Comedian Bernie Mac endured some heckling and a campaign rebuke during a surprise appearance Friday night at a fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Toward the end of a 10-minute standup routine at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Chicago, the 50-year-old star of "The Bernie Mac Show" joked about menopause, sexual infidelity and promiscuity, and used occasional crude language. [Read More.]

Pop stars reinventing themselves is not a new phenomenon. David Bowie relaunched himself as Ziggy Stardust and then became the Thin White Duke. Kylie Minogue was the girl next door who suddenly acquired a taste for black basques. But few transformations have been as total as the one that has taken Katy Perry to the top of the US singles charts. Perry, 23, began her career with a collection of Christian gospel songs. Her parents are both Protestant pastors, so many of her former fans are astonished to find her topping the charts now with a single celebrating the pleasures of a lesbian kiss. [Read More.]

Melinda Watts, a high school teacher who helps at-risk teen girls, now has a new platform to reach people with her godly message after winning the Gospel music version of the "American Idol" talent competition. "I want people to listen to my music and want to draw closer to God," says Watts, dubbed winner of "Gospel Dream" on Sunday . "I also want them to want to grow in the grace of God and to be bold in their faith, like a revival through music." [Read More.]

“Image of a Man is really just an in depth look at what a man is and what a man is supposed to be,” says Marvin Winans Jr. of his forthcoming September 30th CD release, Image of a Man, on his own M2 Entertainment label.“ I think people are searching for who they are and what their purpose is in this life.” The son of gospel stars Marvin Winans Sr. and Vickie Winans, Winans got his start with the group Phase 2. [Read More.]

Today, Tavis Smiley will do his last commentary on the TJMS. I don’t know how he’ll end his 12-year ride with us, but I have to admit, I’m hoping he will end it with an Obama endorsement.  But instead of dwelling on what he might say, I’d rather use this space to reflect on what Tavis has meant to the TJMS and to me personally as a colleague, motivator and friend.  In honor of his flair for sharing information briefly and succinctly, I will attempt to sum up the Tavis years with five quick points. [Read More.]

Ira Tucker Sr., longtime lead singer of the gospel group the Dixie Hummingbirds, which influenced many other performers and backed up Paul Simon on "Loves Me Like a Rock," has died. He was 83. Tucker had severe heart problems and died Tuesday in Philadelphia, where the group was based for many years, according to his son, Ira Tucker Jr. [Read More.]

The black airmen whose lives will be the basis of a George Lucas movie know the picture will highlight their record of successfully escorting thousands of U.S. bombers in World War II. They also feel it should tell of the trials they encountered stateside, like seeing German prisoners of war being treated better and afforded rights that were withheld from black American citizens. [Read More]

From stadiums to local and national mediums such as the Dr. Phil Show, Good Morning Texas, Source Magazine, BET.com, National Pubic Radio (NPR) and BBC Media abroad, Dooney “Da Priest” has been the champion for the “Pull Your Pants Up!” initiatives across the nation. Malaco Music Group has signed “Da Priest,” the Dallas, Texas native to release a single of the same name. [Read More]

Noted Hollywood director Spike Lee tends to unfairly portray Italians in his films, an Italian-American group alleges. Italic Institute of America President Bill Dal Cerro said Lee, who criticized fellow director Clint Eastwood for not using black actors in his movies, has routinely used his own alleged prejudices to effect how he portrays Italian-American characters, The Hollywood Reporter said Wednesday. [Read More]

Radio One and IHM presents I Hear Music in The Air Conference, Concert, Teen Summit and Gala to be held June 27-29, 2008 in Cincinnati. It will feature performances and appearances by Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, LeAnne Palmore, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Vicki Winans, Byron Cage, Rev. Otis Moss, Christopher, Carnell Murell, and Pastor Gregg Patrick.  [Read More]

Following the release of his highly successful albums Still Standing and Embracing The Next Dimension, Bishop Paul S. Morton Presents PASTOR DEBRA B. MORTON: MY BETTER HALF.  The dynamic project, set to release June 10, 2008 (Tehillah Music Group /Light Records), showcases the powerful music and message of Bishop Paul S. Morton’s talented wife, Pastor Debra B. Morton and the Daughters of the Promise Mass Choir. [Read More]