FCN 11/28/2000
Muhammad Inside Music
Great stars, great hits!
Million Family entertainers score big with latest releases
by Donald Muhammad
Contributing Editor
A cavalcade of great Black entertainers, who participated in the Million Family March, have released their greatest hits.
"Heeding the call, y�all" were Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. Both of these champions of great Black entertainment recently released their "Greatest Hits." Arista released Whitney�s, and MCA distributed Bobby�s. A companion video release by Whitney, with the same name, is also available.
Regina Belle has a delightful CD, "Believe In Me," on the MCA label. Her song, "If I Could," which she performed at the Million Family March, was previously released on her CD, "Passion," on the Sony label.
Vicki Winans, who delivered a powerfully compelling song after the Oct. 16 march "Sacred Wedding Ceremony," has a trilogy of releases currently available. Among her trilogy of releases, which clearly displays her genius and versatility in music, include "Share the Laughter" and "Feel The Passion" both on the CGI Platinum label and "Live in Detroit, Vol. 2" on Intersound.
Albertina Walker, the legendary spiritual singer, performed her rendition of "I�m Still Here" at the march. The song is the title selection from her 1997 release of the same name. Also the living legend of song released "Live in Chicago" on the Verity label. Mrs. Walker remains a champion of Black music, and she clearly demonstrates that when great talent and art come together the outcome unquestionably quenches the thirst for great Black music.
Dionne Warwick, Whitney�s cousin, who performed at the pre-march gala has released "The Very Best Of ..." on the Rhino label. All of her legendary hits from "Alfie" to "I Say A Little Prayer For You" have been included on this 16-track compilation.
Stephanie Mills, who was blessed to have Minister Farrakhan perform her wedding ceremony in the 1990s, attended the March. Her gospel release, "Personal Inspirations" on Interscope, makes for a significant purchase.
Sean "Puffy" Combs, who also attended the march, displays his genius on "Forever" released by his Black-owned and operated company, "Bad Boy."
"Forever" has an edited version, which means it�s clean in addition to another version for adults.
Lionel Hampton, 92, the "godfather of Black entertainment" also attended the Million Family March. A contemporary of the most important entertainer of the 20th Century, Louis Armstrong, Mr. Hampton has pioneered all forms of Black music. Today�s hip hop is but an "offspring" of what Mr. Hampton and his compatriots gave birth to 100 years ago. Amistad Books, a division of Warner Books, published "Hamp", his autobiography , in 1989. Given the dazzling array of new and old stars marching forward to the "great Black destiny," that is, freedom, justice and equality, young Black America can now say to the world, "We are Family!"