FameCrawler : Jazz

Wayman Tisdale Dead

Whit Honea — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:09:00 GMT

Wayman Tisdale has died after battling cancer of the knee for two years.

Tisdale played in the NBA for the Pacers, Kings and Suns and was on the U.S. Olympic team that won a gold medal.

Tisdale left basketball to pursue his love of music. He played smooth jazz on bass guitar.

Wayman Tisdale is survived by his wife and their four children. He was 44-years-old.

As a lifelong Suns fan, not to mention a lover of jazz, I have very fond memories of Mr. Tisdale over the years. Very sad.

Our thoughts to his family, friends and fans in his passing.

Source

Diana Krall Talks About The Joy Of Raising Twins

Josh loposer — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Diana Krall and Elvis Costello have two-year-old twin boys bouncing off the walls at their house, but rather than freak out an pop a bunch of Xanax (like I'd probably do), Krall says it's 'wonderful' and channels the experiences into her songwriting. According to her, the "domestic" experience is the inspiration behind her latest album Quiet Nights.

Instead of singing her usual blues standards, Diana's taken her "zany" lifestyle and used it to cultivate a warm peppy jazz album. Says Krall:

“You have two little boys leaping off the furniture who think they’re Buzz Lightyear while we’re practicing and playing. It’s just a happy house.”

It seems like watching your two-year-olds practicing karate kicks off the back of the couch might be a bit of a distraction -- especially when you're in the middle of a sultry jazz number, but whatever. I wonder who's music the boys like more, Elvis's or Diana's? It's hard to imagine two-year-olds having a deep appreciation for vocal jazz...

Diana and Elvis got married in 2003 and welcomed the twins Dexter Henry Lorcan, and Frank Harlan James on December 6, 2006. When asked about her latest album, here's what Diana had to say:

"I think [this album reflects my present] state of mind. It's not about loss, it's not preparing for loss. I'm not peeling grapes. Life has changed a lot and it's not just about performing and touring. It's motherhood and having a home for the first time, because I've always been on the road. So it's an incredible thing to be making Mickey Mouse pancakes in the morning while you're doing your interviews."

Source | Photo

Celebrity Guess Who: Name the Mom Edition

Whit Honea — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:34:00 GMT

Do you know who this celebrity offspring belongs to? I'll give you a hint: think jazz hands.

Why it's Mingus, the 9-year-old son of one Helena Christensen.

If you guessed correctly, congratulations. You are smart enough, good enough, and gosh darnit, people like you.

If you were wrong, buy yourself something pretty. It always makes me feel better.

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Gary Oldman Takes Bride Number Four

Whit Honea — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:07:00 GMT

Gary Oldman is off the market. The actor's actor was married over New Year's Eve in a "secret" ceremony to 31-year-old jazz singer Alexandra Edenborough in Santa Barbara.

Come on, Gary, there are no secrets in Santa Barbara. Don't you watch Psyche?

Edenborough isn't just adding the title of Mrs. to her resume. She also inherits the role of step-mom to his three sons Alfie, Gulliver and Charlie.

She joins a long line of women to wear those hats, but the first one to have a sober Oldman- so there's hope!

Congratulations.

Source/Photo

Harry Connick, Jr. and David Letterman Video: Kids, Christmas and Eating McCain

Whit Honea — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:32:00 GMT

Jazz musician and actor Harry Connick, Jr, was on David Letterman the other night. The two discussed kids, Christmas music and eating McCain. Apparently he tastes like chicken.

The video is below:

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Twins For DWTS Tony Dovolani!!

Sassy Smith — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:31:00 GMT

DWTS star Tony Dovolani and his wife Lina, welcomed their twins - a boy and a girl - early Monday morning in Connecticut! Tony said to People, "We are so happy, I can't stop smiling. Lina was such a champ, and she looks incredible right now."

So what did the happy parents name their babies? Baby boy is Adrian Driton Dovolani and their little princess is Adriana Dovolani. Adrian was born at 3:14 a.m. and he weighed in at 7 lbs, and 'little' sister came at 3:28 a.m. and she weighed 7 lbs, 10 oz.

Congrats!

[Source]

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In the Bleachers Gets It

Whit Honea — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:57:00 GMT

Steve Moore's daily comic In the Bleachers is always pretty funny. I read it every Sunday morning in the L.A. Times while I sip my coffee and listen to jazz*. It's what I do.

Today Moore brought my worlds together. Football is nigh (I couldn't be more excited) and I write about celebrities for a living. Peanut butter and chocolate, man. Peanut butter and chocolate.

Moore, who is the father of 3 young children (and the force behind the animated hit Open Season) perfectly captures the impact that celebrity is having on our culture and he runs with it- and the ball.

Kudos, Mr. Moore.

*the soundtrack for today was John Coltrane, Nina Simone and some early Tom Waits (I know, not "jazz", but still awesome)

Source/Source

Anthony Kiedis Pulled A Britney Y'all!

Sassy Smith — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:06:00 GMT

Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman, Anthony Kiedis, I'm sure loves his 8-month-old baby boy, Everly. No doubt about that. However, the new dad might need a refresher course on how a child is supposed to be strapped in while in a vehicle. Sitting a baby on your lap, just doesn't cut it!

The rocker was photographed, with his son in a Baby Bjorn, on his lap, while he drove away in his doorless, electric car. Sure, electric cars can only go around 25 mph, but uh, let's see, there are other vehicles driving on the same roads, that I'm guessing, go WAY FASTER.

Sorry Anthony, your baby has to be strapped in a rear-facing seat car seat - no if's, and's or but's. I, personally, think people who do not strap their newborns, babies, toddlers and older kids, in properly while in a moving vehicle, need a slap. Your child is your most precious cargo in that car, so take care of them! You might be a great driver - but there are lots of idiots out there, who are not.

Okay, off my soapbox now. Buckle Everly Mr. Kiedis!

[Source]

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Harry Connick, Jr., Has Georgia on His Mind

Whit Honea — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:21:00 GMT

This is Harry Connick, Jr., and his 12-year-old daughter Georgia at the 62nd Tony Awards.

Awfully sweet, isn't it?

Here's a random video because I like it:

Source

Red Hot Chili Peppers Split!

Whit Honea — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:54:00 GMT

Hope you stocked up on blood, sugar, sex and magik, because the Red Hot Chili Peppers are off the menu.

In an interview with Rolling Stone lead singer Anthony Kiedis says that their last album Stadium Arcadium and subsequent tour may be their last, at least for some time.

In regard to the tour: "We were all emotionally and mentally zapped at the end of that run.”

“Cooler heads prevailed and the discussion at the end of our last tour was, ‘Let’s not do anything Red Hot Chili Peppers related for a minimum of one year, and just live and breathe and eat and learn new things.’

“I was about to have a brand new son. Flea is very inspired to re-up his musical direction and ability and skill and he wants to learn new stuff. John (Frusciante) has been firing away on his own, making different solo projects.

“And Chad (Smith) joined a jazz band and went to Japan. I’m just home, hanging out with this really cool little kid, learning how to surf.”

At least Everly Bear is getting some quality daddy time. That's good stuff.

Enjoy your break Red Hot Chili Peppers, hope to see you again soon!

Photo/Source

Kobe Bryant Finally Gets MVP Award

sweatpantsmom — Wed, 07 May 2008 01:17:00 GMT

Finally, in his 12th year, Kobe Bryant has won an MVP award. Bryant earned the honor on Tuesday after leading the L.A. Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference. He'll receive his award on Wednesday before Game 2 against the Jazz.

Bryant, who attended a news conference with his wife and two daughters, called the award a "blessing and an honor" and made clear he's looking forward to another trophy this year. “It’s Hollywood, it’s a movie script. The perfect ending would be for us to hold a championship trophy at the end of it,”

“This is an award I couldn’t have won on my own. I can’t thank these guys (his teammates) enough. These are my guys, these are my brothers. Let’s get ready for tomorrow.”

Kobe's daughters are adorable. I'm betting they already call him an MVP - Most Valuable Papa.

Source

Iron Man is a Lakers Fan

Whit Honea — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:07:00 GMT

Tony Stark, aka, Iron Man, aka, Robert Downey, Jr., and his son Indio, aka... just Indio, went to a NBA playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz.

It's good to see Downey on top of his game, and judging by his seats, the Lakers' game as well.

BTW, did I mention that Iron Man was awesome?

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Helena Christensen and Her Tall Mingus

Whit Honea — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:07:00 GMT

Supermodel/mom Helena Christensen and her son Mingus Reedus grabbed some juice in NYC. Guess how old Mingus is.

Mingus is only 7. Supermodel genes are awesome.

Photo: Celebrity Baby Scoop

Elvis has Left the Limo

Whit Honea — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:23:00 GMT

That's right, I went there.

Elvis Costello and Diana Krall look all fancy-schmancy, well, he does, as they get a night out sans twins.

I had a night out once.

Photo: Jezebel

Blues singer Jeff Healey Dead At 41

Sassy Smith — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:04:00 GMT

Canadian blues singer and guitarist Jeff Healey died in a Toronto hospital at the age of 41 on March 2. He had been battling cancer for several years. He leaves behind a wife, Christie and 2 children.

Healey battled cancer at age one - retinoblastoma, a rare form of retinal cancer - which left him blind. But being blind didn't stop Jeff - he taught himself to play guitar by laying the instrument across his lap and his unique style and his rich, soulful voice earned him a successful music career. Much of his commerical success came with being frontman to the Jeff Healey Band.

The Canadian musician made his debut in 1988 with his first album, See the Light. Healey jammed with many greats during his career - B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and George Harrison.

Although Jeff was known for his bluesy/rock, his true love was jazz, a genre that was heard in his last three albums. His death comes just weeks before the release of his first rock album in eight years.

Mess of Blues is set to drop on April 22 in North America. A great talent has been lost. Rest in peace Jeff.

Photo source

Harry Connick, Jr. is an All-Star

Whit Honea — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:14:00 GMT

The NBA All-Star game was held in the city of New Orleans. Harry Connick, Jr. was on hand to perform and lend his support to the community from which he hails.

His daughters seem to have enjoyed the game.

Photo: Yahoo!

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Whit Honea — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:42:00 GMT

Pound it. My 22-month-old loves to pound it. You make a fist and he's running across the room to bump it. Maybe Harry Connick, Jr. will take him to a basketball game. He and his daughter Sara seem to be enjoying it.

Seriously, Harry, I could use some quiet time. If you want to take the boy to a game, maybe some ice cream, give me a shout. Thanks, man (air pound).

Photo: Celebrity Moms

Will Smith and Tom Cruise Share Something Special: Desire

Whit Honea — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:04:00 GMT

According to Will Smith, he and Tom Cruise have a lot in common. I hope not for Will's sake. Says Smith, "He's the only person that I've ever met that can match me, step for step, with energy, with work, with desire."

Really? How can he just stab DJ Jazzy Jeff in the back like that? I've seen what Cruise is selling and it isn't fresh, Prince.

I'm thinking that Will Smith needs to get out more, meet some new people. Call me, Will. We'll do lunch.

Photo: Gabby Babble

Sports Talk: Boozer Late for Work

Whit Honea — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:20:00 GMT

If you're a Jazz fan, as in Utah not Miles Davis, then don't be surprised if Carlos Boozer isn't around at the beginning of the season. No, he's not holding out for more money or suffering the consequences of off-season antics as has become so common place in professional sports. He is taking off for some family time.

Says Boozer, "My son is recovering from a bone marrow transplant in Miami. Because of his procedure, my return to training camp in Boise, Idaho, is uncertain. As soon as my son is home from the hospital and stable, I will join my teammates. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated by me and my family during this time. We have been in contact with the Jazz organization, including Mr. Miller, Kevin O’Connor, and Coach Sloan, and all of my teammates, and everyone has been incredibly supportive of my family during these days. We want everyone to know how grateful we are for that.”

Bone marrow transplants are no laughing matter. Best of luck to the Boozer family.

Photo: The Tribune

Winehouse Wants To Be a F*$#@!NG Mum

Whit Honea — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:02:00 GMT

Amy Winehouse, the sexy little foul-mouthed singer that is all the rage (even FameCrawler has a feature inspired by her song, Rehab) has let it be known that her career is second to her real passion, family.

In an interview with The Mirror, she says, "I know I'm talented but I wasn't put here to sing. I was put here to be a wife and a mum and look after my family."

She is recently wed. Looks like baby Winehouses will be next on the agenda.

FameCrawler : Jazz

Wayman Tisdale Dead

Diana Krall Talks About The Joy Of Raising Twins

Celebrity Guess Who: Name the Mom Edition

Gary Oldman Takes Bride Number Four

Harry Connick, Jr. and David Letterman Video: Kids, Christmas and Eating McCain

Twins For DWTS Tony Dovolani!!

In the Bleachers Gets It

Anthony Kiedis Pulled A Britney Y'all!

Harry Connick, Jr., Has Georgia on His Mind

Red Hot Chili Peppers Split!

Kobe Bryant Finally Gets MVP Award

Iron Man is a Lakers Fan

Robert Downey, Jr. and the Heart of Iron Man

Robert Downey, Jr., Wants More Iron Babies

What Is Up With Gwyneth And All Those Hooker Shoes?

Helena Christensen and Her Tall Mingus

Elvis has Left the Limo

Blues singer Jeff Healey Dead At 41

Harry Connick, Jr. is an All-Star

Harry Connick Jr. Makes Beautiful Babies

Harry Connick Jr: "I'm Probably Gay"

Pound It: Harry Connick, Jr. and Sara

Pound It: Harry Connick, Jr. and Sara

Will Smith and Tom Cruise Share Something Special: Desire

Sports Talk: Boozer Late for Work

Winehouse Wants To Be a F*$#@!NG Mum