Chicago Defender - OUR ENTERTAINMENT http://www.chicagodefender.com/articles.sec-36-1-our-entertainment.html <![CDATA[Whitney Houston: Brilliant, troubled pop star dies]]> LOS ANGELES (AP) — A year ago, Clive Davis' glittery pre-Grammy showcase was winding down after a number of electric performances when the grandest name of all, Whitney Houston, walked on stage to close the evening with what promised to be a show-stopping tribute to her famous cousin, Dionne Warwick ]]> <![CDATA[Affirmation of Black History and entertainment]]> One aspect we need not leave out while reviewing Black history is music. From the African drums to the blues, gospel, jazz and funkadelic era birth a genre diverse and unique in its own way (other wise known as rap.) People will argue the influence of rap music as positive and negative forever, but the magnitude of its impact is not up for discussion. ]]> <![CDATA[Archives: Soul Train reunion to honor show host, Ghent]]> On Friday, dancers and Soul Train lovers are invited to a free awards ceremony, dancer testimonials and music for the popular show, courtesy of CAN-TV, to honor Clinton Ghent, a childhood friend of host Don Cornelius and assistant on Soul Train. ]]> <![CDATA[Archives: Soul Train reunion to honor show host, Ghent]]> On Friday, dancers and Soul Train lovers are invited to a free awards ceremony, dancer testimonials and music for the popular show, courtesy of CAN-TV, to honor Clinton Ghent, a childhood friend of host Don Cornelius and assistant on Soul Train. ]]> <![CDATA[Archives: Historic Soul Train party rolls through Chicago]]> ]]> <![CDATA[Archives: The ‘hippest trip in America’ turns 40 ]]> The music television showcase “Soul Train” debuted 40 years ago today. The show, dubbed the ‘hippest trip in America,’ was the brainchild of Chicago native Don Cornelius. ]]> <![CDATA[Archives: Jerry Butler Kicks off WCIU's 'Soul Train']]> <![CDATA[Archives: Soul Train Christmas]]> <![CDATA[Archives: Don Cornelius at Soul Train Music Awards]]> <![CDATA[Archives: The Emotions on Soul Train]]> <![CDATA['Soul Train' host Don Cornelius dead of suicide ]]> LOS ANGELES (AP) — Don Cornelius, who with the creation of "Soul Train" helped break down racial barriers and broaden the reach of black culture with funky music, groovy dance steps and cutting edge style, died early Wednesday of an apparent suicide. He was 75.]]> <![CDATA[Etta James remembered as triumphant trailblazer]]> <![CDATA[Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana celebrate at Sundance ]]> <![CDATA[James' passion, great range remembered ]]> NEW YORK (AP) — On her last album "The Dreamer," released just three months before her death, Etta James sings a mix of covers, from the R&B classic "Misty Blue" to the Ray Charles song "In the Evening." But perhaps the most curious tune included on the disc may be the Guns N' Roses staple "Welcome to the Jungle."]]> <![CDATA[Aretha Franklin to headline Essence Fest ]]> <![CDATA[A new era of Jazz takes a younger generation of listeners]]> Jazz’s rich history and its undeniable impact on every genre of music has allowed it to sustain for decades, making it one of the most relevant forms of music today. The ever-evolving musical form is taking on a vibrant, more upbeat cadence and tone, making it jazz you can dance to and attracting a younger, more modern audience in the process.]]> <![CDATA[Etta James condition better, taken off respirator ]]> RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — Etta James' manager says the terminally ill blues singer is breathing on her own after being taken off a respirator.]]> <![CDATA[Winfrey: Dedicated to OWN despite rocky first year ]]> LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oprah Winfrey earned the rare opportunity to convert her media charisma into a monogramed TV channel. Now she's the one tasked with rescuing OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, after a disappointing first year.]]> <![CDATA[Jazz musician Sam Rivers dies from pneumonia at 88 ]]> <![CDATA[Taste of Chicago shortened, dates changed ]]>