September 06, 2018 

By Stacy M. Brown 

NNPA Newswire Contributor 

 

Recent sales numbers have erroneously suggested that the late Michael Jackson is no longer the King of Pop.

 

Specifically, Jackson’s “Thriller” album has been displaced by the Eagles’ greatest hit compilation, as the biggest selling record of all-time.

 

However, several pieces of telling information is lost in mainstream media’s reporting of this turning of the tide.

 

“One of the things everyone seems to be overlooking is that the Eagles’ album is a compilation of hits from 1971 to 1975 whereas ‘Thriller’ is one studio album with nine instant classics,” said Motown biographer and music aficionado Herb Livingston.

 

“It’s like saying, they put four or five albums together, got their sales numbers and compared it to one album and its sales. It’s not a fair comparison and that alone makes ‘Thriller’ still number one,” Livingston said.

 

The Recording Industry Association of America told The Associated Press that the Eagles’ album – “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975” – is now certified 38x platinum, which means sales and streams of the album have reached 38 million copies.

 

The album was released in 1976 and, by those standards, pushes Jackson’s “Thriller,” which is 33x platinum, to second place.

 

The last time RIAA tallied sales for the Eagles’ greatest hits album was in 2006, when it said it was 29x platinum. Sales and streams for “Thriller” were last updated last year, which could very well mean that it could leapfrog into the top spot again.

 

 RIAA’s platinum status was once equivalent to selling one million albums or songs, but in 2013 the company began incorporating streaming from YouTube, Spotify and other digital music services to determine certification for albums and songs.

 

Now, 1,500 streams of an album is equivalent to an album sale. Also, 10 song downloads equals 1 album sale.

 

That also means Jackson’s “Thriller” should remain on solid footing even if its just recognized as the biggest selling studio album of all-time.

 

The RIAA compilation also only considers sales in the United States.

 

With smash hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Something,” “Thriller” has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and no single artist has come close to achieving such a feat. Jackson’s moniker as the King of Pop probably is earned in that many music lovers don’t even consider “Thriller” to be his best work.

 

His 1979, “Off the Wall,” is widely considered musical genius while his 1987 “Bad” sold more than 24 million copies.

 

Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, won 24 American Music Awards, 13 Grammy Awards and was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – in 1997 as a member of the Jackson 5, and in 2001, as a solo artist.

 

“His fans – and there aren’t more loyal and dedicated fans in the world – will make sure to go on a downloading and buying frenzy,” Livingston said. “The ‘Thriller’ album will easily reclaim those tainted sales numbers and again shut up those who doubt.”

August 30, 2018 

By Freddie Allen 

NNPA Newswire 

 

In 1949, a fight broke out at a dance in Twist, Kansas. During the melee, a barrel filled with kerosene, that had been lit earlier to warm the party, was knocked over. As flames licked the dance floor, B.B. King, a twenty-something musician, escaped into the cool Kansas night with the rest of the party goers. But King had forgotten his guitar inside. On that fateful night, risking his life, he ran back into the building to rescue his prized instrument.

 

“Luckily, he managed to escape with his guitar as the building collapsed around him,” according to Biography.com. “King later learned that the fight erupted because of a woman who worked at the venue named Lucille. From then on, King named his guitar ‘Lucille’ to remind himself never to do anything so foolish again.”

 

Now, six different Lucilles are currently on display at the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, Mississippi. The museum is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and museum officials said that plans are in the works to begin construction on a new addition to the museum to continue the legendary musician’s legacy.

 

In 1969, King released his biggest hit single, “The Thrill is Gone.” He was not only the first bluesman to tour the Soviet Union in 1979, but he also became the first bluesman to enter the pop mainstream, making regular appearances in Las Vegas, Nevada and on network television, according to his profile on Biography.com.

 

“King also found commercial success with the many collaborations he made over the years, including with artists Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, Van Morrison and Bonnie Raitt,” the profile said. “In 1987, King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

 

B.B. King died on May 14, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

The B.B. King Museum opened in 2008 and features thousands of rare artifacts, award-winning films, and interactive exhibits, according to a press release about the museum. Visitors to the museum journey through the Mississippi Delta and witness scenes from B.B. King’s life in a state-of-the-art theater.

 

“Beginning in the 1930s Mississippi Delta, visitors get a firsthand account of Riley B. King’s life on the farm as a sharecropper and tractor driver,” the press release said. “Another gallery takes visitors on an adventure as King finds his way to the airwaves of WDIA where you can hear firsthand accounts of Riley’s conversion to the ‘Beale Street Boy.’ From there, visitors see the transformation from artist to icon, B.B. King’s development from a musician touring the Chitlin’ Circuit in the South,” to a global ambassador for American music and Black culture.

 

Malika Polk-Lee, the executive director of the museum, said that the original idea for the museum came from the Indianola community. The residents of the small southern town felt the need to honor King, because of his great ambassadorship for blues music and for Indianola. 

 

King famously played more than 300 shows per year for more than three decades and performed roughly 250 shows per year, well into his 70s, according to Biography.com.

 

“He always claimed Indianola no matter where he traveled,” Polk-Lee said. “The citizens here realize the importance of honoring such an icon that was from their hometown.”

 

Verna Ransom, the educational director for the B.B. King Museum, said that the museum offers programs designed to educate students of all ages about music, dance, the culinary arts, and health and fitness.

 

“One thing about B.B. King that everyone should know is that he wanted our community, our children to be healthy,” Ransom said.

 

Polk-Lee added that about 98 percent of the programs are free to the public and that tourists are welcomed to participate.

 

“When it comes to our educational programming, we have something for every age group,” Polk-Lee said. “It was important that we made sure that all of our programs benefit the citizens here in our Delta community.”

 

B.B. King is actually buried on the grounds of the museum and Polk-Lee said that fans of the blues legend should visit the museum to pay homage to his legacy. The new construction plans include a memorial courtyard to enhance his burial site.

 

Polk-Lee said that King always walked through the museum with grace and amazement during his yearly tours, shaking hands, signing autographs and sharing stories with all of the museum visitors.

 

“Mr. King was a very humble man,” Polk-Lee said. “He never met a stranger and he never thought of himself as the icon that he was.”

 

Polk continued: “It was surreal for him to have this museum built in his honor.”

 

Learn more about the B.B. King Museum @ www.bbkingmuseum.org.

August 30, 2018 

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

The greatest struggle you'll have this week when it comes to love is whether or not you want to "go there" with one of your colleagues. Honestly, it's the most beautiful energy and clearly there is someone you work with or who works in your industry that is totally into you. The problem is you. You're somehow convinced that by turning this professional alliance into something romantic that you'll wreck your career or reputation. Come on, Aries, is it really all that dramatic? Sparks are flying. And you're so close to a sexy sizzle.

  

Taurus 

APR 20 - MAY 20 

It's decision time, Taurus! You most likely have had one of your exes turn up in the last week or two, offering you an opportunity for reconciliation. Your heart and body have been stirred but your mind might have felt like total mush, not really knowing what the right decision would be. Is this a case of recycling or is it a genuine opportunity for a second chance? You just didn't know. This week, however, you'll have the answers. Very likely, you'll be at a crossroads, having a chance to choose between an old lover and a new soulmate who is trying to come in. Oh, Taurus. You've definitely got options.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

While it's true that matters of the heart will be gorgeous this week for some, you seemed to draw the short straw this week, Gemini. Venus, the planet of love, is touring your 5th House of Dating and Pleasure, but will square off with Pluto on Sunday. This is likely to trigger the uglier aspects of your personality when it comes to love. You might find yourself uncharacteristically jealous or possessive of someone. You might start checking your lover's phone or computer out of paranoid suspicion. Or, you could just meet someone and know that this sexy man or woman is going to cause trouble in your life. And yet, you'll be captivated like a moth to a flame.

 

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

You've got a whole new perspective this week when it comes to love. Your intellect will be stimulated by your mate and you'll have more than one fascinating conversation about the big-picture topics in life that truly matter. The only distress you'll have is with domestic matters. Your partner might really have a problem letting go of control with a family situation. He or she might push to have their way so much that you find it off-putting and even repulsive. You'll have no trouble calling your mate out on their behavior.

 

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

It's a week of illumination when it comes to intimacy and finances. It might also be a week of endings. If you're in a relationship, your partner might have some not-so-happy news to share about money. He or she might learn that a loan hasn't been approved for school as one example. He or she might also find out that they've lost their job and will need to rely on your financially for a short time. Fortunately, you're in a place where you can easily help. A Full Moon in your 8th House of Sharing on Sunday, however, also reveals your deepest intimate nature. You won't settle for anything less than a deep emotional, physical, and psychological bond.

 

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

The Sun enters your sign this week, lighting up all the best of you. You're shining your light in a way that is truly attractive to others, so if you're single, work it! In fact, when the Sun meets up with Saturn in your romance sector this Saturday, it's possible that you'll have an opportunity to date someone who is either much older or younger than you, but with whom you know there is substance. This person is worth getting to know. If you're in a relationship, Sunday's Full Moon in your partnership sector signals deep emotional bonding with your mate. How sweet!

 

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

You might have a difficult time being diplomatic and graceful this week with your partner. Most likely, the two of you will be at odds regarding a domestic situation and, unfortunately, it'll be nearly impossible for you to take the high road. Instead, you might find yourself resorting to manipulative tactics in order to get your way or at least to make yourself feel as though you've got the upper hand. This won't bode well for the health of your relationship, so you may want to think twice. Besides, this dark negative energy doesn't look good on you.

 

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

A Full Moon in your romance sector this Sunday will absolutely heighten love life happenings for you. If your current storyline is fairytale sweet, then this lunation is going to kick that "happily ever after" scenario into high gear. You might feel hypnotically and magically in love with your special someone. In fact, if this is you then no one and nothing is going to knock you down from your pedestal of bliss. Full Moons, however, are also about illumination and sometimes endings. If you are involved in a relationship where your partner has any unhealthy addiction, then this is when you'll see it clearly. And your romantic bubble will burst.

 

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

Your love life is in massive chaotic transition this week. Mars is the ruler of your romance sector and will shift into direct motion next Monday the 27th. What that means this week is that Mars is at station -- not moving forward or backward. Mars has no idea how to act under these conditions and, typically, it results in anger expressed in the wrong way or action taken in the wrong way. This is the week that you might find this all happening in your love life or with a lover. Whatever you do, don't give into the chaos right now. Keep calm and carry on.

  

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

Your biggest problem in your love life right now might have to do with the fact that you feel you're dating someone you aren't willing to show off to others. This sounds terribly shallow, but the truth is that because you might be more successful than your current flame, it's wearing on you. You are someone who might really want to be proud of your partner and their achievements. If you're dating someone with no ambition, goals, or aspirations then you might ask yourself why you're even with this person. It might not be the right match for you.

  

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

Your love life is so close to getting back on track. In fact, Aquarius, you're extremely close to a significant breakthrough in life and love -- in every area of your world. This week, however, everything is still recalibrating, so you'll need to remain patient just a bit longer. You've got the ability to have conversations with your sweetheart that no longer leave you feeling confused. That, in and of itself, is a huge win. Even so, overall it's as if you're still half asleep at the wheel. Next week you'll finally wake up.

 

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20 

This week it might feel like nothing else matters except your relationship. With the Sun moving into Virgo and your partnership sector, you are truly shining a light on the work you put into a committed relationship. You are ready, willing, and able to provide what your partner needs in terms of support and communication. In fact, it might seem as if your entire world revolves around your mate now as you concentrate on doing what he or she needs in order to feel truly loved by you. The good news? All of this will be reciprocated. Yes, you are blessed!