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| Murphy becam one of most America's most recognizable people in the 1980's. (c) Entertainment Weekly |
Eddie Murphy's career took off in the early 1980's in electric fashion. As he was in the midst of his 'Saturday Night Live' work, he released a solo self-titled album on Columbia Records that even claimed a Grammy nomination.
Here he is in 1982, talking about life as a superstar.Sheena Easton's biggest hit titled "9 To 5" (Morning Train) is the sixth song on her debut album 'Take My Time'.
It was written by Florrie Palmer and produced by Christopher Neil. |
| Windows 95 turns 26 years-old today. (c) The Verge |
On This Day in 1995, Microsoft made a significant advancement with its operating system and introduced Windows 95 to the world.
The New York Times called it "the splashiest, most frenzied, most expensive introduction of a computer product in the industry's history."
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| For 12 years, the NBA shined bright on NBC. (c) Wikipedia |
There are very few things better for basketball fans (particularly those of the 1990's) than hearing John Tesh's "Roundball Rock" as the theme music for the NBA on NBC broadcasts.
In 2002, the NBA signed a new contract with ABC ending its phenomenal 12-year run with NBC that showcased one of the golden periods in league history.
As NBC could not keep up with the fluidity of cable and broadcast offer Disney was presented with ABC and ESPN, basketball fans had to say goodbye to their beloved NBC viewing that showcased the likes of the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s and the rise of superstars such as Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Penny Hardaway.
As the 2002 NBA Finals closed with the Los Angeles Lakers sweeping the New Jersey Nets, the network gave viewers a look back of memories during their 12-year period with the NBA.
Most NBA on NBC broadcasts were presented by Marv Albert, Bob Costas, Ahmad Rashad, Hannah Storm, Mike Fratello and Bill Walton.
Along with Steve Jones, Albert, Walton and Costas would close the network's final NBA broadcast.
Bryant & Destiny's Child in 1999.
(c) We Miss Music
Kobe Bryant, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson were all rising stars in their own right during the late 1990's.
Kobe's basketball journey as a child began in Italy.
Sounds of Blackness is still going strong today.
(c) Sounds of Blackness
"Optimistic" is a 1991 hit single from Gospel, Soul and R&B vocal and instrumental ensemble 'Sounds of Blackness'.
It was recorded on their debut album titled "The Evolution of Gospel " and reached #3 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop charts.
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| (c) Wikipedia |
On This Day In 1960: Senegal withdrew from the Mali Federation.
As this took place there was a tough and contentious dispute between Mali Federation Premier Modibo Keita and Defense Minister Mamadou Dia.
The argument boiled down to whether there would be an authoritarian figure or a figurehead who holds the highest title in the land but does very little work.
Keita was Dia's boss so he exercised the ability to fire him.
Dia would strike back and have Keita.
Leopold Senghor would enter the vacancy and become the first President of Senegal.
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| Drake was on the other side of well-played theatrics for this one. (c) The Source |
"It's no joke".
Drake thought he was in the midst of a high level earthquake while being escorted by the secret service.
Hilarious work from Ashton Kutcher.
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| Aaliyah Houghton was a hit maker in her teens. (c) IMDb |
Aaliyah's influence is still absolutely worldwide as time approaches the 20 year anniversary of her untimely death. Though she released classics and top-tier music in the 1990's, her star was beginning to shine mighty bright in the early 2000's.
As Aaliyah Dana Houghton's catalog begins to make her way into the ear's of a new generation over the next five months via streaming services, a song by the name of "One In A Million" will be hard to shake.
It is the third track on her second album of the same title which was released almost 25 years ago. Missy Elliot wrote the lyrics and Timbaland did too while also producing.
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| Hayes revolutionized soul music. (c) Discogs |
Isaac Lee Hayes Jr. was born on this day to Isaac Sr. and Eula Hayes in Covington, Tennessee.
After dropping out of high school, he was persuaded by his former teachers at Manassas High School to get his GED which he would do at age 21. Hayes would then turn to working at a meat-packing plant by day and performing as a musician by night at nightclubs.
Hayes started his recording career as a musician at Stax Records and by 1967, he along with David Porter composed and wrote the hit single "Soul Man" which was recognized as one of the most influential songs by the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 1968, he released his debut album Presenting Isaac Hayes.
His most recognized work came in 1971 when he did the musical score for the film Shaft. Hayes became the third African-American to win an Oscar as he took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
As an actor, he performed as Gandolf "Gandy" Fitch on The Rockford Files for 6 years and voiced the character "Chef" on Comedy Central animated series South Park.
Hayes passed away 10 days before his birthday in 2008. 2 years, later on his birthday a section of Interstate 40 in Tennessee was named the "Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway" in his honor.
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| Fabregas elevated Arsenal's midfield during his time with the club. (c) Goal |
On This Day In 2003: Barcelona's youth academy 'La Masia' no longer has Cesc Fabregas on their program. The then 16 year-old young star would sign with Arsenal for £2.88 million.
During his time with Arsenal, he would amass 35 goals, 75 assists in 212 premier league appearances.
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| This movie about a day in the lives of car washers was a big hit. (c) IMDb |
In this scene Ajaye's character ,"TC" lets his girlfriend, Mona (played by Tracy Reed) know what the deal is after he wins tickets to a concert.
He kept it real and got the outcome he desired.
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| (c) The Undefeated |
Richard Claxton Gregory was born on October 12, 1937 to Presley and Lucille Gregory in St. Louis, Missouri.
The famed comedian was known for his social and political activism which began in the 1960's. He ran for Mayor of Chicago in 1967, and ran for President of the United States a year later under the Freedom and Peace Party.
Gregory was also a great athlete in his youth as he earned a track scholarship to the University of Southern Illnois, Carbondale. His collegiate athletic days were limited due to him being drafted into the army.
Nutritional eating was also a vital lifestyle for Gregory. After weighing 350 pounds, drinking alcohol and smoking everyday, he made a drastic change in his lifestyle. In 1981, he took on the challenge called the "Dick Gregory Zero Nutrition Fasting Experiment" where he drank a gallon of water daily and engaged prayer while fasting for 70 days straight.
Dick Gregory was married to Lillian Smith for over 50 years and they had 10 children together.
The human, animals, civil and feminist activist passed away on this day in 2017. He was 84 years old.
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| Grant Hill is in the hall of fame for a reason. (c) GQ |
In 1999-2000, Hill averaged 25.8 PPG, 5.2 APG and 6.6 RPG.
He was ascending and promising but unfortunately ankle injuries derailed his path to the top tier of the NBA. However in-spite of that, Hill continued to strive on and have a successful career.
Whether it be on film or in the minds of fans, there are still memories of the past.
During a game against the reigning champion Chicago Bulls in 1998, Hill found himself on an island against the great Scottie Pippen.
What transpired next is one of the reasons why Grant Hill is so highly respected in his profession.
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| Mackie gets to take his character to new heights. (c) Screen Rant |
Anthony Mackie's 'Avengers' character "Sam Wilson" aka "The Falcon" will team up with writer and creator Malcolm Spellman to deliver 'Captain America 4' for Disney.
Director Kari Skogland and Script Writer Dalan Musson will also be on board for their duties as Marvel enhances Mackies influence in the fourth 'Captain America' installment after Chris Evans starred in the prior films.
Malcolm Spellman has also put together a team of majority Black writers to further bring the Black experience front and center to the superhero genre.
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| 'Secrets' debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200. (c) Wikipedia |
"There's No Me Without You" is the third track on Toni Braxton's 1996 'Secrets' album.
The song was written and produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.
