Our Review of The 20th Annual Divas Simply Singing! | Oct. 9th, 2010

Good Evening Everyone…Its me, The Publisher – Terrill.

It’s been a long week for a lot of us. And another week ahead. Please stay close to prayer. And stay positive.

Last night, I witnessed a blessing in concert so significant to this online magazine, I had no choice but to drop some sentimental thoughts.

My Wife & I was overwhelmed with the beauty & power of Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “20th Annual Divas Simply Singing” last night (10/9/10). Lots of great performances was turned in! Lots of people on hand to support a cause. Many spoke for themselves for the power they magnified on the stage. Such as Jody Watley singing “Beautiful”, Chaka Khan in a surprise performance. Deborah Cox lookin’ all so gorgeous and surreal on stage, as well as hubby Flex Alexander introducing his beautiful Wife Shanice (Wilson) and family on stage. So many beautiful people…wish I had more to share.

Denzil Washington’s wife Paulette, Magic Johnson’s 1st lady – Cookie, R&B’s finest Teena Marie and daughter with a joyful duet and a guy/the former NBA star that I jokingly called “Norm” in the lobby (for a look-a-like to basketball great Norm Nixon) – Mark Jackson…another basketball great, I’m sure was pleased to see his Wife represent the kingdom of heaven – Mrs. Desiree Coleman-Jackson.

But if there was someone who took me out of the moment. Someone who majestically gave the ‘gift of song’ – the way popular TV sitcom judge Judge Hatchett best described it afterwards. Someone so humble enough to sit with us after her performance. And someone who will put R&B music back on the map in such a hurry (yes), it will almost look like she NEVER left it. That someone is the illustrious Kelly Price.

She blew open all the windows in the stage hall folks!!!! With or without a piano player. Oh my goodness gracious.

Just ask somebody.

She gave us a performance unlike any other…

We were truly blessed. Man oh…man. WHEEW!

As for the coverage by T.U.M.S. for the yearly event, unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. It was only a “date night” for my Wife and I. No media coverage. No interviews. No backstage passes this time around. Just hanging out with my homegirl and we got a deal for a great show.

Thanks to Sheryl Lee Ralph and her family for still representing after 20 years. Thanks to another great friend and colleague, Tom Estey for keeping us in the loop and on top of it. But overall, the lasting impression of the show rests comfortably on Kelly Prices’ VOICE!!!!

…and the gorgeous Lisa Raye for trying to raise the money during the show! (Ha!) Hey Lisa, Are you STILL going to return that white dress?

We wish that we could have had some footage for you – but this classic video of Kelly Price will STILL DO THE TRICK. Her grace and reach on the stage that evening still resonates to something like this:

Good Night, God Bless and Lets Go!