Cécile McLorin Salvant Shines At The Ford – EUR Concert Review
*Cécile McLorin Salvant walked out, took the stage, and sang her heart out. On a beautiful, crisp autumn evening under the stars, before a mixed audience of young and old jazz enthusiasts at The Ford in Los Angeles, the 32-year-old singing sensation simply seduced with her genuine musical offerings. Salvant, who hit the scene, presenting the […]
Cast Announced for The Wallis Production of ‘Blues in the Night’
*The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts announces the cast for its upcoming production of Blues in the Night. Conceived and directed by Sheldon Epps, the production will feature Yvette Cason (Shout Sister Shout, Broadway and film versions of Dreamgirls), Bryce Charles (The Book of Mormon, ABC’s “Black-ish”), Paulette Ivory (Disney’s Aida and the […]
Bessie Smith’s Estate ‘Thrilled’ Over Four Emmy Wins for ‘Bessie’
*In a year in which television’s annual award derby The Emmys took tremendous effort to recognize racial and cultural “diversity,” HBO’s presentation of “Bessie” – a made-for-television movie about the life and legacy of pioneering blues singer Bessie Smith – won four of the twelve awards for which it was nominated. For the individual winners […]
Queen Latifah Moved By Her Own ‘Bessie’ Performance: I ‘Made Myself Cry’
*Queen Latifah will vie for her first Emmy Award next month. The actress is nominated for her lead performance in the HBO film “Bessie,” but her portrayal of blues legend Bessie Smith has already had its own personal rewards. “It was the first time I ever watched a movie with me in it and made […]
Queen Latifah Puts the Cap on Rumors of Her Sexuality
*Speculation over Queen Latifah’s sexuality has been a running topic for a number of years. Adding fuel to the fire is Latifah’s critically acclaimed role as Bessie Smith in HBO’s recent biopic on the bisexual blues icon. No matter her orientation, let it be said that Latifah is not going to spill the beans anytime […]
Emmy Noms Coming up July 16 Three Days After ‘Bessie’ Digital Release
*In the “brawling, crowded and unfailingly compelling” (Wall Street Journal)“Bessie,” Oscar nominee Queen Latifah gives a heralded performance as blues legend Bessie Smith, a role she had been eager to play since she was 22. As Bessie, “she is vulnerable one instant; sexy and bombastic the next” (The New York Times). The acclaimed film […]
‘Bessie’ Soundtrack Adds ‘Pigfoot’ 2015 Remix from Queen Latifah
*With “Bessie” finally airing on HBO, fans of the Dee Rees-directed biopic are now waiting on the June 2 release of the soundtrack, featuring the film’s star Queen Latifah performing Bessie Smith’s material. The CD will include Latifah’s rendition of “Young Woman Blues,” “Preachin’ The Blues,” “Long Old Road,” “Down Hearted Blues,” “Work House Blues” […]
Queen Latifah on ‘Bessie’ Lesbian Love Scenes: ‘It is what it is’
*The buzz on Queen Latifah’s performance in HBO’s upcoming original movie “Bessie” is strong as critics are praising the entertainer for delivering a strong piece of work. Chatting with BET’s Clay Kane, Latifah detailed how she was able to fully capture the essence of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith for the biopic. “I had to […]
‘Bessie’ Director on Film’s Music: ‘It’s Not Going To Be the Songs That You Know’
*Dee Rees, the director of HBO’s upcoming biopic on Bessie Smith says don’t expect to hear a lot of her popular hits in the film. Queen Latifah plays the blues icon from her days as a struggling young singer to becoming a national superstar on such signature tunes as “Gimme a Pigfoot (And a Bottle of […]
Queen Latifah Talks Sexuality, Getting Naked and Playing Bessie Smith
*Queen Latifah has done it all — from music to TV to film. She’s a well-rounded entertainer who has taken on the role of iconic Bessie Smith in HBO’s “Bessie.” She opened up to Uptown Magazine about getting naked onscreen for the first time and talked with the publication about Smith’s sexuality and its significance.
First Look Video: Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith in HBO Film (Watch)
*Queen Latifah is no longer gracing the airwaves with her daily talk show, but she will be back on the small screen shortly. If you haven’t heard, Lafifah is bringing blues pioneer Bessie Smith back to life in the HBO film, “Bessie.” The 45-year-old Oscar nominee plays the “Empress of the Blues” in a riveting […]
Queen Latifah’s ‘Bessie’ to Premiere May 16 on HBO (New Pics)
*HBO has finally set a date for its Bessie Smith biopic starring Queen Latifah. The film, which follows America’s “Empress of the Blues” from her beginning in abject poverty to becoming one of the biggest recording artists of the 1920s, will premiere on May 16, the network announced Tuesday. Smith died after a car accident in […]
Queen Latifah on Inhabiting Bessie Smith for HBO (Pics)
*Journalists on Thursday got a first look at Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith in director Dee Rees’ HBO biopic, and based on the effusive reaction in the room via Twitter – to the sizzle reel alone – it may very will be the most anticipated telefilm of the spring. The film follows Smith’s journey from a rough […]
