#FIYAH

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Gerald Albright launched his solo career in the infancy of what became the smooth jazz format, with Just Between Us in 1987 and has been a core part of the genre with chart-topping albums, countless radio hits and as a member of many all-star tours, including Guitars & Saxes and Groovin’ for Grover.

#FIYAH! LIVE! — Howard Hewett is one of the most gifted vocalists in the Post-Marvin Gaye era of pop R&B. ​Hewett got his mainstream break as the male vocal lead in Shalamar, a centerpiece of Dick Griffey’s SOLAR (Sound of Los Angeles Records) label. His tenor voice mixed beautifully with the bright vocals of Jody Watley, the dancing skills of Jeffery Daniels and the writing and production of Leon Sylvers III. ​Hewett continues to seduce audiences and eardrums as he is constantly touring and intermittently releasing new music.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — His fans affectionately describe his work as the perfect combination of Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. Frank has worked with many of the entertainment industry’s giants including but not limited to: Prince, Branford Marsalis, George Duke, Patrice Rushen, The Rude Boys, Phil Perry, Tommy Davidson, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Songwriting duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, rap duo D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith), Frankie Beverly and Maze, Teena Marie, Lalah Hathaway, Terri Lynn Carrington, Phyllis Hyman, Valerie Simpson, Philip Bailey, and more.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Available exclusively on digital platforms, The Ever Fonky Lowdown features the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and vocalists Camille Thurman, Ashley Pezzotti, Christie Dashiell, and Doug Wamble. The new recording also features narration from acclaimed actor Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Treme, Jack Ryan) who plays the role of “Mr. Game,” whose commentary reveals the “hustle” that keeps us at each other’s throats and prevents us from working together to build a more equitable and friendly world. “Mr. Game” is a composite strongman, part evangelical preacher, lawyer, businessman, politician, street hustler, newsman, social worker, street corner prophet, and reality show celebrity. His language is refined, colloquial and slang and his confidence and populist message keeps you hooked on the line for more. He is consistently charismatic, conniving and irreverent and so shocking in his disrespect for convention as to be provocative.

#FIYAH! LIVESTREAM — In celebration of Black Music Appreciation Month, we present eight-time GRAMMY winner, Emmy winner, author, philanthropist, and reggae icon, Ziggy Marley! Marley has released thirteen albums to much critical acclaim. His early immersion in music came at age ten when he sat in on recording sessions with his father, Bob Marley.

#FIYAH LIVESTREAM — As the world impatiently watches and waits, Ellison must re-introduce the principles of justice to the cases arising from the killing of George Floyd — to the Floyd family, the citizens of Minnesota and, by proxy, to an entire nation of individuals and families that are very very much like the Floyds.

Ben & Jerry's affirmed support for the #BlackLivesMatter​ movement in 2016. Their most recent post, "Silence is NOT an Option," began with a plea for all Americans to not forget George Floyd.

"My Girl," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "I Wish It Would Rain," "Cloud Nine," and "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)." IT'S BLACK MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH! And, we're celebrating with the incomparable Otis Williams and The Temptations (and a few surprises) as part of our #FIYAH! LIVESTREAMS series. Gather the entire family and join us for this event (and some comfortable dancing shoes - just in case).

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supremes,” Motown founder Berry Gordy wrote in a statement emailed to NNPA Newswire shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday. “The Supremes were always known as the ‘sweethearts of Motown.’ Mary, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, came to Motown in the early 1960s.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Titus Makin told the Black Press that the new season’s approach to tackling racism was refreshing. He noted that in the wake of the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, he wanted the show to tackle the issue that led to protests around the globe. “I can’t go play a cop on a show and not talk about the fact that I’m a Black cop,” Makin remarked.