February 27, 1932 - March 23, 2011 Who really cares how many times Academy-Award winner, Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor, married? She lived her life to the fullest, seemingly without regret! Miss Taylor appeared to be the type of woman that men want in their bedroom when they're sick and in their bed when they're not. She was amazingly talented, beautiful and oh-so sexy; one of the very last grand dames of "Old Hollywood." Out of today's young celebutants, who can possibly take her place: Kim Kardashian, Blake Lively, Nia Long, Lindsay Lohan? Not in my lifetime. Arghhh! With her co-star "Lassie" "Cleopatra" "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolff?" with Richard Burton. "The Simpsons" The famous 33.19 carat Krupp Diamond (All Images via Google / Video via Youtube)
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Mary Christine "Teena Marie" Brockert "Lady T" March 5, 1056 - December 26, 2010 Where were you when the music stopped? It was just confirmed that one of the most dynamic singers of our time, Teena Marie, passed away early yesterday. She was only 54 years old. Often, we link music to events in our lives: weddings, funerals, births, first kisses, so on and so forth, and while I'm not one who can remember exactly where I was or what I was doing when a particular song played, I'm certain that Teena Marie's music was there, somewhere in the background. From the time I purchased her first album, "Wild and Peaceful" as a child (which, coincidentally, was the first album that I had saved my allowance to purchase), she has provided the soundtrack of my life; from slow and languid ballads like Deja Vu and Cassanova Brown to the sexier compositions such as Portuguese Love and Dear Lover to the more infectious, up-tempo pieces like Behind The Groove and Square Biz. Teena Marie's musical talents encompassed all genres: R&B, Jazz, blues, pop, rock and even hip-hop. There have been very few musicians who are/were as talented as Lady T. She was a writer, arranger, composer, producer, instrumentalist and percussionist. Other than Prince and Stevie Wonder, who else, in our time, can claim to be this gifted? I was fortunate to have met her on several occasions around town, and I'm very happy to note that she was as warm and inviting in person as she appeared on stage; welcoming you into her lyrical embrace. When she walked out on that stage, you knew that you were going to get a full TWO HOUR show. You never felt shortchanged at one of her concerts, as I've often felt with other musicians. She always sang the classics (in their entirety!) as well as a sprinkling of the new pieces. Without hyperbole, I can say that she was indeed the best at what she did. Prayers and sympathy to her family and loved-ones, particularly, her only child, daughter, Alia Rose. Rest in Peace, Lady T. Here's a snippet of Lady T doing what she did best... Teena's Discography: 1979-2009 FROM TOP, Left to Right: 1. Wild and Peaceful, 1979 2. Lady T, 1980 3. Irons In The Fire, 1980 4. It Must Be Magic, 1981 5. Robbery, 1983 6. Starchild, 1984 7. Emerald City, 1986 8. Naked To The World, 1988 9. Ivory, 1990 10. Passion Play, 1994 11. La Dona, 2004 12. Sapphire, 2006 13. Congo Square, 2009 Teena, in her own words, 2009. Scenes from Teena's memorial service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles, CA., January 2011 (Video via Youtube; all images via Google) I stopped by The Grove/Farmer's Market today to picked up a bite to eat and by Nordstrom to pick up... well, anything really. The store was flooded with people and as I rounded the make-up counters I came face-to-face with the reason why: Mary J. Blige, the singer. She was there to launch her new sunglass collection, "MELODIES." The line seemed to go on forever. For the short time that I stood by, I noticed that she greeted each person quite genuinely as they walked up. She even raffled off several pairs of the sunglasses to the attentive crowd. As I was preparing to leave a short while later, I ran into her, once again, being interviewed outside by Mario Lopez of "ET." Images by N.D. Harrington for The Sophisticated Gentleman As soon as I saw the October cover of ELLE Decor today, which featured the Manhattan penthouse of Ralph & Ricky Lauren, I felt certain that it was going to be a great issue. It was. The Lauren's newly renovated space, transformed by interior designer Angelo Donghia, is definitely a departure from what we're used to seeing from Ralph Lauren. While I do prefer the densely styled look that he usually offers us, this clean-lined, opened spaced design was refreshing in all of its subdued opulence. We've come to know fellow Bronx native and fashion designer, Calvin Klein, for his minimalistic design style, but not Ralph Lauren. Nonetheless, one can still see and absolutely appreciate the Ralph Lauren clean-lined aesthetic in his chic, pared down 5th Avenue environ. |
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I was born in the country, but brought up in the big city, with hopes of always maintaining the charm, wit and character of a southern, sophisticated gentleman. In my goal to live more passionately & purposefully, here are just a few things that I've learned and experienced along the way, making my journey more interesting, and more importantly, easier. Categories:
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