News

Benny Medina, the American record executive and talent manager, had a rather extraordinary upbringing. His rags-to-riches story was TV material and Medina realized this along with his business partner Jeff Pollack. Medina and Pollack developed the concept which later went on to become NBC’s top hit and a culturally iconic show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Will Smith and James Avery in a still from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | Credits: NBC

While Medina was about to pitch the concept to producer Quincy Jones, he met actor Will Smith during the taping of a show. Medina and Smith immediately hit it off and the record executive decided that Smith would be perfect to play the main character. As the idea progressed, some elements of Smith’s life were incorporated into the show including the title.

Who Is Benny Medina, The Record Executive Behind The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air? Benny Medina | Credits: Angela George,...

The Beatles invaded America in early 1964, and the nation was never the same. Even as their plane was landing in New York, mobs of screaming fans stormed the airport. The night they played The Ed Sullivan Show, on February 9, they blew the minds of 73 million viewers. Beatlemania gripped the whole country. That moment is captured in Beatles ’64, a new documentary produced by Martin Scorsese. It’s directed by David Tedeschi, who has worked on many Scorsese docs, include the great George Harrison bio Living in the Material World.

Beatles ’64...

Michael Jackson fans need to wait longer for Antoine Fuqua’s highly-anticipated biopic about the King of Pop to rock their world after Lionsgate announced delays for two of its films. The studio’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is moonwalking to a 2025 Easter window (April 18-20 to October 3) while looking to dominate the box office during the bunny-themed holiday. In addition to telling Michael to “Beat It” to later next year, Lionsgate dated Aziz Ansari’s upcoming comedy, Good Fortune, for October 17, 2025. According to Deadline, Good Fortune stars Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen. It focuses on “a well meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Reeves) who meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Ansari) and a wealthy capitalist (Rogen).”

“Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop,” reads the official description. “The film presents...

Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Will Smith and the Estate of Michael Jackson were among the prominent Hollywood figures to pay tribute to Quincy Jones following news of his death early Monday.

Jones died Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.

A giant in the music industry, Jones had a phenomenal career that spanned more than 60 years. He produced Michael Jackson’s best-selling albums Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad; helmed the historic recording sessions for the 1985 charity single “We Are the World,” the best-selling single of all time; and produced Lesley Gore’s 1963 chart-topping hit “It’s My Party.”

Jones received the Motion Picture Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995, an honorary Oscar in 2024 and the Grammy Legend Award in 1991 and reeled in 28 Grammys from an all-time best 80 nominations.

The Estate of Michael Jackson said in a statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter,...

Quincy Jones, the musical polymath who contributed to remarkable albums in jazz, soul, and funk as well as several of the biggest pop LPs of the 20th century — most notably producing Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad albums — died at his home in Bel Air, California, on Sunday. He was 91 years old.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement, via The Associated Press. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family,...

“Save the Children,” an early ’70s concert film featuring many of that era’s biggest names in Black music, was in need of some saving itself. Although the documentary featured iconic stars like the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Bill Withers, the movie disappeared completely off the radar after being briefly released to theaters in 1973 by Paramount Pictures, never getting an authorized home-video release, let alone revival screenings. But salvation has come, with Netflix having picked up the doc to make it available to be seen for the first time in a half-century.

The two-hour film documents a concert that was put on in Chicago in 1972 to support Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Operation Push, with an all-star cast of performers that also included the Staple Singers, Roberta Flack, Isaac Hayes, Gladys Knight, the Tempations, Ramsey Lewis, Wilson Pickett, Sammy Davis Jr., Cannonball Adderley and Jerry Butler. Those who...

Grateful Dead (Photo Credit: Bob Minkin Photography)

The Grateful Dead will be recognized as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year during the 34th Persons of the Year gala on Friday, January 31st. Original members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic rock band at the gala, and founding member Jerry Garcia, who passed away in 1995, will be feted with posthumous tributes.

.

“MusiCares is proud to honor the Grateful Dead at the 2025 Persons of the Year Gala,” stated Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “Their legacy transcends music, having built a community of fans and collaborators that embody the spirit of connection and support, something that is deeply aligned with MusiCares’ mission. The band’s passion for the arts and philanthropy, along with their enduring commitment to social causes, has made a lasting impact that goes beyond the stage. It is...

Tito Jackson, who sang and danced with brothers Michael, Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon as a founding member of the family group Jackson 5, died Sunday. He was 70.

Steve Manning, a longtime friend of the family, told Entertainment Tonight that Jackson died while traveling on a road trip, but a cause of death has yet to be determined. Tito’s nephew, Siggy Jackson, also confirmed the news to People.

Tito’s three sons, Taj, Taryll, and T.J., released a statement on social media, calling their father “an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.

Tito Jackson, the founding guitarist of iconic ’70s hitmakers The Jackson 5 that featured a young Michael Jackson and is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, died Sunday after reportedly having a heart attack while driving. He was 70.

His sons Tj, Taryll and Taj Jackson, who make up the band 3T, posted the news on social media.

“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” the trio wrote on Facebook. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T. Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously.”

Also featuring brothers Jermaine, Marlon, Jackie and later Randy, the group blasted out of Indiana in 1969 with its first four singles all hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100: “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The...

Tito Jackson, the brother of Michael and Janet Jackson and a singer and guitarist who was part of the highly influential pop bands The Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons, has died. He was 70.

Longtime Jackson family friend and manager Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight that Tito Jackson died Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

Tito’s sons, Taj, Taryll and Tj, who are part of the R&b group 3T, confirmed their father’s death on social media. “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as “Coach Tito” or some know him as “Poppa T.

Jaafar Jackson, who will portray his late uncle Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic “Michael,” has signed with CAA for representation.

Jaafar Jackson is the son of Jermaine Jackson and the nephew of the King of Pop. He makes his acting debut in the Antoine Fuqua-directed, Gk Films-produced movie, which is set for worldwide release on April 18, 2025. “Michael” is also produced by John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. Lionsgate is distributing the film in the U.S. and Japan, while Universal Pictures has rights for all offshore territories.

In April, Lionsgate dazzled the CinemaCon crowd by sharing a first look at the highly anticipated film, revealing the scope of its examination of the musician’s life, as Jaafar portrays the private man behind the moonwalk. Fans had already gotten a peek at his physical transformation when the studio released an image of Jaafar in costume,...

Roland Emmerich and Antoine Fuqua may have each helmed a dueling White House invasion movie in 2013, but it was all love between them at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday.

Collider brought two of the most successful action directors of all time together in Hall H to discuss their work in a panel moderated by Steven Weintraub.

“Right before shooting, maybe a month before, I learned he was shooting another one that was called ‘Olympus Has Fallen,'” Emmerich said — revealing he actually watched Fuqua’s film on a plane. “I thought, this is such a better title than ‘White House Down.'”

Fuqua, who also confirmed he’s seen Emmerich’s film, added, “I figured there’s room for those stories. Obviously, it’s two different directors, two different visions on that.” He said the comparisons only fueled the fire inside to step his own game up, continuing, “When you...

Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving member of legendary Motown Records group The Four Tops, who racked up 17 Top 20 singles from 1964-73 including the chart-topping classics “I Can’t Help Myself” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” died today at his home in Detroit. He was 88.

In a statement, Fakir’s family said he died of heart failure.

After a string of non-charting singles for Chess Records in the 1950s as The Four Aims, the group rebranded and signed with Berry Gordy’s wildly successful Motown Records. They sang backup on some of the label’s songs by other acts before breaking out with the Holland-Dozier-Holland song “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964. During the next decade, they became one the label’s top acts, with more than three dozen songs on the pop chart.

Related: Lamont Dozier Dies: Hit-Making Motown Mastermind Was 81

Alongside lead vocalist Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo “Obie” Benson,...

Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving original member of the Four Tops, has died at 88 years old.

According to Fakir’s family, the singer died from heart failure at his Detroit home on Monday morning (July 22nd).

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a trailblazer, icon, and music legend who, through his 70-year music career, touched the lives of so many as he continued to tour until the end of 2023, and officially retired this year,” reads the family’s statement given to the Detroit Free Press.

It continues, “As the last living founding member of the iconic Four Tops music group, we find solace in Duke’s legacy living on through his music for generations to come.”

A native of Detroit, Fakir met future Four Tops bandmate Levi Stubbs during their neighborhood football games. While still in high school, they performed alongside Renaldo “Obie” Benson and...

Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving original member of the Four Tops who sang on all of the group’s timeless hits, including “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” died Monday of heart failure. He was 88. A family spokesperson confirmed the singer’s death to the Associated Press, citing the cause as heart failure.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our loving husband of 50 years, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and forever Four Tops,...

The Kennedy Center Honors recipients for 2024 are Francis Ford Coppola, Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval and the iconic Apollo in New York. This 47th annual group of five selections will be honored at a Washington, D.C. ceremony in early December. CBS will air the two-hour event later in December.

Raitt and the Grateful Dead are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sandoval is a legendary jazz musician and composer. Coppola is the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now.” The Apollo marks the first time that a Kch will be provided to an institution rather than a specific person. For the Grateful Dead, the honorees attending will be Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir.

See Kennedy Center Honors: 20 Greatest Performances of All Time

Honorees are chosen from the fields of acting (both film and TV), popular music, theatre and fine arts.

Biopics depicting the lives and careers of musicians is a genre of film that has grown in extreme popularity in recent years. Films like ‘Elvis’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ have been box office hits, and even helped create Oscar buzz for the lucky actor who portrays the real-life lead of the film. One singer who has yet to have his biopic is Michael Jackson. While Jackosn’s biopic musical, Mj, is going strong on Broadway, a film of Jackson’s life has yet to be onscreen. However, the story of Michael Jackson may not be too far out from our screens. Here is everything we know about the recently announced Michael Jackson biopic. Things to do: Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. Limited Time Offer – Free Subscription to The Hollywood Insider Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement...

After nearly a year of speculation, Scooter Braun has officially retired from management and transitioned into his role as CEO of Hybe America.

August 2023 saw several reports of Braun’s clients seeking new representation, from Demi Lovato to Ariana Grande (the latter is now managed by Brandon Creed, yet still has ties with Braun). Last year, a source close to Sb Projects told Rolling Stone that Braun’s role was transitioning. Now, in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday, Braun has officially confirmed it.

“23 years,” he wrote. “That’s how...

When artists are compared to The Beatles, it’s usually meant as a compliment. However, Michael Jackson was upset when someone said The Jackson 5 were “the Black Beatles.” He had a point! On top of that, The Beatles and The Jackson 5 left behind very different legacies.

The Beatles and The Jackson 5 both inspired Saturday morning cartoons

Jermaine Jackson was a member of The Jackson 5. In his 2011 book You Are Not Alone: Michael, Through a Brother’s Eyes, Jermaine revealed that Motown had Fred Rice, the same marketing genius who helped The Beatles take over the world, merchandise The Jackson 5. The group inspired toys, clothing, and hair care products.

“He even started talking to New York animators Rankin/Bass, the makers of ABC’s The King Kong Show, about turning us into cartoon characters,” Jermaine wrote. “‘I’m going to have your faces everywhere,’ he said. ‘You’re the Black Beatles.

50 Cent and Michael Jackson are very different artists. However, the “Billie Jean” singer made a big impact on 50 Cent at a young age. In addition, 50 Cent and Jackson teamed up together to take on the press through music.

50 Cent was introduced to Michael Jackson’s music by his grandmother

During a 2022 interview with NME, 50 Cent named the songs that were the soundtrack of his life. He picked out several classic rap tracks, including Erik B & Rakim’s “Paid in Full,” Future’s “Karate Chop,” and The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize.” He also showed some love for songs outside of the rap genre, such as Bobby Womack’s “Across 110th Street” and, most bafflingly, Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball.”

50 Cent was asked to name the first song he remembered hearing. It was The Jackson 5’s “ABC.” “I was one of nine kids, raised by my grandmother, so most of...

The music from Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism sounds very modern. Despite this, one of the album’s creators explained how Motown songs inspired it. He picked out one Smokey Robinson tune in particular as a model for the songs on Dua Lipa’s newest record. Notably, Robinson said he had a lot to say about his legacy as a musicians.

A producer compared Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ to a Smokey Robinson song

Lipa is a high-tech, modern pop star. Her music is filled with synthesizers and the latest genre trends. However, even the most forward-thinking pop stars can look to the past for inspiration. The classic hits of Motown inspired the construction of songs from Lipa’s Radical Optimism if not its sonic palette.

Danny L Harle is one of the producers of Radical Optimism. During a 2024 interview with Grammy.com, Harle discussed one of the concepts behind the album.

Get ready for an inspiring and enlightening episode of “Unsung” this Sunday on TV One, as the series celebrates the achievements of successful entrepreneurs in “Presents Best in Black: Entrepreneurs.” In this installment, viewers will be treated to a fascinating glimpse into the lives and careers of visionary figures who have made significant contributions to the world of business.

From iconic names like Berry Gordy and Magic Johnson to trailblazers like Oprah Winfrey and Rihanna, the episode showcases the remarkable journeys of these entrepreneurs who have not only changed the game but also changed the world. Through portraits and interviews, viewers will gain insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by these individuals as they blazed trails and shattered barriers in their respective industries.

Tune in at 10:00 Pm this Sunday, May 5th, 2024, on TV One, and join “Unsung” as they honor the legacy and impact of these extraordinary entrepreneurs.

Before Michael Jackson was a pop star in his own right, millions of Americans knew him as the lead vocalist on The Jackson 5’s “ABC.” The tune made history because of its title. Jackson released two other songs that made history for the exact same reason.

The Jackson 5’s ‘ABC’ is tied for the No. 1 single with the shortest title

Many companies measure the success of popular songs but Billboard is the most famous. When people say a song is “a No. 1 hit,” they are likely saying that the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. With The Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, Jackson was no stranger to success on the Billboard Hot 100.

Several songs are tied for having the shortest title on the Billboard Hot 100. They all have three characters in their names. Those songs include The Jackson 5’s “ABC,” Frankie Avalon’s “Why,” Edwin Starr’s “War,...

Michael Jackson‘s stardom began with the release of The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.” It took a lot to record that song and Jackson learned from the experience. The song also became the first of four No. 1 singles by The Jackson 5.

What the producer of The Jackson 5’s ‘I Want You Back’ said to Michael Jackson

Berry Gordy was the founder of Motown. He also served as one of the producers of The Jackson 5’s first (and perhaps most popular) single: “I Want You Back. In his 2011 book You Are Not Alone: Michael, Through a Brother’s Eyes, The Jackson 5’s Jermaine Jackson discussed what Gordy did during the recording of “I Want You Back.”

“If he felt the drums needed something extra, he added it; if the bass was too busy or not busy enough, he changed it,” Jermaine wrote. “If the keyboards needed less impact, he...

Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean” is a song about a man who may or may not have fathered a child with a woman he doesn’t like. One of Jackson’s brothers explained the song’s connection to Motown founder Berry Gordy. Gordy is a musical legend, but his label’s music faced some criticism from one of The Beatles.

‘Billie Jean’ was 1 of several Michael Jackson songs inspired by Motown’s Berry Gordy

Jermaine Jackson was a member of The Jackson 5. In his 2011 book You Are Not Alone: Michael, Through a Brother’s Eyes, Jermaine discussed the Motown formula. “If Americans’ brains went to Harvard, America’s talent went to Motown — and artists graduated with a lifetime’s knowledge,” he said. “‘You’re entering the finest finishing school in the business,’ Mr. Gordy told us.

“Our education was fast-track: every song should be a three-minute story with a beginning,...

The five artists chosen for the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors are likely being informed now in the month of April about their selections. That’s according to recent honoree Billy Crystal, who said he was told last April and had to keep quiet until mid-summer when the 2023 Kch choices were officially announced.

Crystal was honored a few months ago in Washington, D.C. for the annual CBS event, along with Renee Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick. Who do we think will be among the honorees announced this summer? Tour our photo gallery above to see who are our choices for the top 50 entertainers who need to be selected soon. You can also visit our forums thread where we have a much lengthier list of hundreds of eligible artists.

SEEKennedy Center Honors: 20 Greatest Performances of All Time

Our gallery features deserving artists from the fields of acting (both film and TV), popular music,...

Annie, are you okay? You look like you might faint after producer Graham King turned up at CinemaCon to surprise the crowd with a first look at Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. Said to be an emotionally intense depiction of the King of Pop, Michael is positioning itself as a Huge event film. JoBlo’s editor-in-chief, Chris Bumbray, is in the crowd and says Michael will surely be controversial.

During his presentation, Graham said he knows everyone has an opinion about Michael Jackson, for good or ill. However, he did change the world of pop music forever, and his controversy made him a fascinating subject for Fuqua’s film. Graham also said Jackson was an enigma, but behind everything was a man with a very complicated, difficult life.

Michael contains 30 songs from Jackson’s legendary catalog. Next, a trailer played for the crowd, showing Jaafar Jackson as the Gloved One.

Kat Graham will play Diana Ross in the Michael Jackson biopic.The 34-year-old actress and singer is the latest star attached to appear in Antoine Fuqua's film about the King of Pop as the cast of 'Michael' continues to take shape.Kat will play the role of the iconic Supremes frontwoman, who was asked to introduce the Jackson 5 to the world and remained a constant influence on the 'Beat It' hitmaker.Larenz Tate has been cast at the Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, who helped redefine music by giving acts including the Jackson 5, Diana Ross and The Supremes and Stevie Wonder the platform to succeed.Other new cast members include Jessica Sula as Michael's older sister La Toya Jackson, Liv Symone as soul legend Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Jackson's security-turned-friend Bill Bray.Meanwhile, Kendrick Sampson is to portray music...

New roles in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic have been announced!

Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, has already been confirmed to portray the King of Pop in the film, which is titled, Michael.

Antoine Fuqua is directing the movie.

On Monday (March 25), a number of new names were announced as part of the cast!

Keep reading to find out more…

Larenz Tate will play Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. Kat Graham has been cast as legendary musical talent Diana Ross. Jessica Sula will portray Michael’s Older sister La Toya. Liv Symone will play singer Gladys Knight. Kendrick Sampson has been cast as songwriter, composer, and producer Quincy Jones. KeiLyn Durrel Jones will portray Bill Bray, who served as a security officer for the Jackson 5 and became one of Michael’s best friends. Kevin Shinick is set to play Dick Clark.

Michael will open in theaters on April 18, 2025.

Learn more...

The cast of Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International’s forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael has come into focus lately with the casting of many of the film’s pivotal roles. The studios announced on Monday, March 25th that they have cast several new key roles in the highly anticipated film, now in production, with a group of individuals who have featured prominently throughout Michael’s life.

Chief among them is Larenz Tate, who plays Motown Records founder and impresario Berry Gordy – the man who redefined American music by developing and giving a national platform to such acts as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips – and the Jackson 5 – to name a few.

Other new prominent roles include the following:

Kat Graham plays the legendary Diana Ross, lead singer of the chart-topping Motown group The Supremes,...

Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Micheal, is one of the most anticipated film projects in recent memory. Bringing the King of Pop’s story to life on the silver screen is a Herculean task, and you need shining stars to help it burn bright on screens. Today, Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International announced new vital roles for the forthcoming film, including actors to play La Toya Jackson, Dick Clark, Diana Ross, and more!

Per today’s official press release courtesy of Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International:

Larenz Tate plays Berry Gordy, the Motown Records founder and impresario. Gordy is the man who redefined American music by developing and giving a national platform to such acts as Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips – and the Jackson 5 – to name a few.

Kat Graham plays the legendary Diana Ross,...

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International has added seven in key roles: Larenz Tate (Power Book II: Ghost), Kat Graham, Jessica Sula (Split), Liv Symone (Power Book III: Raising Kanan), Kendrick Sampson (Something from Tiffany’s), KeiLyn Durrel Jones (How to Die Alone), and Kevin Shinick.

Tate plays Motown Records founder and impresario Berry Gordy, with Graham as Diana Ross, lead singer of The Supremes; Sula as Michael’s older sister, La Toya; Symone as Motown artist Gladys Knight; Sampson as iconic songwriter, composer, and producer Quincy Jones; Jones as Jackson 5 security guard turned confidante to Michael, Bill Bray; and Shinick as American Bandstand host Dick Clark.

As previously announced, Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson leads the ensemble as Michael, with Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, and Juliano Krue Valdi among others set for key roles.

Currently in production,...

The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is embracing the Motown sound — announcing key castings including Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and Kat Graham as the legendary Diana Ross.

As the film chronicles Jackson’s rise to prominence — first as a member of the Jackson 5, then as a solo artist — the record label will factor in significantly. “Power” franchise star Tate (who coincidentally played “Thriller” producer Quincy Jones in 2004’s “Ray”) takes on the Motown impresario Gordy, who redefined American music by platforming such acts as the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Diana Ross & the Supremes.

Graham portrays Ross, who, as lead singer of the chart-topping group, was asked to officially introduce the Jackson 5 to the world and remained a lifelong influence on Michael Jackson.

Other new cast members of the Lionsgate...

Seconds after Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson entered the holding room where presenters and performers at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy gala were to take this picture, someone became starstruck — but who that was might surprise you.

“It’s Jelly Roll!” Wilson shouted excitedly as she saw the Grammy-nominated singer-rapper. But the feeling was mutual, as Jelly Roll later murmured, if only to himself, about the surrealness of the moment. He was standing in proximity to Hanks and Wilson as Dionne Warwick sat nearby and members of Green Day were hanging out while everyone waited for one of music’s greatest architects — Davis himself — to arrive.

The interaction was just one of several “pinch-me” moments as the likes of The Isley Brothers, Maluma, Josh Groban, Lainey Wilson and many more came together to take a snapshot with Davis and commemorate the night of amazing music that was to come at the legendary party,...

Stevie Wonder closed the multi-hour, all-star Clive Davis pre-Grammy gala with a rousing harmonica performance, a strong vocal delivery and words of positivity.

The icon was joined by Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Andra Day, Keyshia Cole and Frederic Yonnet for performances of “That’s What Friends Are For” and “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” cutting off the latter song to tell the audience — which included Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Cher — that “music is love [and] let us use the gift of love that we’ve been given by the Almighty to make a difference in the world.”

“I’ve been blessed to be alive, but I’ve been blessed to see everyone — not seeing you physically — but seeing you spiritually,” Wonder said at the gala that ended early Sunday morning. “And what breaks my heart is to know that we’re still talking about the same thing that...

Byron Allen is making a play for Paramount.

The comic-turned media mogul has made a $14.3 billion offer to buy all outstanding shares Paramount Global, according to a statement from Allen’s company.

The deal would also see Allen Media Group assume Paramount’s roughly $15 billion debt load, valuing the shares at about a 50% premium to their recent trading prices.

“Mr. Byron Allen did submit a bid on behalf of Allen Media Group and its strategic partners to purchase all of Paramount Global’s outstanding shares,” the statement said. “We believe this $30 billion offer, which includes debt and equity, is the best solution for all of the Paramount Global shareholders, and the bid should be taken seriously and pursued.”

Allen’s Amg owns The Weather Channel, a number of local TV stations, The Grio, and a syndicated TV content business, among other ventures.

The mogul, who began his career in Hollywood...

Bruce Springsteen, Shania Twain, Jelly Roll, and [dramatic pause] Bon Jovi will all perform at a gala event honoring Jon Bon Jovi next month. The singer will be recognized as MusiCares’ Person of the Year, an honor awarded by the Recording Academy’s nonprofit which provides aid to musicians in need, at an event in Los Angeles on Feb. 2.

The other performers include Brandy Clark, Melissa Etheridge, Goo Goo Dolls, Jason Isbell, Marcus King, the War and Treaty, Måneskin’s Damiano David, and Lainey Wilson. Comedian Jim Gaffigan will host. Gayle King...

On Jan. 19, the Mothership will land on Hollywood Boulevard when George Clinton officially gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “It feels good as shit,” he tells Rolling Stone of the honor on a phone call from his home in Tallahassee, Florida. “I’m trying to think of some jokes to say, but the truth is that I’m proud as hell.”

The ceremony honoring the Parliament-Funkadelic mastermind — whose music added psychedelic and Afrofuturistic flares to funk, effectively laying the groundwork for hip-hop — will take place at 11:30 a.

Jermaine Jackson is being sued for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in 1988.

The lawsuit, filed on December 27 by Rita Butler Barrett, charges Jackson with sexual battery, battery, sexual assault and negligence.

In addition to suing Jermaine himself, Barrett is also suing his company, Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, and Work Records Inc.

Barrett alleges that Jackson showed up at her house unannounced and then assaulted her. She claims that she met Jackson through her work as a music contractor.

“Defendant Jackson forced himself into Plaintiff’s home, and with force and violence sexually assaulted Plaintiff,” the suit stated. “During the assault, Plaintiff, a woman of faith prayed to God for help. During the assault, Plaintiff feared for her life. After the assault and when Defendant Jackson was satiated, he left the residence.”

Motown founder Berry Gordy is also cited in the lawsuit, as Barrett claims that Gordy protected Jermaine for financial reasons.

A woman has accused Jermaine Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson’s older brother, of sexually assaulting her in 1988, according to a new lawsuit obtained by Rolling Stone.

In the brief suit, filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the plaintiff Rita Barrett alleges that Jackson assaulted her in her home over three decades ago after showing up to her house unannounced. Barrett claims in the suit that she met Jackson through her work as a music contractor, as well as through Motown Records founder Berry Gordy,...

When Byron Allen was just 14, he started doing stand-up comedy. Four years later, in 1979, he became the youngest comedian to appear on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” It was a launching pad for an entertainment career that included a stint on “Real People,” a lead role in “Case Closed,” a TV movie he co-wrote and a syndicated late-night show bearing his name.

But all along, Allen had his eyes on a much bigger prize. “Growing up in Detroit, I was fascinated by Berry Gordy and Henry Ford,” says Allen. “I read about them and about John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. They were my heroes. I studied them and knew I wanted to build something big and iconic. That was always my desire.”

That something proved to be Allen Media Group, which encompasses Entertainment Studios (founded 30 years ago as Cf Entertainment) and its expanding portfolio — the company owns 10 cable networks,...

The holiday season is here and that means there are lots of new releases coming out just in time to make the season bright. Below are some of the picks coming out sure to make the movie fan in your life smile. Whether it is an upgrade to a 4K edition, a reliable Blu-ray, or a special edition Box Set, this list has something for everyone!

One disclaimer: Deals as good as these can be fickle, so there’s no telling if and when a money-saving opportunity might end or if the price may change. So if you want something – snap that shit up quick! Don’t wait, only to have Festivus roll around and discover you’ve nothing to give or the price suddenly changed and you no longer have the bread. And remember that if you want to support JoBlo.com, please make all your purchases by initially clicking through our links,...

Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Mariah Carey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are among the stars set to appear at the 2023 The Grio Awards, airing Saturday, Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. Pt / Et on CBS.

Watch The Grio Awards on TV through your local CBS affiliate. Want to watch The Grio Awards online without cable? Grab this free trial to Paramount+, which lets you live stream The Grio Awards on your phone, laptop and tablet. You can also use it to watch a live CBS feed on your TV.

Get Paramount+ Free Trial

Co-hosted by The Talk’s Sheryl Underwood and Comedian Roy Wood, Jr., the two-hour special celebrates “icons, leaders and legends” from the African-American community, with honorees spanning film, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, social justice, environmental justice and education.

Carey will be honored with the Music Icon Award, with musical tributes from her godmother, Patti Labelle, and Egot-winner Jennifer Hudson,...

The second annual edition of “Byron Allen Presents TheGrio Awards” will air on CBS on Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. after recently being recorded in Beverly Hills.

TheGrio is Allen Media Group’s African American-focused news, lifestyle, sports and entertainment website. TheGrio Awards, which were hosted by Sheryl Underwood and Roy Wood Jr., are meant to celebrate achievements across ilm, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, social justice, environmental justice, education.

2023 honorees included Mariah Carey, Don Cheadle, Misty Copeland, Doctor Kizzmekia S Corbett-Helaire, Tamron Hall, Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Eddie Murphy, Al Sharpton and Denzel Washington. Additionally, the ceremony featured performances by Boyz II Men, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson and DJ Kiss.

“Byron Allen Presents TheGrio Awards” is co-produced by Allen Media Group and Backhand Productions. Allen, Carolyn Folks, Jennifer Lucas, Jeff Atlas, and Michelle Willrich are executive producers. Greg Phillinganes serves as musical director.

Byron Allen Presents theGrio Awards special, honoring African American excellence, is returning to CBS for its second year. Co-hosted by The Talk‘s Sheryl Underwood and comedian Roy Wood, with honorees including Mariah Carey, Don Cheadle and Misty Copeland, the event will air on Saturday, November 25 from 8-10 Pm on CBS and will stream live on Paramount+.

Byron Allen Presents theGrio Awards celebrates excellence in film, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, social justice, environmental justice, education, and the cultural icons and innovators whose contributions positively impact America. The television special pays tribute to and amplifies the history makers, change agents and artists who define and influence our world, according to organizers.

Carey will be honored with The Music Icon Award, Washington with The Film Icon award, Murphy with The Icon award, Cheadle with the Environmental Champion Icon award and Copeland with The Trailblazer Icon award, along with Doctor...

Mariah Carey, Don Cheadle, Eddie Murphy and more will be among the honorees at the second annual Byron Allen Presents theGrio Awards airing Nov. 25 on CBS.

The star-studded black-tie event, which will be co-hosted by Sheryl Underwood and Roy Wood, Jr., will air 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Et/Pt on the CBS Television Network and simulcast live on Paramount+ for premium subscribers via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate.

The special will celebrate excellence in film, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, social justice, environmental justice, education, and the cultural icons and innovators whose many contributions positively impact America.

“I created ‘theGrio Awards’ to celebrate and amplify African-American excellence and the incredible champions from other communities who truly support us,” Allen Meida group founder, chairman and CEO Byron Allen said in a statement. “As a child, strong, positive African-American icons such as Berry Gordy, Jr., Rosa Parks,...

Diana Ross is one of the industry greats, with an illustrious music and film career that spans six decades. To most of the world, she's an icon. But to her big, growing family, she's a loving mom and devoted grandmother who loses her fanny pack at Marshall's like anyone else.

We got a glimpse of Diana's huge brood at the American Music Awards in 2017, where three generations stepped out to support her lifetime achievement award, and again at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade a year later. In the years since, her kids have given many shout-outs in honor of their mom. Some of them have joined her on stage, while others have paid tribute in interviews and shown up to support her when she shared the stage with Beyoncé at the "Renaissance" tour in September.

All these outings have fueled interest in Diana's family life, and you might be...

Clarence Avant, the judicious manager, entrepreneur, facilitator and adviser who helped launch or guide the careers of Quincy Jones, Bill Withers and many others and came to be known as the “Black Godfather” of music and beyond, has died. He was 92.

Avant, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, according to a family statement released Monday.

Avant’s achievements were both public and behind the scenes, as a name in the credits, or a name behind the names. Born in a segregated hospital in North Carolina, he became a man of lasting and wide-ranging influence, in part by minding two pieces of advice from an early mentor, the music manager Joe Glaser: Never let on how much you know, and ask for as much money as possible, “without stuttering.”

“He exemplified a certain level of cool and street smarts...

Clifton Oliver, a stage actor who appeared on Broadway in The Lion King, In The Heights and Wicked, died yesterday following a lengthy illness.

His death was announced by family and friends on social media. Additional details were not immediately available.

“My baby brother, Clifton Oliver, has had his final curtain call,” wrote Roxy Hall of Jacksonville, Florida, on Facebook yesterday. “It was peaceful. His partner Richard was singing to him the song Psalm 23 as he took his last breath this morning at 3:20 Am.” Hall indicated that Oliver had been hospitalized, and then in hospice care, for six weeks.

A native of Jacksonville, Oliver attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts there before relocating to New York to pursue an acting career. In 2010, he joined the Broadway replacement cast of In the Heights in the role of Benny (opposite Jordin Sparks), and would appear in replacement casts of Wicked...

For the 12th year, B. Riley Securities presented the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night on Wednesday, May 24 at The Beverly Hilton.

Anthony Anderson, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Cedric the Entertainer attend the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation Big Fighters, Big Cause Charity Boxing Night

Credit/Copyright: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation

Actor Chris Spencer hosted the exclusive star-studded event which featured first-class entertainment, a National Anthem performance by emerging pop/R&b singer Gabby Samone, four action-packed live fights presented by Golden Boy Promotions, and a live and silent auction display featuring iconic memorabilia and one-of-a-kind items and experiences.

The evening also honored Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Anthony Anderson with the 2023 Golden Glove Award, recognizing his commitment to raising awareness for diabetes. Anderson is an advocate for diabetes awareness and a spokesperson for the “Get Real About Diabetes” campaign.