VIDEO: ShowBiz Minute: Bieber, Warwick, Timberlake

Neighbor claims battery by Justin Bieber; Singer Dionne Warwick files for bankruptcy; Justin Timberlake’s ’20/20′ album sells 968K in 1st week.

Read more

VIDEO: ShowBiz Minute: McCready, Brown, Lohan

Mindy McCready’s funeral held in southwest Florida; Bobby Brown sentenced to 55 days in jail for DUI; Lohan’s attorney seeks deal with prosecutors.

Read more

We Will Always Love You: A Grammy Salute To Whitney Houston to air Friday, Nov. 16 on CBS

YOLANDA ADAMS, CELINE DION, JENNIFER HUDSON, USHER AND CECE WINANS PERFORM ON ”WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: A GRAMMY^®SALUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON.

Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson, LL COOL J, and Britney Spears to Present Special Clips of Performances and Interviews.

“We Will Always Love You: A GRAMMY^®Salute To Whitney Houston” is set to air this Friday, Nov. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network (www.cbs.com). The special, which was taped last month at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

Four-time GRAMMY® Award winner Yolanda Adams and 10-time GRAMMY® Award winner CeCe Winans are the latest performers announced for WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: A GRAMMY® SALUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON.  They join previously announced five-time GRAMMY® Award winner Celine Dion, GRAMMY and Academy Award® winner Jennifer Hudson, and seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner Usher for the one-hour special. The show will celebrate Houston’s life and artistry through performances and interviews with various artists paying homage to the six-time GRAMMY® Award winner, and will include Houston’s own most memorable performances of her career.


WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU will include highlights of nearly all of Houston’s GRAMMY® broadcast performances, her classic performance of the national anthem at Super Bowl XXV in 1991 and her first-ever television appearance on “The Merv Griffin Show” in the early ‘80s, among other iconic performances and exclusive interviews. The special will also feature other artists sharing their memories of Houston, as well as additional highlights of her career.

The first-ever definitive single disc collection of Houston’s greatest hits, I Will Always Love You — The Best Of Whitney Houston, will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 13 and feature 18 tracks, including two never-before-released songs. Additionally, an official Houston photo tribute book, Whitney: Tribute To An Icon, will be available for sale on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

(Please click on photo image to view regular size)

“Whitney! Celebrating the Musical Legacy of Whitney Houston” is a current GRAMMY Museum® exhibit that explores the extraordinary life and career of the six-time GRAMMY Award® winner, and provides an in-depth look at all aspects of Houston’s creative life. Presented in conjunction with the Houston family, the collection features diverse artifacts as well as rare photographs and footage, and includes dozens of items from the private collection of the Houston family. “Whitney!” will be on display in The GRAMMY Museum’s® Special Exhibits Gallery through February 2013.

Houston was one of the biggest pop stars — male or female — of all time, selling a combined 170 million albums, songs and videos, and garnering six GRAMMY and two Emmy Awards, among countless other awards and accolades. She graced the GRAMMY® Stage eight times over the years — one of a few artists to have had the distinction of performing the most times on the annual broadcast. Most recently, she appeared as a presenter at the 51st Annual GRAMMY® Awards in 2009 (ultimately presenting Jennifer Hudson with her first GRAMMY® Award, for Best R&B Album).

WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: A GRAMMY® SALUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC. Ken Ehrlich is the executive producer. Louis J. Horvitz is director. Clive Davis, Tom Corson, and Kevin Beisler are producers.

About The Recording Academy:
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

Sources: The Recording Academy, CBS
Photos credit to: Cliff Lipson,  Francis Specker/CBS

Coverage of 43RD NAACP Image Awards Ceremony, Red Carpet Arrivals, Photo & Press Rooms

Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News TV from Diversity News Productions/Publications covers the 43rd NAACP Image Awards Nomination Results, Red Carpet Arrivals, Photo and Press Rooms.

The event was held on Friday, February 17, 2012 and broadcast live from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium the winners of the “43RD NAACP Image Awards” were announced during two-hour special hosted by Sanaa Lathan and Anthony Mackie with appearances by: LL Cool J, Paula Patton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams, Jordin Sparks, Russell Hornsby, Keke Palmer Corey Reynolds, Judge Greg Mathis, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Holly Robinson Peete, Regina King, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper.

Including performances by Jennifer Hudson, Lenny Kravitz, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin and Ne-Yo and a Moving Tribute to Super Star and Diva Whitney Houston by Yolanda Adams. George Lucas, Cathy Hughes and The Founding Members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association Received Special Award Honors.

The awards event was a production of Vicangelo Films. The executive producer was Vicangelo Bulluck.

The event sponsors were UAW/Chrysler, AARP, FedEx, Hyundai, Wells Fargo, Ford Motor Company, Walgreens, Bank of America, AT&T, American Airlines and Cadillac.

About The NAACP Image Awards:
The NAACP Image Awards is the premier multicultural awards show. It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.  For all information and latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net

About NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information about the organization visit http://www.naacp.org/

To see more photos of the red carpet arrivals and photo room visit our photographer website at http://www.rodrigovaz.com

Sources: The Lippin Group, NBCUniversal Media Village
Photos credit to: Trae Patton/NBC  & Rodrigo Vaz/Diversity News Magazine

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to all the winners and special thank you to Adeline Petty, The NAACP Management and Board of Directors, the Image Awards Committee, Jennifer Price-Keith, Gary Mednick, NBC Entertainment Publicity, NBC Universal, The Lippin Group, Rodrigo Vaz, The NAACP  Volunteers and every one involved.

This article is brought to you and sponsored by: Rodrigo Vaz Photos and Diversity News TV on Blip TV (Click logos to visit websites)

&

BREAKING NEWS: Whitney Houston, Superstar and Diva Dies at 48 – Diversity News Magazine

One day before music biggest night The 54th Annual GRAMMYS Awards, the sad news broke around the world on Saturday, February 12, 2012.

The news reached to millions of fans and including members of the Recording Academy that superstar and diva Whitney Houston passed away in Beverly Hills, CA.

UPDATE: Latin singer, songwriter and performer Enrique Iglesias and Recording artist Mariah Carey reactions. Also Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy statement.

Recording artist and performing Enrique Iglesias wrote on his official website http://www.enriqueiglesias.com

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Whitney and her entire family. Working with her is an experience that I will cherish forever.”

Also recording artist and performer Mariah Carey released the following statement on her official website http://mariahcarey.com: “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth”. — said Mariah and she even posted the photo of both of them singing together”

Also The Recording Academy made the following statement re: Whitney Houston “Six-time GRAMMY® winner Whitney Houston was one of the world’s greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades. Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice”. said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy®.

About Whitney Houston:
Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. Houston was the most awarded female act of all time, according to Guinness World Records.^[3] Her list of awards includes 2 Emmy Awards, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among a total of 415 career awards as of 2010. Houston was also one of the world’s best-selling music artists, having sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide.^[4][5]

Inspired by several prominent soul singers in her family, including mother Cissy Houston and cousins Dionne Warwick and the late Dee Dee Warwick, as well as her godmother, Aretha Franklin, Houston began singing with New Jersey church’s junior gospel choir at age 11.^[6] After she began performing alongside her mother in night clubs in the New York City area, she was discovered by Arista Records label head Clive Davis. Houston released seven studio albums and three movie soundtrack albums, all of which have diamond, multi-platinum, platinum, or gold certification.

Houston was the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits (“Saving All My Love for You”, “How Will I Know”, “Greatest Love of All”, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”, “Didn’t We Almost Have It All”, “So Emotional”, and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”). She was the second artist behind Elton John and the only female artist to have two number-one Top Billboard 200 Album awards (formerly “Top Pop Album”) on the Billboardmagazine year-end charts. Houston’s 1985 debut album, Whitney Houston, became the best-selling debut album by a female act at the time of its release. The album was also namedRolling Stone‘s best album of 1986, and was ranked at number 254 on Rolling Stone‘s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.^[7] Her second studio album, Whitney (1987), became the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart.^[7] Houston’s crossover appeal on the popular music charts as well as her prominence on MTV, starting with her video for “How Will I Know“,^[8] influenced several African-American female artists to follow in her footsteps.^[9][10]

Houston’s first acting role was as the star of the feature film The Bodyguard (1992). The movie’s original soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Its lead single, “I Will Always Love You“, became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history. With this album, Houston became the first act (solo or group, male or female) to sell more than a million copies of an album within a single week period.^[7] The album also makes her the only female act in the top 10 list of the best-selling albums of all time, at number four. Houston continued to star in movies and contribute to their adjoining soundtracks, including the films Waiting to Exhale(1995) and The Preacher’s Wife (1996). The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack would go on to become the best-selling gospel album in history.^[11] Three years after the release of her fourth studio album, My Love Is Your Love (1998), she renewed her recording contract with Arista Records.^[11] She released her fifth studio album, Just Whitney, in 2002, and the Christmas-themed One Wish: The Holiday Album in 2003. Amid widespread media coverage of personal and professional turmoil, Houston ended her 14-year marriage to singer Bobby Brown in 2006. In 2009, Houston released her seventh studio album, I Look to You.

On February 11, 2012, Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California, of causes not immediately known.^[12]  For more information visit http://whitneyhouston.com

Source: Wikipedia, enriqueiglesias.com
Photo credit to: Whitney Houston Facebook Fan Page, mariahcarey.com & enriqueiglesias.com
Video courtesy of Youtube.com/whitneyhoustonVEVO

Editor’s Note: We are so sad, shock and can not believe it. We ask GOD why her? why Whitney Houston? We will continue to bring you more coverage as news develops and for now we want to offer our sympathy to her family and Rest In Peace. Please leave your comments in here in honor and tribute to Whitney Houston. Thank you.

Chaka Khan Performs Live at Never Again Peace Concert Tribute to Stevie Wonder

On Tuesday, November 1, 2011 The NEVER AGAIN PEACE CONCERT TRIBUTE TO STEVIE WONDER was held at UNIVERSAL CITY WALK’S GIBSON AMPHITHEATRE in Universal City, CA from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Legendary R&B diva Chaka Khan performs live at Never Again Peace Concert Tribute to Stevie Wonder – The Man, The Legend, The Humanitarian.

Also some other special performance appearances were made by R&B crooner Eric Benet, Lalah Hathaway and legendary Armenian singer Flora Martirosian. Among the celebrities were Ron Artest (LA Lakers) and Whitney Houston ex-husband Bobby Brown.

Stevie Wonder received an Award, including art painting at the Never Again Peace Concert.

The purpose of this concert  is to increase awareness for crimes against humanity and to encourage world peace.

Photos credit to: Travis Jourdain from Five Minute Photos
Videos courtesy of Diversity News TV


Editor’s Note: It is so funny that this event is supposed to raise awarness peace but saddly the security event company Staff Pro are doing the opposite by making media and fans uncomfortable at the venue by not allowed them even to go to the bathroom. Read my personal opinion blog at http://stevenescobar.blogspot.com/2011/11/staff-prop-staff-at-gibson-amphitheater.html

Saddle UP LA 2011 Entertainment Lineup Announced for July 9th

On Tuesday, July 21, 2011 The Life Group LA announced their entertainment lineup for for the 6th Annual Saddle up LA, AIDS Benefit Horseback Trail Ride, and Country BBQ to be held Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. at the Diamond Bar Riding Stables 1840 Riverside Dr Glendale CA 91201 and then the Country BBQ at the Pickwick Gardens Banquet Center at 1001 West Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91506 from 7:30 pm to 11:45 pm.

Saddle up L.A. 2011 will be a trail ride and BBQ to remember! It will honor not only those who have died of AIDS but will honor those of us who live on whether infected or affected by HIV.

Please join us to experience the likes of Pepper Mashay, Paul Bradley, Marié Lake, the LA Wranglers and our master of ceremonies Mystery Mike Hennessey.

International Dance Diva Pepper Mashay’s a dynamic urban, soul and house musician, and Club / Dance singer-songwriter who is best known from “Let’s get soaking wet!” chanting throughout the Barry Harris track “Dive in the pool” made popular by its inclusion in the American television series Queer as Folk.

Mashay has worked with Whitney Houston, Bobby Caldwell, Christina Aguilera, Cher, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Jennifer Holliday, Taylor Dayna, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Ray Charles, Sheena Easton, Steve Perry and many others and is a generous and compassionate artist who donates her time and talent to many HIV/AIDS service organizations that offer food, emotional support and education.

Paul Bradley, a Los Angeles native, has been writing, performing and producing music for over 30 years. His styles range from musical theatre to pop/rock and rock-opera, as well as pop gospel. In addition to performing, Bradley has been a music producer for stage, television, film, music video and all aspects of music and concert production. He is first and foremost a creative spirit, continually striving to be innovative and artistic.

Bradley worked closely with Academy, Grammy and Tony award winning composer Stephen Schwartz on the soundtrack of Disney’s first original musical film, Geppetto, as well as having a hand casting the original leading role of Elphaba in Wicked. Bradley was the lead music producer as well as featured composer for the Chippendales World Tour.

Lake, also a singer/dancer, is a rising well-known performer in comedy and burlesque shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco. A graduate of the Groundlings, she appears regularly at the Improv on Melrose, the Improv Olympic West, and Second City, Los Angeles. Television credits include “Days,” “The Bold and the Beautiful” and Comedy Central.

Treating us all to fun choreographed dance numbers are the LA Wranglers. In 2003 a group of friends who shared a love of music and dance gathered at the Rawhide Bar in Southern California. Shortly thereafter, Los Angeles’ premier dance group, The LA Wranglers was formed.

The group’s founder and choreographer, Rick Dominguez stated that since then the group has been building their repertoire and performing throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Combining traditional country-western with Latin, hip-hop, and modern dance moves, the LA Wranglers’ high-energy choreography thrills crowds wherever they entertain.

Returning to serve as Master of Ceremonies for 6th year; actor, writer and AIDS Activist, MC www.mysteriesbymike.com. Hennessey has been doing Stand Up and acting for over 16 years, entertaining at over 10,000 live events. He is the Nations # 1 Martin Short impersonator; as well as in the words of Michelle Pfiefer, “The greatest children’s performer in the country.” Hennessey can be seen in the Gay Romantic Comedy “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”.

You can also purchase your BBQ tickets visit http://www.thelifegroupla.org/saddleupla/bbq.html and there is still time to register to ride and to secure your horse, join or make an online donation now visit http://saddleupla2011.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=465620

About The Life Group LA.:
Founded in 2005, The Life Group LA. provides education, empowerment and emotional support to persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS that they may make informed choices regarding their healthcare and general well being. Using a variety of methodologies such as peer support groups, public medical forums and the POZ Life Weekend Seminar, the Life Group L.A. creates educational and empowering experiences in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment. The Life Group LA is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

For details on Saddle Up LA 2011, contact Sunnie Rose at 888-208-8081 or visit our website at www.SaddleUpLA.org . To find out more about The Life Group LA, please visit www.TheLifeGroupLA.org

Sources: The Life Group LA & Saddle UP LA

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine, published by Diversity News Publications is proud sponsor of the 6th Annual Saddle UP LA 2011, please support our Diversity News Team for Saddle UP LA 2011 by joining our team or making an online donation visit http://saddleupla2011.kintera.org/diversitynews

Myrna Smith of ‘Elvis Presley’ “Sweet Inspirations” Memorial Service Jan. 29, 2011 at First Christian Church of North Hollywood

Hello Fans and Friends of Myna Smith and Elvis Presley.  As and I we told you, that we will do a follow up and this is a follow up story on Myrna Smith of ‘Elvis Presley’ “Sweet Inspirations” Memorial Services.

Please read about the memorial services schedule in her honor.

We received an email from Candi Smith who is Myrna’s son wife Martin Smith.


Here is what we received for all the fans dated 1-16-2011. Sorry for publishing this late but personally it is hard to think about the Myrna have left us and but now she is with GOD and is R.I.P and watching us from Heaven. (Soon I will be there with her to see her Smile and Shine again )

Here is what Myrna’s son wrote:

To all the fans of my mother Myrna Smith,

I wanted to give you all a great big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all that you did for my mother. Not only when she was ill, but all the support you gave her during the years of touring, as well as, listening and purchasing her music. Many of you followed her closely and she loved you for that.

My mother was a wonderful lady. My life with her will never be forgotten. I have watched my mom from day one of her time with Elvis and the people from Graceland, showing many people what a great entertainer should project. My mom, although had friends by her side all the way to the end, always understood our special relationship. I will always love and respect my mother for who she is and what she became. Her grandson had the opportunity to sit with his Grandmother long before she became too ill and shared with her his aspirations to follow her entertainment footsteps.

Thank you all for the respect while the family was grieving and we appreciate your well wishes and condolences. I have included the memorial information below and would love to hear from you or see you there.

For people who cannot make it to the memorial, we will be taking all emails and posting them at the memorial for people to read. We may even read a few there.

Sincerely,

~Martin Smith

About Myrna Smith Memorial Services:

Myrna Smith memorial service will be held at:

First Christian Church of North Hollywood
4390 Colfax Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91604
818-763-8218
(please send flowers directly to the church)

Please RSVP at myrnasmemorial@hotmail.com

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00PM
Date: 1/29/2011

Refreshment will follow.

The family appreciate all you the fans that had done so much for Myrna and a special thank you to Carole Drexler who has been a valuable friend of the family.

Also the family have set up a  facebook page under Myrna Yvonne Smith for all you the fans to get updates. Please sign up and join.

This memorial service is open the all you the public and fans of Myrna Smith and Elvis Presley fans.

We asked Candi Smith is Elvis Presley family or Myrna’s Smith record label attending and she was not able to disclose the information. So if you want to be part of history you must attend this event.

We also contacted Myrna Smith’s John’s Utley’s friend Diane Acosta and she told us that she will be attending the Memorial Service and that’s Myrna Smith always introduced her as her sister in law because they expend a lot of times together. Diane Acosta have been dating Myrna Smith brother John Utley as current see each other. Diane was there for Myrna Smith’s and now she is supporting John to be strong. Diane also have mention to us the John and her self with cooperation with Myrna Smith’s son Martin Smith will have a private memorial service at Myrna’s home where friends and family will be invited.

About Myrna Smith: Myrna Smith(1941 – December 24, 2010)^[1] was an American songwriterand singer, who co-wrote many of the songs for Carl Wilson‘s 1981 solo album Carl Wilson, as well as a few of the songs on his 1983 solo album Youngblood.

She was also a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley‘s backing group.

^[2] Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career.

The lead singer of her group, The Sweet Inspirations, was Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston. She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, at the age of 69.^[1]

Editor’s Note: Please keep coming back to our site and share the information because we are in contact with Myrna’s Smith family. We want to thanks Candi Smith, Martin Smith, Diane Acosta and John Utley for trusting us. Also we want to add the actors, recording artists and personalities are interested in attending to honor Myrna Smith. ^{Sources: http://lisamariepresleyfamily.blogspot.com,Wikipedia, classicpopicons.com,http://backinmemphis.blogspot.com/and http://www.rareelvispresley.com/} NOTE: Do you like this story coverage? please visit http://diversitynewspublications.com/2010/12/myrna-smith-of-elvis-presley-sweet-inspirations-passed-away/

Myrna Smith of ‘Elvis Presley’ “Sweet Inspirations” Passed Away

It is very sad to inform to all you our readers the we received an email today around 7:00 am from Myrna Smith of ‘Elvis Presley’ “Sweet Inspirations” brother John Utley’s friend stating the she have passed away on December 24, 2010 at 11:45 PM. Myrna was leaving her last moments in her house in Winnetka, California with her brother John Smith. Per our conversation with John’s friend  they will held her services at the end of January and they expect Whitney Houston and Lisa Marie Presley will attend to the memorial services. Myrna also worked with Aretha Franklin.

On Lisa Marie & Presley Dynasty Official Fan Site Blog at http://lisamariepresleyfamily.blogspot.com/ reported on Saturday, December 25, 2010 stating “It is with deep sadness that we inform you all that Myrna Smith, singer of Elvis’Sweet Inspirations, has passed away last night. She was hospitalised with acute kidney failure and waiting for a kidney transplant. May she rest in peace and our thoughts are with her friends and loved ones.” Also http://www.rareelvispresley.com/ reports the Myrna’s body will be cremated and hope plans to be made to celebrate Myrna’s life. http://www.classicpopicons.com also reported on their site: “The Sweet Inspirations had evolved from the Gospelaires group, whose members had included Myrna’s cousins Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, Doris Troy and Judy Guions (later Judy Clay). The group were in demand for session work with many great artists, including Solomon Burke, Wilson Pickett and the Drifters. Myrna replaced Dee Dee in 1965 after she left to pursue a solo career, and Estelle Brown also joined around the same time. Dionne and Doris were replaced by Cissy Houston and Sylvia Shemwell, respectively.” They continue “In 1967, the group was signed to Atlantic as the Sweet Inspirations. Their first release was a cover of “Why (Am I Treated So Bad)” and it was a top 40 hit on the R&B charts. The groups most successful song was “Sweet Inspiration”, which was cut during a two-day session at American Sound in Memphis in August 1967. The track hit number five on the R&B chart and was a top 20 pop hit.” There is also a Facebook Fan Page created for Myrna Smith at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Myrna-Smith-of-Elvis-Sweet-Inspirations-We-love-and-support-you/139863766051471 In a personal close note, it is very sad for me to heard this sad news and share it with all you because I worked with Myrna at her residence in Winnetka, CA for couple hours one day and I can tell you the she was very nice person, generous and appreciated every one who worked with her. I was hoping to see her again, but now until next time and Rest In Peace. Megan M. Murphy from http://backinmemphis.blogspot.com/ wrote stating: “Elvis Presley Enterprises finally acknowledged Myrna Smith of The Sweet Inspirations. Today, 3 days after her passing they sent out their fan club newsletter with this blurb at the bottom (No photo, no personal sentiment): Remembering Myrna Smith We regret to inform you of the passing of Myrna Smith on Friday night, Christmas Eve. Myrna was singer and song-writer, and a member of the group Sweet Inspirations, who recorded and performed with Elvis Presley from 1969-1977. She also sang back-up for other stars including Dusty Springfield and Aretha Franklin. Along with their professional relationship, Myrna and Elvis were also close friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.” About Myrna Smith: Myrna Smith (1941 – December 24, 2010)^[1] was an American songwriter and singer, who co-wrote many of the songs for Carl Wilson‘s 1981 solo album Carl Wilson, as well as a few of the songs on his 1983 solo album Youngblood. She was also a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley‘s backing group.^[2] Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. The lead singer of her group, The Sweet Inspirations, was Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston. She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, at the age of 69.<sup>[1] Sources: http://lisamariepresleyfamily.blogspot.com, Wikipedia, classicpopicons.com, http://backinmemphis.blogspot.com/and http://www.rareelvispresley.com/

Editor’s Note: As of this posting we have spoken again to Myrna’s brother John Utley’s friend to get John Utley to speak with us and we will let you know as soon he is able. Please come back to find out the plans on how Myrna will be honored by her family and close friends.</sup>

ABC network leads; NOMINEES FOR 41st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS ANNOUNCED

On January 6, 2010 The 41st NAACP Image Awards nominees were announced during a press conference at The SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. Taye Diggs (“Private Practice” – ABC), Michael Strahan (“Brothers” – FOX) and “FOX NFL Sunday”), Wanda Sykes (“The Wanda Sykes Show” – FOX), Kyle Massey (“That’s So Raven,” “Cory in the House” – Disney Channel), Chris Massey (“Zoey 101” – Nickelodeon) and Tatyana Ali (Young and the Restless – CBS) joined NAACP Image Awards Committee Chair, Clayola Brown, and Vicangelo Bulluck, Executive Producer of the telecast, to announce the categories and nominees. The 41st NAACP Image Awards will air live on Friday, February 26 (8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT Tape-Delayed) on FOX.

Per NAACP this year, over 1,200 entries were received. From those entries, a special committee of 300 industry professionals and NAACP leaders from across the country selected five nominees in each of the 53 categories. Any artist, manager, publicist, production company, record label, studio, network or publishing house could submit an entry to the NAACP Image Awards. The final selections are voted on by NAACP members, and winners will be announced during the live airing of the 41st NAACP Image Awards.


The ABC network leads with a total of 22 nominations, followed by NBC with 13, CBS with 12, and FOX, Lifetime and TNT with 9 each. “Grey’s Anatomy” received 6 nominations, followed by “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” both receiving 4 nominations, followed by “Ugly Betty” with 3.

In the Recording Category, Columbia Records leads with 7 nominations, followed by Atlantic Records and Def Jam both with 5 nominations. J Records/MBK Entertainment received 4, and Interscope Records with 3. Jay-Z and Maxwell both received 5 nominations, followed by Alicia Keys with 3 and Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, and Rihanna with 2 each.


In the Motion Picture category, Lionsgate received 13 nominations. Warner Bros. Pictures follows with 7 nominations, Columbia Pictures with 4, and Overture Films with 3.

Returning event sponsors for the 41st NAACP Image Awards include Ford Motor Company, UAW/Chrysler, Sprint, and FedEx.

The 41st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS complete nomination list

TELEVISION CATEGORIES
Outstanding Comedy Series

•“30 Rock” (NBC)
•“Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)
•“Glee” (FOX)
•“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
• “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

•Daryl “Chill” Mitchell – “Brothers” (FOX)
•Donald Faison – “Scrubs” (NBC)
•Dulé Hill – “Psych” (USA Network)
•LaVan Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
•Tyler James Williams – “Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

•America Ferrera – “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
•Cassi Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
•CCH Pounder – “Brothers” (FOX)
•Sherri Shepherd – “Sherri” (Lifetime)
•Tichina Arnold – “Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

•Lamman Rucker – “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” (TBS)
•Lance Gross – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
•Larenz Tate – “Rescue Me” (FX)
•Malcolm-Jamal Warner – “Sherri” (Lifetime)
•Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock” (NBC)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

•Ana Ortiz – “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
•Keshia Knight Pulliam – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
•Tisha Campbell-Martin – “Rita Rocks” (Lifetime)
•Vanessa Williams – “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
•Wendy Raquel Robinson – “The Game” (CW)

Outstanding Drama Series

•“Cold Case” (CBS)
•“Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
•“HawthoRNe” (TNT)
•“Lincoln Heights” (ABC Family)
•“The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (HBO)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

•Anthony Anderson – “Law & Order” (NBC)
•Hill Harper – “CSI: NY” (CBS)
•LL Cool J – “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS)
•Laurence Fishburne – “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (CBS)
•Taye Diggs – “Private Practice” (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

•Chandra Wilson – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
•Jada Pinkett Smith – “HawthoRNe” (TNT)
•Jill Scott – “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (HBO)
•Regina King – “Southland” (NBC)
•Sandra Oh – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

•Corey Reynolds – “The Closer” (TNT)
•Delroy Lindo – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC)
•James Pickens, Jr. – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
•Mekhi Phifer – “Lie To Me” (FOX)
•Rocky Carroll – “NCIS” (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

•Anika Noni Rose – “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (HBO)
•Audra McDonald – “Private Practice” (ABC)
•Gabrielle Union – “Flash Forward” (ABC)
•Jurnee Smollett – “Friday Night Lights” (NBC)
•S. Epatha Merkerson – “Law & Order” (NBC)
Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

•“America” (Lifetime)
•“Brick City” (Sundance)
•“Georgia O’Keefe” (Lifetime)
•“Gifted Hands” (TNT)
•“Relative Stranger” (Hallmark)
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

•Cuba Gooding Jr. – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
•Eriq La Salle – “Relative Stranger” (Hallmark)
•Gus Hoffman – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
•Jaishon Fisher – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
•Philip Johnson – “America” (Lifetime)
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special

•Aunjanue Ellis – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
•Cicely Tyson – “Relative Stranger” (Hallmark)
•Kimberly Elise – “Gifted Hands” (TNT)
•Rosie O’Donnell – “America” (Lifetime)
•Ruby Dee – “America” (Lifetime)

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series

•Bryton James – “The Young and The Restless” (CBS)
•Cassius Willis – “The Young and The Restless” (CBS)
•Cornelius Smith, Jr. – “All My Children” (ABC)
•Terrell Tilford – “One Life To Live” (ABC)
•Texas Battle – “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS)

Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series

•Daphne Duplaix – “One Life to Live” (ABC)
•Debbi Morgan – “All My Children” (ABC)
•Eva Marcelle – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)
•Tatyana Ali – “The Young and The Restless” (CBS)
•Tonya Lee Williams – “The Young and the Restless” (CBS)

Outstanding News/ Information – (Series or Special)

•“Anderson Cooper 360: President Obama’s African Journey” (CNN)
•“CNN Presents: Reclaiming the Dream 2” (CNN)
•“The Inauguration of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States” (BET)
•“Judge Mathis” (Syndicated)
•“Leading Women: India.Arie, Dr. Maya Angelou” (Centric)

Outstanding Talk Series

•“Lopez Tonight” (TBS)
•“The Mo’Nique Show” (BET)
•“The Tyra Banks Show” (CW)
•“The View” (ABC)
•“The Wanda Sykes Show” (FOX)

Outstanding Reality Series

•“American Idol 8” (FOX)
•“America’s Next Top Model” (CW)
•“Dancing With the Stars” (ABC)
•“Extreme Makeover” (ABC)
•“Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Bravo)

Outstanding Variety – (Series or Special)

•“BET Awards 2009” (BET)
•“Bill Cosby: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor” (PBS)
•“Michael Jackson Memorial Service” (ABC, BET, CNN, MTV, NBC)
•“Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me” (HBO)
•“We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial” (HBO)
Outstanding Children’s Program

•“The Backyardigans – The Action Elves Save Christmas” (Nickelodeon)
•“Dora The Explorer: Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” (Nickelodeon)
•“Go, Diego, Go: Diego Reunites Hippopotamus and Oxpecker” (Nickelodeon)
•“True Jackson, VP” (Nickelodeon)
•“Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” (Disney Channel)

Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children’s Program – (Series or Special)

•Caitlin Sanchez – “Dora the Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
•Keke Palmer – “True Jackson, VP” (Nickelodeon)
•LaShawn Jeffries – “The Backyardigans” (Nickelodeon)
•Nick Cannon – “TeenNick HALO Awards” (TeenNick)
•Selena Gomez – “Wizards of Waverly Place” (Disney Channel)

RECORDING CATEGORIES
Outstanding New Artist

•Jeremih (Def Jam)
•Keri Hilson (Mosley Music Group/Zone 4 Inc/Interscope Records)
•K’Jon (Universal Republic Records)
•Kristinia DeBarge (Def Jam)
•Melanie Fiona (SRC/Universal/Motown)
Outstanding Male Artist

•Anthony Hamilton (SoSo Def/Jive Records)
•Charlie Wilson (Jive Label Group)
•Jay-Z (Atlantic Records)
•Maxwell (Columbia Records)
•Ne-Yo (Def Jam)
Outstanding Female Artist

•Alicia Keys (Columbia Records)
•India.Arie (Universal Republic Records)
•Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen)
•Rihanna (Def Jam)
•Whitney Houston (Artista Records)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration

•3 Mo’ Divas (MariMo’ Music Inc.)
•The Black Eyed Peas (Interscope Records)
•Day26 (Bad Boy Records)
•Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys (Atlantic Records)
•Jay-Z ft. Rihanna & Kanye West (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Jazz Album

•“Detroit” – Gerald Wilson Orchestra (Mack Avenue Records)
•“He and She” – Wynton Marsalis (Blue Note Records)
•“Kind of Brown” – Christian McBride & Inside Straight (Mack Avenue Records)
•“Poetically Justified” – Marcus Johnson (Three Keys Music)
•“The Real Thing” – Vanessa Williams (Concord Records)

Outstanding Gospel Album – (Traditional or Contemporary)

•“A City Called Heaven” – Shirley Caesar (Light Records)
• “How I Got Over” – Vickie Winans (Destiny Joy)
• “Love Unstoppable” – Fred Hammond (Verity Records)
• “Still” – BeBe & CeCe Winans (B & C Records)
• “We Are All One: Live In Detroit” – Donnie McClurkin (Verity Records)

Outstanding World Music Album

•“11:11” – Rodrigo y Gabriela (ATO Records/Red)
•“Black President” – Sila and the Afrofunk Experience (Visila Records)
•“Morabeza” – Maria de Barros (Sheer Legacy [Sheer Group South African Label])
•“ReCreation” – Zap Mama (Heads Up International/Concord Music Group)
•“Seya” – Oumou Sangare (Nonesuch/World Circuit)

Outstanding Music Video

•“Blame It” – Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain (J Records/MBK Entertainment)
•“Boom Boom Pow” – The Black Eyed Peas (Interscope Records)
•“I Look To You” – Whitney Houston (Arista)
•“Pretty Wings” – Maxwell (Columbia Records)
•“Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” – Alicia Keys (J Records/MBK Entertainment)

Outstanding Song

•“Bad Habits” – Maxwell (Columbia Records)
•“Blame It” – Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain (J Records/MBK Entertainment)
•“Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys (Atlantic Records)
•“God In Me” – Mary Mary (Columbia Records)
•“Pretty Wings” – Maxwell (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Album

•“The Blueprint 3” – Jay-Z (Atlantic Records)
•“BLACKsummers’night” – Maxwell (Columbia Records)
•“The Element of Freedom” – Alicia Keys (J Records/MBK Entertainment)
•“Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” – Mariah Carey (Def Jam)
•“Stronger With Each Tear” – Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen)

LITERATURE CATEGORIES
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

•“Basketball Jones” – E. Lynn Harris (deceased) (Doubleday)
•“Before I Forget” – Leonard Pitts, Jr. (Agate Bolden)
•“Life is Short But Wide” – J. California Cooper (Doubleday)
•“The Book of Night Women” – Marlon James Riverhead Books)
•“The Long Fall” – Walter Mosley (Riverhead Books)

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction

•“Brain Surgeon”: A Doctor’s Inspiring Encounters With Mortality and Miracles – Arnold Mann with Keith Black, MD (Grand Central Publishing)
•“Family Affair: What It Means to be African American Today” – Gil L. Robertson, IV (Agate Bolden)
•“Freedom in My Heart: Voices From the United States National Slavery Museum” – Cynthia Jacobs Carter (National Geographic Books)
•“In Search of Our Roots: How 19 Extraordinary African Americans Reclaimed Their Past” – Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (Crown)
•“Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis” – Al Gore (Rodale Inc.)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

•“3rd Generation Country” – BeNeca Ward (Xlibris Corporation)
• “A Question of Freedom” – R. Dwayne Betts (Avery Books)
•“Black Water Rising” – Attica Locke (Harper)
•“Kiss the Sky: A Novel” – Farai Chideya (Atria Books)
• “Lime Tree Can’t Bear Orange” – Amanda Smyth (Three Rivers Press)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Auto-Biography

•“Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud” – Dr. Cornel West (SmileyBooks)
•“Michelle Obama” – Deborah Willis (W. W. Norton)
•“POPS: A Life of Louis” – Terry Teachout (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
•“Shooting Stars” – LeBron James and Buzz Bissinger (The Penguin Press)
•“Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne” – James Gavin (Atria Books)

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

•“Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” – Steve Harvey (Amistad)
•“The Conversation: How Black Men & Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships” – Hill Harper (Gotham Books)
•“Down to Business” – Clara Villarosa with Alicia Villarosa (Avery Books)
•“Start Where You Are” – Chris Gardner (Amistad)
•“Your Money or Your Life” – Alvin Hall (Atria Books)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

•“Bicycles” – Nikki Giovanni (William Morrow)
•“Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry” – Camille Dungy (The University of Georgia Press)
•“Cooling Board: A Long-Playing Poem” – Mitchell L. H. Douglas (Red Hen Press)
•“Mixology: National Poetry Series” – Adrian Matejka (Penguin Group [USA])
•“Roses and Revolutions: The Selected Writings of Dudley Randall” – Melba Joyce Boyd (Wayne State University Press)

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

•“Child of the Civil Rights Movement” – Paula Young Shelton (Random House Children’s Books)
•“Negro Speaks of Rivers” – Langston Hughes (Author), E.B. Lewis (Illustrator) (Disney-Jump at the Sun/Disney Book Group)
•“Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change” – Michelle Cook (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)
•“Peeny Butter Fudge” – Toni Morrison and Slade Morrison (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing)
•“Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Toeshoe Trouble” – Whoopi Goldberg (Disney-Jump at the Sun/Disney Book Group)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

•“Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice” – Phillip Hoose (Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/Farrar Straus and Giroux)
•“Just Another Hero” – Sharon Draper (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing)
•“Mare’s War” – Tanita S. Davis (Random House Children’s Books)
•“Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady” – David Bergen Brophy (Collins-An Imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books)
•“Rock and the River” – Kekla Magoon (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing)

MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES
Outstanding Motion Picture

•“The Blind Side” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•“Invictus” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•“Michael Jackson’s: This Is It” (Columbia Pictures)
•“Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
•“The Princess and the Frog” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

•Denzel Washington – “The Taking of Pelham 123” (Columbia Pictures)
•Idris Elba – “Obsessed” (Screen Gems)
•Jamie Foxx – “Law Abiding Citizen” (Overture Films)
•Morgan Freeman – “Invictus” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•Quinton Aaron – “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

•Anika Noni Rose – “The Princess and the Frog” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
•Gabourey Sidibe – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
•Sandra Bullock – “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•Sophie Okonedo – “Skin” (Jour De Fete Films)
•Taraji P. Henson – “Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

•Adam Rodriguez – “Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (Lionsgate)
•Anthony Mackie – “The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment)
•Chiwetel Ejiofor – “2012” (Columbia Pictures)
•Danny Glover – “2012” (Columbia Pictures)
•Lenny Kravitz – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

•Alfre Woodard – “American Violet” (Universal Pictures)
•Mariah Carey – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
•Mo’Nique – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
•Paula Patton – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
•Zoe Saldana – “Avatar” (Paramount Pictures)

The nominees listed in the following categories were voted upon by Subcommittees.

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

•“American Violet” (Samuel Goldwyn Company)
•“Amreeka” (National Geographic Entertainment)
•“Endgame” (Montery Entertainment)
•“Medicine for Melancholy” (IFC Films)
•“Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Foreign Motion Picture

•“The Maid” (Elephant Eye Films)
•“Rudo y Cursi” (Sony Pictures Classics)
•“Sin Nombre” (Focus Features)
•“Skin” (Jour De Fete Films)
•“The Stoning of Soraya M.” (Mpower Pictures)

DOCUMENTARY CATEGORY

Outstanding Documentary (Theatrical or Television)

•“Capitalism: A Love Story” (Overture Films)
•“Crips and Bloods: Made in America” (Gravitas Ventures)
•“Crude” (First Run Features)
•“Good Hair” (Roadside Attractions)
•“More than a Game” (Lionsgate)
WRITING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

•Alyson Fouse – “Brothers” – Meet Mike Trainor (FOX)
•Hallsted Sullivan with Warren Lieberstein – “The Office” – Café Disco (NBC)
•Kenny Smith – “The Game” – The Wedding (CW)
•Marc Willmore – “The Simpsons” – The Good, The Sad, & The Drugly (FOX)
•Saladin Patterson & James Roday – “Psych” – High Top Fade Out (USA Network)
Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series

•Alexander Woo – “True Blood” – Beyond Here Lies Nothin (HBO)
•Kathleen McGhee-Anderson – “Lincoln Heights” – Home Again (ABC Family)
•Sara Hess – “House” – The Greater Good (FOX)
•Shonda Rhimes – “Grey’s Anatomy” – What a Difference A Day Makes (ABC)
•Zoanne Clack – “Grey’s Anatomy” – Stand By Me (ABC)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television)

•Anthony Peckham – “Invictus” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•Geoffrey Fletcher – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
•John Lee Hancock – “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•Reggie Rock Bythewood and Cheo Hodari Coker – “Notorious” (Fox Searchlight)
•Tyler Perry – “Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (Lionsgate)

DIRECTING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

•Ali LeRoi – “Everybody Hates Chris” – Everybody Hates The G.E.D. (CW)
•Justin Lin – “Community” – Introduction to Statistics (NBC)
•Ken Whittingham – “30 Rock” – The Funcooker (NBC)
•Michael Shultz – “Drop Dead Diva” – Second Chances (Lifetime)
•Reggie Hudlin – “The Office” – Koi Pond (NBC)
Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series

•Chandra Wilson – “Grey’s Anatomy” – Give Peace a Chance (ABC)
•Edward James Olmos – “Battlestar Galactica” – Islanded in a Stream of Stars (Syfy)
•Ernest Dickerson – “Dexter” – Road Kill (Showtime)
•Kevin Sullivan – “Lincoln Heights” – Aftershock (ABC Family)
•Paris Barclay – “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” – Coup de Grace (CBS)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television)

•F. Gary Gray – “Law Abiding Citizen” (Overture Films)
•George Tillman, Jr. – “Notorious” (Fox Searchlight)
•Lee Daniels – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
•Scott Sanders – “Black Dynamite” (Apparition)
•Spike Lee – “Passing Strange: The Movie” (IFC Films/Sundance Selects)


About The NAACP:

Founded on February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information on the NAACP IMAGE AWARDS, please visit naacpimageawards.net.

To view the list you can visit NAACP http://www.naacp.org/news/press/2010-01-06/index.htm


Editor Note: We wish good luck to all the nominees.

Next Page »