Photo Credit: WC Publishing

Mr. Darryl Hunt’s name may not be familiar to some but for others it is. Serving 20 years in jail, exonerated in 2004 a wrongly accused young man from Winston-Salem NC at the time of the horrific death of  Mrs. Deborah Sykes – will be honored by Duke University with an Honorary Degree.  Mr. Hunt will be among  five others to receive the Honorary Degree May 13, 2012. This breaking news came after confirmed reports from Duke.

Mr. Hunt is founder of The Darryl Hunt Project For Freedom and Justice, that assists the ex-offenders being a voice for the wrongly accused/convicted.  To familiarize yourself with this historic case or to go back down memory lane where many people did not give up on Darryl Hunt, the way DNA changed the outcome, the way continued investigation played it’s part visit this link showcasing parts of the Documentary:  The Trials of Darryl Hunt. 

Mr. Daryl Hunt Today

The Daryl Hunt Project For Freedom And Justice

Clearly if anyone was looking for Sinatra Styled versions or subdued versions of  The National Anthem from Rock Legend Steven Tyler, PLEASE DISMISS YOURSELF FROM POP CULTURE AFICIONADO STATUS.  Rock Legend, Rock Inspired Feel, No Words Forgotten, Accapella … He Rocked It!

Steven Tyler Performing National Athem 
At Patriots vs Ravens Championship Game 
Some in angst on a Rock Inspired Vocal 
Performance just like some were for 
Hendrix version in the 60's. Not even close 
to comparing the two just saying, expect Rock 
from a Rock Legend. At ease... Please. LOL

Critics are just that Critics.  Sure they have their place but what resonates on how good or how bad a film is comes from the viewers – moviegoers.  Premiering January 20, 2012 was the film Red Tails. Many movie theaters around the United States were SOLD OUT and other theaters were packed to capacity.  My online magazine/online presence 1021′s reporters were out and about getting feedback from movie lovers after seeing the film with buzz.

From celebrities, to non-celebrities there were many great responses to the film. Everyone 1021 interviewed really enjoyed the film. The theater locations we were at in several cities/states had a diverse ethnic crowd, again theaters filled to capacity.  Proudly many of our brave men and women of the military veterans/active/enlisted were at the movie Red Tails opening night.

Salute to all who had a part in bringing this film to the big screen and to those viewers who came and witnessed a extraordinary film of  true historical events of some brave men known as the Elite Tuskegee Airmen.  Proud to say that my grandfather who served in WWII  in Nancy France met one of the Tuskegee Airmen years ago in their 70′s  by the name of  LT. Colonel Dr. Leroy Bowman of Sumter South Carolina when they both attended a Veteran’s Day Program.

My mother has the picture of them both, looking so distinguished and handsome.  They served their country well. As for me on what I took away from seeing the film Red Tails was pride.  The film Red Tails was brilliantly cast, the music score by the great  Terrence Blanchard was impeccable.

I enjoyed the film and I hope others will support the film Red Tails.

An Original Tuskegee Airman Lt Col Dr Leroy Bowman 

you’ve been deja vu’d,

BEBE

Rest In Peace To A Legend And Icon LADY ETTA JAMES

Let me tell you how I listen to Lady Etta… Vinyl is the number one choice.  If I don’t have my ‘Vinyl Fix’, then my CD of Etta’s Greatest Hits will have to do.  Cliche’ as it may truly sound THE MUSIC STOPPED TODAY.  It is a respectful term to someone who has impacted the genre of music and Etta James did just that.  Etta will be missed by many. 

Jamesetta Hawkins was born 1938 in Los Angeles California.  Etta James was a woman who lived her truths, no apologies.  Starting her career in the 1950′s, Lady Etta James garners six Grammy’s, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame and Grammy Award Hall of Fame twice over.  Many will look forward to seeing  The Grammy’s give another honor to one of the best that ever did it, Lady Etta. 

Sometimes controversy and complications of one’s life wears a Crown of Completion. A completion of a life lived in the realest since where history says, “It is where one has been but importantly where one has ended.”  Triumphs over excess and odds is what Etta did.  There is no ‘Tidy Tale’ to tell but ‘Truths of Living’ from Etta James life.  In the music Etta recorded and performed fans, admirer’s, critics felt the very essence of the words.  Etta was a song stylist, easy to say but not easy to do. 

Many will be playing Etta James vast music catalog this day, to days, to weeks, to months, to years to come.  Those like myself where tears fall, let those tears turn to joy for Lady Etta James.  She has flown away to that Sunday Kind of  Love, where there’s no more heartache and  no more pain.  She sings befittingly for the highest of highs no President could hold a candle to. The Love she has now is everlasting and eternal. 

Nostalgic… quite so just as the music of Etta, Nostalgic and Relevant.

LEGENDARY LADY

Etta James, she was amazing, phenomenal, iconic and her songs resonated to the hearts of those who ever loved with reckless abandon and other ways without pretense. No one can ever sing Etta songs like she can a beautiful fact.  Thank you Etta for the music through many of  our moments of love, pain, laughter and all the rest in between.  My vinyl plays Etta, The Essence of Etta.

REST IN PEACE LADY ETTA!

Condolences to the family of  Etta James. 

1021Online will design tribute feature  
to Etta James as the newest addition  
of Legends to our Exclusive Feature  
ESSENCE OF MOI. More details to come. 
Bebe Davis, Publisher