A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Against the backdrop of Roman ruins, who can forget when a 1975 Diana, portraying Chicago-native "Mahogany" in the so-named movie, tells Billy Dee Williams' Brian "I'm Winner, baby!!!!!"???? Well, more than 30 years later (with rights to that declaration many times over), a 62-year-old (knockin' on 63) Miss Ross can proclaim that mantra ONE MORE TIME. Her new Manhattan/EMI album, "I LOVE YOU" debuts on Billboard's Top 200 at #32, making it the highest debut of the week and her highest chart debut in the SoundScan era. No doubt, the product speaks for itself. But since Ross came out to play on "Good Morning America", "Regis and Kelly", and "Late Night with David Letterman", she improved her chances to be bought and recognized as a contender. No doubt, her appearance this week on "Martha Stewart" and upcoming appearances on "Inside the Actor's Studio" and "American Idol" will keep "I LOVE YOU" on our tongues for months to come.  CONGRATS D!!!!!

Diana too referenced last week that she was honored to have - in some way - inspired "DREAMGIRLS", though she admitted not to have seen it and that - when she would see it - perhaps she would take her lawyer. I hear - since those comments on GMA and Letterman - she has seen it and is generally pleased (though concerned that people will walk away thinking that is the real story - play-by-play, which for those of us in the know, we know is not the case). Still, as Miss Ross seems to also be benefitting from the buzz and hype around "DREAMGIRLS" (and rightfully so as the whole operation's muse), Jennifer Hudson is showing up a WINNER as she joins her fellow Chicagoan  Bears (who - with their black coach Lovie Smith in tow - make history as he and competing Indianapolis Colts coach/friend Tony Dungy - also black - make their way to the 41st NFL Superbowl, a first time that one & two blacks have headed up their teams at the main event of football). I ironically was in Chicago amidst all of this midwest pop and circumstance. Hudson's touchdown comes from her Golden Globe win for Supporting Actress in a Musical or Comedy. In her speech, she dedicates her prize to Original Supreme Florence Ballard, whose the loose archetype of Effie White. But I'm not sure that was necessary. If the film is - in fact - loosely-based (and much creative license has been taken around beefing up the real story), perhaps the shout out should have gone to Jennifer Holliday, who originated the role of Effie on Broadway and is responsible for "breathing" life into the character (and having her trajectory in the fictional piece arc towards a successful comeback). In original readings and writings of "DREAMGIRLS", the character Effie was to serve the same fate as Florence Ballard, who - at 32 - died of cardiac arrest on welfare. A week after the Golden Globe honor, Hudson was nominated for the top prize, Oscar, as Best Supporting Actress. And last night, she also won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress.  I had the chance to see her - face-to-face - recently as we reflected on our time together back in August 2006 when I told her "Your performance has Oscar written all over it!!!!". Surely, many said that to her, but as I interviewed her in front of an audience of 500 or more journalists for a preview screening of "Dreamgirls" and a post-screening chat with Hudson, I have 'proof'! SMILE! Additionally, "DREAMGIRLS" is nominated for seven other nods - including three of the original songs that were written for the film, including "I Love You (I Do)", written for Hudson's Effie; "Listen", written for Beyonce's Deena; and "Patience" as sung by Keith Robinson (C.C.), Eddie Murphy (James Thunder Early); and Anika Noni Rose (Lorell). SHOUT OUT to Henry Krieger, composer of all "DREAMGIRLS" music, though he had collaborators - like Siedah Garrett (on "I Love You (I Do)" and Beyonce (on "Listen"), though the Academy is only acknowledging the primary three writers on that record which Beyonce apparently was not (Surely, Matthew Knowles is not happy about that). [You'll recall, I had the chance to omeet Henry Krieger in mid-December as my boo Anthony came into town to interview him... and I got to tag along!]. Murphy too gets his nod for supporting actor against an impressive handful, including Djimon Honsou (for "Blood Diamond"). And the heir apparent to the throne of the Best Actor Oscar is Golden Globe winner Forest Whitaker (for "Last King of Scotland") - something I predicted some months ago here in "A Day in the Life of Riley". Also, Will Smith gets a second time up to bat for Best Actor for his dramatic turn in "Pursuit of Happyness". Like ROSS - Academy nominee for "Lady Sings The Blues" (and Golden Globe winner for same) on whose shoulders all of these actors stand, they are ALL WINNERS!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Click this link to watch Ms. Ross' January 16 interviews and performances on "Good Morning America," "Live With Regis & Kelly," and "The Late Show With David Letterman":

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/emicat/diana_ross/dianaross_appearances_001_300.wvx

Click this link to watch release week TV coverage from "Inside Edition," "Extra," BET's "Black Carpet," "Inside Edition Weekend," and WFAA's "Metro" (Dallas, TX): http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/emicat/diana_ross/dianaross_appearances_002_300.wvx

I spent the better part of my last two weeks on the road. I went to Baton Rouge and Cleveland with two long stretches of Chicago woven in the mix. I wasn’t able to quite find my balance in any of the locales, which made me not the happiest camper. Moreover, it snowed cats and dogs in Ohio, and I was sliding a bit in my rental car to get to my assignment which was 30 miles due south of Cleveland. My “DREAMGIRLS” soundtrack helped me get through the blah-ness of it all, even when I was sometimes veering off the road. Additionally, my dear friend and Morehouse brother Devon helped me lift my spirits in Cleveland as - at least - this unwelcome dispatch gave us a chance to catch up on our jones for all things “DREAMGIRLS”. We don't talk or see each other often. So, when we get together at times like these with a mutually invigorating project like "DREAMGIRLS" coming out, it's special and we come together and process it all. We deconstructed the new disc from beginning to end. Because I had – at that point – seen “DREAMGIRLS” three times, Devon wanted to know what from the original stage hit is in the movie, etc. Because Devon is a bit of a pop culture soul mate for me, we had a serious talk about what of this piece is “… based on Diana Ross and the Supremes” and what other composites are showing up through these familiar-but-fictional characters.  We talked about Jennifer Hudson’s promise as Effie White in the movie “DREAMGIRLS” and how there was similar optimism about our other favorite Jennifer Holliday when she originated the role on Broadway in 1981. As a result, Devon and I have been Holliday’s biggest fans – knowing the few R&B hits she had during that time, like “I Am Love” from her 1982 debut album “Feel My Soul”. But because Devon and I go deep, we know all the sides and tracks that weren’t hits, but to us, are classics and masterpieces, like “Just For A While” (also on the first album) and “Love Stories” from her Arista debut in 1991 when she revealed her new slim physique and a spirited remake of Angela Bofill’s “I’m On Your Side”, which carried promise but didn’t land Holliday back in the mouths of the masses as a household name. But trust! Her name was coming off of Devon’s and my tongue… and still. And if only for her show stopping rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, she is forever a legend in the history of music and theater.

One thing Devon and I pointed out is how “DREAMGIRLS” is going to focus America back on the wonder of the world’s real-life #1 girl group, “The Supremes”. And any marketing person worth his or her weight in gold would seize the moment. Exploitation? Maybe… but for the fans, it means more product. I just landed the new DVD “The Supremes: REFLECTIONS – The Definitive Performances 1964 – 1969” from my favorite “record” store “Record Runner” (www.recordrunner usa.com). It’s where I get all my favorite “diva imports”. And in large order, anyone can see the degree to which the “DREAMGIRLS” are “SUPREMES”-knock-offs i.e. costume, cosmetics, choreography, and song-style. It’s quite a treat to see Diana lead the girls through an exhaustive, entertaining tour of their TV appearances. While at the store, I managed to secure the lion’s share of Diana’s TV specials, which I did not have on DVD. Dating back to the first special she did with the Supremes and the Temptations (TCB) and leading all the way to 1987’s “Red Hot Rhythm & Blues”, I now have some wonderful comfort viewing to keep my nightmares at bay and my DREAMS sweet… like “soul music”. Speaking of dreams, I even picked up her Japanese import “When You Dream”, an E-P with companion children’s book that features an animated image of Diana with her sons Ross and Evan. This is a rare children’s recording and book she did in the mid-‘90s. And I’m also looking forward to the release of “SPARKLE”, a mid-‘70s film starring Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Phillip Michael Thomas, etc. It’s a film of three “sisters” who sing in a Supremes-style singing group and the challenging turns they face as they grow into their success. Like my “Lady Sings the Blues”, “Mahogany”, and “Claudine”, “Sparkle” is one of my favorites and a classic in black cinema terms. It too featured – at the time – a soundtrack of Curtis Mayfield music as sung by Aretha Franklin. But they are now going to release an expanded version of that soundtrack with Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, and the rest of the cast’s voices on them. Though we loved Aretha’s turns on “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” and “Hooked on Your Love” (both of which En Vogue went on to remake in the ‘90s on their “Funky Divas” album), it will be nice to have a CD with the movie memories woven into it. And the biggest “DREAM” come true…around new releases is MISS ROSS is FINALLY going to make her "I Love You" album of classic and contemporary love song covers available to the U-S market via  Manhattan/EMI in CD and deluxe CD/DVD packages and digitally on January 16. There are 14 songs personally selected for the album by Diana Ross in appreciation of their timeless, classic expressions of love and romance, including a brand new song, "I Love You (That's All That Really Matters)," a gentle ballad that captures the emotion of romance. The CD's package includes stunning photos by Herb Ritts, Randee St. Nicholas and Douglas Kirkland and a letter to fans from Ms. Ross, who executive produced "I Love You." I've been admiring this project via imports that I've bought from Japan and Europe. I'm excited to see if this collection has the magic that will allow Miss Ross - in some way - to "comeback" stateside. Don't we love a diva comeback in America????? 

After I was finally able to come home from the assignments that kept me away for a couple of weeks, I hit the ground running to catch up with my New York City. I was a bit tired from the not-always-so-charming schlepping I had been doing (including a two-hour delay on the tarmac at Chicago’s O’Hare airport). But three mimosas and a substantive meal later, I was re-energized and wanted to begin the work of reclaiming my social schedule. (I was already disappointed to have missed my friends Kimberly Jajuan and Ern’s grand opening of their new business venture “Leonia Laundry” in Leonia, New Jersey. Of course, I made up for it with my six loads of wash-dry-fold, which I now sent to them). That said, a new friend Patricio Paez invited me to join his four-year-old design firm IMURI DESIGNs showcase space opening in The West Village, just south of the meat-packing district. (I met Patricio at the Hetrick-Martin Institute’s gala – the one with Kimora Lee Simmons, Margaret Cho, the Noah’s Arc guys, and B.D. Wong [pictured below with Patricio and me] - a couple of weeks prior.) Their SPACE 107 is a furniture store that sells restored 20^th century pieces. Each exhibition features a layout of furniture and wall art as created by Patricio who is a mural artist. He does all types of wall treatments from flowers to race cars. And they can work on whatever room you please. ( www.imuridesign.com ) The party was great as Patricio escorted me around the room to introduce me to many of his friends and supporters. He was quite gracious, though tired from creating all of these spaces up against the clock. One of his friends, Jennifer Ouellete, was helping serve drinks from behind the bar, and greeted me with “You look familiar. Are you on TV?” I said “Sometimes”. After a half hour, she kept trying to land on what show it could be – starting to admittedly make me uncomfortable because she wouldn’t let it go. It turns out I made more of an impression on her than even I thought. She was in the studio audience for one of my promising DREAMS a year-and-a-half ago when I co-hosted a pilot for Hurricane Productions called “tvQ” (sort of a “queer-eye-meets-the view”). We shot it at CBS Studios and she was in the audience. Though the show didn’t get picked up (temporarily deferring my DREAMS to one day have my own show), Jennifer’s memory began to thaw out and she really enjoyed my talent and began to further encourage me in that direction. She was a joyful and sweet lady. As I began to enroll Jennifer, a couture hat and accessories maker (www.jenniferouellette.com) and her friend, an artist from Santa Fe named Lisa, in what I’ve been doing of late and what I’ve been enjoying on pop culture of late (including “DREAMGIRLS” and my intention to see it 12 times before the end of the year), the ladies said they wanted to come and see “DREAMGIRLS” with me. By the way, her vintage-yet-contemporary looks are worn by Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, and many others on the A (A-minus sometimes)-list.

That same night, I went to SPLASH for what was supposed to be a new “DREAMGIRLS” soundtrack listening party. The event was put on by party promoter and producer NATHAN SCOTT, who is known for creating the “places to be” for the “fab and fierce” (of color).( www.The7Magazine.com ) On this night, not much “DREAMGIRLS” was playing, but it did give me a chance to catch up on the Top 40 club and R&B hits as well as my friends Mario and Melvin. After I left, I understand these young ladies lip sync’d a “DREAMGIRLS” song or two:

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxrh4AUxR4s ). As nice as the party was, it would take “the real… DREAM” to lift me up and out of my blues. Fortunately, there was the weekend ahead.

Yesterday afternoon, my dear friend Nichole and I decided to meet in Harlem at Native Restaurant for a quick drink. We would need to be "hydrated" for the adventure that was ahead of us. Native is a bistro-style restaurant with bar that sets unpretensiously on the corner of Lenox Avenue and 118th Street. 

Open since 2002, I've gotten to know the owner Brian Washington-Palmer well and have made Native one of my watering holes, where I can grab a cocktail and some light bites (like the salmon/crab cake and the calamari). But most importantly, everybody knows my name (though some new staffers had to be brought up to speed yesterday. It had been a minute since I'd been there.). From Native, Nichole and I popped by "MY" N, the boutique in Harlem that I love so much. (http://nharlemnewyork.com) The store was hosting a trunk show and cocktail party. Though Nic and I weren't able to stay long, we did take time to enjoy the tasty sangria that was being served from the courtyard in the rear of the main floor. With drink in hand, we enjoyed the cutting-edge tailoring of "American Chang" blazer and sportscoast. From patchwork to hoods, this contemporary sportswear impressed us. And inevitably, I will own one because I love a unique jacket. (http://americanchang.com/)

With one more stop before our main event, Nichole and I walked just a block down 116th Street (towards 5th Avenue) to celebrate and toast Broadway diva Brenda Braxton, who is currently churning out a 'great white way' performance as Velma Kelly in the Broadway revival of Chicago (She played opposite Usher during his successful run in the musical. But more than that, she's a legend on the stage - from her roots as a swing in the original "Dreamgirls" to being one of the Jelly's Last Jam "hunnies" to her Tony Award-nomination turn in Smokey Joe's Cafe.

Now, with her husband, power fitness trainer Anthony Van Putten, she is the co-owner of BBraxton, a men's grooming salong that opened last night. There to ring in this new frontier of high-end pampering for men in Harlem: TV/film/stage actress Tamara Tunie and her husband, Gregory Generet, jazz singer - both of whom are always so kind to me since Tamara and I had the chance to work together on a project for the Acapulco Black Film Festival many years ago (She plays Jessica on "As The World Turns". Needless to say, I was gushing when - because I didn't know her real name - she walked into the recording studio, where we were to do voice-overs and - in the flesh - "It was Jessica!!!". I was so excited.). Sinice that time, I've cooled, and she has been nothing but cool as we've uncovered we have friends and causes in common. Amazing vocalist and all-around sweet woman Marva Hicks was there, escorting all the V.I.P.s around. (After Nichole and I left, I understand Mrs. Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, was there along with fellow Broadway and entertainment ladies like BeBe Neuwirth, Lilias White, Kim Fields, and a host of others. I did get a chance to meet Huey Lewis of Huey Lewis & The News fame ("If This is It!!! Remember that???). I loved them and him (quietly) in the '80s and as I was just holding court amongst those I did know, he walks up to me and says "Hi! I'm Huey!". I respond "Are you kidding? I know who you are. I'm Patrick and it is a total honor to meet you!" He shrugs my humility off and we talk a little further about the opening and how nice the space is. Actually, the salon occupies 2,000 square ft. of the storefront in one of Harlem's first “green” luxury high-rise condominiums. The BBRAXTON men’s salon combines the atmosphere of a traditional gentleman’s club, a barbershop, and spa, offering services such as straight-razor shaves, haircuts and styling, reflexology, shoe shining, and skin care. Patrons can also catch up on the news and style at the newsstand while feeling at ease as they have their hand and foot needs addressed. The salon also features a state of the art audio system and flat screen panels- ideal for the all important playoff games, when the need arises. Men also have the opportunity to try out and stock up on products by The Art of Shaving, which will be exclusively sold in Harlem at BBRAXTON. Before Nichole and I had to get to our next destination: another (for me) private, pre-screening of my new favorite movie "DREAMGIRLS", we ran into the original CC (Effie White's brother): Obba Babatunde, who played the role opposite Jennifer Holliday on Broadway (He's in the above picture with                               Brenda Braxton and Huey Lewis). Imagine my pop ^{_{culture radar at work, when in seeing the film for the second time, I realized that Keith Robinson, who plays CC in the movie, was the not-quite-but-close son-in-law of Obba Babatunde's daughter "little Dee Dee" (Essence Atkins) on the now-defunct (and I'm still upset about it) "Half & Half". (By the way, CC is the part I feel I can play, if I couldn't get cast as "DEENA".... or "EFFIE"! SMILE!). Shoot, I can just do a one-man- show, if you don't watch it. "DREAMGIRLS" showcases a few 'cameos' or 'small parts' from black sitcom royalty, like Jaleel White ("Family Matters" Steve Urkel and "A Different World"s Dawnn Lewis). But more than those sightings, I again uncovered the magic that is Jennifer Hudson when I watched and discovered her on "American Idol", but reinforced when I had the opportunity to interview her and be an audience with her at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Indianapolis. Have I mentioned that                        before???                         SMILE!). But above all, the magic that is "Dreamgirls" just comes through on the big screen and takes full hold of the audience, which cheers and applauds in all the right places. It's an awesome, collective experience. Yet again, I found myself not able to breathe for all of the showstopping scenes from the amazing                                          cast. Enough will be written about the film and the details around it. I just want to reinforce how much joy it is bringing me to experience this film realized. And this time, I happened upon two people that I had never met, but knew (kinda'). Ed Gordon and my friend CJ, who is a producer for Ed Gordon's "Our World with Black Enterprise", saved a seat for my Nichole and me. As I sat down, the guy next to me and the young lady next to him spoke. I joked that they must be big "Dreamgirls" fans because                                             I might break out in song and need some back-up singers. The guy pointed out that he and his companion for the evening were both in a New Jersey version of "Dreamgirls" a couple of months ago (She was a Stepp Sister and he was Tiny Joe Dixon, two acts from the amateur night that introduces the audience to The Dreamettes for the first time). Instinctively, I felt like this guy was the person my friend from Detroit, Greg Dunmore, had introduced me to via phone after Greg met 'a guy who was in a New Jersey version of Dreamgirls'. Keep in mind, there are endless male parts in this piece, but I felt (with no description or extensive background from Greg to support my hypothesis) that this was the guy. And when I asked him if he knew Greg, he said YES! And then, he said "You're the guy he told me about!". From there, I got his name                                                                  Herve, and he handed me his CD "number 1" as he is a recording artist as well.(www.herve.fm). We all bonded immediately and by the time the lights went down, we three were able to harmonize and sing in moments where we just couldn't control ourselves. (Perhaps Ed Gordon regretted sitting so closely as he tried to enjoy the movie? Maybe But he was most gracious and kind to let me have my moment without ruining his experience.) Afterwards, I ran into Vogue's Editor-at-Large Andre leon Talley with whom I've had a chance to collaborate on a shoot or two over the years. Sporting a fabulous fur piece under his collar (couture, no doubt), he enthusiastically approached me with a hug on Broadway, just in front of the Lincoln Square theater where we saw the film. He ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT (as did I). And he pointed out that he was definitely going to see it again. I noted that I intended to see it 12 times before 2007 (kind of a 12 days of Christmas kinda' thing). Well, 2 down and 10 to go, I hope to be at the premiee on the 4th of December and then I plan to participate in the road tour of "DREAMGIRLS" in which they will make it available to audiences in New York, L.A., and San Francisco ten days before it goes nationwide. December 15h is the premiere of that marketing franchise. And I am of course, there... front and center (with popcorn and a Coke in hand).                           As a post-script to the night, Nichole, C.J., and I met my friend Carl back uptown in Harlem at Ginger, where I met my friend Carl back uptown in Harlem at Ginger, were my friend and personal shopper/stylist at N, Jamar Dunnigan, hosts a Wednesday hang where many come out and enjoy the healthy asian cuisine. (Many segued over to Ginger from BBraxton's grand opening). But we were also celebrating Jamar's debut on BET-J's "My Model Looks Better Than Yours", hosted by Eva Pigford, (whose last name and management are scheduled to change by week's end). So, to stay current, we'll just call her "Eva the Diva". Jamar competed with two other stylists in a contest that challenged them to style their respective models as a futuristic "Dominique Devereaux". Though Jamar didn't win on this episode, he rocked his model out. She was absolutely fierce, and - to me - looked the most like Diahann Carroll as one of her most popular characters (circa 2050). The show is created and executive produced by Sean Joell Johnson and Nathan Hale Williams, two powerful young me I've gotten to know socially over the last year and I'm proud of what they are achieving here. Also, Best-selling author and TV                                              personality Crystal McCrary Anthony is a co-executive producer.}}

While I was in Chicago, I had to send regrets to an event to which I was really looking forward to attending. It's the launch of my friend Tony Shellman's new clothing line Parish Clothing Co, a contemporary men's collection, displaying artistic vision and creative design. Tony's wife Nichole is one of my best friends who I deem one of my "Amazing Grace"s per a book I'm shopping titled "Big Willies and Amazing Graces: gay men and their best girlfriends".   I have known them for about a decade now and had the privilege of singing at their wedding. We all support each other in our respective endeavors and I wished I could have been there in person to annoint this wonderful new venture, which comes on the well-worn heels of his last successful line ENYCE from which he's parted ways and is starting a new.  The Spring 2007 Collection is inspired - in some part - by the '80s and I understand the party that was thrown to ring in this new company featured '80s rap stars/icons Big Daddy Kane, Melle Mel, and Ralph McDaniels were in attendance.   Diddy's mom Janice Combs, Q Tip and DJ Clark Kent too were in the house, which was the trendy Westside Loft, where I understand the decor immediately evoked a feeling of '80s nostalgia (READ: When graffiti decorated every NYC subway train and b-boys were breakin' to RUN DMC and THE SUGAR HILL GANG. It was a house party from back in the day. Big Daddy Kane actually treated the crowd to an impromptu performance as Marly Marl played his classic "Warm It Up Kane" and Crazy Legs from Rock Steady Crew performed as well - morphing the night into perhaps a sequel to "Krush Groove" or "Breakin'".  Parish Clothing Co. was conceived in May 2006. This company represents a community of brand builders, young designers, and artists who have created a new, revolutionary line that represents a shared vision of creative resonance.  GOOD LUCK, TONY! I'll be rooting and wearing PARISH! Plus, hook a brother up! I hear your gift bags included the "Totally '80s Edition of Trivial Pursuit". 

There are two places that I wish I could been this week instead of California, but I just couldn't click the heels of my red Jimmy Choos enough times to get back to New York City to see my dear friend Greg Dunmore's mother (and client) Jo Thompson perform last Sunday at New York's famed and historic Blue Note Jazz Club, though I did get to see her brilliant performance at jazz supper club "The Iridium" a couple of months ago. The longtime Detroit chanteuse and pianist did two sets on October 29th with fellow Detroiters, the J.C. Heard Orchestra, directed by Walt Szymanski. At "a sleek and sexy 70-something", she may actually be the oldest act to headline at the Blue Note. I hear it was phenomenal and as I experience whenever I'm with her, she was forever young in her spirit, energy, and delivery. Jo - who is often described as a piano-playing Lena Horne - sprinkled her repertoire in tribute to the beloved legend. "As a female musician, Lena Horne is a wonderful example of impeccable style and sophistication within jazz music," says Jo. "It is my great pleasure to acknowledge Lena as having a major influence on what I do. She is the definitive class act. Thank you Lena." I say "Thank you Jo." Many don't know this, but "Jo Thompson" could have easily been as household a name as "Lena Horne". They came up during the same time, but "Jo" -- the first singer to perform composer Ron Miller's classic "For Once in My Life" -- put her act on pause for many years to raise her offspring, including my friend Greg. However, since it's never too late, she got her act together after they were all grown and on their own. And with Greg managing it all, Jo has been on the road on-and-off for years. This booking -- with oodles of cache -- sets a sparkling tone of things to come. And as feedback goes, one man in Jo's audience, who pointed out that he stumbled into this show via a listing on the internet, was overheard saying "I can't believe how great Jo was," the new fan exclaimed. "Not only is she a skillful piano player, but her voice is so great." He then, quickly morphing from fan-to-stalker, reportedly said he wanted to get a kiss from Jo. "Liza (Minnelli) kissed me on the left side," the enthusiastic man said. "Jo kissed me on the right side. I'm a happy man."

My personal MOTOWN favorite DIANA ROSS made many people down under happy this week. Other than California and New York, I wish I could have been in Australia with her as she began to perform the dates around a small, sold-out tour she's on there. After a ten-year absence away from the continent, my 62-year-old diva came to remind them why she's been named Billboard magazine's Female Entertainer of the 20th Century and pronounced by the Guinness Book of Records as the "most successful female artist ever". Reports say she enchanted Australia's audiences with amazing costumes and hit after hit after hit in great voice. Though word has it she didn't perform any of the new material she recorded on her current EMI/Angel release "I Love You" (still not available via a U-S label), she did enough of the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s hits to keep the packed houses satisfied and on their feet.

Meanwhile, back here in the States, I listened to Diana's "I Love You" project as I drove a pair of rental cars in Santa Barbara and L.A. respectively. I got the chance to really shower my ears with and wrap my heart around this beautiful, inspired project. And she really does sparkle on it. I hope the album gets to the States. Word has it, there may be a "Valentine's Day" release here in the U.S. which would be appropriate as "I Love You" is filled with gorgeous remakes of classic and contemporary love songs including Heatwave's "Always and Forever", Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" (co-written by Diana's late brother Arthur "T-Boy" Ross), and - from "The Color Purple" Broadway musical - "What About Love?". Top CD. (http://www.dianaross.com/) for more information.

Meanwhile, as Beyonce, Janet, Christina, Ciara, Monica, Kelis, and the other young-to- middling (not quite over-the-hill) singers work for their piece of the market-share, there are some seasoned and legendary ladies out there who - like La Ross - are simply doing what tHey do and if you buy it, great. If you don't, you can't say they didn't give their fans another quality project to enjoy (But let me say this, if I hear about another #1 album from Rod Stewart or Barry Manilow - doing remakes and if I don't see our "great performers" get their just due at the top of the charts, I'm going to scream. Still, I digress...).

The short list of which I write includes: Miki Howard, who gave me the opportunity to sing and jam with her on stage during her July performance at Harlem Grill. She's just released "Pillow Talk: Miki Sings The Classics". From Captain & Tenille's "Do That To Me One More Time" to Natalie Cole's "Inseparable", Miki reminds us why she was so beloved in the first place during the days of "Come Share My Love" and "Love Under New Management".

Meanwhile, Cole, known for remaking America's Songbook, skews more contemporary with her current collection of remakes just the same. From Fiona Apple's "Criminal" to Des'ree's "You Gotta Be", this Grammy-winning diva hints at what she was vocally in the '70s (sans the heroin). And let Gladys Knight tell it, Diana (and Motown) stole the credit for the Jackson 5's discovery from her. So, on her new CD project "Before Me", she bites off of a beat on which Diana's had a stronghold since her Oscar-nominated turn as Billie Holliday in the hit film "Lady Sings The Blues". Lady Day's "Good Morning Heartache", "God Bless The Child", and "The Man I Love" --- along with nine other classics by the likes of Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn, and Ella Fitzgerald --- are reinterpreted, according to Lady Knight to great effect. And all of these releases give me hope that maybe... just maybe... Miss Whitney Houston will comeback and not just as a photo op a la her appearance at the 17th annual Carousel of Hope Ball which she attended with her pygmalion Clive Davis, who says they are in the studio working on her new CD project. Our fingers are crossed and we're on our knees for the right thing to happen around Whitney, who --- hooked or crooked --- we will love. But wouldn't it be great to sing along with her on that love train?              

So you see? Our new generation of "DREAMGIRLS" are standing on some strong and resilient shoulders. They have no choice but to speak the names of Jo... Lena... Diana... Miki... Gladys... Ella... Dinah... Sarah... Billie... Whitney.... and when Janet is done competing with her breasts against the young girls (and instead, begins to elegantly and sexily use her "best" assets [READ: HER TALENT]), she is destined to join the number, and her name will be spoken too. And before we know it, we'll be saying the name: Beyonce... and Jennifer (Hudson that is...). Just Watch!