Don Cornelius, Host of Soul Train, Reportedly Found Dead in Home
Etta James Memorial Features Performances By Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder
Family, friends and fans gathered to remember Etta James at a memorial service on Saturday at City of Refuge Church in Gardena, California. The legendary singer was eulogized by the Rev. Al Sharpton, and her most beloved songs were brought to life with rousing performances by Christina Aguilera and Stevie Wonder.
Sharpton opened the service by reading a statement from President Barack Obama, whose first inaugural-ball dance with First Lady Michelle Obama was famously accompanied by a rendition of James' classic "At Last" performed by Beyoncé.
"Etta will be remembered for her legendary voice and her contributions to our nation's musical heritage," Obama's statement read.
James died on January 20 after a long battle with leukemia and other health problems, including kidney failure and dementia. She was 73.
Sharpton's eulogy of James recounted a difficult life of poverty and pain that was brought out in songs that influenced contemporary singers from Aguilera and Adele to Florence Welch and Amy Winehouse, who like James battled drug addiction but unlike her idol was never able to overcome it. James was also a favorite of Beyoncé, who portrayed the singer in the 2008 film "Cadillac Records."
"Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen," Beyoncé said in a statement following James' passing. "Her musical contributions will last a lifetime."
Alabama Medical Marijuana Coalition (AMMJC) Plan to March on Montgomery
Time is winding down, the 2012 legislative session starts soon for those of us here in Alabama. HB66, also know as, the “Alabama Medical Marijuana Patient’s Rights Act has been pre-filed by Representative K. L. Brown (R- 40th Distict) and we are getting many positive responses from legislators regardless of their political stripe. Republican and Democrat alike have voiced support for HB66. For once, it looks as though medical marijuana will be making a lot of noise in the State House in 2012. Dare we say it? Medical Marijuana stands a great chance of coming to Alabama!
To Share Your Support for HB66 CLICK HERE and send a letter to your legislator.
Listen Tuesday Mornings for A&E's "Shipping Wars" Scott Bawcom Interview-Presented by New Market Bar-B-Q!
"Shipping Wars" premieres Tuesday, January 10th at 9/8C and it just so happens that Sunny's own Gracie went to high school with shipper Scott Bawcom.
Scott and Suzanne Bawcom from Nashville, TN...at first glance, this husband and wife team look like they could be living in the ’burbs, but the Bawcoms are anything but ordinary.
Scott was once a specialist who diffused bombs and explosive traps in Iraq for the Marines and is not the kind of guy who shrinks from a challenge. Already earning six figures, he desires nothing more than to be America’s top independent hauler – with a little help from his family.
Scott’s wife, Suzanne, is bids and books loads while Scott drives. Their son, Josh, handles accounting and their daughter, Ashley, is in charge of customer service. Together, the Bawcoms have created one of the most reputable independent transport companies in America.
Dana and Gracie will be hosting Scott on Sunny 98.1/1550 Tuesdays during the season so don't forget to tune in for the weekly Tuesday morning interview brought to you by New Market Bar-B-Q! You can even "Listen Live" by streaming us to at work!
To see pictures from this season and read more CLICK HERE!
Thank you to our sponsor, New Market BBQ!
