Thursday, September 26, 2024

Justin Johnson Found Guilty in Rapper Young Dolph's Killing

Justin Johnson
Justin Johnson, the man charged in the killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon today. The jury's verdict came after just under four hours of deliberation.

Born Adolph Thornton Jr., Dolph was fatally shot at Makeda's Homemade Cookies on Airways Boulevard on Nov. 17, 2021. His death sent shockwaves through the Memphis community and beyond, with many mourning the loss of the 36-year-old rapper who was known for his philanthropy as much as his music.

Johnson, 24, received an immediate sentence of life in prison after the verdict was read in Shelby County Criminal Court.

During closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Irris Williams underscored the weight of evidence against Johnson, stating, "It's not 1981 anymore ... It's hard to keep a secret. It's hard to hide your actions. And it's even harder to hide who you know."


The prosecution's case heavily relied on video and photo evidence, including footage that investigators claimed showed Johnson at key locations before and after the shooting. Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman called a former Memphis Police investigator to explain how investigators used surveillance footage to identify Johnson as a suspect.

The defense, however, maintained Johnson's innocence. "He didn't kill Adolph Thornton Jr. He didn't conspire to kill Adolph Thornton Jr.," defense attorney Luke Evans said during his closing argument. Evans argued that Johnson was not the man depicted holding a firearm in the surveillance video captured at the scene of the shooting.

Johnson's co-defendant, Cornelius Smith, also charged with first-degree murder, testified against him on the first day of trial, admitting to his role in the killing. Smith's testimony played a pivotal role in the prosecution's case, as did the testimony of Johnson's half-brother, Jermarcus Johnson, who had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact in October 2023. Jermarcus Johnson's cooperation with prosecutors further cemented Justin Johnson's connection to the murder.


While Johnson did not testify in his own defense, the trial highlighted a web of conspiracy, with another defendant, Hernandez Govan, alleged to have ordered the hit on Dolph. However, Govan did not take the stand, despite defense attorney Evans anticipating his testimony.

The case had faced delays since Johnson and Smith were initially set to go to trial on June 3, 2024. The trial was postponed after the defense requested more time to review evidence. A change of venue was also granted in February 2024 due to extensive local media coverage, with an outside jury being brought in to hear the case.

With Johnson's conviction, attention now shifts to the remaining defendants. Smith and Govan are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty last year, faces a sentence of six to 12 years in prison.

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Cat Glover, Prince's Dynamic Dancer and Choreographer, Dies at 62

Photo Credit: Facebook/Official Cat Glover
Cat Glover, a dancer, singer, and choreographer best known for her collaborations with Prince during the late 1980s, has died. She was 62.
Her death was announced on her official Facebook page Monday night. “It’s with great sadness that we formally announce the passing of Catherine Vernice Glover- AKA ‘Cat,’” the post read. “Please allow her children, family, and friends privacy at this difficult time.” No cause of death was disclosed, but a further statement is expected to be released.

Born Catherine Vernice Glover on July 23, 1962, in Chicago, Glover began dancing at age 5. She rose to fame in 1986 as part of the dance duo Pat & Cat on the TV talent show "Star Search," where the pair made history as the first act to earn a perfect four-star score.


Although Glover was offered a backup dancer role by David Bowie, she chose to work with Prince, a decision that defined her career. Glover became a key figure in Prince's performances during his Sign o’ the Times and Lovesexy tours, contributing vocals, dancing, and choreography. She famously performed the rap on Prince’s hit “Alphabet St.” and appeared in several of his music videos and the 1987 concert film "Sign o’ the Times."
In a 2018 interview, Glover said she left Prince’s group in 1989 as he focused on creating the "Batman" soundtrack. Despite parting ways, Glover remained active in the entertainment industry, continuing to choreograph and perform. 

Reflecting on Prince’s death in a 2016 interview with The Crusader, Glover shared that Prince had reached out to her while she was recovering from a health issue. “He had my back,” Glover said. “He was there all the time."
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Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Jazz Great Benny Golson, Composer of ‘Killer Joe,’ Dies at 95

Benny Golson, renowned tenor saxophonist, composer, and NEA Jazz Master, passed away at his Manhattan home on Saturday at the age of 95, following a short illness, his longtime manager Jason Franklin confirmed.

Golson's career spanned seven decades, during which he became one of jazz's most revered figures. A Philadelphia native, Golson was influenced early by his childhood friend John Coltrane and later worked with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton and Art Blakey. He also co-founded the influential sextet, the Jazztet, with trumpeter Art Farmer in 1959.

As a composer, Golson's works became jazz standards. Songs like "I Remember Clifford," "Whisper Not," "Along Came Betty" and "Killer Joe" remain key pieces in the jazz repertoire, played and recorded by musicians worldwide.

Outside of performance, Golson contributed to television and film, scoring for series like "MASH*" and "Mission: Impossible," and he even made a cameo in the 2004 film "The Terminal," starring Tom Hanks.

Golson's impact on jazz extended far beyond his music. He appeared in the iconic "A Great Day in Harlem" photo in 1958, alongside 56 other jazz legends, and was one of the last surviving members of that historic moment.

Jazz historian Monifa Brown, host of WBGO’s Saturday Evening Jazz, paid tribute to Golson, saying, “The modern jazz lexicon simply would not be what it is without the distinctive compositions of Benny Golson. His ability to be a phenomenal composer and soloist simultaneously was rare, and his influence is felt on every corner of the globe.”

Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride also expressed his sorrow, writing on Facebook, “He represented an era of class and sophistication. I’m forever thankful to have played with him.”

Benny Golson is survived by his wife, Bobbie, and their daughter, Brielle.

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