Soul Fixin'

Etta James Got Jokes
When audio of Etta James' rant against President Obama and Beyonce hit the net, I had a feeling the 71 year old legend was simply joking and entertaining her audience. I was absolutely right. It was all a joke! Check out what Etta had to say. "I didn't really mean anything," James said. "Even as a little child, I've always had that comedian kind of attitude. ... That's probably what went into it....they were all laughing, and it was funny." As for Obama, James said she "always thought he was handsome and he was cool." [NYDN]

Soul Fixin'

'Cadillac Records'In case you are clueless, the picture above is from the upcoming film 'Cadillac Records.' Yes, that fine high yellow woman is Beyonce. She portrays living legend Etta James in the film. Many, including myself, feel that a Jill Scott may have been a better pick. Regardless, I hope Bey pulls it off. Believe it or not, there is a bit of Oscar buzz surrounding Bey's portrayal of Etta. Back to the film. 'Cadillac Records' is the story of the rise and fall of famed label Chess Records. To tell the story of Chess is to tell the story of sex, drugs, violence, race, and rock 'n' roll in 1950's Chicago and those who lived it, Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Etta James, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf and Elvis Presley--to name a few. MC and actor Mos Def stars in the film as rock 'n' roll pioneer Chuck Berry. The film hits theaters December 5. Check out the preview below.

Soul Fixin'

Lady Bey Does Etta James

Last Thursday while many of us were anxiously anticipating the weekend, Beyonce was enjoying the beauty of Bermuda as a featured performer at 2008 Bermuda Musical Festival. During her set, Lady Bey sang the enduring Etta James classic 'At Last.' I am far from a fan of Bey but I was impressed with her performance. Beyonce also informed the adoring audience that filming for the movie in which she portrays Etta James, Cadillac Man, is done. The film is based on Leonard Chess, the founder of the legendary blues label Chess Records. Initially, Etta wasn't thrilled about Beyonce portraying her in the film, but after witnessing Beyonce's performance of 'Proud Mary' with Tina Turner at the Grammy Awards, Etta felt confident that Beyonce could pull it off. Be on the lookout for Cadillac Man. In the meantime, enjoy a little Lady Bey.

Soul Fixin'

The Show Must Go On

The video above is the unofficial video of the day in the black blogsphere. The reincarnation of the Ruffin brothers, K-Ci and JoJo, are seen performing in Sydney, Australia when JoJo suddenly passes out. K-Ci Hailey, Mary's former lover, keeps on sanging like nothing is wrong. It's obvious drugs and singing don't mix, just ask Chaka Khan. Peep Chaka singing 'Precious Lord Take My Hand' with Etta James and Gladys Knight.

Video Soul

Etta's got a hold on me...

Soul Fixin'

June Is Black Music Month
Our beloved President, George W. Bush, has proclaimed June 2008 as Black Music Month. Who said George Bush doesn't like black people? In an official proclamation, President Bush said "throughout the course of American history, black musicians have used their great talents to share the richness of the African-American experience and to develop a uniquely American style of music enjoyed throughout the world. This month, we honor the pioneers of African-American music and today's contemporary artists who have enriched the lives of people everywhere."
In honor of Black Music Month, Public Soul Announcement takes a look back at some memorable album covers.

Soul Fixin'

Beyonce Cast As Etta JamesBeyonce has been cast as Etta James in the upcoming film 'Cadillac Man'. The film is based on Leonard Chess, the founder of the legendary blues label Chess Records. Chess was home to legends such as , Chuck Berry, Etta James and Muddy Waters. Etta James will consult with Beyonce during filming. Speaking to PageSix.com Etta James stated "It's a privilege and an honor to have somebody like that girl. I don't think she looks like me, but that's all right. They can fix that up." Etta went on to say "I wasn't as bourgie as she is, she's bourgeois. She knows how to be a lady, she's like a model. I wasn't like that... I smoked in the bathroom in school, I was kinda arrogant, so those are some of the things I would want to tell her." Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright and Cedric The Entertainer are also set to star the in the movie.
After seeing Beyonce's performance of "Proud Mary" with Tina Turner at the Grammy Awards, Etta felt confident that Beyonce could pull it off. I think Jill Scott would be a far better fit for this role. If you saw Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? you know that Jill Scott can act, there is no question about her singing ability. In my humble opinion, Jill Scott can embody the spirit of Etta far better than Beyonce. Either way, I'm still looking forward to seeing the movie.