Celebs
Don Cornelius (1936 – 2012)
Donald Cortez Cornelius (1936 – 2012) creator of the long running music / dance show Soul Train was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home early this morning. He was 75. Beginning his career as a radio announcer, “Don” wanted to produce a show akin to American Bandstand geared towards the African-American community.
Etta James passes away at the age of 73
We at J&R are saddened at the passing of incomparable Blues, R&B, Soul artist, Etta James after a long battle with leukemia. Ms. James was the winner of four Grammys, seventeen Blues Music Awards, and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (2001), Grammy Hall of Fame (1999,2008), and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1993). Described as having a ‘voice that could not be defined’, she was best known for her rendition of the classic ballad “At Last” (1961) for which she earned her 1999 Grammy Hall of Fame entrance. Ms. James is survived by her husband Artis Mills and her sons Donto and Sametto. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
NY Yankee Nick Swisher Appearing Live at J&R November 19th at 2PM
World Series Champion and All-Star Right fielder Nick Swisher has added one more credit to his professional resume - recording artist. Swisher has released his first full-length twelve song kids CD entitled Believe. A portion of the proceeds will be going to Swish’s Wishes, Nick’s charitable foundation which is dedicated to enriching lives and lifting the spirits of children who are facing vital health issues. On Believe, Swish is joined in the recording studio by an all-star band of musicians including drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Melissa Etheridge), bassist Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Phil Collins), guitarist Tim Pierce (Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Jackson) and keyboardist Matt Rollings (Tim McGraw, Lyle Lovett). Special musical guests playing guitar on the album include former all-star centerfielder and Latin GRAMMY Nominee Bernie Williams and pitcher Barry Zito. Also accompanying Nick on the album is a group of talented kids ages eight to thirteen years old who sing backup vocals on each song. Included are kids from the nationally acclaimed music education franchise School Of Rock, as well as thirteen year old Natalie Prieb, granddaughter of Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. Directions.
