Monday, December 31, 2001

Gladys Knight 2001

February 2001: Knight released her latest album, At Last and is touring with the Broadway revue Smokey Joe's Café.

April 12, 2001: Gladys Knight is a newlywed. MCA Records, her record label, announced that Knight, 56, married corporate consultant William McDowell. Her son Shanga gave her away in a seaside ceremony attended by 80 relatives and friends.   Knight and McDowell met about 10 years ago but didn't date until January. Click here for more infor.

June 2001: Gladys Knight is listed at number 18 in VH1's "100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll

June 2001: Gladys Knight speaks at the commencement exercises at the University of San Diego.

August 27, 2001: As fans across the country mourn the loss of rising music and film star Aaliyah, her aunt, Gladys Knight, issued the following statement: "I remember the day Aaliyah was born ... it was a great, beautiful day. I was married to her uncle, Barry Hankerson, and sheimmediately became a special part of my life, and I became Auntie Gladys to that wonderful little girl. I watched her grow up,and, with the rest of the world, saw her achieve success with her very special and unique talents. From an early age, I knew she had enormous talents, an intrinsic gift. When she first performed with me in Las Vegas, she was still quite young, but she already had it -- that spark the world would later see and fall in love with. She had a refreshing outlook for one so young, with true respect for her art and for her elders. She brought joy to my heart, and I felt blessed to encourage and support her professionally and personally as she strove for each new goal. Her star had just begun to shine so brightly. Though she was ours for only a short time, what a time it was. I love Aaliyah, and I will miss her for the rest of my life."

September 10, 2001: Gladys Knight sang during the Saturday night performance of the concert celebrating Michael Jackson's 30th anniversay as a solo artists.  The concert coincided with the realease of his new album Invincible. It was held at Madison Square Gardens in New York City on September 7 and 10.  More than 30 other artists appeared. The entire event was filmed for a two-hour, prime-time special that will air on CBS. Tickets for both performances went on sale on July 26 through the Madison Square Garden Box Office and Ticketmaster. Ticket prices ranged from $45 to $500 per seat.

September 13, 2001: The Vocal Group Hall of Fame & Museum in Sharon, Pa., announced the 2001 inductees from the 1940s, '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s, many of whom will be on hand for a special concert, which will air as a PBS fundraising special. The groups included Gladys Knight & The Pips  who will received the Harmony Award, which stands for outstanding contributions to the world of vocal group music. The ceremony took place at the Hall of Fame on Sept. 13, followed by the concert.

September 20, 2001: The Web Master finally had the opportunity to see Gladys Knight live in concert for the first time.  Gladys Knight appeared with a seven-piece band, Bubba Knight and Vince Preister at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.  It was a great show.  Gladys is a classy performer.  The Emerald Queen should get themselves a more experience sound man.  Bubba was hilarious.  He was haveing so much fun.  Vince Preister is an up and coming your saxaphone player.  His music was beautiful  Read this review of a similar conert in London Ontario.

October 11, 2001: Gladys Knight appeared in episode 5 of Say it Loud: A Celebration of Black Music in America.  Episode 5 was titled: "Express Yourself," and it premiered on October 11. "Because of our experiences, we have to be so careful about what we sing, how we perform, what we wear, what we say,'' said Gladys Knight.

October 14, 2001: VH1 presented an episode of Behind the Music profiling Aaliyah and featuring interviews with Gladys Knight and others.

October 16, 2001: Gladys Knight will be featured on a new six-CD boxed set.  Most of the biggest names in R&B music from the '70s are featured on Can You Dig It?The '70s Soul Experience, a six-CD boxed set, scheduled to be released October 16 on  Rhino Records. Out of the 136 songs in the collection, 65 reached Number One on the R&B and/or pop charts,  including picks from Gladys Knight & the Pips. Additionally, the music package has been fashioned after an 8-track cassette case, and includes extensive liner notes addressing the era's musical and political climate, plus an 80-word glossary of '70s slang words. The suggested retail price for the set is $99.98.

Saturday, December 29, 2001: Gladys Knight will appear with special guest star Mark Curry at Bally's in Las Vegas.

Page Created 2001 at geocities.com; updated 12/26/2001; transferred to blogger.com 08/09/2009

Tuesday, October 16, 2001

Eldridge Greaves

Brother Elridge Greaves of Cornwall, Ontario was the first African-Canadian to receive the priesthood. Reg, as his friends call him, joined the Church with the knowledge that he would be unable to hold the priesthood, but he was a man of great faith and remains an inspiration to the members of the Cornwall Ward, where he resides.

submitted by Brother B. Cornwall, Ontario, 10/16/2001

Monday, September 3, 2001

My pet ferret Natasha

Natasha is a ferret

Natasha is a really cute ferret we bought at a pet store. She is lovable and sweet, and she prefers to be running, except when she's asleep. She is named Natahsa, because we thought that well with her littermate, Boris. She has two very dark, round eyes and a cute, furry tail.

Natasha lives in Oregon, in an apartment with us. She is very quiet and likes to scurry about at top speed and hide in the kitchen cabinets. Her active nature keeps us entertained, especially when we look for her.

Natasha likes to hide in the furniture and steal things left on the floor. She doesn't answers to her name, but we love her just the same.

Dislikes:
  • being cooped up
  • being closed in
  • being bathed
  • being wet
Likes:
  • to find places to hide
  • to explore the apartment
  • to run full speed
  • to steal guests wallets

Tuesday, May 29, 2001

2001 World Music Awards

For the life of me, I don't know why His Serene Highness, Prince Albert doesn't commission somebody to do a web page for his totally cool annual awards ceremony. It is by far my favorite of all the many award shows. Where else can you see anyone sing in Italian? The two-hour show was broadcast on ABC 05/28/2001. The show only has the chance to feature of few of the winners: Here they are.
  • World's Best Selling Male Latin Artist: Marc Antony, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Luis Miguel
  • World's Best Selling New Female Pop Artist: Anastasia
  • World's Best Selling New Rap Artist: Lil Bow Wow, Nelly, Lil Kim
  • World's Best Selling Pop Group: Back Street Boys, Destiny's Child, N'Sync, Dixie Chicks
  • Best Selling African Artist: Yannick
  • Best Selling Italian Artist: Eros Ramuazotti
  • Best Selling Russian Artist: Alsou
  • World's Best Selling Female Latin Artist: Gloria Estefan, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez
  • World's Best Selling Femal Pop Artist: Christan Aguilera, Britney Spears, Faith Hill, Madonna
  • Best Selling Belgian Artist: Lara Fabian
  • Best Selling Female British Artist: Sonic Youth
  • Best Selling British Group: The Beatles
  • Best Selling Scandinavian Artist: Aqua
  • World's Best Selling Male Pop Artist: Sting, Ricky Martin, Moby, Enrique Iglesias
  • World's Best Selling Dance Artist: Ricky Martin
  • Best Selling Irish Artist: Enya
  • World's Best Selling New Age Artist: Enya
  • World's Best Selling R&B Male Artist: R. Kelly, Craig David, Sisqo, Brian McKnight
  • World's Best Selling Rock Group: Creed, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Santana, U2
  • World's Best Selling Latin Group: Santana
  • Best Selling Swiss Artist: Gola
  • Best Selling German Artist: Peter Maffey
  • Best Selling French Solo Artist: Helene Segara
  • Best Selling Arab Artist: Cheb Mami Diamond World Music Award: Rod Stewart
  • World's Best Selling Rap Artist: Eminem
Page Created 05/29/2001 Updated 07/23/2002

Wednesday, May 9, 2001

My pet ferret Alex

Alex is a really cute ferret I bought in Provo when I was passing through for my sister's wedding in Manti. Alex is 4 years old and very moody. She is queen of her castle. Alex is a girl, and she prefers to be alone, except when she's with me.

Her name, Alex, is short for Alexandra. She has two very round eyes and a furry tail. Alex lives in Tigard, in an apartment with me. She is very quiet and likes to lurk around in dark shadows. Her mysterious nature keeps us entertained, especially when we look for her.

Alex likes to hide under my bed and follow me around. She does not answers to her name.

Dislikes:
  • her new roommates
  • bathing
Likes:
  • to find places to hide
  • climbing in the shower
  • exploring the apartment
  • tunneling
  • chocolate


Page Created May 2001; Updated 03-26-2002

Tuesday, April 24, 2001

Music Legend Gladys Knight Weds William McDowell

excite news
SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 24 - PRNewswire Interactive News Release

MCA Records recording artist Gladys Knight was wed to Mr. William McDowell on April 12 at 5pm at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California. The intimate ceremony was attended by eighty family members and close friends, all of whom donned white or cream-colored clothing for the seaside nuptials. Gladys' son Shanga gave her away, and the couple recited special vows they had each written. The ceremony was followed by a reception where the menu included Caesar salad, rack of lamb, sea bass, and apple tarts with caramel ice cream, as well as traditional wedding cake and a sparkling cider toast to the bride and groom.

Gladys and William first met about 10 years ago at La Costa, one of Gladys' favorite spa/resorts (located near San Diego, California). They went to a 4th of July party, and became fast friends, keeping in touch over the years. In January of this year, Gladys and several girlfriends met at La Costa to plan a friend's wedding, and Gladys saw William again. William asked Gladys to join him for a movie, and they had a great time. He then asked her on a second date, and they went to a beautiful private beach, where they gazed at the stars and talked about life. Since then, the couple has been inseparable, and they vowed to remain chaste before their marriage.

Because Gladys is touring throughout the summer with the Broadway revue "Smokey Joe's Cafe," the couple decided to get married on April 12, a rare day off for Gladys, rather than waiting until the tour's conclusion in September. This wedding date also allowed the family's many children to attend the ceremony, as they were out of school for spring break and Easter weekend.

Gladys and William haven't yet celebrated with a proper honeymoon. After the ceremony, the family returned to Las Vegas (Gladys' "hometown"), where they celebrated Easter with the family traditions of an egg hunt for Gladys' 11 grandchildren and a big family dinner. Since the wedding, Gladys and William have spent cherished moments together, between Gladys' "Smokey Joe's Cafe" performances.

William McDowell is vice president of the Harris Group, a corporate consulting firm based in San Diego, California. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, McDowell is a graduate of the Geological Institute of America.

"At Last," Gladys Knight's first mainstream pop/R&B album in six years, was released to critical acclaim in February.

Thursday, April 12, 2001

Gladys Knight 1994-2003

On August 29, 1995 Gladys Knight married Les Brown. He encouraged her to speak publically and write a book.

In 1996 Gladys Knight performed again at Madison Square Garden where she had performed a the age of eight and won the Ted Mack championship. It was filled to capacity, and they gave her a standing ovation. She collaborated with Chaka Khan, Brandy and Tamia on the hit "Missing You," taken from the Queen Latifah movie Set It Off. Gladys Knight and The Pips were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gladys Knight appeared in an episode of the Jamie Foxx Show.

In 1997, just before the publication of her autobiography, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory, Les Brown was diagnosed with prostate cancer and divorced Gladys Knight.

August 11,1997: Gladys Knight embraced membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by being baptized. She also released her first inspirational album Many Different Roads.

In 1998 Gladys Knight celebrated her fiftieth year as a performer. She appeared in an episode of The Roseanne Show. Gladys' son Shanga graduated from the University of San Diego and opened a restaurant in Atlanta called Gladys Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken and Waffles.

In 1999, Gladys Knight appeared on broadway in Smokey Joe's Cafe. In the spring, she was a presenter at the annual Women's Conference sponsored by Brigham Young University and the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Click here to read her address. June 12, 1999: James "Jimmy" Newman, Gladys Knight's eldest child and manager died at his home in Las Vega, Nevada at the age of 36. He left behind his wife Michelene and four children: Richawn, Nastasia, Sterling and Stephan. Obituary 1, 2. On November 8, 1999, Gladys Knight appeard with Al Green in an episode of Ally McBeal. In 2001, Knight released her first pop album in six years, At Last. She appeared on the television game show: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?! to help raise money for diabetes. She also toured with the Broadway revue Smokey Joe's Cafe. April 12, 2001: Gladys Knight married corporate consultant William McDowell. Her son Shanga gave her away in a seaside ceremony attended by 80 relatives and friends. Knight and McDowell met about 10 years ago but didn't date until January.

Thursday, March 1, 2001

Sister Gladys' Testimony Reflects New Acceptance

by John R. Goodie Special for the
Arizona Republic March 1, 2001

I'm leaving, on a midnight plane to Mesa, leaving on a midnight plane to Mesa, woo, woo. Those were the words of the famous Gladys Knight as she left Las Vegas airport around midnight Saturday on her way to Mesa, Arizona. Yes, you heard me right.

For those of you who need a little schooling, I'm talking about Gladys Knight of Gladys Knight and the Pips, who has more gold records than most of us have dishes. Her song Midnight Train to Georgia still hits radio waves throughout America. I know many of you are wondering, wow, how did we miss her? Was she at AWA, BOB or Desert Sky Pavilion? What were the ticket prices, $25, $30? I will set your mind at ease.

Gladys Knight didn't appear in any fancy arena. And admission was free. Fashion statements didn't call for Jones of New York, Liz Claiborne, Gucci or Georgio Armani; instead shirt and tie for the men and plain Sunday best for the women. You see, Gladys Knight was on a mission call in Mesa for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She became a Mormon on Aug. 11, 1997, and was here giving a moving testimony on how she and her daughter, through her son, converted to the LDS Church.

I can hear many of you now, thinking that the LDS Church plans on using Gladys Knight as a tool to draw African-Americans to the church. Well you're right and you're wrong. Gladys went on record stating that she is blessed to be that tool to reach out to people of all races because she believes the church to be the true church.

Tool or no tool, true church or not, that's neither here nor there in this column. But the Mesa Pueblo Stake Center had more African-Americans under its roof than ever before. I, along with my wife and my mother, who flew in from Houston for the occasion, were moved many times during her testimony.

I kid you not. I consider myself a tough guy, rough around the edges. Tears were trickling from my eyes and at first I felt embarrassed. Then I didn't care as tears flowed. As a Catholic, I've been to Catholic churches on many of Sundays and have never felt the spirit or experienced the fullness of the heart that caused my emotions to overflow in front of my wife and mother.

Gladys spoke about her son, Jimmy, who led her and her daughter to the church. She noted that it wasn't until 1978 that African-American men could receive the honor of priesthood. Jimmy became a priest two years ago.

However, last year she lost Jimmy. She remembers how happy Jimmy was before he died because he was able to baptize his son. She has comfort because she knows she'll see her son again.

Sister Gladys Knight brought many people together on Sunday, and for many it was the first time they've ever set foot in a Mormon church. She sang four beautiful songs, her voice still strong and captivating as ever.

I would like to speak for my family, myself and all the visitors who felt genuinely welcomed and loved and who felt the spirit that was alive at the Pueblo Stake Center for "An Evening with Gladys Night and Family."

Some things will never be forgotten. Thank you.

John R. Goodie is head of security at Mesa High School and the 1998 recipient of the National Education Association's Human and Civil Rights Award. The views expressed are those of the author.

Wednesday, January 10, 2001

My pet ferret Boris



Boris is a really cute fellow I found at my local pet store. We brought him home 01/10/2001. He was probably about eight weeks old. He is lovable and sweet and belongs to me and my husband, Mike.

Boris is growing large very quickly. He is named Boris, because he has an underbite which makes him look very menacing. He has two very round, dayk eyes and a furry tail. Boris lives in Tigard, in an apartment with me. He is very quiet and likes to scurry about from one piece of furniture to another. His activity keeps us entertained, especially when we look for him.

He likes to hide under my bed and follow me around. He answers to no name, but will come if I have choolate syrup on my fingers.

Dislikes:
  • going back into his pent house.
  • being kept from bullying the other ferrets.
Likes:
  • to find places to hide
  • exploring the apartment
  • bullying the other ferrets