R.I.P. Dick Gregory

“I never learned hate at home, or shame. I had to go to school for that” - Dick Gregory

(Dick Gregory)

Dick Gregory was born as Richard Gregory on October 12th, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Gregory earned a track scholarship to Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He set school records in track and field. In 1954 he was drafted into the US Army. While in the Army he got into comedy and entered several talent shows. In 1956 he returned to college. He then dropped out of college. He then moved to Chicago, IL and worked alongside other comics such as Nipsey Russell and Bill Cosby. Gregory spoke about social and racial issues in his comedy. In 1958 he opened a nightclub in Illinois. In 1959 Gregory landed a job as master of ceremonies at the Roberts Show Club. He worked in the US post office during the day and at night as a comedian.

(Gregory performing)

Also in 1959 he married Lillian Smith. He was then hired by Hugh Hefner at the Chicago Playboy Club. He then starred on the “Late Night Show Starring Jack Paar”. In the early 1960’s he became vegetarian. In 1963 he spoke in Selma, AL.

(Gregory in 1963)

In 1964 he protested against the Vietnam War and other social issues. In 1967 he ran for mayor of Chicago, IL.

(Gregory in 1967)

In 1968 he ran as a write in candidate for president of the US. In 1975 he appeared on “Goodnight America”.

(Gregory in 1975)

In 1978 he was apart of the National ERA March for Ratification and Extension. In 1979 he appeared at the Amandla Festival where Bob Marley, Patti LaBelle and others performed.

(Gregory (Left) and Bob Marley (Right))

In 1980 he traveled to Tehran, Iran to attempt to negotiate the US hostages' release. In 1984 he founded Health Enterprises, Inc.

(Gregory in 1984)

In 1985 he made a powdered diet mix. In 1998 Gregory spoke at the celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with President Bill Clinton.

(Gregory (Left) with Richard Pryor (Right) in 1998)

In 1999 he was diagnosed with lymphoma. In 2003 Gregory and Cornel West wrote letters on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to Kentucky Fried Chicken's CEO, asking that the company improve their animal handling procedures.

(Gregory in 2003)

In 2006 he spoke at James Brown’s funeral. In 2010 he did a hunger strike against the official U.S. report about the attacks on September 11, 2001 and how they are false.

(Gregory in 2010)

In 2013 Gregory gave a speech at Bryn Mawr College. In 2016 a play was made about him.

(Gregory in 2016)

In 2017 he was hospitalized with a bacterial infection.

(Gregory in 2017)

On August 19th, 2017 Dick Gregory died due to heart failure. Take time to remember this great comedian today.

Albums by Dick Gregory

• “In Living Black and White” (1961)
• “East & West” (1961)
• “Dick Gregory Talks Turkey” (1962)
• “The Two Sides of Dick Gregory” (1963)
• “My Brother's Keeper” (1963)
• “Dick Gregory Running for President” (1964)
• “So You See... We All Have Problems” (1964)
• “Dick Gregory On:” (1969)
• “The Light Side: The Dark Side” (1969)
• “Dick Gregory's Frankenstein” (1970)
• “Live at the Village Gate” (1970)
• “At Kent State” (1971)
• “Caught in the Act” (1974)
• “The Best of Dick Gregory” (1997)
• “21st Century "State of the Union"” (2001)
• “You Don't Know Dick” (2016)

Books by Dick Gregory

• Nigger (1964)
• Write me in! (1968)

Films starring Dick Gregory

• Sweet Love, Bitter (1967) as Richie Stokes
• Panther (1995) as Rev. Slocum
• Children of the Struggle (1999) as Vernon Lee
• The Hot Chick (2002) as bathroom attendant

Videos of Dick Gregory

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkQ4OCNecXs  “Back in the Day/Dick Gregory 1962”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwKKHwrO3pM  “Dick Gregory reflects on the Civil Rights Movement”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej5FwzhUDcM  “Martin Lawrence 1st Amendment Stand Up: Dick Gregory”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M267xj8THk  “Dick Gregory At Comedy Arts Festival”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItJO7VOXe8w  “Dick Gregory - "They Killed Prince" (RBTV Exclusive)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpypmMXikZM  “Dick Gregory - On Michael Jackson and Tupac”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UofbZVTIYMU  “Dick Gregory presidential candidacy interview, 1968”

(P.S. sorry for the late post)

Anniversary of Rick James' Death

“You can't have rock and roll without drugs, you can't have rock and roll without sex” - Rick James

(Rick James)

Rick James was born as James Johnson Jr. on February 1st, 1948 in Buffalo, New York, USA. At 10 years old his father left the family. His mother would take him on her routes when running errands for the mafia. Johnson would be able to see performers such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Etta James while on these errands. Johnson dropped out of high school. As a teenager he was introduced to drugs and involved in a burglary. At 15 years old he lied about his age and joined the US Navy Reserve. He also became a drummer for a local band. Due to missing his twice monthly reserve sessions he was ordered to serve in Vietnam. In 1965 he fled to Toronto, Canada, where he met then local musicians Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. He then changed his name to “Ricky Matthews”. He then formed the group “Mynah Birds”.

(The Mynah Birds)

They then recorded at Columbia records. The group then recorded with Motown. Matthews then met Stevie Wonder and Wonder suggested that he should change his name to “Ricky James”. The Navy then found James and he was arrested. Motown dropped the Mynah Birds from the label due to James being arrested. After a year in prison he moved to California. In 1968 James went back to Motown and became a songwriter. He worked with the Miracles and the Spinners. Also in 1968 he formed a group called “Salt and Pepper”.

(Salt and Pepper)

In 1969 he moved back to California. In 1973 James signed with A&M Records. In 1976 he returned to Buffalo and formed “Stone City Band”. In 1977 he signed a contract with Motown. In 1978 he released his 1st album “Come and Get It!”. The single “You and I” went No. 1 on the R&B charts.

(James in 1978)

In 1979 he released his 2nd album “Bustin’ Out of L Seven”. He then released his 3rd album “Fire it Up”. He then started his “Fire it Up Tour” which included Prince as an opening act and Teenie Marie. James then produced Teena Marie’s 1st album.

(James (Right) and Teena Marie (Left))

This tour led to a rivalry between Prince and James due to James accusing Prince of stealing his moves.

(James (Right) and Prince (Left))

In 1980 he released “Garden of Love”. In 1981 he released “Street Songs”. The single “Super Freak” sold over 1 million copies. “Street Songs” went to No. 1 on the R&B charts.

(James in 1981)

In 1982 he released “Throwin’ Down”. Also in 1982 he produced the Temptations’ album “Standing on the Top”.

(James (Top Left) and the Temptations (Floor))

In 1983 he released “Cold Blooded”. James then launched the careers of Process and the Doo-Rags and the Mary Jane Girls. Also in 1983 James did a duet with Smokey Robinson called “Ebony Eyes”.

(James (Right) and Smokey Robinson (Left))

In 1984 he was hospitalized due to a drug overdose. In 1985 he produced Eddie Murphy’s album and appeared on the song “Party All the Time”.

(James (Right) and Eddie Murphy (Left))

In 1986 he released “The Flag”. He then signed with Warner Bros. records. In 1988 he released “Wonderful”. In 1989 he released “Kickin’”. In 1990 MC Hammer sampled James’ song “Super Freak” and it earned the both of them a Grammy award.

(James in 1990)

In 1993 James and his wife were accused of holding 24 year old Frances Alley hostage for up to 6 days. James was convicted of the crime.

(James in 1993)

He was released from prison in 1996. In 1997 he released “Urban Rhapsody”. In 1998 he suffered a minor stroke. In 1999 he appeared in the movie Life.

(James (Right) and Eddie Murphy (Left) in Life (1999))

In 2004 James participated in the “Chapelle Show”.

(James in 2004)

On August 6th, 2004 Rick James died of pulmonary failure and cardiac failure in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was 56 years old.

(James’ funeral)

Today is the 13th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great musical artist today.

Albums by Rick James

• “Come Get It!” (1978)
• “Bustin’ Out of L Seven” (1979)
• “Fire it Up” (1979)
• “Garden of Love” (1980)
• “Street Songs” (1981)
• “Throwin’ Down” (1982)
• “Cold Blooded” (1983)
• “Glow” (1985)
• “The Flag” (1986)
• “Wonderful” (1988)
• “Kickin’” (1989)
• “Urban Rhapsody” (1997)

Videos of Rick James

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bNOVK_qzQA  “Midnight Special - You & I and Mary Jane LIVE by Rick James”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjlr7YmKa3c  “Rick James - Bustin Out”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id4GXORFGR8  “Soul Train Love Gun Rick James”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYHxGBH6o4M  “Rick James - Super Freak”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7741O4LS0c  “Rick James and the Temptations - Standing on the Top”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpl-1-eON1A  “Solid Gold - Cold Blooded LIVE by Rick James”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww-qjnpA8kc  “Rick James - Ebony Eyes ft. Smokey Robinson”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWa-6g-TbgI  “Eddie Murphy - Party All the Time”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhR6QquV9bM  “FIRE & DESIRE - LADY TEENA MARIE & RICK JAMES”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybv94PHccIQ  “I'm Rick James Slap! YouTube”

Happy Birthday Prince

“Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people” - Prince

(Prince)

Prince Rogers Nelson was born on June 7th, 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he was 7 he wrote his 1st song. When Nelson was 10 years old his parents separated and he switched between their homes.

(Nelson as a kid)

Then he moved into the house of his neighbors with his friend Andre Anderson. Nelson and Anderson joined a band in high school with Morris Day as the drummer.

(Nelson in high school)

The band performed in clubs in Minneapolis. In 1975 Nelson recorded with the band 94 East. At age 17 Nelson signed with Warner Bros. records. In 1978 Prince released his 1st album “For You” under his 1st name “Prince”. Prince produced, arranged, composed and played all 27 instruments on the album. His single "Soft and Wet" reached No. 12 on the Hot Soul Singles chart and No. 92 on the Billboard Hot 100.

(Prince in 1978)

In 1979 Prince created a band that included André Cymone on bass, Dez Dickerson on guitar, Gayle Chapman and Doctor Fink on keyboards, and Bobby Z. on drums. Also in 1979 Prince released his 2nd album “Prince”. “Prince” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Black Albums charts, and No. 22 on the Billboard 200. The album also went platinum. The single "I Wanna Be Your Lover" sold over a million copies, and reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

(Prince in 1979)

In 1980 Prince released his 3rd album “Dirty Mind”. The album was certified gold and the single “Uptown” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Dance chart and No. 5 on the Hot Soul Singles charts. Prince was also the opening act for Rick James' 1980 “Fire It Up” tour.

(Prince (Left) with Rick James (Right))

In 1981 Prince made his first appearance on Saturday Night Live, performing "Partyup". Also in 1981 Prince released his 4th album “Controversy”. Prince formed a side project band called The Time as well. Prince wrote and played most of the instruments for The Time’s 1st album.

(Prince (Left) with leader singer of The Time, Morris Day (Right))

In 1982 Prince released his 5th album “1999”. The album sold over 3 million copies. The video of the single “Little Red Corvette” was the 2nd video by a Black artist on MTV. By 1982 Prince’s band “The Revolution” consisted of Lisa Coleman and Doctor Fink on keyboards, Bobby Z. on drums, Brown Mark on bass, and Dez Dickerson on guitar.

(Prince (Center) and The Revolution)

Following the “1999” tour Dez Dickerson left the group. In 1984 Prince released his 6th album “Purple Rain” which sold more than 13 million copies in the US. The album went to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Prince also starred in his film Purple Rain. The film won an Academy Award and grossed more than $80 million in the US. The singles "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy" reached No. 1 on Billboard hot 100 and the single “Purple Rain” reached No. 2. At one point in 1984, Prince simultaneously had the No. 1 album, single, and film in the US, it was the first time a musical artist had achieved this feat.

(Prince in his movie Purple Rain)

Due to the song “Darling Nikki”, Tipper Gore founded the Parents Music Resource Center, which advocates the mandatory use of a warning label on the covers of records that have been judged to contain language or lyrical content unsuitable for minors. In 1985 Prince released his 7th album “Around the World in a Day”. It reached No. 1 on Billboard hot 200. In 1986 he released his 8th album “Parade”. It reached No. 3 on Billboard hot 200. The single “Kiss” reached No. 1 on Billboard hot 100. Also in 1986 Prince released his 2nd movie Under the Cherry Moon.

(Prince in his movie Under the Cherry Moon)

Prince also began his “Hit n Run – Parade” Tour. After the tour Prince abolished The Revolution. In 1987 he released his 9th album “Sign ‘O’ the Times”. The album reached No. 6 on Billboard hot 200. The single “Sign ‘O’ the Times” reached No. 3 on Billboard hot 100. The single “U Got the Look” with Sheena Easton reached No. 2 on Billboard hot 100. The album sold 3.2 million copies. Sheila E. became the drummer on Prince’s “Sign ‘O’ the Times” tour.

(Prince (Left) with Sheila E. (Right))

In 1988 Prince released his 10th album “Lovesexy”. The album reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200. The single “Alphabet St.” reached  No. 8 on the Billboard hot 100. In 1989 he released his 11th album “Batman” as the soundtrack for the movie Batman. It reached No.1 on the Billboard 200. The single “Batdance” reached No. 1 on the Billboard hot 100.

(Prince in 1989)

In 1990 Prince began his “Nude” tour. Prince also released his 12th album “Graffiti Bridge” and his sequel to Purple Rain, Graffiti Bridge. The single "Thieves in the Temple" reached No. 6 on the Billboard hot 100.

(Prince in his movie Graffiti Bridge)

In 1991 Prince officially formed his new band “The New Power Generation”. He released his 13th album “Diamonds and Pearls” the same year. In 1992 he released his 14th album “Love Symbol Album”. In 1993 Prince changed his name to “ ” and was called “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince”.

(The Artist Formerly Known as Prince in 1993)

In 1993 he released his 15th album “The Black Album”. Also he released his 16th album “Come”. The album sold 500,000 copies. In 1994 he released his 17th album “The Gold Experience”. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard hot 200. In 1996 he released his 18th album “Chaos and Disorder”. It was his last release for Warner Bros. records.

(The Artist Formerly Known as Prince in 1996)

Also the same year he released his 19th album “Emancipation”. He made his own record label “NPG Records”. In 1998 he released his 20th album “Crystal Ball”. The same year he released his 21st album “Newpower Soul”. In 1999 he released his 22nd album “Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic”. In 2000 he started to use the name “Prince” again.

(Prince in 2000)

In 2001 he released his 23rd album “The Rainbow Children”. In 2003 he released his 24th album “N.E.W.S.”. He also released his 24th album “Xpectation” the same year. In 2004 Prince was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He also released his 25th album “Musicology” the same year. Prince won 2 grammys for the album. In 2005 Prince collaborated with Stevie Wonder. The same year he released his 26th album “3121”. In 2006 Prince wrote songs for the movie Happy Feet. In 2007 Prince performed at the superbowl.

(Prince performing at the Super Bowl)

In 2010 Prince was listed in TIME magazine's annual ranking of the "100 Most Influential People in the World". In 2013 Prince formed a side project band called “3rdeyegirl”.

(Prince (Foreground) and 3rdeyegirl)

In 2014 Prince regained the rights to all of his songs that were released while he was under Warner Bros. records. In 2015 Prince released the song “Baltimore” as a tribute to Freddie Gray who was killed by Baltimore police.

(Prince performing in 2015)

On April 21st, 2016 Prince died due to mysterious circumstances in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was 57 years old.

(Prince in 2016)

Today is his 59th birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Prince.

Albums by Prince

• For You (1978)
• Prince (1979)
• Dirty Mind (1980)
• Controversy (1981)
• 1999 (1982)
• Purple Rain (1984)
• Around the World in a Day (1985)
• Parade (1986)
• Sign ‘o' the Times (1987)
• Lovesexy (1988)
• Batman (1989)
• Graffiti Bridge (1990)
• Diamonds and Pearls (1991)
• (Love Symbol Album) (1992)
• Come (1994)
• The Black Album (1994)
• The Gold Experience (1995)
• Chaos and Disorder(1996)
• Emancipation (1996)
• Crystal Ball (1998)
• The Truth (1998)
• The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale (1999)
• Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999)
• The Rainbow Children (2001)
• One Nite Alone... (2002)
• Xpectation (2003)
• N.E.W.S. (2003)
• Musicology (2004)
• The Chocolate Invasion (2004)
• The Slaughterhouse (2004)
• 3121 (2006)
• Planet Earth (2007)
• Lotusflow3r (2009)
• MPLSound (2009)
• 20Ten (2010)
• Plectrumelectrum (2014)
• Art Official Age (2014)
• HITnRUN Phase One (2015)
• HITnRUN Phase Two (2015)

Movies Prince is featured in

• Purple Rain (1984) as the Kid
• Under the Cherry Moon (1986) as Christopher Tracy
• Sign ‘O’ the Times (1987) as himself
• Graffiti Bridge (1990) as the Kid

Videos of Prince

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuXK8ZbTmLk  “Purple Rain (1984) Official Trailer - Prince, Apollonia Kotero Movie HD”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAYQUbh8HHA  “Prince - Full Concert - 01/30/82 - Capitol Theatre (OFFICIAL)”
• http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5ca1t6  “Prince - When Doves Cry”
• http://videos.sapo.pt/g706YmEhnNVopTpcVaSg  “Prince & The Revolution - Kiss”
• http://www.mojvideo.com/video-prince-partyman-1989/1a4b33f17cf484df7869  “Prince - Partyman(1989)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t058gFlPJSs  “Prince R I P Purple Rain Live 2007 Superbowl Halftime Prince dies at the age of 57”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtALGzNLvG4  “Prince talks on today show”