National Entertainment – Page 33 – The Mississippi Link

Grammy Museum groundbreaking at Delta State

June 26, 2013 Kermit 0

– A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Grammy Museum was held at Delta State’s Derrall Foreman Golf Course near Highway 8 in Cleveland on Tuesday, June 11.

The event was organized by Cleveland Music Foundation.

Gov. Phil Bryant presented a check for $2 million to the project. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and Sen. Willie Simmons were scheduled to speak. Deputy Director of Grammy Museum at L.A. Live in Los Angeles Rita George was also scheduled to address the crowd. […]

Jean Stapleton, TV’s Edith Bunker, dies at 90

June 7, 2013 Kermit 0

Jean Stapleton’s Edith Bunker was such a dithery charmer that we had to love her. And because she loved her bombastic husband Archie, we made room for him and TV’s daring “All in the Family.”

It took an actress as smart and deft as Stapleton to create the character that Archie called “dingbat,” giving a tender core to a sitcom that tested viewers with its bigoted American family man and blunt take on social issues.

Stapleton, 90, who died Friday, May 31, of natural causes at her New York City home, was the sweet, trusting counterpoint to Carroll O’Connor’s irascible Archie on the 1970s groundbreaking show from producers Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin. […]

Kool & The Gang to headline free Nissan 10th anniversary event

May 23, 2013 Kermit 1

– On Saturday, May 25, Nissan celebrates 10 years of manufacturing vehicles in Canton and invites the community – a major contributor to its success – to come out to the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson and enjoy a special musical performance by Grammy-winning R&B band Kool & the Gang. There will also be circus performers and a children’s area with a variety of activities, and the day will end with an evening fireworks show.

“Our employees are the heart and soul of our operation in Canton,” said Camille Young, Nissan’s community relations and communications manager for Canton. “We are also deeply grateful to the broader community that has embraced and supported us during our first decade in Mississippi, and we want to take this opportunity to celebrate with those who contribute to our success—our employees, their family members, our local suppliers, area businesses and our community partners.” […]

Candice Glover wins 'American Idol' as Randy Jackson says goodbye

May 20, 2013 Kermit Comments Off

Longtime “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson bid farewell to the Fox talent competition during Thursday’s 12th season finale, a showdown between vocal powerhouse Candice Glover and country singer Kree Harrison.

Candice Glover was crowned the new “American Idol” after defeating country singer Kree Harrison.

The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist from St. Helena Island, S.C., looked stunned when “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced she bested soulful 22-year-old country singer Harrison from Woodville, Texas . The vote count was not announced. […]

Smithsonian Magazine names Cleveland one of ‘best small towns to visit’

April 30, 2013 Kermit 0

Smithsonian Magazine has named Cleveland, Miss., one of America’s 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2013. Ranked No. 2, Cleveland joins municipalities like Gettysburg, Pa. (No. 1), St. Augustine, Fla. (No. 3), Baraboo, Wis. (No. 4) and Astoria, Ore. (No. 5).

“More than 21.3 million annual visitors to the state can attest to the artistic spirit, rich history and cultural uniqueness of small towns like Cleveland,” said Malcolm White, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “What an honor for Cleveland to be recognized at the national level. From blues to fine arts, Cleveland showcases some of the best of our state’s heritage and talent.”

“We are very excited about this designation and appreciate the attention it is bringing to Cleveland and the surrounding area,” said Cheryl Line, Cleveland-Bolivar County Tourism Director. “We hope this recognition will bring more visitors to learn about the mystique of the Mississippi Delta.” […]

Funk Brothers get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

April 18, 2013 Kermit 0

Grenada native and Motown superstar Eddie “Chank” Willis and Jack Ashford of the Funk Brothers were recently honored for their musical contributions with a star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“We are happy to honor The Funk Brothers on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!” stated Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Leron Gubler. “Many of us grew up with their amazing hit songs which they performed with some of the biggest stars of Motown!”

Gubler and guest speakers Stevie Wonder, Ray Parker Jr. and Mickey Stevenson helped The Funk Brothers unveil the 2,493rd Star in the Category of Recording at 7065 Hollywood Boulevard across from the Live Nation Building. […]

Discover the history and heritage of the true South this February

February 6, 2013 Kermit 0

Whether you are a visitor or a resident of the state, Mississippi invites you to immerse yourself in the history of the True South during the month of February.

“The past truly comes alive in Mississippi,” said Malcolm White, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “From the state’s Civil War and Civil Rights legacy to our Native American culture, Mississippi features historical sites and attractions all across the state. Whether you want an authentic experience featuring a battle reenactment or prefer to rock away the hours listening to stories of days gone by on a porch swing, it’s all here as Mississippians share our rich heritage with visitors.” […]

Hail and farewell; a salute to those we lost in 2012

December 31, 2012 Kermit 3

The year 2012 was filled with highs and lows, shock and disbelief – as notable movers and shakers, politicians and hit makers departed this world, but not without leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of many.

While the death of any individual is noteworthy, the following deaths are significant and stand as a testimony that greatness is achievable – even for the lowly and humble.

Listed below is a partial list of those we lost in 2012: […]

‘Odd Couple’ actor Jack Klugman dies at 90

December 26, 2012 Kermit 0

Jack Klugman, the prolific, craggy-faced character actor and regular guy who was loved by millions as the messy one in TV’s “The Odd Couple” and the crime-fighting coroner in “Quincy, M.E.,” died Monday, a son said. He was 90.

Klugman, who lost his voice to throat cancer in the 1980s and trained himself to speak again, died with his wife at his side. […]

‘Family Guy,’ ‘American Dad’ pulled after rampage

December 17, 2012 Kermit 0

Fox has pulled new episodes of “Family Guy” and “American Dad” this Sunday to avoid airing any potentially sensitive content following the Connecticut school shooting.

The originally scheduled episode of “Family Guy” had Peter telling his own version of the nativity story. The “American Dad” episode told the story of a demon who punished naughty children at Christmas. Both series plan to substitute reruns.
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