April 24, 2009

AP Photo/Mark Q. Murray, File

NEW YORK -- The Rev. Timothy Wright, the Grammy-nominated gospel singer and composer known for his up-tempo praise songs and powerful mass choir sound, has died. He also sang the closing credits theme song for the hit show "Good Times." He was 61.
Wright, who was seriously injured in a car crash that killed his wife and grandson, died early Thursday at the Bronx Veterans Hospital, music agent Will Bogle said.
Timothy Wright was the pastor at Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church of God in Christ, located in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. He released more than a dozen gospel recordings, writing many of the songs. His latest album, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus," came out in 2007.
In 1994, his record "Come Thou Almighty King," with the New York Fellowship Mass Choir, made the Billboard Top 20 charts for gospel albums and was nominated for a Grammy for best traditional soul gospel album.
He got another nomination in that category in 1999 for "Been There Done That," recorded with the B/J Mass Choir and featuring Myrna Summers.
"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" features the New York Fellowship Mass Choir. The title track, written by Wright and his wife and recorded live at a Church of God in Christ convocation, expresses the plight of a woman displaced during Hurricane Katrina: She encourages herself and others by calling the name of Jesus. Among the other songs on the album was "You Must Come In At the Door."
According to the book "Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Encyclopedia," by Bil Carpenter, the Brooklyn-born Wright began playing piano for his local church at age 12 and also began composing at a young age.
By his early 20s, he was music director at Brooklyn's Washington Temple Church of God in Christ.
He began writing songs for such fellow musicians as Mattie Moss Clark and the Rev. Isaac Douglas, according to Carpenter's book, and in 1976 formed the Timothy Wright Concert Choir. Among the choir's albums were "Who's on the Lord's Side?" and "Do You Know the Light?"
Wright was critically injured July 4 in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 near Loganton, Pa. Another car was going the wrong way when it struck Wright's car.
His wife, Betty Wright, 58, was killed in the crash, and their 14-year-old grandson, D.J. Wright, died later at a hospital.
The driver of the wrong-way car, John Pick, also was killed, while a passenger in a third car was injured.
The Wrights were returning from a Church of God in Christ conference in Detroit, said Leroy Johnson, a trustee at Grace Tabernacle.

Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your [entertainment] Business!

by Monica Peters

Industry veteran Thembisa S. Mshaka’s new book Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your [entertainment] Business is a MUST READ for anyone in the entertainment business, especially women. Mshaka gives sound, concrete and specific advice on how to handle your business whether you are a publicist, in the music business, celebrity stylist, producer, or in the radio and film industries. Her tone in the book is straightforward and leaves no stone unturned. What makes this book a gem is that women working in all segments of the business reveal their triumphs, setbacks, horror stories and how they survived after being laid off. Some of the women are everyday Janes who broke into the industry in unconventional ways--none of which included exploiting themselves. Many of the women in HYEB are those that some of us in the business may already know personally. HYEB is very much an eye opener for women going into the entertainment business looking through rose colored glasses or even worse thinking that sleeping their way to the top is the key to their success. The author even delves into pay inequities for women. After reading this book you will definitely be able to make a true assessment as to if the entertainment field is for you and learn the importance of reinventing yourself.

*Even if you are not in the entertainment business, this book is a must read. The sound and valuable advice in this book extends way beyond the entertainment world. Pick it up today.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson Readies for Historic Fight

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson will fight in August 2009 for what will probably be the biggest match in UFC history when he steps into the octagon to win back the Light Heavyweight championship belt. Jackson will fight the victor of UFC 98, either raining champion Rashad Evans or Lyoto Machida-

...but will the he come to TheGritsnCheeseDish! [TM] to interview with Monica Peters?...to be continued.

Some Wednesday Love For You: "There Goes My Baby"

Been busy as hell. But lots of updates are coming. Here's, Charlie Wilson's song to make you believe in love again. In case you have been under a rock, this is Snoop Dog's wife in real life. He's been with her for a looong time, since childhood. Don't give up hope. Love is alive and real. You'll find it one day. Trust me you will.

Natalie Cole on Larry King Live: In Need of Kidney

Check out Natalie Cole on Larry King Live tonight on CNN. She will discuss her fight for survival with Hepatitus C. The singing superstar who battled drug use for many years is now desperately in need of a kidney transplant. Larry King Live, tonight at 9PM EST.

Photo credit: Fanpix.net

Bebe Winans Hits Ex-Wife, Arrested

It's sad to even have to post on another story like this. Gospel singer Bebe Winans has been charged with misdemeanor domestic assault against his ex-wife in Nashville, TN. The dispute arose when Bebe was picking up his children on a court ordered visitation. According to court documents, his ex-wife Debra stated that she was discussing issues with him pertaining to their children. The R&B singer then became irate, walked around to the other side of the car and pushed her to the ground. Bebe was arrested and released Thursday on $1,000 bond.

Bebe who is most famous for his collaborations with his sibling CeCe Winans, is also host of BET's gospel show Sunday Best. Bebe denies the allegations and say they are inconsistent with his character.

Oprah Talks To "The Rihanna's of the World"

Oprah gives tough love advice to Rihanna on her Friday live show. "If he hits you once, he'll hit you again. Love doesn't hurt."

Oprah would like to do a show on domestic violence as she puts it for the "The Rihanna's of the world.

Hopefully Rihanna is listening.

Chris Brown Charged on Two Felony Counts

Singer Chris Brown has been charged with two felony counts including assault likely to cause bodily inujury and making criminal threats against his girlfriend, singer and pop icon Rihanna. Rihanna is listed in court documents as Robyn F. Rihanna's real name is Robyn Fenty.

Letter from John Legend to the New York Post

Open Letter to the New York Post (Johnlegend.com)



Dear Editor:

I'm trying to understand what possible motivation you may have had for publishing that vile cartoon depicting the shooting of the chimpanzee that went crazy. I guess you thought it would be funny to suggest that whomever was responsible for writing the Economic Recovery legislation must have the intelligence and judgment of a deranged, violent chimpanzee, and should be shot to protect the larger community. Really? Did it occur to you that this suggestion would imply a connection between President Barack Obama and the deranged chimpanzee? Did it occur to you that our President has been receiving death threats since early in his candidacy? Did it occur to you that blacks have historically been compared to various apes as a way of racist insult and mockery? Did you intend to invoke these painful themes when you printed the cartoon?

If that's not what you intended, then it was stupid and willfully ignorant of you not to connect these easily connectable dots. If it is what you intended, then you obviously wanted to be grossly provocative, racist and offensive to the sensibilities of most reasonable Americans. Either way, you should not have printed this cartoon, and the fact that you did is truly reprehensible. I can't imagine what possible justification you have for this. I've read your lame statement in response to the outrage you provoked. Shame on you for dodging the real issue and then using the letter as an opportunity to attack Rev. Sharpton. This is not about Rev. Sharpton. It's about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive.

I believe in freedom of speech, and you have every right to print what you want. But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences. You are responsible for printing this cartoon, and I hope you experience some real consequences for it. I'm personally boycotting your paper and won't do any interviews with any of your reporters, and I encourage all of my colleagues in the entertainment business to do so as well. I implore your advertisers to seriously reconsider their business relationships with you as well.

You should print an apology in your paper acknowledging that this cartoon was ignorant, offensive and racist and should not have been printed.

I'm well aware of our country's history of racism and violence, but I truly believe we are better than this filth. As we attempt to rise above our difficult past and look toward a better future, we don't need the New York Post to resurrect the images of Jim Crow to deride the new administration and put black folks in our place. Please feel free to criticize and honestly evaluate our new President, but do so without the incendiary images and rhetoric.

Sincerely,
John Legend

Ludacris to Headline Hip Hop 101

Music lovers in the Los Angeles are in for a special treat in February. Hip Hop 101 hits the Los Angeles Sports Arena on February 21 in honor of Black History month. Daylong festivities for true hip hop heads will be in abundance. Yours truly "Ludacris" will headline the concert. If you slip up and don't get your significant other that perfect Valentine's gift, Hip Hop 101 may be your redemption. Go "Luda."

Movie Review: "Notorious"... Surprisingly Good.

"Ms. Wallace conceived Biggie with a married man. One of many interesting facts that came out in the film."

By Monica Peters

I must admit that I had concerns about being potentially disappointed with the film “Notorious” starring Angela Bassett, Jamal Woolard, Derek Luke, Naturi Naughton, Antonique Smith and Anthony Mackie. However, the film does not disappoint. The entire cast brought home the spirit of the real life characters. To my surprise, the film also had depth.

Hollywood newcomer, Jamal Woolard hits the mark playing Notorious BIG, aka Biggie on screen. He is very natural and more importantly believable in this role. He is one to watch in Hollywood. Biggie’s relationship with his mother, Voletta Wallace played by Angela Basset provides much depth to the film as it portrays his life from early childhood to his tragic murder eleven years ago in Los Angeles. Many may not know that Ms. Wallace conceived Biggie with a married man. One of many interesting facts that came out in the film. The “mash potato” scene is a turning point in Biggie’s life where Ms. Wallace throws away what she thinks is mash potatoes from under his bed. Biggie raids the kitchen trash can to recover “the potatoes.” Ms. Wallace then realizes that her son is in an illegal profession and throws him out onto the streets.

Naturi Naughton, who plays Lil’ Kim, provided much spice in the highly anticipated film. Naughton does an excellent job in showing the vulnerable and insecure side of rapper Lil’ Kim. Initially she and Biggie had a great relationship where he pursued her romantically in their early days in Bed Stuy. He was her lover, protector and had a solid devotion to her as an artist when he discovered that she also had talent that could make her a superstar. Things soon began to get rocky when he married singer Faith Evans out the clear blue. He still kept his commitment to Lil’ Kim as his artist and continued their affair. Naughton’s racy role keeps the moviegoer intrigued with her and Biggie’s volatile off/on relationship. I was actually surprised that the film gave Lil’ Kim’s character depth given the rocky history between the raunchy female rapper and the slain rapper’s mother in real life. The recording studio scene where Lil’ Kim and Biggie have an explosive argument after his surprise nuptials to Evans, played by Antonique Smith, is classic. It is in this scene where you begin to remember that Lil Kim in real life often talked about Biggie’s physical abuse towards her. The dialogue in this scene is also classic. Let’s just say Biggie puts Lil’ Kim in her place about where she stands with him.

Actress Antonique Smith has a striking resemblance to singer Faith Evans. She brings home the prize so to speak portraying Evans on screen. Her character finds out soon enough that marrying a man after only 3 weeks of dating is not a good idea--especially since Biggie never stopped his cheating ways (the singer claims in her new book that she and Biggie courted for a few months, but the film’s depiction disputes that). She does have a physical confrontation with a random groupie who she finds in bed with Biggie. However, the only thing that was grossly missing in this film is that it does not depict her rocky relationship with Lil’Kim and does not address how she felt when she found out in real life that Biggie was having an affair with Kim. *Faith Evans and Lil’ Kim had a much publicized physical confrontation in real life.

Derek Luke to my surprise did a good job in making his portrayal of music mogul Diddy believable. His on stage persona of Diddy in the film does provide for some comedic moments though, especially the dancing. Anyone who came to the advance screening as a “Doubting Thomas” if Luke could capture the larger than life personality of Diddy were soon converted to believers.

As far as Anthony Mackie’s portrayal as Biggie’s rival, slain rapper Tupac Shakur; let’s just say he tried his best. That’s not a diss, but Shakur’s complex persona would be hard for any actor to personify.

Towards the end of the film as the rapper receives constant death threats due to his ongoing feud with Shakur, he begins to put his life in perspective. He tries to mend the fences with Faith (also the mother of his son Christopher Wallace Jr), Lil’ Kim and Jan, the mother of his first child from his teenage years by becoming a better father and more involved in their lives. But by then it’s too late.

A touching point of the film that will bring tears to your eyes: Biggie’s son, Christopher Wallace Jr., plays the role of his father in his childhood years in the film. You don’t find this out until the end of the film. It doesn’t get any better than that.

NOTORIOUS Movie Reveiw tomorrow here on TheGritsnCheeseDish! [TM]

Hi Everyone,

Monica had a chance to attend the advance screening of "NOTORIOUS". How did she like the film? Will the movie leave moviegoers satisfied? Hit us back here tomorrow 1/8 on TheGritsnCheeseDish! [TM] as Monica dishes the scoop.

TheGritsncheeseDish.blogspot.com.

Better Black Television Hitting Nationwide 2009!

Listen to Monica Peters' exclusive 25 minute interview with CEO and founder of Better Black Television, Percy Miller (formerly rapper Master P). He has a LOT to say. LISTEN here EXCLUSIVELY on TheGritsnCheeseDish! [TM]

Coming Wed 9/24 to the GNC Dish!: Miracle at St. Anna Interview w/ Screenplay writer and Best-Selling Author James McBride

Best-selling author, James McBride, will talk to Monica Peters Medina about Spike Lee's new film "Miracle at St. Anna" based on his best selling novel. James talks about the making of the film and a whole lot more. An interview not to be missed. Right here on TheGritsnCheeseDish![TM]

Lakeview Terrace, Hilarious but VERY Serious

By Monica Peters Medina

Lakeview Terrace is Samuel L. Jackson’s lighter version of “Training Day.” (You’ll know what I mean when you go see the film tonight). What is supposed to be thriller is just flat out hilarious at times. There is something about Samuel L. Jackson playing “the angry man” that tickles me pink.

Jackson plays, Able Turner, a bitter widow and LAPD police officer who is now a single father. His bitterness stems from his wife’s death in a car accident. He discovers his deceased wife was having an affair with her boss (who happens to be Caucasian) that was also killed in the car accident. Of course, that part is not funny. However, what is funny is the extremely odd behavior exhibited by Jackson upon finding out that his new next door neighbors were a young interracial couple. Specifically what irritates Jackson is the fact the lovely young couple is a Black woman and White male, (played by Kerry Washington and Patrick Wilson) something that reminds him of his deceased wife’s betrayal. Jackson does weird things such as positioning his home security system lights to blare into the couple’s window just for purposes of being the perfect neighbor from hell.

Through various run- ins between the neighbors, which Wilson tries to often resolve amicably, he soon discovers that Jackson is not your average neighbor. Wilson and his wife slowly begin to realize that Jackson is a demented, crooked racist cop bent on terrorizing them until they move. Jackson’s antics escalated from annoying and petty to very serious. Jackson uses his cop status to terrorize the couple-- even conspiring with a local criminal and rapist to break into the couple’s home. NOT FUNNY.

One great aspects of the film is that it reveals the complexity of being in an interracial relationship combination that is not readily acceptable by mainstream society.—a Black woman married to a White man. It also reveals the true racist feelings of Wilson's so-called “I’m not prejudice friends. Frankly, at times I wondered why Wilson’s character didn’t kick his friend out of their housewarming party for making a derogatory dating remark about Asian and African American women.

What makes this story a little complex is that Washington’s father, played by Ron Glass, is not a fan of his daughter being in an interracial relationship which causes underlying tension in the couple’s relationship. Things get especially messy when Washington gets pregnant on purpose against her husband’s wishes.

I won’t say anymore. Go check out Lakeview Terrace for a nice outing and thank God you do not have a neighbor like Samuel L. Jackson!

Hurricane Gustav To Hit Gulf Coast at ANY MINUTE.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the residents of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast who are in the path of Hurricane Gustav. We are especially praying for those who chose to stay behind. Stay strong and know that our prayers are with you.

I personally know persons whom have survived Hurricane Katrina and the devastation and emotional damage it has caused them is irreparable. Three years after Katrina, some have still not been able to return back to New Orleans. We pray this will not be a repeat of Katrina and that there will be no lives lost.

-Monica Peters Medina

Movie Review: "Traitor" starring Don Cheadle

By Monica Peters Medina

“Traitor” starring Don Cheadle is a film that is worth the money and your time although the story line leaves many questions unanswered. What makes "Traitor" exciting is the constant revelation of the true identity of various characters. As the plot unravels you really never know who is a double agent.

However, the most intriguing aspect of the film is the insight it gives into the psychology of Muslim terrorists and the grassroots but yes sophisticated orchestration to execute terrorist attacks. The film takes place in many locations around the world including Nice, France, Yemin.

Samir, played by Don Cheadle, is a highly skilled Muslim terrorist from Sudan whose international cell unit has anointed him the designated man to carry out high profile terrorist attacks. Although this is not an Oscar winning performance for Cheadle, (through no fault of his own but because the role he plays does not require deep theatrics), he does an excellent job of displaying his daily internal conflict with being a terrorist. Cheadle carries out a high profile attack in Nice, France but is disappointed at the low casualty of eight persons killed. He wished there had been more so he can be pleasing in the eyes of Allah. Next he is chosen to orchestrate a massive terrorist attack in the US that succeeds….well sort of. Cheadle had to choose between the lesser of two evils. Throughout this film don’t assume that you thoroughly understand Cheadle’s character, Samir. Traitor leaves the moviegoer with the question of does the end really justify the means, especially when innocent lives must be lost in the process.

One disturbing aspect of Traitor is the ease with which anyone can orchestrate a massive well planned terrorist attack. The film gives out information that would show an inspiring terrorist how to do it from A-Z. I hope no disgruntled citizen or terrorist cell will orchestrate a terrorist attack of this nature now that Traitor shows how easy 1-2-3 it is to accomplish something so horrifying. As an honorary New Yorker who travels to Manhattan often, traitor left me feeling uncomfortable.

Traitor- a must see film.

*Photo Credit AP/Overture Films

CNN Confirms: Joe Biden Gets Obama's VP Nod

The text messages have not gone out yet, but our sources at CNN has confirmed that presidential candidate Barack Obama has chosen Sen. Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential running mate.

Submission Deadlines for 2009 Sundance Film Festival

Heads up: The OFFICIAL submission deadlines for the 2009 Sundance Film Festival are:

Sept. 8, 2008 for US and International short films AND Sept 9 for US and International feature films and documentaries.

*NOTE: These are not postmark deadlines but dates the film must be received. Logon to Sundance.org for more detailed information on submission deadlines.

Sundance film festival will be taking place January 15-25, 2009 in Utah Park City, UT.

New Footage: Behind the Scenes of NOTORIOUS the movie. Hitting Theaters 2009

"In the Place With Style & Grace" Behind the Scenes with actress Atonique Smith who plays Faith Evans in the upcoming film "NOTORIOUS" based on the life of slain rapper Notorious BIG aka "Biggie Smalls" hitting theaters January 2009.


Here's the movie trailer in case you didn't catch it.