Woke Up Feelin' The Blues...

Woke up this morning thinking about the drive that Josie and I took the other day. You see, there is a neighborhood here in Los Angeles, CA., where quite a few of the great black actors and actresses and musicians lived during the 20's, 30's, 40's, and 50's. They called it "Sugar Hill".
It's located in the 1900 block of S. Harvard, just off of Washington Blvd. Oh, the houses were so grand!

Well, we got so excited to see where Hattie McDaniel, Louise Beaver and Johnny Otis once lived.
Johnny Otis has always fascinated me because he absolutely could rock some drums! He was also very easy on the eyes.

Now, Johnny Otis is Greek, but he grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood up north in Vallejo, CA. He knew and understood and was accepted by black people because, let's face it, Johnny Otis had swagger! He was, and is so talented!

Johnny Otis had mad skills on and off the stage. He discovered and worked with great artists like , Louie Jordan, ,
The Robins(who later became The Coasters), Esther Phillips,and the Great , (and later on in his career, ).

Most probably remember the 6ft tall, Big Mama Thornton famous for "Hound Dog" and "Ball and Chain".












Do yourself a favor, take that drive to "Sugar Hill", if you can. After that, keep on driving down town and visit Ms. Biddie Mason's Wall on 333. Spring St. It will give you an idea of the endless possibilities that we all have within the grasp of our hands.

Truly,
C

Wishes - Mary Anne Radmacher*

I wish for you
the color that you
bring forth in others
to greatly rise within you.

I wish you your own best strength.

I wish you always
loved ones to your side.

I wish you desired possibilities
before you
and contentment behind you.

I wish you the beginnings
of all your dreams
and many of the ends.
I wish you peace.

Mary Anne Radmacher-Hershey personally packaged and sent this to me as a "thank you", back in 1992. She's a beautiful soul.
http://www.maryanneradmacher.com/
*all materials & writings are copyright © of mary anne radmacher

Video: Michael Jackson memorial service 'to be biggest online event ever' - Times Online

Video: Michael Jackson memorial service 'to be biggest online event ever' - Times Online

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Michael Jackson - R.I.P.

Today is the day that people around the world will celebrate the life of Michael Jackson. He touched soooo many of our lives in a positive way.
As far back as I can remember, he was a part of my world musically.

"Living Off the Wall". Wow. That album was amazing! He ROCKED!


Then there was the phenomenal movie/rock documentary, "Thriller".


I can still remember where I was the first time that I saw the video!

We were in Chicago for my cousin Cynthia's Wedding. Oh, my goodness!

We sat around and couldn't believe what we were seeing. It was amazing to see Michael transform from a young, handsome man on a date, skipping down the road - into this scary dancing machine! I watched it so many times until I felt as though I knew every dance move - didn't you?!

The city of Los Angeles, in conjunction with the Jackson Family, are giving us fans a chance to say good bye this morning. There will be a internationally televised memorial today at 12:00 noon a the Staples Center .

Well, Michael, you were loved by many. You will be missed by many.

R.I.P., my friend.

C