The Apollo Theater, one of the nation’s greatest cultural treasures, announced the lineup for its seventh annual Spring Gala Benefit Concert, at which they will induct Lionel Richie and the late Etta James into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the gala, to be held on Monday, June 4, 2012, will go toward the non-profit Theater’s arts, education and community engagement programs.

As part of the induction festivities, Apollo Legend Gladys Knight will celebrate the memory of Etta James with a special performance, and Apollo board member and Revlon chairman Ronald Perelman will present Lionel Richie with the Apollo’s highest honor. In addition, the program will include tributes to several great musical icons who have passed this year. Ten-time GRAMMY^® Winner Chaka Khan will perform a tribute to the late superstar Whitney Houston, Eddie Levert, will honor Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, and Valerie Simpson will remember her husband and legendary songwriting partner Nick Ashford. The evening will be hosted by celebrated comedian and former host of Showtime at the Apollo, Sinbad, with American Idol’s Ray Chew serving as musical director.

Lionel Richie and Etta James join past Apollo Legends Hall of Fame inductees—all legendary musicians, artists, and entertainers whose paths to fame included the Apollo—Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, and Ella Fitzgerald. Each Apollo Legends Hall of Fame inductee is honored with a plaque in the Apollo Walk of Fame, installed under the Theater’s iconic marquee on 125^th Street.

Lionel Richie’s first Apollo appearance was in the early 1970s, with The Commodores, who were opening  for Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. “The Apollo is such an important part of music history in this country, and my own personal history,” Mr. Richie said. “When they called and said they were putting me on that list of names, I was thrilled. It’s an honor to be a part of the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame.”

Additionally, each year at the Spring Gala benefit, the Apollo recognizes a corporation whose support enables the Theater to grow and expand its artistic, community, and education programs. The Apollo will present Citi with its 2012 Corporate Award, in recognition of its outstanding philanthropy and community leadership.

“Citi is proud to be a long-time supporter of the Apollo Theater,” said Citi CEO Vikram Pandit.  “The Apollo is world-renowned for discovering great talent and its education programs are second to none.”

The evening includes the gala benefit concert and awards ceremony, produced by Ron Weisner for Ron Weisner Entertainment, and a glamorous after-party featuring a stylish lounge transformed and created by celebrity event planner Marc Wilson of Marc Wilson Design. 

Tickets for the 2012 Spring Gala and after-party are now on sale. To purchase benefit tickets to the event or to make a donation to the Apollo Theater, call 212-531-5347. To purchase show-only tickets, visit www.apollotheater.org.

Proceeds from the Apollo Spring Gala benefit the Apollo Theater, a not-for-profit organization.  The Apollo’s world-class performances and education programs honor the influence and advance the contributions of African American artists and emerging creative voices across cultural and artistic media.

Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power

by Ledisi  

Essence Books

Hardcover, $16.95

176 pages, Illustrated

ISBN: 978-1-60320-182-7

Book Review by Kam Williams

“I can’t believe someone found my journey interesting enough to want to put it in a book…Being on display as an artist is never comfortable for me. 

Behind my songs and my words lies a very shy little girl who has become a strong woman. Luckily, there are people around me who push and lift me to be open and transparent…

So here I am, and in every chapter of this book are fragments of my life between the lines and spaces of music. Pivotal moments that are filled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. Experiences that shaped the woman and singer you have come to know as Ledisi…

I hope you will be inspired by my journey.”

-- Excerpted from Chapter One – The Journey (pg. 7)

In recent years, hip-hop icons from Eminem (The Way I Am) to Jay-Z (“Decoded) have written memoirs in which they ruminate about their private lives while deconstructing the deeper meaning of their poetry and song lyrics. R&B diva Ledisi is the latest star to take just such an approach in terms of an autobiography.

Ledisi Anibade Young was born in New Orleans on July 9, 1978 to Nyra Dynese and Larry Sanders, a musician who abandoned the family when his daughter was still an infant. The name Ledisi, which means “to bring forth” in Yoruba, was picked because of the spunk she exhibited during her valiant struggle to survive a host of life-threatening ailments as a premature baby.

In the book, Ledisi lets us know that she admires First Lady Michelle Obama (“I love her!”), Nina Simone (“Reminded me to be proud of my skin”), Malcolm X (“A class act”) and Miles Davis (“My muse”). However, she credits another role model, her beloved Aunt Gussie, a choir member who only performed for the Lord, with helping her cultivate that soulful singing voice, a blessing she had to learn the hard way not to take for granted

Overall, Ledisi paints a stylish self-portrait, here, via a vibrant mix of artistically-illustrated rhymes, proverbs, photographs, personal anecdotes and introspective journal entries. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, the unguarded author tackles such subjects as love, forgiveness and faith with an enviable vulnerability.

For example, in the chapter on Beauty, she suggests that “When you don’t know how beautiful you are, you will always be in search of happiness.” By opus’ end, expect to feel oh so nurtured by the practical pearls of wisdom reflecting the essence of the insightful and likable lady who goes by Ledisi.

And that’s better than alright.

To order a copy of Better Than Alright, visit Amazon.com:

Paul Davis is one of Chicago's many giants who both excelled in his career and always sought to help others grow. He was a good brother who was always offering supportive and encouraging words about my endeavors in both my career and my entreprenuerial efforts. May Allah be pleased with him.

Saturday, May 19, 2012
Stony Island Church of Christ
1600 E. 84th St., Chicago, Illinois
Wake: 10 a.m.
Funeral: 11 a.m.
A.A. Rayner is handling arrangements: (773) 846-6133

Paul Westley Davis
1957-2012
Paul Westley Davis was born on March 1, 1957 to John Westley and Shirley Ann Davis in Chicago, Illinois. As the oldest son of five, Paul thrived during his upbringing in the Parkway Gardens community and his current family home in Chatham.

Paul, ever restless and bursting with energy, often recalled his childhood as a great one where he couldn’t wait to go outside to play after school. He attended Dulles Elementary School, where he served as Principal for the Day in fall 2010. He was a Boy Scout, and his parents engaged him in a number of civic activities, such as collecting donations for Misericordia, and working in Sixth and Eighth Ward politics. Paul loved his community and the people in it.

As an accomplished athlete, Paul always moved with swiftness. Nicknamed “Jet,” he was a Hirsch High School and Simpson College (Iowa) track and football star (wide receiver, No. 13). His events were the 60- and 100-yard dashes, the 440 and relays. In 1980, Paul was invited to compete in the Olympic trials.
Paul loved God and his church, Stony Island Church of Christ. He faithfully attended Sunday School and Wednesday night Bible classes, and he administered communion, always delivering prayers and scriptures with an earnest, humble heart.

More than anything, Paul loved his family. He was the good son, tending to his parents’ needs whenever they called. He moved back home in 2006 to help his mother care for his ailing father. Even before then, he spent Saturdays, hanging out with his father, who liked to call him “Pappy.” Paul was the ultimate big brother, too. He hosted bid whist nights in his home where his brother, many childhood friends, including Ronnie and Phil, and his late Uncle Lawrence would trash-talk well into the night having good, clean fun. Many people in Chicago and across the country call the gregarious, playful Paul their friend.

Paul Davis was an accomplished political strategist, public relations guru, social justice activist and a great communicator. He was the youngest member of Mayor Harold Washington’s cabinet, having served as Washington’s press secretary during his service in Congress and being a vital member of his mayoral campaign inner circle. In fact, getting Washington elected was a Davis family affair, as Paul’s parents were key players, fundraisers and volunteers in changing Chicago history.

Most recently, Paul launched his own public relations and advocacy firm, First Trace Communications Inc. (“Trace” is an homage to his little brother Tracy who preceded him in death.) As president, Paul relished the opportunity to spread positive public health messages on behalf of clients, such as the Gift of Hope. He cultivated a longtime association with the Amalgamated Transit Union, helping public transit workers get their message across in the halls of power, AFLAC, John and Todd Stroger, and the Georgia Doty Health Education Fund.

He created the Kidney Informational Consortium, which debuted in 2010 during a symposium at Chicago State University. The consortium aimed to bring health care providers, policy experts and community members together to address the prevalence of kidney disease and related conditions in underserved communities. He even advocated for prostate cancer testing, as his father successfully fought and lived with the disease for two decades before he succumbed in 2008.

Paul was hooked on campaigns. The opportunity to make a difference drove his passion to manage political races for the likes of Congressman Danny K. Davis, Dan Hynes for governor, and the mayoral campaigns of Dorothy Brown, Bob Fioretti and the Rev. Paul Jakes. He itched to work on Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.’s 2011 campaign but wisely chose to focus full-time on his health. Paul also worked on numerous suburban campaigns, from Thaddeus Jones’ in Calumet City to Brenda Thompson’s bids to become mayor of Harvey. And of course, as a young buck, fresh out of college, he rode in the car with Washington, learning from a master. Indeed, Paul ultimately became the go-to guy for all that is politics and strategy.

Paul Davis came out the gate as a leader, consummate manager and firm coach. He served as vice president of Danielle Ashley Advertising and Public Relations; vice president of Human Resources Development Institute (HRDI); managing editor of Citizen Newspapers; general superintendent of the City of Chicago Bureau of Forestry; and press secretary to Harold Washington. He managed a $10 million budget as forestry chief.

As a community activist, Paul worked with the Citywide Coalition Against Tobacco-Alcohol Billboards in the ’80s with Henry Mandrake Brown, Paul Kelly, Arthur Pickney and Kwesi Ron Harris to ban cigarette and alcohol billboards on the South Side and stand up against environmental racism. He was so firm in his commitment, he would never take a client who purveyed these goods; he never smoked nor drank. In 2011, he campaigned with his godson Roman Morrow and the Rev. Jakes to urge radio stations to curtail playing music infused with violent, profane and misogynist language. The team was successful is getting Clear Channel Communications to agree to a covenant to move salacious music to late-night hours and to air disclaimers to alert families and children of unsavory content.

Paul was key to the creation and financial foundation of the Black Public Relations Society of Chicago (BPRS), and a beloved and vital member of the national chapter. Within the organization and throughout his profession, his mentorship was sought, and his public speaking talents were in high demand. He held the hands of many young public relations and communications professionals, showing them the ropes, helping them to gain foothold in their chosen vocation.

Paul Davis was a man among people who was always about the people. His purpose was his passion, and wherever he chose to expend his energy, it was never just business — but it was always personal.
He is survived by this mother, Shirley; brothers, Michael (Connie) and Glenn (Rosalind); sister, Cheryl Lynn; nephews Glenn, Mike Jr., Marcus and Brian; nieces, Whitney and Tiffany; uncle Fred Perry; aunts, Doris Carter, Gertrude Bloom (Larry) and Mildred Love; and a host of great nephews and nieces, and cousins. Paul’s father preceded him in death.