Singer Ben E. King, best known for his the classic hit “Stand By Me,” died Thursday in New Jersey at 76 years old. King was born in North Carolina and was an original member of the doo-wop group The Drifters. King’s solo hit song “Stand By Me” rose to the top of the U.S. charts in 1961 and received new popularity as the lead song of the 1986 film Stand By Me. [CNN]
Beyoncé joins a slew of other public figures showing their support of those in Baltimore protesting the death of Freddie Gray. The singer is teaming up with the NAACP to provide supplies to those impacted by the Baltimore uprising.
“People are hurting,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “Join us in supporting the NAACP to help in the cleanup efforts and to provide housing, food and supplies to those affected by the unrest in Baltimore.” [Billboard]
During a Wednesday appearance on the Steve Harvey Morning Show, President Barack Obama addressed the uprising in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray.
“Unfortunately we’ve seen these police-related killings or deaths too often now, and obviously everybody is starting to recognize that this is not just an isolated incident in Ferguson or New York, but we’ve got some broader issues,” Obama told Steve Harvey. “We’re not going to change this overnight. It requires focus.” [Clutch]
Carlton has a new baby! Dancing With The Stars champ and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro and his wife Angela welcomed their second child into the world on Thursday. Anders Reyn Ribeiro was born at 6:16AM at 7lb, 7oz and 19 inches long. Ribeiro already has a 18-month-old son, Alfonso Jr and a daughter Sienna from a previous relationship. [Access Hollywood]
Rumor has it Toni Braxton’s little sister Trina has finally divorced her husband Gabriel “Gabe” Solis after 12 years of marriage. According to reports, a Georgia judge finalized their divorce earlier this month. Infidelity appears to be a major factor. [Madame Noire]
Say it is so! Tia Mowry is hinting at a revival of the 90’s hit series Sister, Sister starring Tia and her twin, Tamera. During an appearance on the Meredith Vieria Show, Mowry said there’s hope for a remake.
“It’s just all about timing,” she said. “I am working on a show right now and my sister is working, so we’ll see. The fans, they really want it so we’ll give it to them probably.”
We’re already singing the theme song in our heads. [E! Online]
Bestselling transgender author Janet Mock will open up about her past and her hopes for the future on the season finale of Oprah Winfrey’s feel-good show, Super Soul Sunday. The Redefining Realness author will share her story of transformation and self-acceptance with Winfrey and the viewing audience. Super Soul Sunday: Oprah & Bestselling Author Janet Mock: Becoming Your Most Authentic Self will air on May 3rd at 11AM EST. [Necole Bitchie]
