Yes, a sister made this song before Elvis Presley remade it for a white audience. The duo behind the music count the original version (Big Momma’s) as one of their favorite songs of all time.

When it comes to hip-hop this song marks a seminal moment. Brothers once learned that they couldn’t talk about a sister without their words coming back to haunt them in mind blowing rhyme. Where are the new Roxanne Shanté’s now anyway?

Mariah Carey wasn’t the first to hit those high notes. Most folks think she is just trying to channel the late, great Minnie Riperton—who hit those high notes with ease. She is still missed.

Three different sisters played Beulah, the all-knowing maid in “Leave it to Beulah.” Academy award winner Hattie McDaniel was one of them. Although she played maids McDaniel had a list of things she wouldn’t say or do and folks listened. Although things have changed the battle still rages for sisters in Hollywood

This reminds us that once upon a time the only outlet black folks could count on to see their favorite artists was “Soul Train.” Here’s a classic James Brown performance.

Her first mini video short. Starring Janet Jackson with Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jelly Bean Johnson and Ja’net DuBois 1986 A&M Records.

Aretha has been called for many years “The Queen Of Soul”, but many also call her “Lady Soul,” as well as the more affectionate “Sista Re.” She is renowned for her soul and R&B recordings but is also adept at jazz, rock, blues, pop, and gospel. She is generally regarded as one of the top [...]

A fascinating series of interviews have been conducted by The Detroit Free Press in honor of Motown’s 50th Anniversary. Here, Martha Reeves keeps it real about the racism they faced when they toured. Berry Gordy tries to make it sound all pretty but Martha keeps it real. Y’all it ain’t no joke.

Forgive the bad quality of this commercial but it simply cracks me up. You see before Alfonso worked so hard to make us believe he was a pompous, no dancing buffoon on “The Fresh Prince”, he could actually dance. He was the original “Tap Dance Kid” on Broadway back in the 80s. Squint and you’ll [...]

Before the late Nell Carter came into our living rooms in “Gimme A Break.” She was in the hit “Ain’t Misbehavin’” which paid a rousing tribute to the songs of the one and only Fats Waller.

I know we’re overjoyed to have President Barack Obama (and his family) in the White House. But let’s not forget about Shirley Chisholm whose historic campaign made this whole thing more than a notion.

It’s so sad that the legendary Dance Theater of Harlem doesn’t have the cash to keep its touring company. But check out this vintage documentary (1979) on the company and its very particular founder. And check out the section where his mother is interviewed. Priceless.

Here’s sweet harmony in action. The sisters of Sweet Honey in The Rock create an artistic sound with their voices that will have you on your feet.
This is a TBGS classic to remind you that we make all kinds of music.

You may not fully appreciate (or even like) opera, or classical music but you still have to give a Diva like Jessye Norman her due. An amazing talent hands down.

For the most part “In Living Color’s” most memorable sketches feature the men on the show. (Okay so I am not counting The Fly Girls). But this skit featuring T’Kyeah Crystal Keymah was an instant classic. Go On Girl!

“A Different World” is still enjoyable not just because it is the first show to attempt to depict life at a HBCU. We also love it because the show did such a great job at casting—especially when it came to Whitley and Dwayne’s mothers. Ms. Diahann Carroll and Ms. Patti LaBelle on screen at the [...]

Clips of Diahann Carroll as ‘Julia’ are really hard to find. But I did come across the diva belting out a song on “The Judy Garland Show” back in 1964. Go Diahann!

Here’s jazz great Nina Simone doing her thing on a German tv show circa 1967. Love, love, love the white fishnet outfit.

This clips is a little grainy but it features a tv segment about the Apollo that features the man who would become President Ronald Reagan. Dinah’s delivery is absolutely amazing.

There’s no one like Ella and I would be remiss if she didn’t have a place on TBGS. This lady can scat and sing with an effortless beauty and clarity. And we have yet to see her style replicated.