A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

bday

Okay! So, since Anthony Harper and I hooked up December 1, 2005, he's thrown me some awesome BIRTHDAY parties! In 2006, he was still in Denver, but flew in as my birthday gift: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/11/21/a-birthday-in-the-life-of-riley.html.  In 2007, he outdid himself! He came into a windfall and spent it all on me: a romantic trip for two to Manila where we saw - in concert - Beyonce who we met and who - at the end of the show - serenaded me "Happy Birthday". A TRUE HIGHLIGHT! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/12/manifest-destiny-destination-manila.html. And that year, he further outdid himself stateside: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/20/keeping-the-music-playing-on-my-p-day.html.  In 2008, it was a karaoke set! What a blast: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/26/accept-me-flaws-and-all-and-thats-why-i-love-all-of-you.html.  In 2009, I'd just returned from a year away in L.A. and Atlanta - producing "Monica: Still Standing" and "Frankie & Neffe" - so this party was a WELCOME HOME party after a rough year away from home and apart from the one I love: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/11/17/la-proved-too-much-for-the-man.html.  2010 was quite the extravaganza. Many beats to this year. All great onces - including a set at the tony Griffin in the meatpacking district: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/12/1/i-recall-the-scenes-that-never-die.html.  In 2011, it was karaoke. But there were also other locales for celebrating - including New Rochelle. Also, Sid's Harlem pad served as the backdrop for one of the nights: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/12/14/get-into-it.html. In 2012, there was more karaoke: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html. And this year's "chicken and champagne" set was a low-key hang of just a few buddies on the block - all of whom came out to play on a school night. Shout out to childhood BFF Ernest Maynor; Derrick Hemphill; Isoul Harris; Kevin Freeman; Monique Taylor; Nathan Hale Williams; Jamar Dunn; Mr. Eric (One of the glam squad for the Fashion Queens); and - GASP! - is that "internet wifey" and "Amazing Grace", BFF Mara Schiavocampo in the house? YAZZZZZZZ! LOL! The intimate set was hosted by my buddy Merrell, celebrity makeup artist to Wendy Williams, Diddy, Usher, and many more. His fried chicken is the best! And how GRATEFUL am I for Ant and everybody who LIFTED ME UP on my birthday this year! THANKS TO EVERYBODY! And a special shout out for my nephew who put his special touch on my birthday extravaganza: a great meal at our favorite Hillstone. And I got to hang with my buddy Bobby Roache before that meal. Always good to chill with my brother from another mother. Though my birthday was Tuesday, November 19th, I want to SHOUT OUT ALL who came out to KARAOKE with me at Karaoke Duet 53 last night! WHAT A BLAST! So many of my friends from my many walks of life were in the house: Friends from Savannah Ernest Maynor and Maurice Marable were in the house; Maurice brought our friend, sometimes-boss, and fellow “creative” in common: Kendrick Reid, Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director, Brand Strategy for BET Networks (who is my fellow Scorpio along with my fellow “karaoke” BFF Dante Higgins and our girlfriend Ashley Fettig – both of whom attended with extended fam in tow. Thanks Brandon, Mike, et al!). Was great to see my young NABJ buddy and my former Harpo colleagues (now-fellow-freelance-writer/producers here in NYC): Blair Youngerr and Suzanne. Of course, my usual suspects were in the house: Jamar Dunn, Derrick Hemphill, Dayne Brett, etc. And I was UBER-EXCITED to have in the house: Mr.Justiin A Davis of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire fame:https://www.facebook.com/JustiinDavis. TOTAL HONOR! BIGGEST SHOUT OUT to my partner Ant for ensuring I felt the LOVE from the night and my birthday overall! THANKS, BABE! GREAT NIGHT!

It gets better

Shout out to Amanda Johnson with Here Media (www.heremedia.com). She brought me to the attention of Wells Fargo which is producing a video campaign titled “It Gets Better” in conjunction with Out Magazine (in which I was once featured as a, ahem, model: Was my MAHOGANY MOMENT! LOL! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/7/28/im-so-glad-we-had-this-time-together.html  And some more intel on it: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/2/2/we-will-find-a-way.html. And a piece on when I stumbled into the opportunity before the issue came out. Thanks Sandra Lee and OUT!: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/15/butterflies-begin-from-having-been-another.html)! The OUT 100 gala took place recently…and what a BLAST it was! Was great to hang out with my buddies – including Morehouse brother and UPTOWN Magazine Editor-in-Chief Isoul Harris and my dear friend DeMarco Majors. DeMarco introduced me to Gerald McCullouch (Best known for playing Bobby Dawson on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation... but currently DIRECTOR on a new film project DADDY: A Film Written By Dan Via (www.daddythemovie.com and www.facebook.com/daddythemovie and TWITTER: @daddythemovie). ALSO IN THE HOUSE: My boy Derrick; American actress, reality star, and transgender activist Laverne Cox; and RUPAUL DRAG RACE winner Sharon Needles. I also considered it a total honor to chat with Gail Marquis and the legendary Audrey Smaltz – a married couple that is featured inside the sixth installment of a series of short films by Antony Osso: “THE DEVOTION PROJECT”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBjdokpUQpM. This series of films documenting LGBTQ couples and the love they share. It premiered online on February 14, 2013. The first five films, "More Than Ever", "Say Only Yes", "Listen from the Heart", "My Person" and "Build Your Wings" are also available on the channel. The purpose of the “IT GETS BETTER” video is to inspire teenagers who may have been bullied and offer them inspiration – perhaps that may have been lacking when I was coming up. We worked the red carpet and enjoyed the VIP benefit of this event and soon, a nice video package will be readied for global viewing. And I’ll be sure to blast it your way, once it’s done. For more information, please go to www.Out.com/Out100  #OUT100

ebony

Thanks to Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, and Amy Dubois Barnett for inviting Ant and me to EBONY's POWER 100! What an awesome evening inside of which we honored the 100 most influential African Americans in the country - including Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Berry Gordy - Motown Founder and Music Impresario. You know I got the chance to work as the Opening Night host of Broadway's "Motown: The Musical": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. Shout out to Director Charles Randolph Wright for reminding Mr. Gordy. Also honored: President Barack Obama; Kerry Washington; Earvin "Magic" Johnson; Nick Cannon; and Marian Wright Edelman. The gala celebration took place in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Time Warner Center. The EBONY editorial team selected the 100 most influential African Americans in the country. The 2013 Power 100 list will appear in the December/January issue of EBONY on newsstands. AND P.S. ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE MY FRIENDS! XOXOXOXOXOX

Uptown Unplugged

ALL ON A LUNCH BREAK! LOL! Hi folks! I’ll have more to say on this when it actually launches VERY SOON this month! But let me now SHOUT OUT my Morehouse brother Isoul Harris for introducing me to the awesome team behind UPTOWN Unplugged, which UPTOWN is launching as an extension to its brand. As I’ve been featured in the FAB mag’s H List a time or few (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/uptown-magazine),  the H List (and a little of my story) come to LIFE via this segment which focuses on individuals the editors and producers feel are tastemakers and scene stealers! SCENE STEALERS???????! LOL!

I guess that’s me! LOL! As an independent producer/personality/writer and veteran pop culture expert (their words! LOL! AM I THAT OLD? LOL!), the amazing team of Executive  Producer Lynne McDaniel and talent booker extraordinaire Tyese Carmichael –Styles invited me to chat and be one of their first short-form episodes (3-5 minutes) on UPTOWN Unplugged, which will live on YouTube among other platforms. My friend, Co-Founder and Group Publisher of Uptown Magazine, Len Burnett, says the new channel will offer a mix of original and curated content.  Marriott International is the presenting sponsor for “The H List” and two other original series: “Uptown Studio” (for which the AMAZING HOST WITH THE MOST, MISS ASHLEI, interviewed  me on its comfy, intimate, lounge-type set inside one of Ren 57 Hotel’s midtown suites) and “Uptown ProFiles” – all of which are interview-style series (primarily being shot at the Uptown Studio located in the Renaissance New York Hotel). Uptown Unplugged will also look to produce and distribute original and curated branded content.  UPTOWN Magazine celebrates the luxury lifestyle of professional and influential urban consumers across the country with city-specific editions in New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Its editorial content, promotion, and brand extensions communicate the appeal of a luxury lifestyle with an authoritative voice and sophisticated design. Editorial content highlights the best in home décor, automotive, technology, fashion and jewelry, fitness, health and beauty, travel and leisure, food and wine, sports and entertainment, and arts and culture. It also includes provocative profiles of the tastemakers who represent this audience. AND TO RECAP: “UPTOWN Unplugged” creates and distributes celebrity and lifestyle video programming for that young and happening demo that aspires and inspires (my words).  As a premier digital entertainment destination, UPTOWN Unplugged is a fully-integrated channel extension of the Uptown Magazine brand.  All shows featured on the Uptown Unplugged Channel are distributed across all relevant media platform extensions and through our exclusive partnerships.  The channel will be promoted and leveraged via all forms of social media. #uptownunplugged #uptownstudio #uptownmag

Black nativity

So on my “birthday eve”, I attended the BLACK NATIVITY premiere at THE APOLLO! Shout out to my Spelman and NABJ sister Tosha Whitten Griggs with Front Page Media PR for the LOVE! Afterwards, the cast and guests gathered at Red Rooster for the after party. As the day grew long in the tooth from having had many juggling balls yesterday, I instead tried out the new “Red Lobster” (don’t judge! LOL!) and headed home. But before, fellow BLACK NATIVITY attendees and my BFFs/MOREHOUSE brothers Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephriam, and Herman L. Riley III – also my “favorite” nephew joined Ant and me to wish me an EARLY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! LOVE MY BROTHERS, NEPHEW, MAN, FRIENDS, and FAM! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! Black Nativity, starring Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Jacob Latimore, Tyrese Gibson, Luke James, NAS and Mary J. Blige.

Flo Anthony

Special shout  out to my friend/fellow LIFE AFTER pundit/Celebrity Gossip Reporter/NOVELIST Flo Anthony who has a new book out! “Deadly Stuff Players” is Flo's second novel and is filled with juicy tid-bits from Hollywood's hottest nightclubs; boardrooms, steamy bedrooms; and behind ALL the scenes. A Howard University Graduate, Flo was the first Black woman in the nation to work on a gossip page: NY Post's highly-revered Page Six. LOVE YOU, FLO! CONGRATULATIONS on your GREAT READ! Perfect for the HOLIDAYS! http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Stuff-Players-Flo-Anthony/dp/1593095074 #deadlystuffplayers

blood sweat heels

We are ALL celebrating the “platinum” success of my friend BEVY SMITH and her “FASHION QUEENS” – including Miss Lawrence Washington and Derek J – the latter of whom I had the chance to meet during my “reality” days in 2009 – producing “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe” (in Atlanta while the 2^nd season of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” was taping and the sequel of “Why Did I Get Married?” was filming): http://www.bravotv.com/fashion-queens. Meanwhile, another friend and a couple of associates I’ve had the chance to get to know inside New York’s elite circle of high-style media socialites and tastemakers have been announced as the stars of a NEW Bravo venture that is scheduled to launch at the top of 2014. Former video vixen turned realtor Melyssa Ford is starring alongside two women I know: modeling agency owner Mica Hughes (dear friend I met years ago through one of my BFFs Lisa Goodnight) and a style and pop culture journalist with whom I recently had the chance to work on a project with mutual client BET (under the supervision of Michaela angela Davis), Geneva S. Thomas – Detroit’s own. Affordable-style expert Daisy Lewellyn and “A Belle in Brooklyn” blogger and author Demetria Lucas round out the cast of “Blood, Sweat & Heels,” which premieres Sunday, Jan. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The premise: a group of up-and-coming movers and shakers in New York’s elite circles of real estate, fashion, and media are chronicled...and it the trailer demos lots of drama: http://www.bravotv.com/blood-sweat-and-heels. GO MICA! http://www.bravotv.com/people/mica-hughes/bio.

Where Are They Now?

I've been workin' overtime these days! And I'm grateful for work coming my way ---- on so many platforms and from an array of clients - old and new. I don't typically promote in my blog space assignments I do for recurring client OWN as so much of what I'm assigned is confidential. But I will ask you to tune into "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" as an interview I conducted with Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been excerpted and is ready for air this Sunday at 10/9c. As always, I appreciate your support! http://www.oprah.com/WhereAreTheyNow
Subscribe to OWN: http://bit.ly/18Lz0rV #WhereAreTheyNow

ANGEL BALL

Shout out to Beth Rosenthal who I met through my friend, Tony-award-winning songstress LaChanze (at one of LaChanze's recent tributes to Miss Diana Ross). Beth invited me to sit at her table at The Angel Ball - benefitting such a good cause: www.gabriellesangels.org. Denise Rich is the Founder of this organization that raises funds for stem-cell and cancer research. I know and LOVE her also as an amazing songwriter (including Billy Porter's "Love is on the Way" from "First Wives Club" and Miss Ross' "Until We Meet Again"). In the house to help raise millions: Chaka Khan (who opened tonight's show with a four-song jam); Pharrell who performed his hits! Then, for a BIG SURPRISE, invited Usher on the stage to peform; Clive Davis; my girlfriend, publicist Gwendolyn Quinn; ET's correspondent Rosci; E! News Correspondent and NABJ sister friend Alicia Quarles; fellow Georgia boy (He's from Columbus, GA), Joe; Hugh Jackman (who took our picture); my falsetto muse Maxwell; BET's Debra Lee and Stephen Hill; MISS Martha Stewart; and so many more! A special shout out to my boo, Ki-Ki! LOVE U, girl! Stay encouraged, baby love!!!!

BLACK GIRLS ROCK

Recurring client BET asked me back in the building again - this time to produce some promo spots with host None for Black Girls Rock sponsor Chevrolet at the Black Girls Rock red carpet! As always, it was a pleasure! In addition to seeing and talking to honorees Patti LaBelle; Queen Latifah; my friend Mara Brock Akil; and Venus Williams. Saw many friends and fab, famous folks! Fun night! Black Girls Rock airs next Sun at 7p on BET! YOU MUST TUNE IN: Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Ledisi, Patti LaBelle, and Alice Smith performed. The annual event promotes positive images of women of color and is hosted for 2nd year in a row by Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, and will honor Patti Labelle (Living Legend Award), Queen Latifah (Rock Star Award), and more. Presenters included Marsha Ambrosius, Nia Long, La La Anthony, Tatyana Ali, broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien and Black Girls Rock! founder Beverly Bond. Black Girls Rock! premiered on BET Networks this past Sunday, November 3rd at 7pm ET/PT. Always a pleasure to see Beverly and her husband. ##blackgirlsrockawards #blackgirlsrock2013

EBONY 100

Thanks to Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, and Amy Dubois Barnett for inviting Ant and me to EBONY's POWER 100! What an awesome evening inside of which we honored the 100 most influential African Americans in the country - including Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Berry Gordy - Motown Founder and Music Impresario for whom I got the chance to work as the Opening Night host of Broadway's "Motown: The Musical": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. Shout out to Director Charles Randolph Wright for reminding Mr. Gordy. Also honored: President Barack Obama; Kerry Washington; Earvin "Magic" Johnson; Nick Cannon; and Marian Wright Edelman. The gala celebration took place in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Time Warner Center. The EBONY editorial team selected the 100 most influential African Americans in the country. The 2013 Power 100 list will appear in the December/January issue of EBONY on newsstands. AND P.S. ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE MY FRIENDS! XOXOXOXOXOX

ERDA

Was happy to take my platonic boo Carl Nelson out recently! We supported an event our girl Sidra produced: the Annual Gala for the East River Development Alliance (ERDA). ERDA is a non-profit organization in New York City whose mission is to improve and transform New York City public housing neighborhoods by providing residents with the tools and opportunities necessary for self-reliance and ec...onomic mobility. The event took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for Contemporary Art (www.orenxanz.org). It was an impressive room – including Mayor Bloomberg (who was honored); Doug E. Fresh (accompanied by that iconic “beat box”); friend Paul Wharton; and a host of top corporate executives from JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citibank, Sydell Group and Bain and Company just to name a few, in addition to celebrities, tastemakers, bloggers, top politicians and community leaders from around New York city. Also, several men and women who have benefitted from ERDA’s public housing programs came out to enjoy this truly distinctive cause improving public housing communities in New York City. For more information about ERDA please visit their website at http://www.erdalliance.org/site/index.php. Was happy to take my platonic boo Carl Nelson out last night! We supported an event our girl Sidra produced: the Annual Gala for the East River Development Alliance (ERDA). ERDA is a non-profit organization in New York City whose mission is to improve and transform New York City public housing neighborhoods by providing residents with the tools and opportunities necessary for self-reliance and economic mobility. The event took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for Contemporary Art (www.orenxanz.org). It was an impressive room – including Mayor Bloomberg (who was honored); Doug E. Fresh (accompanied by that iconic “beat box”); friend Paul Wharton; and a host of top corporate executives from JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citibank, Sydell Group and Bain and Company just to name a few, in addition to celebrities, tastemakers, bloggers, top politicians and community leaders from around New York city. Also, several men and women who have benefitted from ERDA’s public housing programs came out to enjoy this truly distinctive cause…improving public housing communities in New York City. For more information about ERDA please visit their website at http://www.erdalliance.org/site/index.php.

RHONDA ROSS

Great times with Rhonda Ross at The Cutting Room! FOREVER… AND ALWAYS! THANKS RHONDA! Your SONG-VERSATION turns us everytime! ROSS LOVE ALWAYS! Right, fellas? LOL!

WENDY

How You Doin', Wendy Williams! Ant hooked buddy Derrick and me up with show tix today. My girls from TLC and the stars of the VH1 film were in the house! Happy Thursday!

BIG FREEDIA

Special shout out to my friend Derrick Hemphill who has been itching for me to experience BIG FREEDIA in person! Well, THE NIGHT happened recently at Brooklyn Bowl with friends Lisa, Isoul, David, Devon, and Ron in tow. The next night, Ern, Ant, cousin Shauntay, and I went. And what a great show that New Orleans hip-hop artist Big Freedia put on – twerking to boot! The rapper of the underground-music-scene kind now has a weekly Fuse show, "Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce". He's helped bring bounce music — the energetic brand of hip-hop born in New Orleans that's conducive to the mid-section, hip-shaking dance move known as twerking — to the masses. Last month, Big Freedia earned a Guinness World Records title for most people twerking simultaneously with more than 250 people in New York's Herald Square. GREAT FUN! www.fuse.tv/shows/big-freedia  

UPDATE: THANKS FOLKS for the LOVE! If you missed last night's premiere of TV One's "Life After" with Maia Campbell, PLEASE FEEL FREE to check it out online here: http://tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/life-after--full-episode--maia-campbell-.html

Hi folks! As always, THANKS FOR YOUR "Life of Riley" LOVE! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/ Glad to be back on Arise Entertainment 360 with my friends, co-hosts Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier. Here's a link: http://youtu.be/AijZZeZgFkQ This time, we talked NEW MUST-SEE BROADWAY SHOWS 2013! A LOT OF GREAT SHOWS ALREADY OUT and/or COMING OUT!

 ALSO ON TODAY's show - promoting his new project I'M IN LOVE WITH A CHURCH GIRL - https://www.facebook.com/iminlovewithachurchgirlmovie (TWITTER: @Churchgirlmovie): STEPHEN BALDWIN (TWITTER: @StephenBaldwin7) who PRAYED for MILEY CYRUS during his segment! TONGUE-in-CHEEK! AMEN! LOL! SEE IT HERE: http://youtu.be/fEFndVUAAfQ #iminlovewithachurchgirlmovie Also in the house: Lori Anne Douglass with Moses and Singer LAW FIRM who weighed in on the HIGH-PROFILE break-ups and the legal implications around them! SEE IT HERE: http://youtu.be/0gvWT6dkq_E ALWAYS A GREAT TIME at ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360! My most recent appearance on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 had me predicting winners from the TONY AWARDS nominations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0. A few weeks prior, I was on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 to talk BROADWAY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY.  In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway's "The Trip to Bountiful". And she was!! YAY! So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo. AND OF COURSE, I've been talking BROADWAY on COZI-TV for its NEWS 4 at 7 newscast as well: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html which happened alongside my hosting duties for Motown the Musical as its opening night celebration host: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. (I've also been talking a lot of TV on COZI - most recently an EMMY RE-CAP with TV Guide Magazine's Matt Roush: http://youtu.be/lKDDhF_6qy4 and that was a call-back that came from the EMMY NOMINATIONS ROUND-UP we did in July: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/216162211).  My most recent pop culture analysis is currently on TV One's LIFE AFTER! Clifton Davis was my debut: http://tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/full-episode--life-after-amen--clifton-davis-.html. And I'm also featured in Levar Burton's episode: http://www.tvoneonline.com/shows/life_after/video/life-after--full-episode--life-after-roots-levar-burton.html. Here's a sneak-peek of my next appearance on TV One's Life After Maia Campbell 2.0 - http://www.tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/life-after--maia-s-it-factor-.html This will be on tomorrow night! Please be sure to tune in… and still check out for me on next week’s SHEREE WHITFIELD Season Finale! 

p.s.

RIP MISS MAXINE POWELL! I'm so GLAD I got to meet you in beloved Detroit where Anthony Harper and I were invited guests at Miss Aretha Franklin's birthday party a few years ago. THANK YOU for being one of my MISS Diana Ross' teachers en route to SUPREME FABULOUSNESS! WE SPEAK YOUR NAME! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html #motown MOTOWN THE MUSICAL OPENING NIGHT:http://youtu.be/KK1yncqPlOQ #standingonyourshoulderpads #motownlegacy DIANA ROSS STATEMENT via the Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20131015/ENT04/310150182/diana-ross-salutes-maxine-powell  

Girls growing up in underprivileged areas need to know their worth and their value.

I was born in the Brewster housing project and meeting Maxine Powell showed me that there was the possibility of beauty, grace, integrity and meaning to my life.

The wisdom she shared with me and all of the young artists at Motown will never be forgotten.

She was the true example of a mentor and coach and just someone who cared about us.

I also hope to be such an example as I live my life.

We will truly truly miss her.

Diana Ross

http://www.610wtvn.com/media/podcast-joel-riley-joelriley/patrick-l-riley-23810358/ Shout out to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment radio producer Tom Schmid (in Columbus, OH) who – after a GOOGLE – found me and invited me to talk about the latest fad “rubber-band bracelets” on NewsRadio 610 WTVN this morning on AM 1230 (ASSOCIATED shows: WYTS Fox Sports, WBWR The Brew @ 105.7, and WCGX-X106.7). The segment is hosted by my “cousin” (not really), host JOEL RILEY! We had a great chat about RAINBOW LOOM and the new fad of multi-colored, rubberband bracelets!THE LIFE OF RILEY has included the rare medium (to me) RADIO in the last couple of weeks: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/27/and-the-winner-is.html. To hear my appearance last week on Clay Cane LIVE on WWRL 1600 AM New York, click here: http://claycane.tumblr.com/post/62904421407/clay-cane-live-episode-87-october-1-2013 I sing Mariah Carey's "Can't Let Go" - plus, we talk Obamacare, government shutdown and more! WAS A LOT OF FUN to hang out with Clay, J’Nara, and Mark! As always, MY PEEPS: THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! We broadcast on 1600AM in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Also, we're live-streamed on the web at http://tunein.com/radio/WWRL-1600-s23848/ - which can be heard anywhere. WWRL 1600 AM is the number one progressive talk radio station in the New York City area. WWRL airs Ed Schultz's radio program and Clay recently took over Rev. Al Sharpton's time slot. Clay Cane Live broadcasts in NJ, NY, CT and live-streamed on the worldwide web from 8pm - 10pm EST every Tuesday. Clay’s show is geared to the LGBT community, but he transcends all of the labels. Previous guests have included Brandy, Clay Aiken, Aubrey O'Day, Rockmond Dunbar, Jackée Harry, Laverne Cox of Orange Is the New Black, Kandi Burruss, Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, tons of Broadway stars and many others. Hear previous shows: http://www.play.fm/radioshow/claycanelive You can also download Clay’s podcasts here: http://www.wwrl1600.com/pages/11672134.php. AND TOMORROW, Clay and I (and many others) will be on TV ONE: LIFE AFTER on LEVAR BURTON (PREMIERE: 8:30P/eastern). Here's a sneak-peek of my next appearance on TV One's Life After Maia Campbell - http://www.tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/life-after--maia-s-it-factor-.html Klayton Kane from Clay Cane LIVE is in it as well as Florence Anthony S Tia Brownand Sou L Eo Should be a good one! THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT! MUCH LOVE, PLR

I’ll also be featured in the next two installments of TV ONE’s LIFE AFTER: Maia Campbell and Sheree Whitfield. And of course, my debut was Clifton Davis: http://tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/full-episode--life-after-amen--clifton-davis-.html  #claycanelive #lifeafter #wwrl1600am #joelriley #wtvn1230am #rubberbandbracelets #rainbowloom

FREE ANGELA Oscar CAMPAIGN

You folks know I’ve been singing the praises of the documentary FREE ANGELA for about a year now! My friend Sidra Smith came aboard Shola Lynch’s directorial masterpiece as producer – credited with bringing Jada Pinkett Smith; Will Smith; and Jay Z on board to fund and Executive Produce the completion and release of this pivotal story: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/4/4/freedom-and-convergence.html. Well, it’s OSCAR time! So, I was uber-excited that Sidra and publicist extraordinaire Peggy Siegal invited me to sit right next to Angela Davis and a host of other tastemakers as well as members of the National Board of Review (www.nationalboardofreview.org) for a delicious, private luncheon at Brasserie Ruhlmann at Rockefeller Plaza. AND WHAT A CELEBRATION it was! I’m sending up a special prayer for the nomination of “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners: A Film by Shola Lynch”. Invited guests included New York members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Documentary voting committee in addition to major press, bloggers, corporate partners and hi-profile celebrities. Also in the house: MISS VIVICA A. FOX; Vivica’s rep, my friend BJ COLEMAN; Yaya DaCosta (“Lee Daniels’ The Butler” and “America’s Next Top Model”). She attended with her husband Joshua Bee Alafia and her new baby in tow; Geoffrey Fletcher; Mr. Roger Friedman (“Showbiz 411”); Thelma Golden (“Studio Museum of Harlem”); NY Post Page Six’s Ian Mohr; and a host of others. FREE ANGELA tells the dramatic story of how a young philosophy professor's social justice activism implicates her in a botched kidnapping attempt of a judge that ends with a bloody shootout, four dead, and a nation wondering, as Newsweek magazine asks: what would prompt Angela Davis, "the daughter of the black bourgeoisie, to take a desperate turn to terrorism?" For the 40th anniversary of her acquittal on charges of murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy, Angela Davis and all the main characters recount the politics and actions that branded her a terrorist and simultaneously spurred a worldwide movement for her freedom as a political prisoner. At its core, the story wrestles with the meaning of political freedom in a democracy negotiated between the people and its government, The sixties and seventies were all about citizens challenging authority, or as the slogan went - "Power to the People! Strong, attractive and engaging, Angela Davis is one such person who becomes a symbol at the center of this still relevant power struggle. Distributed by Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate Company #freeangela #academyawards2014 #oscars2014

DR. MAASI SMITH – NOVELIST

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mischiefmakers-October-2013-second-edition/703545962992777?ref=hl I told you about foot surgeon/podiatrist/TV personality Dr. Maasi Smith – having met him through our mutual friend, the Emmy-award-winning Berlinda Garnett. Well, he’s multi-talented. Dr. Maasi J. Smith has written his first novel and it is in book stores, now! "Mischiefmakers," is a horror/thriller story that's both scary and quite creepy!!!! And being that Halloween is just around the corner, the timing couldn't be better for its release! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mischiefmakers-October-2013-second-edition/703545962992777?ref=hl Below, please find links several that will give you some insight about the book's storyline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK3kUYkwzOw&list=LLN34PJowDy4yIwn-8C3UOGg&feature=mh_lolz or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ed9Q3t42Po. Again, "Mischiefmakers" is on store shelves and can also be purchased via Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mischiefmakers-Maasi-J-Smith/dp/0759619689/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380820200&sr=8-1&keywords=maasi+j+smith. CONGRATS, GOOD DOCTOR!