60’s Rock Icon Ronnie Spector has died. Spector died after a brief battle with Cancer she was 78 years old. In the 60’s Ronnie topped the charts with the group The Ronettes which consisted of her her sister and a cousin. Their biggest hits included ‘Be my Baby’ and the holiday classics. ‘Sleigh Ride’ .During their hey day they toured with the biggest names in Rock and Roll which included The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The Ronettes songs were produced by the Legendary and troubled Artist Phil Spector. Ronnie was married to Phil Spector for years and it was a marriage filled with trauma and abuse. Spector eventually escaped the marriage and went out on her own. In the 80’s Rocker Eddie Money sampled the Ronettes hit ‘Be my Baby ‘ for his hit ‘Take me Home Tonight’ and featured Ronnie in the video and it introduced her to a whole new audience. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Fame of Fame in the 90’s. at the time of her death she was in talks about a movie being made about her life and she was consulting with Actress Zendaya who will be playing her in the movie.
We Remember Greg Webster, the last surviving member of the Ohio Players. Webster 84, was the original Drummer for the group . He is best known for the drum breakdown on’ I want to be free’ and the Ohio Players classics Heaven Must be like this and Skin tight.
We also remember Singer Fred Parris he was the lead singer on the Five Satins Classic ‘In the Still of the night’. He was 85 years old.
The Proud Family is Back! Penny Proud and Family will be featured in the Disney Plus series ‘Louder and Prouder’ streaming starts on Disney Plus February 23rd. Actress Kyla Pratt is back voicing Penny Proud and Actor/Comedian Tommy Davidson is back voicing the dad.
American Idol is returning to ABC Sunday February 27th. Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie are back as Judges and Ryan Seacrest as host. This year the show will be bringing in alum and past winners as guest mentors to the contestants. Now speaking of Lionel Richie he’s going to be honored in May with The Gershwin Prize for Popular song. The ceremony will air on May 17th on PBS. Past winners include Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Sir Paul McCartney.
The FX Show The Godfather of Harlem starring Forest Whitaker has been renewed for a 3rd Season.
Jada Pinkett Smith is set to star in the Netflix movie ‘Redd Zone’. The movie is about a single mom who helps her sons deal with the murder of their friend. She later takes in their friends and at one time she had 17 young men living under her roof. All of the men ended up in college and for made it into the NFL. The movie is being directed by Oscar Winner Matthew Cherry who directed the animated short ‘Hair Story’.
This years Academy Awards is set to air March 27th will have a host. The 94th annual academy awards will air on ABC and the show is being produced by Will Packer.
Now speaking of Will Packer his show ‘ready to Love’ on OWN is back with season number 5. Packer produces the show hosted by Nephew Tommy, Tommy Miles of the Steve Harvey Show. Season 5 starts January 28th.
Filming has resumed in Atlanta for Black Panther 2;Wakanda Forever. Filming had stopped because star Letitia Wright who plays Shuri suffered head injuries in August on the set of The Movie and had to recover.
The revival of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is scheduled to launch on The Peacock Network February 13th. The show is coming back as a drama. 10 one hour episodes with Actor Jabari Banks playing the role made famous by Will Smith.
Congrats to Symone Sanders former advisor to the Biden Administration who is now hosting a weekend show on MSNBC.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards is happening February 27th on TNT and TBS.
The popular Netflix movie ‘Red Notice’ will be back with two sequels being filmed back to back with stars Dwayne The Rock Johnson , Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot returning in their roles.
Actress Yvonne Oriji best known for her role as Molly on the HBO Show Insecure, is back with a new dating Reality Show on HBO MAX ‘My Mom Your Dad’. The show streaming now on HBO Max shows older Single Parents dating, but their kids are pulling the strings.
The 8th and final season of Blackish has kicked off on ABC. You are going to see many big named celebritites this year including Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, Singer/Producer Babyface, Basketball Legend Magic Johnson, Actress Vivica Fox, and Sports Analyst Stephen A. Smith. Anthony Anderson the star of Blackish has already landed a new gig. Anderson is returning to Law and Order when the show starts its revival next year.
Congratulations to Star Jones. For many years Jones was a host on The View. Jones is returning to TV in September as the new Host of Divorce Court on Fox. Judge Faith Jenkins is leaving Divorce court to focus on her new show ‘Killer Relationships’ airing Sunday Nights on The Oxygen Channel. Judge Jenkins who is married to singer Kenny Lattimore says she is very excited about her venture.
Congrats to Philly Native Egypt Sherrod and her husband Mike. The brand new show ‘Married to Real Estate’ has launchedon HGTV.
THE 2022 Grammy awards musics biggest night has been postponed until the Spring.
There’s a new version of Scream in theaters with a new set of teenagers to scare. Courtney Cox, David Arquette and Neve Campbell reprise their roles as well as Ghostface the killer.
Our Kind of People starring Morris Chestnut and YaYA DeCosta has returned to the fox lineup.
Ava DuVernays new Superhero Thriller ’Naomi’has launched on the CW Network. The show airs on Tuesday nights.
Power Book 4-Force The Story of Tommy Egan debuts on Starz February 6th. Actor Joseph Sikora is back as Tommy Egan.
Tyler Perry will be back as Madea sometime this year on Netflix with A Madea Homecoming.
Singer John Legend has joined the ranks of performers selling the rights to their music. There’s no word on how much money he got.
Is Singer Jennifer Hudson going to be the next big Talk Show Host? The Oscar Winner says it’s something she’d like to do.
The Drama reboot of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air launches Sunday February 13th on the Peacock Network. There will be 10 one hour episodes of the drama. Will Smith is serving as one of the executive Producers of the show.
The Kanye west Documentary’JEEN YUHS’ will be show in theaters and on Netflix launching February 16th. The Kanye trilogy will show never before seen footage, going back 20 years in his life and career the highs and the lows.
Rihanna is launching a Savage X Fenty Store in Philly. In a statement Rihanna noted how Philly is one of five cities on boardlaunching stores. Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston and DC are the other stores.
Rapper Saweetie is joining forces with the Legendary Cher for a new AD campaign for MAC Cosmetics.
After 4 years get ready for a 3rd season of the FX Show Atlanta with Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry and Lakeith Stansfield. When the relaunches on March 24th the guys will show life on the road.
The Netflix series Bridgerton is returning March 25th. The second season of the Shonda Rhimes drama will focus on Lord Anthony Bridgerton and his search for a wife.
Kel Mitchell is back! In the 90’s Mitchell was a part of the Nickelodeon show ‘All That’ and teaming up with Keenan Thompson in the show Keenan and Kel and the movie Good Burger. Mitchell the father of four is now a Pastor and he has just released his first book. The book is a daily devotional ‘Blessed Mode 90 days to develop your Faith.
Darryl McDaniels DMC of Run DMC has released his first childrens book ‘Darryl’s Dream’ about a shy 3rd grader trying to find his voice.
The box office will be hot this year. Some of the most anticipated movies include Batman starring Robert Pattinson and Zoey Kravitz in March. Tom Cruise has two big movies coming out this year. Top Gun Maverick with Insecure star Jay Ellis is opening Memorial Day Weekend. And Mission Impossible 7 hittingtheaters in The Fall. Acclaimed Director Jordan Peele has Keke Palmer and Oscar Winner Daniel Kaluyah in the thriller ‘NOPE’. The animated Spiderman ‘Spiderman across the Spiderverse the adventures of Miles Morales hits theaters Oct. 7th. The movie will feature the voice of Issa Rae as Spiderwoman Jessica Drew. Black Panther 2: Wakanda Foreveris scheduled for a November release and the Long awaited Avatar 2 in December.
Jimmy Fallon of Tonight show fame also has a new show on NBC. The show called ‘That’s My Jam’ features celebrities competing in musical and dance inspired games. The variety show will also feature Philly Natives Musician Adam Blackstone and DJ Aktive.
Get ready for Judge Steve Harvey. Steve Harvey is playing the Judge and Jury is his new show Tuesday nightson ABC. Also on ABC It’s Abbott Elementary. The comedy stars West Philly Native Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tyler James Williams.
Actress Keisha Knight Pulliam who is best known as Rudy on the Cosby Show has a new documentary on the OWN Network. ‘Eggs over Easy’. The show is about health concerns of Black Women including Fertility . Singer/Actress Andra Day also appears in the documentary which discusses miscarriages, IVF, Ovarian Cysts and Fibroids.
Get ready for the Janet Jackson Documentary’ Her story to tell’ debuting Friday January 28th and Saturday January 29th on Lifetime and the A&E networks. The documentary was five years in the making. I hear it’s going to revealing and unfiltered, a look at one of the greatest icons in the industry. The Documentary was produced by Janet and her Brother Randy. The documentary features appearances by Missy Elliott, Q-Tip, Paula Abdul, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L Jackson , Mariah Carey, RebbieJackson, and her mom Katherine Jackson. Janet is the current cover girl for Allure magazine.
Spiderman No Way Home broke starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jamie Foxx and Willem Dafoe broke all kinds of box office numbers to be become the second highest grossing film off all time. This all but assures there will be a fourth installment in the franchise. The movie will be available for streaming and demand on February 28th. Now Speaking of Zendaya her HBO Show ‘Euphoria season two is streaming now.
A Journal for Jordan the movie starring Michael B Jordan and Directed by Denzel Washington is set to hit theaters Christmas Day. The movie also stars Chante Adams. A journal for Jordan is the true story of an Iraq war vet who died while in combat but before he died he left a series of letters for his new newborn song. Denzel Washington has another big project. In the movie ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth he teams up with fellow Oscar Winner Frances McDormand In the telling of the Shakespeare classic. It is streaming now on Apple TV and in theaters.
Philly Native Jazmine Sullivan is returning to Philly Friday March 18th at The Met Broad and Poplar. Tickets are on sale now.
The Culture tour is coming to Philly! Thursday February 24th It’s New Edition (Ralph, Bobby, Johnny, Mike, Ronnie, and Ricky) all six members. Charlie Wilson and Jodeci. The concert is happening at The Wells Fargo Center and Tickets are on sale now Wellsfargophilly.com
Singer K Michelle is coming to Lifetime early next year with a documentary about her journey with plastic surgeries. My killer Body debuts January 28th. The Singer says she wants to help others save their lives.
Rapper Big Daddy Kane is putting together a documentary for Netflix Paragraghs Manifest. Kane is going to be joined by fellow Rappers Snoop Dog, J Cole, Eminem,and Jay Z. Look for Big Daddy Kane MLK Weekend at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City with the All Stars of Hip Hop.The Lineup includes KRS1, Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, Monie Love, Uncle Luke, and many more. Sunday January 16th 2022.
The Real Husbands of Hollywood is returning this time to BET Plus. The Real Husbands of Hollywood More Kevin, more problems is back as a six part limited series with Kevin Hart, Boris Kodjoe, Duane Martin, JB Smoove, Nelly, Nick Cannon and Singer Robin Thicke. The show ran on BET 2013-2016. The new version kicks off in February on BET Plus.
Devon Franklin and gospel sensation Kirk Franklin are joining forces for a new gospel drama on BET plus called ‘Kingdom Business’ . The 8 episode series will focus on the Gospel Music Industry thru the lenses of Faith, Love and Music. Gospel Legend Yolanda Adams is set to Star.
Next year HBO will be unveiling a new drama series ‘Winning Time Showtime’. The show is based on the rise of the LA Lakers dynasty in the 80’s. the show debuts in March and will focus on the Superstars of that era Magic Johnson,Norm Nixon and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Power Book 2 ‘Ghost’ Has been renewed for a third season on Starz.
Poet and Activist Amanda Gorman is back with a new book of Poetry ‘Call us what we bring’
Alicia Keys is back with a new double CD entitled ‘Keys’
When will Wendy Williams return to her purplechair? Williams has been battling health issues that as kept her off of TV and she will remain off the air in the month of January. Guests hosts lined for January include Rapper Fat Joe and Remy Ma.Actor Michael Rappaport, Comedians Kim Whitley and Finess Mitchel and Sherri Shepherd to round out the month.
Season 14 of Rupauls Drag show will feature a slew of guests judges including Tariji P Henson, Lizzo, Alicia Keys, Actress Andra Day, Talk show host Loni Love and Comedian Nicole Byers.
Get ready for Harlem a new show on Prime Video called Harlem.The creator of the show is Tracey Oliver the force behind the hit movie ‘Girls Trip’. Harlem stars Meagan Goode, Grace Byers (Empire) and Actor Tyler Lepley. The 10 episode series is about stylish girlfriends. Whoopi Goldberg and Jasmine Sullivan will be making Cameos.
Congratulations to Quest Love of the Roots his documentary ‘Summer of Soul’ won big at the Critics Choice Awards. Summer of Soul which many say was the Black Woodstock won awards for Best Documentary, Best Archived Documentary and Best Music Documentary. Summer of Soul features musical performances from Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone , The Staple Singers, The Temptations and many more. Summer of Soul is now streaming on HULU.
Mary J Blige has new music out and she has returned as Monet on Power Book 2 now streaming on Starz. Power Book 4 Force the story of Tommy Actor Joseph Sikora debuts on Starz Feb 6th 2022. Next years Superbowl halftime show will be paying homage to West Coast Rappers. Dr Dre, Kendrick Lamar, and Snoop Dog will be joined by Rapper Eminem and Singer Mary J Blige. The the Superbowl is set for Los Angeles Sunday Feb.13th and is being put together by Jay-Z and Pepsi.
Get ready for the return of The Proud Family. Louder and Prouder is coming to Disney Plus in February.
Comedian Katt Williams is bringing his Comedy Show to Atlantic City Valentines Weekend. The show is happening Saturday February 12th at The Boardwalk Hall.
Stephanie Mills is coming to Atlantic City for the 70’s Soul Jam. Sunday February 20th with the Whispers, Howard Hewitt, and the Stylistics. The show is happening at the Etess Arena inside the Hard Rock Rock Casino in Atlantic City.
Maxwell is back. He just released a new song called ‘Off’ and he’s going on tour in 2022. Maxwell is going on tour with Singer Anthony Hamilton and Joe. They will be in Atlantic City Friday April 1st at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Tickets are on sale now.
The NAACP Image awards are happening Saturday February 26th on BET.
Boyz to Men is coming home February 12th at the Met Broad and Poplar.
Actor YaYa Abdul Mateen is teaming up with Actor Jake Gyllenhaal for the movie ‘Ambulance’ about the biggest Bank Heist in LA History. The movie is coming out in April.
Tracey Morgan has returned with a new season of The Last O.G. on TBS on Tuesday night. Tiffany Haddish is not returning to the show. Haddish only signed on for three seasons and as the show enters its fourth season look for new additions including Philly Native Davine Joy Randolph (My name is Dolemite) Malik Yoba, Wood Harris, Anna Marie Horsford (Amen) and the Original Aunt Viv Actress Janet Hubert.
Actors Danny Glover and Samuel L Jackson will be given Honorary Oscars at this years Academy Awards in March. Will Packer (Think like a Man, Girls Trip) is producing the show.
Good news for Singer Anita Baker and her Friends. Baker now owns all the masters to her music. She has signed a deal with Spotify for streaming and she is putting together a boxed set of her albums.
Iyanla van Zandt is joiningthe podcast world. The R spot is coming out this year.
Eddie Murphy will be teaming up with Actor Jonah Hill in a new movie by Kenya Barris. The comedy is about Clashing culturesand generational differences.
Director Jordan Peele who brought us the movies ‘Us’ and ‘Get Out’ is back to scare us again in his new movie ‘Nope’ starring Oscar Winner Daniel Kaluua and Keke Palmer. The movie is coming out July 22nd 2022.
Oscar Winner Viola Davis is set to all about her life. Her book ‘Finding Me’ will talk about her career, marriage and motherhood. The book is out now.
If you would like more info please email me at PattyJackson@iHeartMedia.com or check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm during the day on 105.3 Wdasfm. Or join me on Social Media Twitter:Mspattyjackson Instagram Wdaspatty and Facebook Patty