::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

In the spirit of the coming new year, the U.S. Postal Service has revealed several of the new Forever stamps and other stamps to be issued in 2019. Since 1847, the stamp program has celebrated the people, events and cultural milestones unique to the history of the United States. The 2019 stamp subjects continue this rich tradition. “The miniature works of art illustrated in the 2019 stamp program offer something for everyone’s interest about American history and culture,” said U.S. Postal Service Stamp Services Executive Director Mary-Anne Penner. “From legendary poet Walt Whitman to the entertainment genius of Gregory Hines to the majestic beauty of our Wild and Scenic Rivers, this program is diverse and wide ranging and tells America’s story on stamps.” Marvin Gaye With this new stamp in the Music Icons series, the U.S. Postal Service honors Marvin Gaye (1939–1984) — the “Prince of Soul” — one of the most influential music performers of his g...

buzzz worthy. . . (Atlanta, GA) - September 3, 2014 -IAM Music Company Inc. in association with Gospel artist Derrick "Doc" Pearson, proudly announces the release of his version of "God Is My Friend" - the spiritual melodic tune originally done by Motown Great - MARVIN GAYE. This six-minute track features Pearson's best friend - the late Al Johnson. The song is delivered from the tribute album to AL JOHNSON'S "It's Alright". Partial Proceeds from this tribute album will benefit the Washington DC area of the National Diabetes Association in honor of Al who passed away from complications relating to the disease.  After writing and producing for legendary R&B artists, TV and movies, Pearson has now completed his homage to the life of a musical giant with this special collection of encouraging, adult contemporary, songs and music video featuring amazing poignant vocal performances by Al Johnson.  This anointed CD project prese...

buzzz worthy. . . BRANDUCATION 101:  When the use of intellectual property starts to affect an entity's ability to make money or blurs the lines of ownership, is it still flattery?  Not so much. R&B singer Robin Thicke has been in the news recently about  the use of a familiar background groove in his internationally popular hit "Blurred Lines." He's currently in a  plagiarism feud with the late Marvin Gaye's  children about allegedly sampling   Gaye's 1977 smash single, "Got to Give It Up." Thicke and crew (producer Pharrell and rapper  T.I) preemptively sued the Gaye estate after being accused of using Gaye's music. The Gaye family filed a counter suit against Thicke for a historic pattern of borrowing from Gaye's sound and style. Thicke has publicly acknowledged Gaye is one of his musical influences, but  the song in question is so reminiscent of the originator's style and sound he appears to be  "imitating or duplicat...