Several months ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Donna Summer on the phone, for a new series I was developing.  My intent was to speak with her about her art, which most people were not aware that she was also an artist.  Our conversation went in several directions.

I was so excited to speak with Donna, who was one of the few stars I hadn’t interviewed. It was especially important also for me, because we were both from Boston, Massachusetts.

Donna was so full of life then.  We spoke of many things, and the one thing she said she felt was “there are no limits in life,” (and she truly felt that.)

Although she won numerous Grammy awards from her pop culture hits from the 80’s, Donna Summer had other things going on in her life, but I don’t believe she knew then, that she was sick.

She was happily married to her husband of over thirty years, who is also her manager. She has three daughters, and four grandchildren, her sisters and family were always in her life.

Donna was looking forward to moving from Nashville back to Los Angeles  a few months ago.  We talked about how she first got interested in art, and she said it was because of one of her uncles, who was also an artist. (Her favorite artist was Picasso.)

Because she was creative and artistically inclined, painting calmed her.  She even painted quick paintings on her tour bus, enroute to her next concert (as she said, “they would dry quickly.”)

Donna Summer’s celebrity peers and friends also encouraged her to paint the acrylic and water color paintings, she ended up selling for thousands and millions of dollars.  Sylvester Stallone (who is also a hidden artist,) was one of the first people who encouraged Donna Summer to continue to paint.  She went on to tell me that back in the day, even O.J. Simpson, and Nicole Simpson bought several of her paintings.

Aside from art, I asked Donna what other things she was working on months ago. She said, “ Right now I am working on a new album, a TV project, and thinking about doing other entrepreneurial projects.”

She realized she was getting older, and she wanted to have other things going on, so that she wouldn’t have to rely on just being a singer. She was quite entrepreneurial, and said, “ I love interior design, I like inventing things.  When I  get bored I make pillows, cuff links, sometimes I just want to be creative and I make clothing and jewelry.”

Trying to fix problems is something that would preoccupy Donna Summer’s mind. “I sit and think, how can I fix that problem,” what would I do to fix that problem.” 

In the end, Donna Summer was truly an exceptional woman. While she has sang her “Last Dance,” beyond her music, she had other talents, and secret passions she loved.  We finished our interview with her saying, “I think the mistake in our industry is, when you are talented in one area, you are probably talented in more than one area.”

Donna Summer lived life to the fullest, and she had so much more she was planning to do.  Her fan base spans beyond the U.S. and Europe, but across the globe.  We will treasure her contributions in life, music, and her artistic passions, of which she leaves behind, many personal paintings for her family, that were one’s that she always knew, she would never sell.

Thank you to all who entered the contest, and continue to log onto www.thehollywoodscoop.com for our next contest, and for “the latest in entertainment!” Wendy Wheaton

Winning Entry:

Alicia Maxey Greene was simply born to be a mom. Her 15-month-old twin baby girls would tell you if they were old enough to string a sentence together. But just the looks on their faces and the way they applaud when she enters a room tells you all you need to know about her love. Alicia has taken everything she learned from her own mother and grandmother and added her own personal touch. It is wonderful to see in action.

Leonard Greene

Drawing Hope International is a charitable organization that helps women who are survivors of rape, sexual abuse, and other life struggles.

According to national statistics, every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted in the United States. Approximately two-thirds of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.

Drawing Hope International will hold their Masquerade and Gala dinner, on Sunday, March 18, 2012 in Los Angeles to honor those who have been victimized by rape and sexual abuse.

Sexual assault is not about lust and desire, but about power, control, and dominance over another person. Drawing Hope helps survivors connect with and embrace their inner strength, beauty, and freedom through art, regardless of what they may have encountered.

One person who has been active with DHI, is David Ilan. Ilan created ‘Points With Purpose’ artwork in 2007, which raises awareness and inspires people to help each other on a global level.

Ilan uses a pointillism technique, where each hand drawn dot represents one survivor of rape and sexual abuse. ‘Points With Purpose’ has grown to help thousands of survivors from more than 150 countries by creating a beautiful drawing in their honor.

The Drawing Hope Masquerade Gala will be hosted by E! News correspondent Amy Paffrath. Other notable celebrities expected to attend are: Celebrity chef Kai Chase, actresses AnnaLynne McCord, Shantel VanSanten, Shanola Hampton, and actors Kyle Massey, Louis Gossett Jr., Garrett Morris, and Cress Williams.

General admission tickets for the gala are $150, VIP tickets are $200. For more information or to purchase tickets/or to make a donation, please visit www.drawinghope.org. Your support will help make a difference.

By: Wendy Wheaton

The mood was not as somber as expected, but heartfelt and uplifting, as close family and celebrity guests attended the memorial service for “Soul Train” creator and host, Don Cornelius.  While Mr. Cornelius was cremated a week prior, singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Smokey Robinson, BET President, Debra Lee, Deniece Williams, Stevie Wonder, Cedric The Entertainer, Magic Johnson, George Duke, members of The Whispers, Earth Wind and Fire, Karen White, Glodeen White, Don Jackson (of Central City Productions- who put Soul Train on the air)  Soul Train Dancers, and others came out to remember the TV host, who was instrumental in providing a platform that emerged the music careers of hundreds of artists.

There were funny stories that we all know so well, of the huge Afro’s (with Afro picks attached, ) The bell bottom pants, and Soul Train line – that we all watched as kids, even including our mothers and grand mother’s.

Pastor Donnie McClurkin commented not only on Don Cornelius being a man of inspiration, but he was a visionary.

Singer Deniece Williams said that because of Don Cornelius, she was able to be seen on TV and her career flourished, allowing her to be a back-up singer for Steve Wonder, and to then go on to have a successful music career, singing with the likes of Johnny Mathis, and even Whitney Houston.

Reverend Jesse Jackson remarked that “Don Cornelius didn’t just open the keyhole, he opened the door for hundreds of people, and took television and production to higher heights, by providing opportunities and production jobs for people of color.”

One of the most touching moments was when Danny Bakewell, of The Brotherhood Crusade, stepped on the stage.  Danny had the crowd on their feet, as he not only remembered the man with the golden deep baritone voice, but he also said “this is a celebration of Don’s life, and the legendary contributions he has made in the Black community and the world!”  Bakewell had the audience in unison, as he said he was mortified that the recent Grammy Awards disrespected Don Cornelius’ legacy, by not even mentioning his passing.  The crowd applauded as Bakewell went on to say that he will be contacting The Grammy organization, to make sure this never happens again. “Can you imagine if something ever happened to Dick Clark  the creator of American Band Stand.  Do you think The Grammy’s would ever not mention his passing, and slight him?” Bakewell said.

Singer Smokey Robinson, and Cedric the entertainer had fun remembrances of Don Cornelius, and the fun person he was, behind his serious stoic demeanor. Listen to audio and video clips attached on www.thehollywoodscoop.com

So from Soul Train, came the Soul Train Awards, and many other accomplishments of Don Cornelius.  The Soul Train music set is now part of the Smithsonian Institute and Business mogul Magic Johnson, along with Kenard Gibbs, (who bought the rights of Soul Train several years ago) both said they will make sure that the show continues, and the legacy of Don Cornelius lives on.

I thank the Cornelius family, for over the years allowing the Black media to be included in any of their award shows and for including me in covering the memorial.  Tony Cornelius is just as distinguished and special as his dad, and he can be proud to know how special  his father was, and all of the lives he touched.  The Don Cornelius foundation continues, as a mission to establish programs for awareness, prevention, healing, and support for those contemplating suicide, or survivors who have lost love ones.

Always,  Love, Peace and Soul.  WW

On Friday night, as THR broke news that Houston had been approached for the judges’ seat on X Factor, she was said to be at a spa, according to her publicist. Says a source close to Clive Davis, “This is a sad day and it will be a sad Grammys weekend.” No word yet on the cause of death or whether it was drug-related.

Tweets

@RayJ

Artist, Music and Television Producer. CEO of Knockout Entertainment and RnB Productions. For Booking hit up Bookrayj@gmail.com

http://rayj.com

10h RayJ @RayJ

Happy BirthDay to my beautiful Sister Brandy! I love you 4Life And I’m alwayz here 4 you! #happybirthdayBrandy 2/11

22h RayJ @RayJ

Im with Clive Davis helping with the party 2mrw nite. twitpic.com/8iblrw twitpic.com/8iblvt twitpic.com/8iblz4

Unfortunately, Brandy’s birthday will always be a reminder of the day Whitney Houston was found dead, at The Beverly Hills hotel.

Whitney Thursday 2-9-11 at True Nightclub, impromptu on stage with Kelly Prince

Whitney Houston Dead Diva’s Last Performance:’Yes, Jesus Loves Me´

www.youtube.com

‎(Mas info : http://www.isladelcoco.cr/?p=5833-More Info link) Whitney Houston Dead Diva’s Last Ever Performance, song: ‘Yes, Jesus Loves Me´ Última presentac…

According to  Toofab.com,  Whitney Houston died — just days after she was seen enjoying a night out with her daughter Bobbi Kristina in L.A.

The 48-year-old singer stepped out to Kelly Price & Friends Unplugged: For The Love Of R&B GRAMMY Party at Tru Hollywood on Thursday night — her last red carpet appearance before her death.

It was a rare public appearance for Whitney, who hadn’t been on a red carpet for an entire year before that.

Houston even briefly took the mic and sang with R&B singer Kelly Price.

The NAACP Image Awards is the nation’s premier event celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (television, recording, literature, motion picture and writing & directing), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors.

NOMINEES:

ABC and CBS lead the nominees in the TV categories with 18 and 16 nominations respectively, followed by BET and HBO both with 15. In the recording category, Columbia Records leads with eight nominations, followed by Warner Bros. Records with five nominations and Elektra Records with four nominations. Dreamworks Pictures/Touchstone Pictures/Participant Media lead with eight nominations, while Focus Features and TriStar Pictures followed with seven, and Universal Pictures with five in the motion picture category.

Television Nominees

Love That Girl!

TV One

Modern Family

ABC

Reed Between the Lines

BET

The Game

BET

Tyler Perry’s House of Payne

TBS

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Dulé Hill

Psych

USA Network

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Reed Between the Lines

BET

Phil Morris

Love That Girl!

TV One

Pooch Hall

The Game

BET

Terry Crews

Are We There Yet?

TBS

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Tatyana Ali

Love That Girl!

TV One

Tia Mowry-Hardrict

The Game

BET

Tracee Ellis Ross

Reed Between the Lines

BET

Vanessa Williams

Desperate Housewives

ABC

Wendy Raquel Robinson

The Game

BET

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Craig Robinson

The Office

NBC

Damon Wayans, Jr.

Happy Endings

ABC

J.B. Smoove

Curb Your Enthusiasm

HBO

Nick Cannon

Up All Night

NBC

Tracy Morgan

30 Rock

NBC

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Amber Riley

Glee

FOX

Gabourey Sidibe

The Big C

Showtime

Keshia Knight Pulliam

Tyler Perry’s House of Payne

TBS

Maya Rudolph

Up All Night

NBC

Sofia Vergara

Modern Family

ABC

Outstanding Drama Series

Boardwalk Empire

HBO

Grey’s Anatomy

ABC

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

NBC

The Good Wife

CBS

Treme

HBO

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Andre Braugher

Men of a Certain Age

TNT

Hill Harper

CSI: NY

CBS

L.L. Cool J

NCIS: Los Angeles

CBS

Taye Diggs

Private Practice

ABC

Wendell Pierce

Treme

HBO

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Chandra Wilson

Grey’s Anatomy

ABC

Khandi Alexander

Treme

HBO

Regina King

SouthLAnd

TNT

Sandra Oh

Grey’s Anatomy

ABC

Taraji P. Henson

Person of Interest

CBS

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Corey Reynolds

The Closer

TNT

Ice T

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

NBC

James Pickens, Jr.

Grey’s Anatomy

ABC

Nelsan Ellis

True Blood

HBO

Omar Epps

House M.D.

FOX

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Alfre Woodard

Memphis Beat

TNT

Anika Noni Rose

Law & Order Special Victims Unit

NBC

Archie Panjabi

The Good Wife

CBS

Diahann Carroll

White Collar

USA Network

Loretta Devine

Grey’s Anatomy

ABC

Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

Five

Lifetime Movie Network

Hallmark Hall of Fame, Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith

ABC

Luther

BBC America

The Least Among You

Showtime

Thurgood

HBO

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

Esai Morales

We Have Your Husband

Lifetime

Idris Elba

Luther

BBC America

Laurence Fishburne

Thurgood

HBO

Louis Gossett, Jr.

The Least Among You

Showtime

Samuel L. Jackson

The Sunset Limited

HBO

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

Anika Noni Rose

Hallmark Hall of Fame, Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith

ABC

Jenifer Lewis

Five

Lifetime Movie Network

Rosario Dawson

Five

Lifetime Movie Network

Taraji P. Henson

Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story

Lifetime

Tracee Ellis Ross

Five

Lifetime Movie Network

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series

Aaron D. Spears

The Bold and the Beautiful

CBS

Bryton James

The Young and the Restless

CBS

Emerson Brooks

All My Children

ABC

James Reynolds

Days of Our Lives

NBC

Texas Battle

The Bold and the Beautiful

CBS

Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series

Christel Khalil

The Young and the Restless

CBS

Julia Pace Mitchell

The Young and the Restless

CBS

Tatyana Ali

The Young and the Restless

CBS

Tonya Lee Williams

The Young and the Restless

CBS

Yvette Freeman

The Bold and the Beautiful

CBS

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)

BET News Exclusive: The President Answers Black America

BET

Judge Mathis

Syndicated

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel

HBO

Unsung

TV One

Washington Watch with Roland Martin

TV One

Outstanding Talk Series

Anderson

Syndicated

Oprah’s Lifeclass

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

The Doctors

Syndicated

The View

ABC

The Wendy Williams Show

Syndicated

Outstanding Reality Series

All-American Muslim

TLC

American Idol

FOX

Dancing with the Stars

ABC

Sunday Best

BET

Tia & Tamera

Style Network

Outstanding Variety Series or Special

2011 BET Awards

BET

Black Girls Rock!

BET

Oprah Presents: Master Class

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

Prince! Behind the Symbol

The Africa Channel

UNCF An Evening of Stars Tribute to Chaka Khan

BET

Outstanding Children’s Program

A.N.T. Farm

Disney Channel

Dora the Explorer

Nickelodeon

Go, Diego! Go!

Nickelodeon

I Can Be President: A Kid’s-Eye View

HBO

My Family Tree

Disney Channel

Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children’s Program (Series or Special)

China Anne McClain

A.N.T. Farm

Disney Channel

Keke Palmer

True Jackson, VP

Nickelodeon

Lance Robertson

Yo Gabba Gabba

Nickelodeon

Leon Thomas III

Victorious

Nickelodeon

Zendaya Coleman

Shake It Up

Disney Channel

The Black music community and fans alike are not only in awe…but Don Cornelius will be missed terribly.  I myself have attended practically every “Soul Train Award’s” show up until about five or six years ago.  Cornelius sold his TV rights several years back, and continued to have a diminished empire, despite years of leading the pack.  R.I.P  Wendy Wheaton  (Video and more to come)

First time African American winners:

Octavia Spencer – “Best Supporting Actress” The Help
Spencer won best supporting actress for her role as a brassy housekeeper joining other black maids to share stories about life with their white employers in the 1960s Deep South tale “The Help.”

Octavia Spencer delivered the most timely Golden Globes winner’s speech, honoring domestic workers by invoking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the eve of the national holiday celebrating the civil rights leader’s life and vision. “With regard to domestics in this country, now and then, I think Dr. King said it best: ‘All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.’ And I thank you for recognizing that with our film,” Spencer said.

Idris Elba of “Luther” won the Golden Globe award for best actor in a series, miniseries or motion picture made for television.

Top Winners included

HE WINNERS FOR THE 2012 GOLDEN GLOBES
Best Motion Picture Drama: The Descendants
Best TV Series, Comedy or Musical: Modern Family
Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce
TV Movie or Miniseries: Downton Abbey
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama: George Clooney, The Descendants
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama: Meryl Streep Iron Lady
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Jean DuJardin, The Artist
Best Director: Martin Scorsese, Hugo
Best Motion Picture for Musical or Comedy: The Artist
Actress in a TV Series, Comedy: Laura Dern, Enlightened
Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Original Song, Motion Picture: “Masterpiece,” Madonna, Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry
Original Score, Motion Picture: The Artist, Ludovic Bource
Best Actor in a TV Series, Drama: Kelsey Grammer, Boss
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn
Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Idris Elba, Luther
Best TV Series, Drama: Homeland
Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Octavia Spencer, The Help
Best Actor, TV Series Comedy: Matt LeBlanc, Episodes
Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland
Foreign Language Film: A Separation, Iran
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Movie: Jessica Lange, American Horror Story
Best Screenplay, Motion Picture: Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
Best Animated Feature Film: The Adventures of Tintin
Cecil B. DeMille Award: Morgan Freeman

During award show season, there are often so many events and parties that take place, you often need to map out your itinerary a week in advance, to attend the best and most popular things.  One event marketing company that has been branded with an “A” for “astounding,” is top celebrity and award gifting company, GBK productions.

Pre- Golden Globes, GBK Productions got the top award with their rooftop display at Le Ermitage Hotel.  Several dozen unique vendors participated with their sparkling displays, by letting stars come by and receive a free gift or product.  Celebrities including Anthony Anderson, Karina Smirnoff, Chris Mcdonald,)

Some of the fun companies who were present were:
G Wear Shirts and scarfs.  Based out of Dallas, and available in high end boutiques
Beyond the rack.com, (who had really cute clothing, and a green strapless spandex bra,
Tweezerman (had really fun and cool multi-Colored tweezers, and mini one for your purse. www.tweezerman.com
Yasawa – fiji Island resorts (A 7 night free trip and accommodations to nominees of The Golden Globe awards)
TC FINE INTIMATES –women’s comfortable undergarments
LITTLE BLACK DRESS VODKA – It comes in a variety of flavors, including pineapple honey flavored vodka
Robert Graham – Men’s clothing.  The latest upscale men’s suits, ties, and shirts.
EOS – lip balm in a variety of flavors, shaving cream, and lotion.
CENTERVILLE PIE COMPANY FROM MASSACHUSETTS –The best chicken pie. They ship anywhere in the US.
NVEY MAKEUP – Organic makeup from Australia. Nveymakeup.com
Glysom – sleep supplement
Comphy at home Company – Sheets and linens www.comphy.com
CoCopotamus – Fudge chocolate balls
Breadbasket – Specialty cream puffs, cupcakes, and gift baskets
Essie Nail polish (now available in nail salons and Target)
Essilor Eye Glasses
Crizal Eye Glasses
Sandra Brooks Jewelry
ROMI Digital Foundation
REVITALASH – Volumizing mascara