By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Vocalist/actress Mary J. Blige’s latest project, the documentary “My Life” debuted on Amazon Prime Video over the weekend and is now available to be streamed. But Blige told The Hollywood Reporter that the film gives her the same thrill as when the LP was initially released. “I just want people [to get] you know that feeling we got when we [first] heard the album,” she said. “You’ll get it again when you see the documentary,” she says. “That’s the gift I want to give back. I wasn’t the only one going through what I…
Author: Ron Wynn
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Sounds are enjoying a strong season thus far, and stand in second place among Southeast Division teams in the Eastern portion of Triple A’s Eastern Division with a 30-16 record. They’ve won six of their last 10 games and began a six-game series with Louisville Tuesday night. They concluded a six game home series with Charlotte Sunday by winning yet another thriller. They got a 5-4 walkoff win, their third in the last four games. Mitch Longo scored on a fielder’s choice from Corey Ray in front of 7,613 fans Sunday night…
The rosters for both the women and men’s basketball teams for the Tokyo Olympics have been announced, and there’s both controversy and the possibility of historic achievements for each. The women’s team will be coached by former Olympian and current South Carolina coach Dawn Staley. Multiple NBA title winner and longtime San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will coach the men’s team. Both are heavy favorites to take Olympic gold later this month in Tokyo. The women’s roster sparked the first controversy when it was announced that there were three major omissions. Two of them were former Olympic gold medalists…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — There have long been stories and rumors about a Marvin Gaye biopic, but it seems this time they will actually prove true. It was announced Monday that a Marvin Gaye biopic was officially coming from Warner Bros. The company said it had acquired “What’s Going On,” a project that would be co-produced by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. Allen Hughes was named as both a director and a producer. Gaye’s estate, widow Jan Gaye, and Motown are also part of the deal, something that should mean original musical recordings will be used in the…
NASHVILLE, TN — The coaching staff of Eddie George includes one former NFL head coach and the son of another. George announced his full staff last week for the upcoming 2021 fall season, his first as head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers. The biggest name is former Las Vegas (they were Oakland when he coached them) Raiders and Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson. Jackson’s most recent position had been as an assistant to former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis in 2018. Jackson will be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Former Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher’s…
These NBA playoffs have been distinguished by two things. One is the unpredictability of outcomes, with both the top seeds in each conference already eliminated, and teams like Milwaukee, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Clippers posting surprising and historical victories in their various rounds. But the bigger and better trend that’s resulted has been the success of Black coaches. Three of the four teams still in contention for an NBA title have African Americans in charge on the sidelines, and it’s possible both of the clubs vying for the crown will have Black coaches. That puts a positive spin on…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Clarence Williams III had a long and distinguished career that included appearances on Broadway and in multiple films. But for many in the baby boom generation Williams, who passed on June 3, 2021 at 81, will be forever remembered for a pair of iconic performances. They came in the ABC television series “The Mod Squad” and the film “Purple Rain.” He portrayed Linc Hayes on “The Mod Squad” and Prince’s father in “Purple Rain.” The cause of death was confirmed by his management as colon cancer. Williams became a household name in 1968 as…
Every athlete eventually will be defeated by age. While some like Tom Brady or Lebron James seem to defy the usual impact of getting older (though this year James started to show signs of its effect), even they eventually will have to give way to younger replacements. But nowhere is this topic being discussed more lately than in the tennis world, mainly because two of its greatest legends are now facing constant questions about retirement. Venus and Serena Williams have been the greatest sister act in sports history period. Their influence and accomplishments aren’t just tennis achievements, they’re cultural milestones…
By Ron Wynn Shemekia Copeland has more than upheld the grand blues tradition of her late superstar father Johnny Copeland. Sunday she was the biggest winner at the 2021 Blues Music Awards (BMAs) among those honored in 25 categories. The 42nd annual ceremonies coincide with the 42 annual celebration of Black Music Month. Copeland won the top honor, the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. She also repeated as Contemporary Blues Female Artist award winner from 2020, and her LP “Uncivil War” earned Contemporary Blues Album honors as well. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram continued his winning streak from 2020 with…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Neither Vanderbilt, the defending NCAA baseball champion or Tennessee accomplished their primary goal at last week’s SEC tournament. But both did reach their secondary goals and will be among seven SEC teams hosting regional tournaments for the forthcoming NCAA College World Series. The SEC took seven of the 16 available spots for regional events. A total of 64 teams will be attempting to reach Omaha, the site of the College World Series. Each regional consists of four teams playing in a double-elimination format. All the events run from Friday through Monday. Regional winners advance…