Motown Launches Casting Call for Actors to Play Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson

By Adam Hetrick

Producers of the upcoming Broadway musical Motown are launching a nationwide casting search for African-American actors to portray young versions of Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder as well as such music legends as Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson.

In addition to a previously launched online casting campaign, the creative team has announced open auditions in Detroit, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City in advance of Motown's Broadway debut this spring at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. The musical is based on the life of record mogul Berry Gordy.

The casting breakdown is seeking one actor between the ages of 8 and 11 with a "phenomenal high tenor" voice who can sing and move like Jackson at 10-years-old, during his Jackson 5 days and also portray 11-year-old Stevie Wonder and a pre-teen Gordy himself, described as a "bit of a hustler and bit of a dreamer."

In addition, adult actors are being sought to portray the physical and vocal likenesses of Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. An additional African-American actor with a low bass range (solid low C) and female African-American singers who can cover the songs of Diana Ross are also being sought during these calls.

Auditions will take place in Detroit and New York City on Nov. 3; followed by Los Angeles on Nov. 10; Chicago on Nov. 18; and Atlanta on Dec. 1.
Click here for more information on the auditions. Online submissions are also being accepted.

Gordy, who also authored the book to Motown, is producing the musical along with Tony winner Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q) and Sony Music CEO Doug Morris. The jukebox musical will begin Broadway previews March 11, 2013, towards an April 14, 2013, opening.

Charles Randolph-Wright will direct Motown, which will be studded with songs made famous by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five.

Tony nominee Brandon Victor Dixon (The Color Purple, The Scottsboro Boys) and Valisia LeKae (Ragtime, The Book of Mormon) will co-star as Gordy and Diana Ross, respectively.

The musical promises "a gripping story about the protégés and stars of a uniquely talented musical family who, under Berry Gordy's guidance, began as 'the Sound of Young America' and went on to become some of the greatest superstars of all time."

We Remember Nick Ashford - RIP

'Solid' singer/songwriter passed away at 70 of throat cancer.

By Jocelyn Vena

Nick Ashford, one half of songwriting and performing duo Ashford & Simpson, has died. The legendary Motown artist passed away in New York City on Monday at the age of 70 from throat cancer.

The pair found fame with the Berry Gordy-founded record label, writing hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand" and "I'm Every Woman" for singers like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and Chaka Khan, in the '60s and '70s. The pair's breakout hit came courtesy of "Let's Go Get Stoned" recorded by Ray Charles in 1966.

The duo also had a very successful recording career of their own, characterized by tracks that celebrated love, such as "Don't Cost You Nothing," "It Seems to Hang On," "Found A Cure" and "Solid."

Friends and fellow music industry legends are mourning Ashford's loss. In a statement to The Associated Press, Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire said, "They had magic, and that's what creates those wonderful hits, that magic. Without those songs, those artists wouldn't have been able to go to the next level."

Nick Ashford was born May 4, 1942, in Fairfield, South Carolina, and was raised in Michigan, where he sang at Willow Run Baptist Church, according to The New York Times. After a brief stint at Eastern Michigan University, he moved to New York City to become a dancer, but failed to make a career of it. While living on the streets in New York, he attended the White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem, where he met Valerie Simpson. The pair began writing songs together and was signed to Motown as staff writers and producers, beginning what would be a fruitful music career.

After Gordy discouraged their desire to perform their own songs, they left Motown in the early '70s and married in 1974. They have two daughters, Nicole and Asia.

In the mid-'90s, the duo opened the Sugar Bar in Manhattan, where they still frequently performed. They also connected with a new generation of music lovers when they worked with the late Amy Winehouse on her track, "Tears Dry on Their Own." The pair received a songwriting credit for the song, which samples "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

MARVIN GAYE & TAMMI TERRELL "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

Diana Ross Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Sister Act 2 - Whoopi Goldberg

TODAY in Philadelphia - 2011 GLBT Travel Expo come down FREE Admission

Win Your Very Own Glo TV Travel Bag

GLO TV Network is honored to be a media sponsor for the 2011 GLBT Travel Expo. Join us in Philadelphia on TODAY, Thursday, April 28th from 4pm - 8pm and you could walk home with the 2011 Ultimate GLO TV Travel Bag.

GLO TV created the Ultimate GLO TV Travel Bag with a few of our sponsors & event partners. The 2011 FIBO WEEKEND (Aug 12th – 14th) Blue HBO Tote Bag is full of some amazing gifts & prizes which includes: (2) FIBO Weekend General Admission Bracelet's, Carol's Daughter Spring/Summer Skin Products ($125 retail value),Universal Motown Records CD Pack including (Melanie Fiona, Nicki Minaj, Drake, KEM, Nelly, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Shontelle, and Erykah Badu.), The 2011 ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN CARIBBEAN CRUISE (Oct 29th – Nov 6th) adds a Carnival Cruise Line Beach Robe, Baseball Cap & Books from Author George Kevin Jordan all courtesy of ZENBIZ TRAVEL.

To WIN an Ultimate GLO TV Travel Bag, visit the GLO TV table in Philadelphia and sign up for a FREE raffle ticket. One lucky WINNER will be given The Ultimate GLO TV Travel Bag at the end of the evening.

We look forward to seeing you.
Check out the new 2011 Spring/Summer Season of GLO TV in May at WWW.GLOTVNETWORK.COM

Penn Relay & FIBO's Ready, Set, Go Party

FIBO welcomes everyone to the 2011 Philly Black Pride and Penn Relays. During this time of community outreach, workshops and fellowship, FIBO would like to invite you to TABU this Friday, April 29, 2011 for the "Ready, Set, Go!" Party. Along with having a fabulous time at TABU, FIBO will be giving away a FREE package to FIBO, 2011, which includes free hotel stay and two Admission Bracelets. Simply stop by the registration table Friday night and sign up to win.

TABU

200 S. 12th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Friday, April 29, 2011

($10 before 11pm & $15 afterwards)

Join GLO TV at the 2011 GLBT Travel Expo this week in both NYC & Philly

GLO TV Network is honored to be a media sponsor for the 2011 GLBT Travel Expo. Join us in New York City on Tuesday, April 26th from 4pm - 8pm and in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 28th from 4pm - 8pm and you could walk home with the 2011 Ultimate GLO TV Travel Bag.

GLO TV created the Ultimate GLO TV Travel Bag with a few of our sponsors & event partners. The 2011 FIBO Weekend (Aug 12^th – 14^th) Blue HBO Tote Bag is full of some amazing gifts & prizes which includes: (2) FIBO Weekend General Admission Bracelet's, Carol's Daughter Spring/Summer Skin Products ($125 retail value),Universal Motown Records CD Pack including (Melanie Fiona, Nicki Minaj, Drake, KEM, Nelly, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Shontelle, and Erykah Badu.), The 2011 Ultimate Halloween Caribbean Cruise (Oct 29^th – Nov 6^th) adds a Carnival Cruise Line Beach Robe, Baseball Cap & Books from Author George Kevin Jordan all courtesy of Zenbiz Travel.

To WIN an Ultimate GLO TV Travel Bag, visit the GLO TV table in both New York City or Philadelphia and sign up for a FREE raffle ticket. One lucky WINNER will be given The Ultimate GLO TV Travel Bag at the end of the evening in both cities.

We look forward to seeing you.

Check out the new 2011 Spring/Summer Season of GLO TV in May at www.GLOTVNetwork.com

Baby It's You! The NEW Broadway HIT

You’ve seen Dreamgirls, you know The Supreme’s

It’s now time to experience The Shirelles in BABY IT’S YOU!

BABY IT’S YOU! is the original Broadway musical inspired by the true story of Florence Greenberg, a suburban housewife from New Jersey, who discovered one of the greatest girl groups of all time, The Shirelles, and created Scepter Records, becoming the music industry’s first female powerhouse.

SPECIAL DISCOUNTED OFFER!

Visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code: BBHLM28

Call (212) 947-8844 and mention code: BBHLM28

Bring this page to the Broadhurst Theatre Box Office at 235 West 44^th Street

(Between Broadway & 8^th Ave)

For more information on the show, please visit http://babyitsyouonbroadway.com/

SINGLE TICKET DISCOUNT: CLICK HERE!

GROUPS RATES: CLICK HERE!

DANCE KELLY ROWLAND DANCE

Interview with Papermag


The former Destiny’s Child member on her upcoming album, nude beaches and being a nerd.


By Alex Catarinella


If anyone is allowed to be a diva it’s Kelly Rowland, one third of what many consider the most successful all-female groups of all time, Destiny’s Child. But Rowland, now a solo artist with an eponymous, dance-heavy forthcoming album boasting production by David Guetta and Dr. Luke, is an unassuming, poised woman who isn’t fazed by the “bullshit that comes with the territory.” The video for first single “Commander,” which features Rowland rocking superhero-esque looks as she belts out soaring vocals, is further proof that she’s no longer the cute teenage girl sharing a chorus. But this isn’t the new-and-improved Kelly Rowland. Over the phone in Paris, the 29-year-old told PAPERMAG that this is simply Kelly Rowland being Kelly Rowland — a self-professed Intervention-watching nerd with dreams of frolicking on the beach naked, and who considers moments on the tour bus with “the girls” to be more special than winning a Grammy.

Now that’s our kind of superstar.



A lot of artists are moving toward a futuristic, dance-heavy sound. Why were you influenced to go this direction?


I spent about a year of my life in Europe really listening to a whole bunch of Europeans DJs and hearing dance music a lot on the radio and really loving it. But I didn’t really think that I would do a dance record until l went out in the South of France and David Guetta was spinning at a club. Listening to him was just crazy. I heard the track “When Love Takes Over” and I asked if I could take it to London to write lyrics to it. And so we wrote “When Love Takes Over” and it was my first introduction to dance music. Then I went to Europe to promote the record with David and it was a whole other monster. It’s really a culture and I love it….

Your 10 Personal Favorite Michael Jackson Songs

By Waddie Grant

www.worldwidewaddie.com

With the one-year anniversary of the death of Michael Jackson, a.k.a. The King Of Pop, looming tomorrow, I wanted to share with you all my ten personal favorite songs of Mr. Jackson.

Above all artists, his musical has been one of the most influential as far as how I want to express my own creativity. His trend-setting, thinking outside-the-box and social awareness significantly affected the music industry positively, and my creativity has been affected as well. I admired his perfection. I feel the emotions he spews in my favorite tunes of his. The upbeat tempos bring up my spirits where I want to dance whenever I hear them. Ultimately, Jackson’s music takes me onto an imaginary journey where I visualized my own visual soundtrack to his music.

Thus, these ten songs below are the Michael Jackson tunes I will never grow out of loving.

10. “In The Closet” (Dangerous album, 1992)

I love the New Jack Swing era of Michael Jackson. That kind of rhythm with one of Jackson’s sexiest lyrics and music videos kept me jammin’ for a long time. Also, this song has that extended instrumentation that was popular in the 80′s and 90′s that keep us party people dancing.

9.”Heal The World” (Dangerous album, 1992)

…

8.”Break Of Dawn” (Invincible album, 2002)

When I first listened to Invincible album, I remember loving every second of the album because I was glad that Michael finally released new music since his 1995 HIStory album. Immediately after, I realized how dated the album sounded, but this song stood out to me. I remember creating this beautiful imagery in my head of a beautiful, sunny morning atmosphere with the one I would love.

7.”They Don’t Care About Us” (HIStory album, 1996)

There are many sides of Michael that I love, and his militant side is what I appreciate the most. His pro-Black and caring for the world approach in his music about social injustice makes his catalog of music stand out above all other artists. I love singing the lyrics of this tune when I feel militant-minded. I even love the music video with Jackson protesting with the poor residents of Brazil.

6.”Ain’t No Sunshine” (Got To Be There album, 1972)

Who knew that a 14 year old male pop singer could sing a song with so much soul as Michael did with this remake of this Bill Withers classic? His vocal dynamics of this heart-wrenching soulful ballad made me feel the melancholy anguish of the lyrics. His rendition outperforms the vocal talents of his contemporaries twice his age.

5.”Got To Be There” (Got To Be There album, 1971)

I first fell in love with Chaka Khan’s remake of this tune before I even knew that Michael was the original singer from a decade prior. When I learned that revelation, I’m thinking Chaka’s version had to make Michael’s forgettable. Fortunately, I was wrong. Like “Ain’t No Sunshine,” I could not picture a young male teen singing his soul out like a seasoned adult performer about such experience a teen may be too young to endure. At that point, I realized Michael was able to sing anything at any age.

4.”Scream” (Naughty Pretty Pella remix) featuring Janet Jackson & Treach (HIStory album, 1995)

The pairing of Michael and his equally popular sister Janet made me go bananas on this tune. I admit that I was enamored with the high-tech music video more than the song’s album version until I heard the official remix with Treach of Naughty By Nature. The rock and neo-soul groove of the remix is one of my favorite instrumentations I have ever listened.

3.”Billie Jean” (Thriller album, 1993)

What is not to love about this tune? The bassline beat is the hottest. Jackson’s moonwalk changed the game of stage performance and became a legend instantly. The subject matter was ahead of its time, especially for a R&B/pop singer. I didn’t even understand what the lyrics were about. I was seven years old at that time. Regardless, I enjoy the song now as much as I did then.

2.”Man In The Mirror” (Bad album, 1988)

The humanitarian in Michael Jackson is what I will always admire most about his legacy. I remember being in middle singing this song all the time and realizing for the first time how I could be more socially aware especially about communities and countries who really need the help and love that I have been blessed to have.

1.”Remember The Time” (Dangerous album, 1992)

Hands down, this is my favorite song to perform at karaoke. I remember at first listen when I was 15 years how this song made me want to dance. The song could never get out of my head either…and that was before the video came out with all that Black star power and the hottest choreography of that era. When I got the Teddy Riley extended remix of this song, I fell in love with this song much more. I wish I had the talent of dancing because I would create the hottest choreography for this.

From this list you would think that Dangerous is my favorite Jackson album, but Thriller is really my favorite. What are your favorite Michael Jackson songs and albums?

Erykah Badu Window Seat Spoof by @SpokenReasons

On Wednesday, March 31, Erykah Badu released her video Window Seat and The Future posted the hit single's video.

However, the next day Erykah’s major record label Motown Records pulled all the videos posted on youtube and other players.

The kid @SpokenReasons redid Erykah’s video for Window Seat and I think I almost died watching this video. Hilarity at it’s finest. In the video you can see the comedian Spoken Reasons walking through what looks like a college campus taking off his clothes. He has on like 100 shirts and he's thinner than JJ Evans. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the girl in the back picking up the clothes. OMG!!!

Check out the video and the twist at the end. It’s the best thing on the internet right now.

50th Anniversary of MOTOWN

Black ties and gowns filled a ballroom Saturday in a big-bucks salute to Detroit-style royalty — the King of Motown, the Queen of Soul and the Kid of Rock.

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, along with Aretha Franklin, Kid Rock and Motown's original kid, Stevie Wonder, came to Motown's original hometown for the Motown 50 Golden Gala. The 50th-anniversary event, which fetched $350 and up for a ticket, was a fundraiser for the Motown Historical Museum. The museum was the original home of Motown Records Corp., which Gordy started with an $800 loan.


The event drew about 750 people and many of the big names and behind-the-scenes people from the label, which moved to Los Angeles in 1972. Detroit's output included scores of hits, including "My Girl" by The Temptations, "The Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye."The pleasure is mine to be here," Gordy said during a pre-concert reception. "I'm thrilled I got the nurturing and all of the things Detroit had to offer me. Motown could not have made it in any other city."

Gordy was joined on the red carpet earlier in the evening by local and national celebrities and dignitaries, including Otis Williams of the Temptations, which was on the bill; Claudette Robinson of the Miracles; the Rev. Jesse Jackson; comedian Sinbad, the event's host; and Detroit Mayor and former Detroit Pistons all-star Dave Bing. The musical mingling of classic Motown artists such as Wonder and The Temptations with non-Motown hometown heroes Franklin and Rock reveals the reverence for and relevance of the label.Kid Rock performed with Wonder on the Motown great's songs "Living For The City" and "Superstition," bringing many of the people in the crowd to their feet. The pair called up others for the finale — a funky, extended version of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours."Before taking the stage, Kid Rock called it a "career milestone." He said his mother, who was out of state, sent him a text message: "Who would have thought when we were partying in our barn, playing all those Motown records when you were a kid that you'd be playing the 50th gala?"

The gala is a regular event for the museum, but it took a higher profile this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the label's founding. Museum CEO Audley Smith said the facility wants to expand to hold thousands of artifacts and memorabilia that can't be displayed because of space, but he stressed the museum will maintain the integrity of the well-known Hitsville USA house on West Grand Boulevard. The gala also included special tributes to Motown alumni who have died, including Michael Jackson. Gordy, at Jackson's memorial service in July, talked about the 10-year-old prodigy he signed, calling him "the greatest entertainer that ever lived."Homecomings are rare these days for Gordy, who lives in California, but bonds remain: His sister, Esther Gordy Edwards, founded the museum now overseen by his great-niece, Robin Terry. He's also a premier sponsor of the gala.

President Barack Obama sent well wishes via videotape. He said Gordy's "music made history" and his record company "captured a truly American sound."Franklin sang a customized birthday ode to Gordy, who turns 80 on Nov. 28."Detroit, we've waited long enough — Berry's come home at last," she sang. Afterward, Franklin ushered Gordy to the stage, saying "he absolutely revolutionized the music industry, single-handedly."

He was presented a crystal plaque, a large cake and a mass serenade of "Happy Birthday."Gordy told the crowd he was inspired by his time spent on a Detroit auto factory floor to make a music company that was like "an assembly line" of talent. "That dream came true." Wonder told The Associated Press after the concert that being a part of Gordy's vision has been a blessing."I'm just very, very happy (for) that dream Berry had — him meeting me, hearing me, seeing me, that he saw fit for me to be a part of that dream that became reality."

Zolra's Corner: Michael Jackson beats New Moon and Miley Cyrus

New Moon doesn't appear to be the only ticket in town. While the film based on the highly successful vampires novels is awaiting it's release, it looks like there is one movie that is going to be the best movie for the winter. It's opponent: Michael Jackson: This is It.

MovieTickets.com announced that the film already recorded more than 550 sellouts. Globally, Sony Pictures bragged about big business from Britain to Japan. Fandango said the concert movie was its new top-seller, ousting The Twilight Saga: New Moon.

The movie has been so many records, it is without a doubt that this movie will surpass it's $60 million budget on the first day of it's release. There are also expectations that this will become the highest grossing concert film of all time.

The highest grossing concert film of all time right now was released last year. It's Miley Cyrus's Best of Both Worlds Concert film.

The film was supposed to be a one week film. But once the film made $31 million dollar opening weekend, they kept the film in theaters for a few more weeks, and the film went on to gross $71 million dollars worldwide.

While it's still early, This Is It is on track to top Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus. During its first three days of sales, Fandango said, Jackson's film outpaced Cyrus' first three days by a wide three-to-one margin.

Looks like Miley Cyrus can't hold the record forever, and New Moon looks like it has a movie to compete with. Even though these films are pop phenoms, it can't beat the pop phenom.