Divorce American Idol Style; Remembering Legends


Def Jam Legend Russell Simmons, Comedian turned Senator Al Franken and Legendary Journalist and now fired CBS This Morning Anchor Charlie Rose all stand accused of sexual misconduct. First, Rose has been fired by CBS and, was cancelled  by PBS, who distributes his Charlie Rose PBS show after eight women accused Rose of sexual harassment. The accusations stretch from the late 1990’s to near 2010 and include groping, lewd phone calls and exposing himself to women currently or attempting to work for his production company. Rose issued a statement of apology that stated he thought he was returning mutual feelings, but that he also doubts the accuracy of all the accusations. WOW! Rose’s co-anchors Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell addressed the issue on CBS This Morning. They didn't weight in on the validity of the accusations, but spoke of how brave the women are and that CBS will continue to report the news accurately despite who is involved. They also noted sexual harassment and abuse is not excusable. 


Next there’s Russell Simmons. He’s a long time friend and mentor to Brett Ratner, who himself has faced a flood of accusations including rape. Now, Model Keri Claussen Khalighi is accusing both men of sexual misconduct. Khalighi says when she was 17-years old in 1991, she met Simmons, who would have been about 34 at the time, and Ratner at a casting call and after taking her to dinner the two men coaxed her to come to Simmons’apartment to watch a video. The model says once there, Simmons forced her to perform a sex act against her will while Ratner watched and never helped her.Khalighi says after the encounter she felt disgusted took a shower and claims Simmons violated her there as well. Simmons released a statement denying wrong doing but also stated all that occurred between the two was with Khalighi’s full consent and participation. There's a twist here. After Actor Terry Crews went public about his allegations of sexual assault from a high powered agent, Crews shared an email exchange allegedly from Russell Simmons asking him to let the assault go and give the agent a pass. Crews replied no one gets a pass and put the email exchange online. It quickly went viral. That could comeback to haunt someone later. At press time, HBO has no plans to stop Simmons’ Def Jam Comedy reboot All Def Comedy, which is scheduled to debut on HBO December 1st.


Next there's Al Franken. Franken is a long time Saturday Night Live alum as performer and writer for the show. He made the transition into politics and has been a sitting U.S. Senator since 2008.  Now, he faces two accusers. One is a radio personality/sports broadcaster and former Playboy model LeeannTweeden, who accused Franken of groping her and presented a picture that went viral. Tweeden also accuses Franken of forcing his tongue in her mouth while they rehearsed a sketch during a USO tour in 2006 before he became a senator. The second woman, Lindsay Menz,says Franken groped her after he became a senator at the Minnesota State Fair. Franken has released a statement that he doesn’t have a clear recollection of either of the incidents, but apologized if the women feel disrespected. Franken himself called for a Senate ethics review of the allegations against him.


Kevin Hart and his wife Eniko Parrish have welcomed their first child together. Kenzo Kash Hart's birth was confirmed by proud dad, and my “nephew”(smile), on social media. Hart thanked all his fans for their prayers and said baby Kenzo is healthy and smiling. Kenzo joins Kevin's two children Heaven, 12, and Hendrix, 10 from his previous marriage.



Congratulations to Singer/Songwriter John Legend and his wife Supermodel/TV Personality Chrissy Teigen. The couple are expecting their second child. The couple have been married four years and have a 19-month old daughter, Luna. Legend and Teigen made Luna apart of their social media announcement of the new baby.The couple haven't revealed the baby's due date yet.


Congratulations also go out to Actors Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Cory Hardrict. The two are expecting their second child together. They have a son, Cree,who is 6. Mowry-Hardrict is best known for her roles in the TV series Sister, Sister and The Game. Hardrict has appeared in the films All Eyez On Me, Gran Torino and American Sniper. The couple haven't announced the due date yet.


Queen Bey slays again...at the bank! Forbes magazine declares that Beyonce is the highest paid female musical performer. The measure looks between June 2016 to June 2017. Beyonce's Lemonade album and Formation tour were all running on full then, with the tour alone grossing a reported quarter of a billion dollars. Mrs. Carter's take from all this is a reported $105 million...before taxes of course. This clearly outpaced second place Adele ($69 million) and third place Taylor Swift ($44 million). Go Bey!


It's Jennifer Hudson vs David Otunga. The Oscar winning actress and singer has split from the former WWE pro wrestler, but it’s not a clean break. The couple, who had been engaged for nine years and have a son, are letting the accusations fly. First, Hudson filed an order of protection and claims Otunga's escalating physical encounters with her have also been with their son as well. Once Hudson filed the order, the police showed up to help Otunga pack up and leave. Meanwhile, Otunga has accused Hudson of creepin’. Otunga’s pointing fingers at Hudson’s producer, an artist named Mali Music. There have now been several stops in the courtroom for this case. The last one allows Otunga to keep David,Jr. for Thanksgiving afternoon. Is Otunga abusive? Does Hudson have aside jawn? How bad will this get? 


Diana Ross was The Boss at this year's AMA's. Ross was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th American Music Awards this past Sunday. It was a family affair. Ross closed the show with a medley of her greatest hits and then welcomed her children and grandchildren onto the stage. Tracee Ellis Ross, who hosted, opened the show and acknowledged the mother and daughter are the first ever to host the same awards show. Diana Ross hosted the AMA's back to back in the 80's. Motown Founder Berry Gordy and Singing/ Songwriting Legend Smokey Robinson, who actually hosted the very first American Music Awards, were also on hand along with a video tribute to Miss Ross from former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama. Check out the highlights and other winners on my Patty TV page at wdasfm.com.


Speaking of Smokey Robinson, he has a new holiday album out. While he did a few holiday albums on Motown with The Miracles, Christmas Everyday is Robinson's first  solo effort. There's a mix of originals like The Night The Baby Was Born and classic songs such as Donny Hathaway's This Christmas. Christmas Everyday is available in stores and online now. 



We remember Della Reese, whose career spanned generations by a host of different venues and mediums. Shecame to prominence in the 1950's as a singer after touring with Nat King Cole and making the first of 17 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Her hit songs included In The Still Of The Night, I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, Time After Time, And That Reminds Me and her million selling Don't You Know? Her continuing influence in the 60's inspired Martha & The Vandellas to use the “della” part of their name as a tribute? Meanwhile, Reese's television appearances would culminate into her own show, Della, from 1969 to 1970. Before Della was cancelled, Johnny Carson invited Reese to become the first woman of color to be a guest host on The Tonight Show, which shecontinued to do throughout the 1970's. Reese transitioned into primetime with her supporting role in Chico And The Man and guest appearance on Sanford & Son with her old friend Redd Foxx. Reese and Foxx would co-star in Eddie Murphy's 1989 film, Harlem  Nights,that just missed the $100 million mark at the box office. That led to Murphy developing The Royal Family sitcom for Foxx and Reese. After Foxx's death and the Royal Family was cancelled. Reese made another comeback in the top ten rated Touched By An Angel (1994-2003) on CBS.By then, Reese became an ordained minister in between her touring,hosting and acting. I had the pleasure of meeting her when she came to Philly and  NBC 10's FitFest advocating for diabetes awareness,from which she suffered. Ms. Della Reese was 86-years old.


One of the original members of Motown's first million selling act has passed. Warren“Pete” Moore was a singer/songwriter and long time member of The Miracles. The group started as The Five Chimes, The Matadors, The Miracles and finally Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Shop Around by The Miracles was the Motown label's first million seller. With and without Robinson the group gave the label nine million sellers, some of which Moore was a co-writer. He has the distinction of co-writing the all-time most successful Miracles single, 1975's Love Machine.Moore also wrote for The Temptations (My Baby; It's Growing; Since I Lost My Baby; Marvin Gaye (I'll Be Doggone; Ain't That Peculiar) and more Miracles hits (Ooo Baby Baby, The Tracks Of My Tears; Going To A Go-Go). Smokey Robinson said Moore had been his brother to him since he was 11, and that Moore would be greatly missed. Warren “Pete”Moore died on his 78th birthday November 19th.


We remember Grandpa Huxtable. Actor Earle Hyman was a long time fixture in the theater. A classically trained Shakespearean actor, Hyman would tour internationally and purposely integrated the casting of classic stage plays. He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1980 for The Lady From DuBuque. Hyman's career reaches new heights when he began voicing the syndicated hit animated series The Thundercats. And in 1984, he was cast as Bill Cosby's father “Russell Huxtable” in the #1 rated The Cosby Show. Hyman and his co-star Clarice Taylor (“Anna Huxtable”) were both nominated for Emmy's for the Happy Anniversary episode of 1985. Hyman would also appear in All My Children, A Man Called Hawk and Twice In A Lifetime. Earle Hyman was 91-years old.


We remember Singer/Songwriter/Actor David Cassidy. Cassidy came from show business lineage as his parents were Broadway and Film Star Jack Cassidy and Actress Evelyn Ward. Jack's second wife and David's stepmother was Oscar Winner Shirley Jones, who would play David's mom on the TV classic The Partridge Family. The show was intended to be a vehicle for Jones, a singer and actress. But, after the million selling I Think I Love You hit #1 with David singing lead, he became a full fledged Rock & Roll superstar. More hits followed like Come On Get Happy and Cherish.  After The Partridge Family, Cassidy transitioned into musical theater and would occasionally to tour. Cassidy would battle alcoholism, DUI charges,bankruptcy, career slumps and three marriages and divorces. He became an advocate for Alzheimer's disease sufferers, and would later be diagnosed with non Alzheimer's dementia. Cassidy suffered from organ failure and died at the age of 67. 



OK you know I was a country music DJ before I got to WDAS, right? So I'm remembering Singer/Songwriter Mel Tillis. Tillis wrote for Webb Pierce (I'm Tired), Bobby Bare (Detroit) and Kenny Rogers & The First Edition (Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town). Tillis own hits included Blind In Love, Lying Time Again, Heart Over Mind, Neon Rose, Good Woman Blues and Heart Healer. He was the father of six, including Singer/Songwriter Pam Tillis. Mel Tillis died of respiratory failure at age 85. 



Taraji P. Henson will star in the action-thriller Proud Mary, which will reunite Color Purple Co-stars Danny Glover and Margaret Avery, and opens January 12th.Then there's the Tyler Perry psychological thriller Acrimony, co-starring Tika Sumpter(The Haves & Have Nots; Ride Along), opening March 30th.


The O’Jays’ Eric Nolan has a new project and will be in the Philadelphia area for Thanksgiving Weekend.He’s new single is called On My Way. Friday, November 24th Nolan will be at Big Scott’s All Black Holiday Party at The Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill. On Saturday, November 25th,Nolan will be performing at Kelsey’s in Atlantic City. Two shows at7p and 10pm. On Sunday, November 26th,Nolan will be visiting the steppers at Treasures on Germantown Avenue.


Actress Jennifer Lewis from Black-ish is on a book tour.Her book is called The Mother Of Black Hollywood and is topping the bestsellers lists. She talks about her career and struggles with bi-polar disorder to lift the topic of mental illness front and center particularly for the African American community. Lewis’ book title is a tongue-in-cheek reference to all the moms she’s played on the big and small screens from the Tina Turner story to Black-ish. The Mother Of Black Hollywood is available now.


Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Actor Kofi Siriboe (Girls Trip; Queen Sugar) are sharing the December/January cover of Essence magazine’s Year in Review: Everyone Who Gave Us Life.  


Colin Kaepernick is on the cover of G.Q. as Citizen Of The Year. Kaepernick, who critics have said has been blackballed from the NFL because of his protest of police brutality, wants to take back the message. He insisted on a photo shoot in Harlem with its residents’children and at the same location the Nation Of Islam led a march against the war in Vietnam with Muhammad Ali. He also insisted G.Q.use black designers for the extensive wardrobe changes. Kaepernick says his kneeling at the flag during the national anthem was not about anything other than protesting police brutality and racism. 


Kendrick Lamar is sharing the cover of Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30. Lamar is being billed as Hip Hop’s $80 million conscience. 


Arista/Legacy Records has released the tribute album Whitney Houston: I Wish You Love, More From The Bodyguard, which is available now. The Bodyguard starred Kevin Costner and Houston, and took in over $400 million at the box office in 1992.  


Tracee Ellis Ross has her own line clothing line.She's collaborated with JC Penny and launched Tracee Ellis Ross For JC Penny #TER4JCP. Ross says her launching this line is based on her mom's influence on her fashion sense, and that it's in the genes. The collection is available now online and at JC Penny Stores.


Erykah Badu hosts The 2017 Soul Train Awards. Solange and Bruno Mars lead the nominees with Solange at 7 and Bruno with 6.Other nominees include Beyonce, Charlie Wilson, Khalid, Cardi B,Childish Gambino and Mary J. Blige. Toni Braxton and SWV will both receive The Legend Awards. The 2017 Soul Train Awards will air Sunday, November 26th on BET. 


LarenzTate (Love Jones; Dead Presidents) and Erica Ash (The Real Husbands Of Hollywood) will host The 2018 Trumpet Awards, the celebration of African American achievement and history in society, airing Sunday, February 11 that 9pm on Bounce TV.


Oscar Winner Angela Bassett, Peter Krause (Sports Night; Parenthood) and Connie Britton (Spin City; Friday Night Lights) will head up the show 911. The new medical drama will revolve around ambulance driving rescue workers. 911 is scheduled for a January premiere on FOX. Meanwhile, look for Bassett in Marvel Comics big screen adaption of Black Panther, with Chadwick Boseman, to be released February 16th.


At the movies, Denzel Washington has Oscar buzz going for his new movie Roman J. Israel, Esq.He plays a lawyer who’s an advocate for the people, but his throwback style is something between a militant and Don Cornelius on the 1970’s edition of Soul Train. When “Israel” wins, he lets others take the credit. Colin Farrell and Carmen Ejogo co-star. Roman J. Israel, Esq. Is in theaters now.


Bruno Mars has shot his performance at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem for his upcoming TV special.The special will be a mix of performances and interviews. The 31-year old, five-time Grammy winner has already released a picture of his performing on top of the legendary Apollo marquee. Bruno Mars: 24K Magic Live at the Apollo will air Wednesday, November 29th on CBS.


Lance Gross (House Of Payne; Our Family Wedding; Star) has a new talk show.The show is actually streaming online at Essence.com. The legendary magazine teamed up with Gross for the series I Turn My Camera On. The title is a play on words because Gross is also a professional photographer. The series has featured interviews with actors such as Michael B. Jordan and Omari Hardwick, Actress Simone Missick and Singer/Actress Kelly Rowland and viral web sensation and Actor/Comedian King Bach. I Turn My Camera On with host Lance Gross is streaming on Essence.com


Checkout who’s coming to town:


This Friday, November 24th– Kirk Franklin in concert at The Tower Theater, Upper Darby, Pa.For tickets and information venue.thetowerphilly.com.


This Saturday, November 25th- Mariah Carey’s Christmas Show is coming to the Borgata in Atlantic City.Tickets and more information at WWW.THEBORGATA.COM!


Friday,December 1st– Sinbad comedy show at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com


Friday,December 1st–   Jay-Z at The Wells Fargo Center. For tickets or for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.


Saturday,December 9th– Fantasia Christmas Holiday concert at the Fillmore Philly, 29 East Allen Street and for more information log onto the fillmorephilly.com/venue


Tuesday,December 12th– A Soulful Christmas featuring local Philadelphia praise dancers and youth, combined and mass choirs and honoree Gospel Legend Lady Tramaine Hawkins at Verizon Hall in the Kimmel Center, Broad &Spruce Streets. For tickets and information log onto kimmelcenter.org


Sunday,December 17th– Damien Escobar in concert at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa.and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com


Tuesday,December 19th– The Great Xscape Tour starring Xscape, Monica and Tamar Braxton at The Liacouras Center, Broad & Montgomery. Tix are on sale Friday, October 13th 2017 and for more information log onto Liacourascenter.com/events.


Thursday,December 30th– Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly in concert at The Tower Theater,Upper Darby, Pa. For tickets and information venue.thetowerphilly.com.


Saturday,January 13th– Babyface at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. For tickets or for more information log onto Tropicana.net


Sunday,January 14th– The All-Stars Of Hip Hop starring Nelly, Ja Rule, KRS1, Redman &Method Man, Fatman Scoop and Three Times Dope  atThe Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.For tickets and information log onto ppshows.com. 


Friday,February 2nd– Tavis Smiley Presents Death Of A King: A Theatrical Experience. Alive multi-media presentation based on Smiley’s best seller Death of A King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Final Year at the Merriam Theater, 250 South Broad Street, between Locust and Manning Streets. For tickets and information log ontokimmelcenter.org


February,Friday, the 16th and Saturday, 17th– Mary J. Blige in concert at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Tickets and more information at WWW.THEBORGATA.COM!


Sunday,February 18th– The Soul Jam starring The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Blue Magic & Bloodstone at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. For Tickets and information log onto tropicana.net


Saturday,February 24th– Katt Williams in concert at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.For tickets and information log onto boardwalkhall.com/events. 


Friday,March 9th– Keith Sweat in concert at The Liacouras Center, Broad &Montgomery. Tix are on sale Friday, October 13th 2017 and for more information log onto Liacourascenter.com/events.


Thursday,April 5th– Patti LaBelle in concert at The Academy Of Music, 240 South Broad Street, between Locust and Manning Streets. For tickets and information log onto kimmelcenter.org


If you would like more info please email me atPattyJackson@iHeartMedia.comor check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm during the day.


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