2008 Deaths
Odetta Holmes
"The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement" was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
December 31 1930 - December 2 2008.
Ray Tamarra , Getty
Bernie Mac
Comedian, Actor
Oct. 5, 1957 - Aug. 9, 2008.
AP
Isaac Hayes
Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
August 20, 1942 - August 10, 2008
Reuters
Miriam Makeba, "Mama Africa"
South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
March 4, 1932 - November 10, 2008.
Reuters
Jennifer Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.
AP
Shakir Stewart
The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z's departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.
Getty
George Carlin
Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008
Getty Images
Madelyn Dunham
Barack Obama's grandmother
October 26, 1922 - Nov 3, 2008.
Getty Images
Levi Stubbs
Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Baby I Need Your Loving" died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.
Corbis
Dee Dee Warwick
Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.
Corbis
Gallery by Denver Louis, Photo Editor: Denyse Clarke
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Filed under: Exclusives, Movies, Television '106 Park' host Terrence J will make his feature film debut in the sequel to 'Stomp the Yard.' The TV host, whose real name is Terrence Jenkins, will play the role of Ty, a key lineman in Chance's fraternity. "As a graduate of an HBCU and member of... Read More
Filed under: Gossip, Music Chris Brown is getting some support as he works towards moving beyond his domestic violence ordeal with Rihanna. The National Coalition For Men (NCFM) has released a statement challenging Rihanna to take ownership of her part in the domestic ordeal and discuss her violence... Read More
Filed under: Gossip, Music, Gospel, Television On the heels of receiving negative press a week ago, talk show titan Oprah Winfrey won't allow her friend, gospel singer BeBe Winans to host her Karaoke Challenge on her daytime talk show. Winfrey was accused of having "double standards" last... Read More
Filed under: Exclusives, Music, Gospel Following the success of his 2007 CD, 'Thirsty,' Marvin Sapp is gearing up for a big 2010 with the anticipated release of a just-recorded new CD. "Hopefully my record company will let me put this out around March or April," the Grand Rapids,... Read More
Filed under: Exclusives, Gossip, MusicBV Buzz can officially report that Solange Knowles is no longer signed to Interscope/Geffen Records. This news is no shock to me - quoting a song from Solange's 'Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams' CD, 'I Told You So' - as this column originally reported that... Read More