January 31, 2019 

By Niele Anderson 

Staff Writer 

 

James Ingram’s musical career will forever be carved in the Grammy archives and Billboard 100 charts. His rich and soulful vocals ruled the R&B and Pop charts in the 80’s and 90’s. Ingram was discovered by Quincy Jones on a demo for the hit, Just Once, written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, which he sang for $50. 

 

He went on record hits, “Just Once,” “One Hundred Ways,” “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” and “Yah Mo B There,” a duet with Michael McDonald.  One of his milestone writing credits was with Quincy Jones on Michael Jackson’s 1983 Top 10 hit P.Y.T. (“Pretty Young Thing”).    Ingram was a two-time Grammy Award-winner and a two-time Academy Award nominee for Best Original Song.

 

In a statement, Mr. Jones said: “There are no words to convey how much my heart aches with the news of the passing of my baby brother James Ingram. With that soulful, whisky-sounding voice, James Ingram was simply magical.”

 

Ingram also had television and motion picture success with his vocal and writing talents. “Baby Come to Me” a duet with Patti Austin reached #1 on the charts in February, 1983 after the hit soap opera General Hospital coined it the love song for Luke and Holly.

 

Ingram later had serval motion picture hits, his biggest being Somewhere Out There, a duet with Linda Ronstadt for the animated feature An American Tail.

 

More than a musical wonder, James Ingram was also a loving husband, beloved father and family man. Even more he had a brotherly love for his people and his community.

 

LA Sentinel Executive Publisher Danny Bakewell Sr. stated, “James Ingram was a good friend and a loyal supporter of everything we did in the community. My heartfelt prayers go out to Debbie and all of his wonderful children. James  lived a remarkable life and was a genius in his field.” Bakewell continued, “He was an extraordinary writer and producer.  Most will remember him for his musical brilliance and voice superiority.  We too acknowledge those miracles but will also miss James for his commitment to Black people and for his unwavering support and presence in the Black community.  His legacy lives forever through his majestic voice and devoted family

 

2nd Call founder Skipp Townsend remembers fond memories of James Ingram and the late Bo Taylor of Unity One, of how the three would visit the projects and South Los Angeles communities in efforts to reduce gang violence.”  Townsend stated, ”James was down to earth. He was humble person, always giving.  He shared with us his life, his fame, his time. He went wherever, whenever there was a need. He was there.”

 

Danny Bakewell Jr. recalls “James Ingram was a long time and dear friend. I remember he sang at my sister Sabriya’s home going service. He will be missed and will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

 

 

Actress Holly Robinson Peete posted photos of Ingram singing at her wedding and tweeted, “Devastated to hear about the loss of one of my favorite singers and a great friend Mr. James Ingram. I remember asking him if he would sing at our 1995 wedding and he said he would be honored. Sending prayers to his family.”

 

 

 

James Ingram was born on Feb. 16, 1952, and raised in Akron, Ohio. After high school, he later moved to Los Angeles and began his musical career.

 

Ingram died on January 29, 2019, from brain cancer at age 66, in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife, Debra, whom he married in 1975; his children, and a host of family, friends and fans.

 

At the time of this story funeral arrangements had not been released.

January 31, 2019 

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

You might be extremely ambitious when it comes to your career this week, but you could also be insanely frustrated that things aren't going according to your timeline. How does this affect your love life? Eek! It's possible that you might use your partner as a metaphorical punching bag and unload all your professional angst on him or her. Abort mission -- STAT! It won't end well. If you're single, then you've got a fabulous opportunity on Saturday to enjoy a social night out with pals and meet someone who makes you look twice.

  

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

Your ruling planet of love, Venus, will change signs this week, which changes your approach to romance until March 1. On Sunday she'll tiptoe into Capricorn and your 9th House of Expansion. Being cautiously optimistic about your love life potential is the name of the game now. The way you manifest your luck in matters of the heart is simple: you create it. You will not waste an opportunity when it comes to love, so if you're single and you meet someone, you'll know how to make sure it progresses. If you're attached, then you and your sweetie might go on an intellectual or spiritual adventure together, one that also manages to ground you.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

You might not appreciate a friend who is meddling in your love life. He or she may have a few choice words or actions taken regarding your choices. In fact, if your friend disapproves of your current romantic mate, it's possible that he or she will present you with a "them or me" ultimatum that won't go over well. If you're in a relationship that is solid, you're not only going to choose your mate, but you're also going to focus more on friends that embrace you and your lover. After Sunday it's possible that you'll hear amazing financial news from your partner. You'll benefit!

  

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

Either you or your partner might be using sex as a weapon this week. One of you is trying to control or manipulate the other in order to get what they want. Not cool! If you're on the giving end of this, it might be because you're really tired now of not feeling as though your mate has your back. Still, is punishing him or her for it the answer? Unless you want your relationship to detonate like a ticking time bomb, you may want to reconsider your approach. Fortunately, by Sunday, it looks like you'll be able to clear the air. Peace and stability in your relationship can prevail.

 

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

If you're single, this might be a week of unexpected developments in your love life. You might meet someone who is absolutely not your type, but you'll somehow be instantly spellbound. If you have all these preconceived notions or judgements about a person such as never dating someone with tattoos, or who has kids, or who makes less money than you ... well, the universe is about to give you a cosmic kick in the butt. It's the very person you said "never" too in the past who will manage to capture your heart now.

 

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

If you're in a relationship, then you and your sweetheart might make a snap decision to move in together. This may not even be on your radar, but it looks as though the conversation -- and then the action -- will happen quickly. If you already live with your significant other, then you might change up your living space and spend a bunch of money this week together doing it. Single? Your love cycle is about to change after Sunday. A person with a dramatic age difference (younger or older) might enthrall you.

 

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

You and your partner are not on the same page when it comes to a domestic situation. No matter how hard you try, it's just not going to happen, so this might be a situation where you finally need to come to terms with the fact that you have to let go. Happily, if you and your mate could manage to not discuss family matters this week and instead focus on talking about anything that makes you both happy, you will reinforce the fact that your relationship really is something special.

 

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

The ability to ask for what you want in a way that makes someone actually want to give it to you is an art form. Fortunately, you will become extremely gifted at this particular craft after Sunday. Use it to have one of those conversations with your partner that you know will require a concession on his or her part. Your words will come out gracefully and diplomatically but also in a shrewd manner where you'll manage to convince your mate that your idea really is the way to go. "Yes dear" should be what you hear.

 

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

Use the last few days of having Venus in your sign to your advantage! This is a stretch of time where you feel more confident and look more beautiful. The level of radiance you've got until Sunday is phenomenal, and other people are certainly noticing you. If you're single, it's possible that you will meet someone out of the blue on Saturday thanks to a gorgeous link between Venus and Uranus, now in your romance sector. If you're in a relationship, then you are in for a surprise from your lover. It'll be the best kind.

  

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

Get ready to become the most beautiful sign in the zodiac! You'll spend most of the week in romantic hibernation mode, though, unsure if you should say something to that person you're crushing on. You're more likely to allow your insecurities or shyness to get the best of you, but all of that will change after Sunday. That's when Venus moves into your sign and remains in Capricorn through March 1. You can look forward to looking and feeling more radiant than you have in quite some time. Your confidence will soar, and you won't have to worry about making the first move with that crush. He or she is likely to do it first.

  

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

If you're giving a speech, workshop, or lecture in front of a crowd this week, then there is a very good indication someone in your audience will be smitten with you. In fact, he or she is likely to make an advance towards you at some point during or after the presentation. You'll be flattered but also completely taken aback at the romantic gesture. If you're single, however, there is every indication that this chance meeting is worth exploring.

  

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20 

You and your partner might feel like mad scientists together early in the week. You're likely to be engrossed in a conversation about a very strange topic, or you might actually be working on fleshing out an inventive idea together. However, you'll be doing this behind closed doors, because you both want to keep it discreet for now. Even so, whatever this scheme of yours is, it's something that the two of you are excited about. It'll also bring you closer together. 

January 31, 2019 

By Lapacazo Sandoval 

Contributing Writer 

 

You may not know his name but it’s a good chance that you know actor Michael Beasley by his face, and it’s a nice face even when he has three teardrops painted under his eye, a mark charting the number of people that he murdered.  In real life, Beasley is a 6’3’’ lovable teddy bear. 

 

In Showtime’s “Escape at Dannemora,” directed by Ben Stiller starring Benicio del Toro, Paul Dano and Patricia Arquette, who earned a Golden Globe for her role, Beasley plays the character ‘Murder’ one of the main inmates at the Clinton Facility, a maximum-security prison in the sleepy town of Dannemora in upstate New York.

 

The series is based on true events and follows the 2015 prisoners escape of Richard Matt (Benicio del Toro) and David Sweat (Paul Dano). At the start of the story Murder (Michael Beasley) and his closest friend Kilo, are on seemingly good terms with Matt and Sweat. It’s later revealed that Matt snitches on Murder, which lands him in solitary confinement for a week. A now vengeful Murder gets together with the new tailor-shop patrolman CO Frank, to set up revenge.

 

Beasley’s other acting credits include Netflix’s series “Bloodline,” a reoccurring role in HBO’s comedy series, “Eastbound and Down,” a two-part episode run in CW’s drama series “Preacher,” Netflix’s “House of Cards” and “Superfly” to name a few. 

 

Here is what Michael Beasley had to share about seizing opportunities, making plans and telling the universe exactly what he wants.

 

L.A. Watts Times (LAWT): Before we jump into talking about Escape at Dannemora, where do you call home?

 

Michael Beasley (MB): Atlanta. Atlanta has changed a lot. When I first got started [in acting] everyone was telling me that I had to live in Los Angeles or New York. In New York, for example, you might have eight thousand actors auditioning for one role. That’s not the case in Atlanta and I wanted to create opportunities for myself here [Atlanta].  I had a plan. It didn’t just happen. It was a numbers game. The more auditions that you have, the more chances you have to book. Once the casting agents knew they could trust me, the work came in. I’m definitely about the work and having a plan. 

 

LAWT: I viewed the trailer for Escape at Dannemora, now on Showtime and I am blown away. Unfortunately,  they did not provide me access to watch the series.

 

MB: “Escape at Dannemora” is now streaming so hopefully you can catch it.  I play a character named ‘Murder’ and he has three teardrops under his eye which means that he has three bodies, three murders that he committed.

 

LAWT: Three, that’s a lot. What was it like working with the cast?  It’s an impressive ensemble.

 

MB: I love great actors and learning from them. It was a great thrill to work with such a great cast. Patricia [Arquette] won the Golden Globe Award  [Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Limited Series]. And you know, Benicio [Del Toro] is a really nice guy.  He and I have several scenes together and he would turn to me and ask ‘Michael, what do you think about this scene?’ and I am thinking you’re Benicio Del Toro and you’re asking me?  Working on this series really opened up my palette to a lot more things now.

 

LAWT: What does that mean, to open up your palette in the context of acting?

 

MB: It means that I have a plan to go to the next level. I attended the Golden Globe red carpet, in L.A., (“Escape at Dannemora”), and I got a sense of what the next level is. Now, I am working on that plan to get ‘there’ and to stay ‘there.’  First, you have to see it. Then you have to believe it.  Then I plan it out and then I start working as if it’s already happened.

 

LAWT: I think that you just gave me the headline for this story!

 

MB: You have to put it out into the universe.

 

LAWT: Can you edit it down a bit for me?

 

MB: First, I see it and then I make it happen.

 

“Escape at Dannemora” directed by Ben Stiller, starring Benicio del Toro, Paul Dano, Patricia Arquette, and Michael Beasley is now playing on Showtime.

 

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/RVbOjP1Ziec