June 25, 2007

Deborah Does Dinah

Deborah Cox is probably best known for her hit, "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here," from her platinum sophomore album, 'One Wish.' The Toronto, Ontario-bred vocalist was signed for many years to both Arista and J Records under Clive Davis's reign, however after a sub par rollout for her 2002 album, 'The Morning After,' the singer requested a release from the label and was granted one.

Cox went on to dazzle the Great White Way in Elton John and Tim Rice's Broadway production, 'Aida.' She also appeared in David E. Talbert's touring play and accompanying DVD, 'Love on Layaway,' and shot a movie called 'Blood of a Champion.' Afterwards, Cox laid low for a while and placed her emphasis on taking care of home. "I took time off to do some personal stuff and to spend time with family," she told me.

This time last year, the 32-year old talent gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Sumayah. "She's almost a year," beamed Cox. She and her husband/manager, Lascelles Stephens, also have a son named Isaiah who'll turn five on July 1. "It puts everything in perspective. I love being a mommy and doing mommy things. It really keeps me in the present and allows me to appreciate moment to moment," she shared.

On the music front, Cox recently birthed a new CD called, 'Destination Moon' (Decca Records). The compilation pays homage to the late Dinah Washington, one of the many vocalists that inspired Cox as a child. "She was on the turntable along with Aretha [Franklin] and Billie Holliday. I loved her style. The first song I heard of her's was "This Bitter Earth." And I just remember how that song and her performance resonated with me more than anything else. It sparked my interest and I decided to delve into her catalog even more," she said.

While CDs featuring classic tunes have been popularized with the success of remake records by Michael McDonald, Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper, Cox said she wasn't interested in just compiling random tunes and releasing a project. "I refocused this project so that it was more streamlined, so that the project had a real personal connection. It wasn't just about compiling a bunch of songs from a specific period that were hits back in the day. It wasn't about that. I wanted this project to have really a personal connection to me. Songs that meant something to me and remind me of a certain point in my life," she expressed.

According to Cox, the entire recording process only took two and a half weeks.

This fall, the singer will take on Washington again, but this time for the big screen. Cox will star in a biopic about Washington that's slated to begin shooting this fall. "It's in the process. Happening as we speak," she told me exclusively. Right now the film will shoot independently, though a studio is expected to be attached at some point during the process.

In addition, Cox is prepping a new R&B album that she aims to release in the spring of 2008. "I'm almost done," she confessed. Though no duets have been recorded as of yet-"We Can't Be Friends" with R.L. of Next was an enormous hit for Cox in 1999-she admitted that she would like to collaborate with Maxwell on her forthcoming CD.

His Name Is Joe

Crooner Joe is one of R&B's good guys. The 33-year-old singer (born Joseph Thomas) has managed to maintain a squeaky clean image to go along with his numerous gold and platinum-certified recordings.

"I'm not caught up in this game," the singer told me. "I'm only here by hard work! And it's not luck…I've been blessed with this position. I'm not going to take advantage of it. And taking advantage of it is mistreating people and not treating people the way that you want to be treated. And what goes around comes back around and I definitely keep that in the forefront"

The self-contained talent-he's a singer, songwriter and producer-believes that his ability to write his own music allowed him to be a mainstay in R&B, with six CD releases under his belt. Additionally, Joe feels that there are very few people like him that are really working to maintain the integrity of R&B. "I think one thing that's lacking is the originality of songs. You got a few good songwriters out in the R&B world that's doing good. I think Ne-Yo is a great writer. My boy Sean Garrett is doing his thing as well. Bryan Michael Cox is doing good writing... Johnta Austin," he expressed.

In addition to his success in the United States, the Jive Records singer has carved out quite an international following. In August, the "All the Things (Your Man Won't Do)" and "I Wanna Know" singer will head to Japan to perform nearly three weeks worth of shows. "I've been going to Japan since 1995. They've embraced me since day one. I go at least two or three times a year," he said, before adding that he regular gigs in South America, Australia and Korea as well.

And while music is certainly his first love, Joe is quick to say his guilty pleasure is: "Girls! What else could it be?" Though he has much love for the ladies, Joe admitted that settling down has become problematic. "I can't commit," he confessed. "My one thing that's really difficult for me is to lock it down. It's going to be a long time before that happens. Maybe about 40. I got another seven years to go!"

Buzzworthy

All roads pointed to Memphis last Friday for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stax Records. Held at the Orpheum Theater and hosted by Randy Jackson ('American Idol') and Chuck D (Public Enemy), the concert paid homage to the label responsible for legendary soul acts like Wilson Pickett, Rufus Thomas, Billy Eckstine, Shirley Brown, Otis Redding and The Staples Singers. To celebrate its foundation, the concert featured performances by Stax notables such as Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & The MGs, Mavis Staples, The Reddings, Eddie Floyd, Mable John, The Soul Children, and Rance Allen, who turned the show out! The grand affair also showcased new signings to Stax Records, since the label was recently re-launched after being acquired by Concord Records. Angie Stone, Lalah Hathaway, N'Dambi and Soulive all performed covers of classic Stax Records hits as well. Hoops star Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway and 'American Idol' reject Margaret Fowler (remember the quirky 50-year-old woman in the Big Bird costume?) were also in attendance. For more information on the history of Stax Records go to www.Stax50.com.

Eric Benet will star as a music producer named "T Davis" on the upcoming MTV drama, 'Kaya.' The series, which stars singer Danielle Savre as the title character, is about what happens when a pop star gets the superstar success she's always desired. In other Benet news, the singer is dating Manuela Testolini, the ex-wife of Prince.

Comedians Arsenio Hall and Marc Curry are among the names being tossed around to host a new daytime version of the hit Howie Mandel-hosted game show, 'Deal or No Deal.' The daytime spin-off of 'Deal or No Deal' launches next fall.

Gabrielle Union, Kelis, model Devon Aoki and socialite Kimberly Stewart are among the women who posed nude in celebrated photographer Marc Baptiste's newest book, 'Marc Baptiste Nudes' (Universe Publishing). The book is in stores now.

The West Coast just got a hot new glossy on its newsstands. BQE Magazine celebrates posh living and the high end publication features things from the latest couture fashions to lavish dining. For more details on the California-based regional magazine, visit their website at www.bqemagazine.com. Look for model Denyce Lawton (who is dating actor Wesley Jonathan) to grace the mag's next issue.

Actress Terri J. Vaughn ('All of Us') will have her fifth annual Take Wings Foundation Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on Aug. 18. Her former 'The Steve Harvey Show' love interest, comedian Cedric The Entertainer will host the affair. For details, visit www.TakeWings.org.

Can't Say Names…

So each year the organizers of the 'BET Awards' work to surprise viewers with a top-secret performance. Usually the secret is a surprise guest (Michael Jackson), a big reunion (The Fugees) or maybe even a first-time duet (possibly this year?). Most years, I've scooped BET by learning who the secret performer(s) will be, though I never fully disclose the act (mainly because I genuinely like Stephen Hill, BET's Senior VP of BET Music Programming and Talent). Now a little birdie told what is expected this year, but of course I can't give you a full spoiler. But that doesn't mean I can't offer a few options and let you choose!