Monday, October 7, 2024

Cissy Houston, Grammy-Winning Gospel Singer and Mother of Whitney Houston, Dies at 91

Cissy Houston, the Grammy-winning gospel powerhouse known for her soaring vocals and collaborations with legends like Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, died Monday at her Newark, N.J. home. She was 91.

Houston, who was also the mother of pop icon Whitney Houston, was under hospice care for Alzheimer's disease, her family confirmed. "We lost the matriarch of our family," daughter-in-law Pat Houston said in a statement. "Mother Cissy was a strong and towering figure in our lives... Her more than seven-decade career in music will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”

Born Emily Drinkard in Newark, Houston's musical roots began in the church. She gained fame in the 1960s with the Sweet Inspirations, backing Franklin on hits like "Think." Her voice graced classics like Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" and Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man."

Houston toured with Elvis Presley, who affectionately nicknamed her "Squirrelly." She later launched a successful solo career, winning two Grammys for her gospel albums. Her collaborations spanned genres, including work with Luther Vandross, Paul Simon, and her daughter Whitney.
Though initially wary of the music industry, Houston championed Whitney's rise to stardom. They performed together often, including a duet of "I Know Him So Well." In her memoir, Houston described their bond as complex but filled with love. Whitney's death in 2012, followed by the passing of her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina Brown in 2015, left a profound sadness.
Despite her fame, Houston remained dedicated to her Newark community and the New Hope Baptist Church, where she and Whitney sang as children.

"Her contributions to music and culture are unparalleled," the family shared in a statement. "We are blessed that God allowed her to spend so many years with us."
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Sunday, October 6, 2024

Glover's Gambino Swan Song Silenced: Health Issues Force Tour's Early Curtain Call

Photo Courtesy RCA Records
Donald Glover, the multitalented actor and musician known as Childish Gambino, has canceled the remainder of his "New World Tour" due to an undisclosed health issue requiring surgery. This announcement follows a previous postponement of U.S. tour dates in September.

Glover, 41, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "After my show in New Orleans, I went to the hospital in Houston to address an ailment that had become apparent. After being assessed, it became clear I would not be able to perform that night, and after more tests, I couldn't perform the rest of the U.S. tour in the required time frame. As of now, I have surgery scheduled and need time to heal."

He did not disclose the specific nature of his illness or the surgery but stressed the importance of his recovery. "My path to recovery is something I need to confront seriously," Glover wrote. "I want nothing more than to bring this show to the fans and perform. Until then, thanks for the love, privacy, and support."

The cancellation affects the North American leg and planned performances in the U.K. and Europe. Fans who purchased tickets will receive refunds at their point of purchase.



The "New World Tour" was in support of Glover's latest album, "Bando Stone & the New World," which he has billed as his final project as Childish Gambino. The album serves as the soundtrack for his forthcoming film of the same name. The tour, which began in August, was intended to run through early 2025, with stops across North America, Europe, and Australia. Glover has not yet commented on whether the Australian dates, scheduled for early 2025, will be affected.

This news marks a sudden halt to what was supposed to be the final chapter of Glover's musical career as Childish Gambino. He previously hinted at retiring the alter ego, saying the 2016 release of "Awaken, My Love!" — which earned him a Grammy Award — was the turning point in his decision to end his run as Gambino.
Beyond music, Glover’s career extends to television and film, including his critically acclaimed TV series "Atlanta," which earned him multiple Emmy Awards. He is also set to star in a reboot of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" for Amazon.

His latest album, "Bando Stone & the New World," follows the 2020 release of "3.15.20," which was re-released this year in an enhanced version titled "Atavista," featuring completed versions of tracks and two new songs. Glover continues to work on various projects across entertainment, solidifying his place as a significant figure in modern pop culture.
For now, Glover's fans will have to wait as he focuses on his health. "I want nothing more than to bring this show to the fans and perform," he said, adding his appreciation for their "love, privacy, and support" during his recovery.
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Friday, October 4, 2024

Eminem, the Rapper Who Once Shocked the World, Now Embraces 'Grandpa' Title in Touching Video

Rapper Eminem is embracing a new title: Grandpa. The music icon revealed that his daughter, Hailie Jade, is expecting her first child in a heartwarming music video released Thursday.

The video for "Temporary," a track from his latest album "The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grรขce)," features a montage of home videos capturing Hailie's life, from her childhood to her recent wedding. The emotional footage culminates with Hailie surprising Eminem with the news of her pregnancy.

(Watch the heartwarming moment Eminem learns he's going to be a grandpa in the video embedded below.)


Eminem, 51, has often featured his daughter in his music, notably in songs like "Hailie's Song" and "Mockingbird." Hailie Jade, a social media influencer, confirmed the news on her Instagram, writing "Mom & Dad est. 2025."

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