By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — One of the greatest names in popular music history is back with a brand new album. Motown legend Smokey Robinson announced Friday the release of the nine-song LP “Gasms.” It is his first new project in nearly a decade, and it reaffirms his mastery as a premier writer and performer of romantic material. At 83, Robinson still sounds elegant and passionate. He may not have the tonal range of years past, but few can match him in delivering a lyric or expressing a theme. The album is clearly aimed at adults, with content that…
Author: Ron Wynn
Football, especially at the professional level, is an extremely brutal and violent game. While there are undeniably incredible moments of athletic grave and beauty on display, at its core there is a physicality and violence that can be unsettling. But near the end of last season something happened that shocked the entire athletic world. On a Monday night national telecast Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin lay prone on the ground without a heartbeat. He had made what seemed a routine tackle, but he was lying flat and still on the field. Hamlin’s heart had stopped. Thankfully it was revived and…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — With the NFL draft set to begin Thursday in Kansas City, Tennessee Titans fans wonder if a last minute deal to move up is in the works. New general manager Ran Carthon has not made public any preferences or tendencies, but the rumor mill has been active with various draft specialists anticipating a Titans trade. If no move is made, they will draft 11th in the first round. Some analysts predict a trade up to possibly get one of the three QB prospects. They are either Will Kevus of Kentucky, Anth Richardson of Florida…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The longtime R&B group New Edition was honored recently by the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). The Black pop music superstars have reunited for a new tour that also features the group Guy and vocalist Keith Sweat. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also joined in the event, which recognized New Edition as one of the oldest and most commercially successful vocal groups in popular music history. Though he has missed some dates on the current tour, Bobby Brown was among the members participating in the event. He praised the Museum…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — CBS sports and news reporter Nate Burleson is getting yet another job at the network. Starting in June, he will be a game show co-host. Burleson and Kettie Knight are co-hosting the new program “Superfan.” It is the latest twist on music competition shows, but with a different wrinkle. This time the participants are not professional vocalists or musicians. Instead, they are fans and supporters of musicians who will be performing. Each week a guest performer will make the choice of a winning super fan. These winners are also competing for a separate grand…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Organizations and outlets all over the world are celebrating International Jazz Day Sunday April 30. Locally, the Nashville Jazz Workshop will be marking the day with events and a special concert beginning at 5 pm at their headquarters located at 1012 Buchanan Street. The Nashville Jazz Workshop has earned national recognition for its combination of advocacy, education, and performance. Their special concert room, known as the “Jazz Cave,” functions for improvisational artists in the same way as the Bluebird Cafe does for aspiring singers and songwriters. It is a listening and concert venue, and…
The National Football League is getting rid of a huge problem, and it’s not costing them anything. They are also getting a minor PR boost. That’s because longtime league embarrassment Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder is selling his team. After years of scandal and bluster, countless disgusting public statements and often outrageous rhetoric, Snyder is getting out of pro football ownership. A Washington native who grew up watching the team when it was both consistently great and the city’s most popular franchise, Snyder has presided over its steady decline. A team that once routinely sold out its games now is…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Despite having no opportunity to make the playoffs, the Nashville Predators fought down to the wire before losing the final game of the season 4-3 to the Colordo Avalanche. The win gave defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado the Central Division title. But it took a three goal, one assist night from the Avalanche”s best player Nathan MacKinnon. He scored the game-winner on a two on one breakaway with only one minute and 42 seconds remaining. Nashville had battled back from a 3-1 deficit, tying the game with two early second period goals. Once again…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Modern country music’s first Black superstar now has his own statue on the Ryman Walk of Fame. Last Wednesday his statue was unveiled in a ceremony attended by both his widow Rozene and son Dion, along with other celebrities and special guests as well as Ryman Properties Executive Chairman Colin Reed. Reed praised Pride as a trailblazer who defied stereotypes and excelled over obstacles. Rozene Pride pointed out that unlike Jackie Robinson, who was chosen to integrate major league baseball by Branch Rickey, her husband chose country music and loved it. His groundbreaking role…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Netflix is teaming with a pair of major stars and assembling an all-star cast for its new film version of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson.” Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington, who were both in the 2022 Broadway revival, will also headline the film. It is being directed by Malcolm Washington, who is also co-writing the script along with Virgil Williams. The film is being produced by Denzel Washington and Todd Black. Netflix made the announcement last week. “The Piano Lesson” is the fourth play in August Wilson”s Pittsburgh cycle and takes place…