It is interesting that there are times when an entertainer has done a commercial for so long that there are those who know them more for the commercial than for their body of work, no matter how extensive. One current example is the very talented Dennis Haysbert. You can hardly think of Allstate Insurance Company without envisioning Haysbert and hearing his voice. He has been the Allstate spokesperson since 2003.

How many times have you heard Haysbert ask, “Are you in good hands?” Despite his many TV and movies roles starting in 1979 — I first noticed him in “Waiting to Exhale” in 1995 — there are those who only know Dennis Haysbert as “the Allstate guy.”

Which brings to mind the great Ella Fitzgerald. For years she did television commercials for Memorex and was so closely identified with the product that kids, unaware of her long and glorious history, would approach her in public places and say, “Aren’t you the Memorex lady?”

Fitzgerald got a kick out of it, and at least there was a recognition factor. LAURYN HILL is one of those people who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble, and the vast majority of the time it is trouble of her own doing. Her biggest album was titled “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” Maybe she should make a new one and call it “The Misbehavior of Lauryn Hill.”

The latest incident involves the singer/actress/musician being sued by a fashion consultant/stylist, Via Davia Vintage (now there’s a pretentious name!), for breach of contract.

Hill is accused of not paying for all of the expensive clothes that were provided for her by Vintage for a 2007 concert tour. It was assumed that she was either going to return the clothes in a timely manner or keep them and pay for them. Keeping viewers informed and entertained is an admirable objective. However, I believe 4:30 a.m. to noon is much too long for any telecast. But that is what “Fox 2 News Morning” is now doing. Filling that much airtime has got to be a daunting task.

NE-YO raised more than a few eyebrows when it was revealed that when he is on the road he stipulates in his contract that there must be vodka in his dressing room (he has a brand preference). But it’s not for drinking, it’s for cleaning!

A strange request, and we wonder what specifically he is cleaning, but if you do a little research, you will discover that vodka can indeed be used for cleaning and a number of other things. To see for yourself, log on to Google and enter “additional uses for vodka.” You’ll be surprised.

Singer, rapper, producer, actor Cee Lo Green, who is also a coach on the TV show “The Voice,” has been added to the cast of the remake of “Sparkle.” The film will feature some new music by R. Kelly. Cee Lo’s real name, by the way, is Thomas Callaway.

FROM WHAT I have seen on “Dancing With the Stars” this season (three shows as of this writing), former talk show host Ricki Lake and her outstanding professional partner, Derek Hough, seem to have the best chance of winning. But, of course, that could change because Mark Ballas (he’s always sensational) and Kristin Cavallari, J.R. Martinez (what courage!) and Karina Smirnoff, and Max Chmerkovskiy (another of the best) and Hope Solo have been comingon strong. And kudos to Chaz Bono for having the guts to compete on the show amidst all the gender controversy, and to dance despite being overweight and having bad knees and ankles. Congratulations to Detroit’s own multitalented Greg Dunmore.

The latest feather in his cap is being an entertainment reporter for “Inside Detroit With Mildred Gaddis,” airing on WCHB-1200 AM. Dunmore’s weekly reports are heard Fridays from 7 to 7:30 a.m. and repeated from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW… that Bill Withers had his first hit record (the single “Ain’t No Sunshine” and album “Just As I Am”) at the age of 33. It was also the late starter’s first recording session.

MEMORIES: “Casanova” (Levert), “Miss You Like Crazy” (Natalie Cole), “One More Try” (George Michael), “Say You, Say Me” (Lionel Richie), “The Way You Make Me Feel” (Michael Jackson), “Call Me” (Al Green), “Mama Used to Say” (Junior), “Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)” (Luther Ingram), “If You Asked Me To” (Patti LaBelle), “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?” (Prince).

BLESSINGS to Thea Simms, Hansen Clarke, Gordon Camp, Bettye LaVette, Charlene Uresy, Von Harrell, Thomas Wilson Jr., Brenda Perryman, Jim Burns and Karen Dumas.

WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Alan Cohen: “Everything in your life will line up when knowing and living the truth becomes more important than proving anything to anyone.” Let the music play!

(Steve Holsey can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.)

No one can always speak with accuracy on what is in someone else’s heart and, of course, the ultimate judgment seat is occupied by God (in whatever way you perceive and feel the deity).
But we all have our opinions, and when people are in the public eye, they are going to be the object of those opinions. It is what it is.
I always find myself questioning the total sincerity of Jermaine Jackson with regard to his late brother, Michael. I always get the feeling that some, perhaps much, of what he does in the way of honoring Michael is self-serving  in one way or another, especially monetarily.
    The latest example is his book, “You Are Not Alone, Michael: Through A Brother’s Eyes.”
    Why did he have to use the title of one of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits? No doubt to sell more books and make more money.
    And I can’t forget the lyrics to a song Jermaine wrote and recorded in 1991 titled “Word to the Badd!” In it, among other things, he said Michael was a “reconstructed,” lonely superstar who didn’t know who he was and had forgotten where he came from. That’s in addition to him accusing Michael of “playing him off” whenever he tried  to help.
    Jermaine bluntly sang, “You only think about what you want, don’t care about how it’s done.”
    Perhaps he was acting impulsively, letting off steam and didn’t mean everything he said.
Or maybe he did.
THERE HAD been talk for a fairly long time about a remake of the 1976 film “Sparkle,” but apparently it is going to actually happen.
The remake will star season six “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks in a lead role originally played by Detroit’s own Lonette McKee. Mike Epps has also signed on, and there is a possibility of Whitney Houston being added to the cast (if she can resolve her personal issues).
The orginal “Sparkle,” about a late 1960s female vocal group, also featured Irene Cara, Dwan Smith, Mary Alice, Philip Michael Thomas and Tony King. Curtis Mayfield wrote and produced the songs, including “Giving Him Something He Can Feel.”
TYLER PERRY is, according to Forbes magazine, the experts on such matters, the highest earning man in show business today, based on figures from May 2010 to May 2011. The maverick filmmaker and TV producer, who goes straight for a  particular audience, keeps generating millions upon millions of dollars.
Next month Kanye West will introduce his own line of women’s clothing. Let’s hope that wearing the clothes will not encourage women to behave as foolishly as West so often does.
    “Men In Black 3” is scheduled to be released in May 2012. Returning to their starring roles are Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. The first “Men In Black” took in $589,390,539 at the box office worldwide and the sequel $441,818,803. (Maybe they should rename it “Men In Green.”)
Smith’s Top 10 most successful movies (in order) are “Independence Day,” “Hancock,” “Men In Black,” “I Am Legend,” “Men In Black II,” “Hitch,” “I, Robot,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Bad Boys II” and “Enemy of the State.”
    THE OTHER day I saw a picture of the Clark Sisters and an amusing encounter crossed my mind.
    A number of years ago I was in the waiting room at a car dealership and seated across from me was Elbernita (“Twinkie”) Clark. I recognized her but she didn’t recognize me. Our cars were being serviced.
    I engaged in conversation with her about the Clark Sisters, prompting her to say in a friendly and bemused way, You sure know a lot about the Clark Sisters and you’re asking a lot of questions. Are you a reporter?”
    I didn’t if I was or was not, just continued talking. A few minutes later, still puzzled, she smiled and said, “I’m telling you a lot, but you ain’t givin’ up nothin’!”
    That was fun — and she never did find out who that knowledgeable, inquisitive  guy was.
    BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that before he was discovered by Quincy Jones and became a recording star, Tevin Campbell won a role in a TV special titled “Wally & the Valentines.” Recently he had a key role in the hit Broadway musical “Hairspray” and is currently reprising that role in Australia.
    MEMORIES: “Get It Together” (the Jackson 5), “Sugar Walls” (Sheena Easton), “Silhouettes” (the Rays), “Turn the Beat Around” (Vickie Sue Robinson), “Think (About It)” (Lyn Collins), “United Together” (Aretha Franklin), “If Only For One Night” (Luther Vandross), “If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody” (James Ray), “Save the Best For Last” (Vanessa Williams), “Meeting in the Ladies Room” (Klymaxx).
BLESSINGS to Sylvia Quarles, Eddie Robinson, Frankie Darcell, Galen Pauling, Yukia Winston, Alexis Williams, Terry Cabell, Shirleen Fort, David Humphries and Emanuel Stewart.
Let the music play!
Steve Holsey can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

In today’s society, conformity is more prevalent than ever. Being different is not generally encouraged. Most people want to be as much like everybody else as possible. Those who dare to be different, who are committed to honest self-expression, are rare.

That being the case, an artist like Rahsaan Patterson is to be applauded, especially by those of us who think — and often listen to music — “outside the box.”

The singer-songwriter-producer’s new album, oddly titled “Bleuphoria,” is very good, and completely unlike anything else out there. At times it’s like being transported to a world of Patterson’s creation.

The songs on this well-produced album are sometimes atmospheric, at other times, funky.

In addition to his own compositions, including “Mountain Top,” “Miss You,” “Insomnia,” “Crazy (Baby)” and “Goodbye,” Patterson puts a new, uptempo spin on the classic “I Only Have Eyes For You.”

If you want to have a new kind of musical experience, pick up “Bleuphoria” by Rahsaan Patterson.

WYCLEF JEAN has done it again. Not long ago he attempted to run for president of his native Haiti, even though he had no political experience. Now he is telling people that he is a “huge fan” of Sarah Palin because she is “cool,” is “for the people” and “there is just something about her.”

Everyone has a right to their opinion, but we give Jean a “D-” for his judgment skills, at least in these two instances.

Mary J. Blige, whose new album, “My Life 2: The Journey Continues,” is slated for Nov. 21 release, said, “I’m not going back to the pain and chaos of life. The first album was about depression, loneliness. The new album is about coming out of that hole and realizing that even when you’re happy, you won’t be every day.”

Believe or not, some people, rather than being happy for her, liked Blige better when she was struggling with many painful issues. This probably comes under the heading “Misery Loves Company.”

BRAD PITT hit the nail on the head when he said candidly, “I don’t like the separation that comes from religion, and the need to put your beliefs on someone else. When you start telling someone else how to live, you should check yourself.”

He is correct. People should live their faith, not try to jam what they believe down other people’s throats. I don’t want anyone talking to me about their religious beliefs unless I ask them. And being “religious” is not the same as being spiritual.

Believe it or not, Snoop Dogg is developing a family situation comedy in association with Warner Bros. Television. He will be the father.

Here’s something for you Motown trivia buffs. When the Supremes (then known as the Primettes) auditioned for Smokey Robinson with hopes of being signed by Motown, the audition took place at the home of Claudette Robinson, Miracles member and wife of Smokey Robinson, on East Warren Court near St. Aubin.

Tony Bennett, still going strong at 85, is such a class act, and so open to unexpected partnerships. His new album, “Duets II,” is great. He sings standards with Natalie Cole, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Norah Jones, Aretha Franklin, John Mayer, Queen Latifah and nine others.

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that in 1974 the Pointer Sisters had a big hit on the country charts with a song they wrote titled “Fairytale.”

MEMORIES: “Shake Your Body(Down to the Ground)” (the Jacksons), “No More Tears” (Anita Baker), “Lucille” (Little Richard), “Wake Up Everybody” (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes), “Not on the Outside” (the Moments), “Piece of My Heart” (Erma Franklin), “All Around the World” (Lisa Stansfield), “Honey Chile” (Martha Reeves & the Vandellas), “Can I Get a Witness?” (Marvin Gaye).

BLESSINGS to Robert Brown, Arma Suggs, Carl Jones, Donna Davis, Sandra Woodall, Nat Morris, Angie Daniels, Marie Teasley, Ron Teasley and Tyrone Mills.

WORDS OF THE WEEK:“When a new challenge arises, remember all of the others you got through. You will get through this one too.” Let the music play! Steve Holsey can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and PO Box 02843, Detroit, MI 48202.

Four entertainers that I admire greatly are Will Smith, Queen Latifah, LL Cool J and Justin Timberlake. Each started in one field — the first three in rap, the fourth in a “boy band” — and branched out with an astonishing degree of success.
    Smith is a bona fide, Oscar nominated movie star who has starred in some of the most successful movies of all time.  
Latifah, an established actress and spokesmodel, is frequently called on to serve as a presenter or cohost on TV specials and at other major events because she is so polished.
Cool J, an admirer of Smith, is firmly entrenched as a TV and film actor. His latest series, “NCIS: Los Angeles,” is a ratings hit. He has also written books.
Timberlake has demonstrated his acting skills repeatedly, and has proven to be equally adept at serious roles and comedy. He has also shown musical growth.
Each star parlayed their God-given talents into something bigger and better.
  MADONNA obviously has no problem with older woman, younger man relationships. She is 53 and her boyfriend, Brahim Zaibat, a French dancer, is 24. He is also Black, or at least “of color.”
Why is it that the media and everyone else, or so it seems, is speculating, gossiping and accusing regarding  the nearly 14-year-old marriage of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith? No one knows anything for certain. Even Joan Rivers is making jokes.
Eddie Murphy is expected to do a good job as host of the 2012 Academy Awards, providing equal amounts of seriousness, comedy and spontaneity.
 MOS DEF, a man of many talents, says he is going to retire the name “Mos Def” by the first of the year. He will thereafter be known as Yasiin, which is an Arabic name. Mos, whose birth name is Dante Terrell Smith, said, “I feel I’ve done quite a bit with that name and it’s time to expand and move on.”
The Collective, a Los Angeles based entertainment and production company, has signed Toni Braxton. Another recent signing is Kelly Rowland.
BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW…that the Brothers Johnson used to play in Billy Preston’s band although the brothers did not like the name Preston had chosen, the God Squad.
MEMORIES: “Just One Look” (Doris Troy), “The Jam” (Graham Central Station), “She’s Got Papers On Me” (Richard “Dimples” Fields),  “And I Love Him” (Esther Phillips), “Rapper’s Delight” (the Sugarhill Gang), “Show and Tell (Al Wilson), “Silly Wasn’t I” (Valerie Simpson), “On the Wings of Love” (Jeffrey Osborne).
BLESSINGS to McArthur Mickens, Fay Mickens, Kevin McCord, Bess White, Henry White, Gena Johnson, Leroy Hyter, Lamar Horton, Wanda Horton, Damon Williams, Al Hudson and Clarence Rome (Foody).
WORDS OF THE WEEK, from Alan Cohen: “Freedom means you are unobstructed in living your life as you choose. Anything less is a form of slavery.”
    Let the music play!
    Steve Holsey can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and PO Box 02843, Detroit, Michigan 48202.