::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

​ The SRT Entertainment family regrets to announce the passing of Derrick Lamont Adams, co-writer of hits “God’s Grace” and “Look To The Hills” as well as co- producer of Stellar nominated  The Favor Of God  & upcoming  Look To The Hills  albums by Rev. Luther Barnes & The Restoration Worship Center Choir and musician.   From Luther Barnes concerning Derrick Adams: My heart is deeply broken from the passing of my friend Derrick Adams. He was “My Boy." We co-wrote many songs together including the ever popular "God’s Grace." He traveled with me for several years and played on many of my projects. Derrick was a strong dedicated Christian and an awesome musician. I will miss him greatly. As a tribute to him here are a few of the songs he co-wrote and/or collaborated with me on. Please check them out when you can.   Look To The Hills, God’s Grace, I’ll Obey, The Favor of God, Hallelujah Praise, Come Back To Me, It’s Your Time, Here Today...

APRIL 3, 2020 The Recording Academy ®  is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary singer/songwriter Bill Withers. Throughout his remarkably impactful career, Bill earned three GRAMMY Awards ®  in the Best Rhythm & Blues Song category for his timeless classics "Ain't No Sunshine," "Just The Two Of Us," and "Lean On Me." Bill's work has made a lasting impression on the music industry, with countless acclaimed artists performing renditions of his recordings, including Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney and Barbra Streisand. His music will continue to influence the music community and be cherished by the world for years to come. Our hearts go out to his loved ones and all who were impacted by his incomparable work. Harvey Mason jr. Chair and Interim President/CEO Recording Academy  

Congressman Elijah Cummings speaks at the Congressional l Black Caucus Prayer Breakfast in 20008. Photo By Mona Austin WASHINGTON –   The Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the passing of House Oversight Committee Chairman and Congressional Black Caucus Member, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings: “We – the nation, the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and the United States Congress - have all suffered a tremendous loss. As a lifelong advocate for justice, equality, and the truth, Elijah Cummings was the true definition of a leader and his commitment to civility and humanity were invaluable in times such as these. To many, Elijah was a friend and mentor, but to the members of the CBC, Elijah was family.  “Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, to sharecroppers from South Carolina, Elijah knew firsthand the challenges of discrimination, segregation, and poverty. But at the young age of 11, he stepped into his calling by help...

(New York, NY -- September 30, 2019) -- It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of international opera star Jessye Norman , in a statement issued by Norman’s family through the family’s spokesperson, Gwendolyn Quinn. Norman, 74 years old, passed away today, Monday, September 30, 2019, at 7:54 a.m. ET at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York, NY, where she was surrounded by loved ones. The official cause of death was septic shock and multi-organ failure secondary to complications of a spinal cord injury she had sustained in 2015. Norman was the eldest of two remaining siblings, James Norman and Elaine Sturkey, from a total of five children. “ We are so proud of Jessye’s musical achievements and the inspiration that she provided to audiences around the world that will continue to be a source of joy. We are equally proud of her humanitarian endeavors addressing matters such as hunger, homelessness, youth ...

John Singleton, the director who brought African American life to the screen like no other has died. Singleton passed away from a stroke on April 29 at the age of 51. Tonight, TV One will pay tribute to his life and work in a series of programs. SILVER SPRING, MD - May 1, 2019 - After the untimely passing of groundbreaking film director, screenwriter and producer John Singleton, TV One will honor his many accomplishments with themed episodes of its signature series UNSUNG HOLLYWOOD airing tonight Wednesday, May 1 starting at 8 PM ET/7C. The themed episodes of UNSUNG HOLLYWOOD feature candid commentary from Singleton as he shares his connections to Hollywood luminaries and film projects highlighted in the series. The featured UNSUNG HOLLYWOOD episodes include Richard Roundtree, Tupac Shakur and the film "Baby Boy" - Singleton directed the remake of Roundtree's career-defining film "Shaft," directed Tupac in his film "Poetic Justice" and directed...

By Mona Austin By Mona Austin At a time when superlatives are tossed around in entertainment like confetti at a New Year's Eve party, the title "Queen of Soul" will rest with its namesake, Aretha Franklin. This undisputed truth should inspire artists to always remain authentic to their natural gifts. The master vocalist once said, "An artist must in some ways be what they sing and play about or at the very least connect to the art in a thoughtful manner. Franklin emerged from a generation singers who crafted their work with their hearts, who were not eager for the assistance of technological advancements to change what flowed from them naturally. That connection can then be transferred to the hearts and minds of those who consume the art whether with their eyes or ears and it settles in their heart and soul. Then and only then can one claim to be an original. Aretha Franklin was such an artist -- the one and only Queen of Soul. As a journalist ...

#queenofsoul The funeral arrangements and the public viewing schedule  for music icon Aretha Franklin has been scheduled to take place over a 3-day period in Detroit, MI as follows: PUBLIC VIEWING Aretha Franklin’s Public Viewing and Funeral Services Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Event:  Aretha Franklin/Lay in State Location: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Avenue Detroit, MI 48201 PUBLIC VIEWING Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Event: Aretha Franklin/Lay in State Location: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

Civil Rights Leader, Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery< issued the following statement on the passing of Aretha Franklin: "I'm saddened to hear about the loss of our Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.  Aretha is a legend.  She not only provided the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement, Aretha's music transcended race, nationality and religion and helped people from all backgrounds to recognize what they had in common.    "In addition to having an extraordinary voice, Aretha was a kind and God-fearing woman who loved her family, friends and community. My late wife and I were honored to have the icon come to Atlanta to sing for two benefit concerts for the Lowery Institute. I  remember her singing her heart out for my 88 th  birthday celebration.  We will miss her strong voice and infectious spirit, but songs like RESPECT and Say A Little Prayer will continue to keep our nation focused on achieving the dream her father, Rev.   C. L. Frank...

Clarence Fountain An original member of the Blind Boys of Alabama, Clarence Fountain, 88 has passed away.   Fountain branched off from the group for a while. In 1969 he ventured into a solo career. Initially managed by the late  Ray Charles, the Blind Boys of Alabama are credited with influencing early R&B.   Never wanting to completely abandon his roots, Fountain later rejoined the group and toured with them until diabetes prevented him.   Working with fellow Blind Boys' alumnus and mentee Sam Butler ,  they released the album Stepping Up & Stepping Out, combining both gospel and secular on Tyscot Records in 2009.  According to his manager, Charles Driebe Fountain died  in Baton Rouge, LA hospital on Sunday, June 3.

NASHVILLE — William Ray “Bill” Hearn , a highly admired and revered music industry executive who led the Nashville-based market-leading  Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG)  as its Chairman & CEO, passed away yesterday at age 58 in Nashville, Tennessee.  Hearn successfully combined an unwavering vision, a commitment to excellence, and an arsenal of exceptional talent to make CCMG the leader in the Christian/Gospel music industry.  Hearn was instrumental in the formation and leadership of that company, having played a leading role in the sale and highly-successful transition of family-owned Sparrow Records – founded by his father, Billy Ray Hearn –to EMI Music in 1992.    Through multiple acquisitions, Hearn evolved Sparrow into EMI Christian Music Group where he was appointed CEO in 1996.  The company was renamed Capitol Christian Music Group 2013.  He led the company to unprecedented success by developing and maintainin...

buzzz worthy. . . Funeral services for Joe Ligon, the legendary lead singer of gospel qaurtet the Mighty Clouds of Joy, will be held in Beaumont, TX today, Dec. 28. Rev. Jesse Jackson will perform the eulogy with Bishop Neal Roberson officiating. Mr. Ligon died at the age of 80 in Los Angeles on Dec. 11. Location and Time of Homegoing Service Antioch Missionary Baptist Church - 11 AM 3920 West Cardinal Drive - Beaumont, Texas Gifts and condolences may be sent to: Mrs. Peggy Ligon  c/o Calvary Mortuary   (  www.calvarymortuarybeaumont.com  ) 1225 South Seventh Street  Beaumont, TX 77701  Phone:  (409) 838-0159   Fax:  (409)838-0551 Along with The Clouds, Ligon was a man before his time .  He helped usher in a more contemporary sound in gospel music.  The group's biggest hit "Mighty High" introduced their style to mainstream and held its appeal to non-church goers largely due to Ligon's rock star performance qa...

buzzz worthy. . . Gwen Ifill, 1955-2016 Veteran journalist Gwen Ifill has died at the age of 61.  Ifill secretly battled cancer and died in hospice care on November 14, 2016. The long-time co-anchor  of PBS New Hour (with  Judy Woodruff  )   spent over 30 years in the field of journalism with a heavy concentration in politics.  She was a debate moderator for  the 2004, 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, moderating vice presidential debates. As she came up the ranks from her start as a newspaper reporter, it was rare to see a black woman anchoring a political news oriented program.  She  served as the host of Washington Week to tackle serious issues of the day. Ifill was born in Queens to a Panamanian father who became and AME pastor and mother from Barbados.  The Washington Post reports in the Ifill household as a child news was like a second religion. Condolences and statements from President Obama to members of ...