HOT NEWS 9 February 28th ,2025
The 97th Annual Academy Awards air on Sunday on ABC at 8PM. It’s the movie’s biggest night. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the stars of Wicked, are opening the show with a special performance. Other performers include Doja Cat and Queen Latifah. Which movie will take home the top Prize?
The music World was rocked this past week with a slew of deaths. The Ice man Jerry Butler died at the at the age of 85 after a battle with Parkinsons Disease. Butler was given that nickname by the late great Georgie Woods. He was known for the hits songs Only the Strong Survive, Hey Western Union Man, Cooling out and many more.
Singer Gwen McCrae also died. She was 81 and she had the 1975 hit Rocking Chair and the 1981 song ‘Funky Sensation. She was married to Singer George McCrae who had the song Rock the Boat.
The Songstress Roberta Flack also died. Flack was 88. The Grammy Winner had an incredible career with her solo music Killing me Softly, Feel like making love and her legendary duets with Donny Hathaway, Michael Henderson and Peabo Bryson. In her later years she battled serious health challenges including ALS which left her unable to talk or sing.
Singer Chris Jasper also died. Jasper was a part of the singing group Isley Jasper Isley with Ernie Isley. They had the hits ‘Caravan of Love and ‘Insatiable Woman. When Jaspers Sister married Rudolph Isley, he became a part of the Legendary group. Jasper was with the Isley Brothers for Ten Years 1973-1983 and he wrote many of their biggest Songs including ‘For the Love of You, Between the Sheets, Choosey Lover and Voyage to Atlantis. Chris Jasper was 73.
The new Series Zero Day is now streaming on Netflix starring Angela Bassett and Robert Deniro. It’s a political thriller.
The first black soap opera on a major network in 25 years has debuted on CBS Beyond the gates with Veteran Actor Clifton Davis.
Actor Anthony Anderson and Marsai Martin from Black ish fame are joining forces with Oscar Winner Viola Davis for the Thriller G20. The is about Terrorist who take over the G20 Summitt and Davis plays the President of the United States. It will start streaming on Prime video April 10th.
Saturday April 12th it’s the 9th Annual Wdasfm Women of Excellence Luncheon at the Sheraton 17TH and Race. Honorees Include Daytime TV Talk show host Sherri Shepherd. Singer Lalah Hathaway. Dr. Dorothy Johnson Speight who is the Founder and Executive Director of Mothers in Charge. CBS3 Weekend Anchor Aziza Shuler. Delaware Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester. Kendra Van De Water Co Chief Executive Officer of YEAH Philly. Dr Beverly Coleman Chief of Fetal Diagnosis and treatment Development at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Tickets are on sale now at wdasfm.com
The artist Lineup has been announced for this years Roots Picnic May 31st and June 1st at the Mann Center for the performing Arts. D’Angelo, Lenny Kravitz, Musiq Soulchild, Meek Mill, Glo-Rilla and more artists will be taking the stage.
Saturday March 8th it’s the ladies OF R&B Kickback Tour at the Liacouras Center with Total, Kelly Price,Brownstone, Adina Hoard, Sunshine Anderson and Michel’le to name a few
Lit In AC returns to Atlantic City March 29th at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City Busta Rhymes, Lil Kim, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Nore, Lil Mo and Soul for Rel.
Lionel Richie is also coming to Philly on March 29th at Union Transfer 10th and Springgarden.
Stokely formerly of Mint Condition is coming to Atlantic City with Raheen Devaughn Saturday April 12 at the Tropicana.
The Isley Brothers are coming to Par Casino in Bensalem Friday April 11th
Singer Coco Jonesis coming to Philly at the Filmore May 6th.
Ledisi is also coming to Atlantic City at Caesars with Marsha Ambrosius June 6th
Lori Harvey Stave Harveys Daughter will be Playboy magazine latest cover Girl as they do a relaunch of the magazine.
Michael B Jordans latest movie ‘Sinners directed by Ryan Coogler opens in theaters April 18th.
SLY LIVES! (AKA The Burden of Black Genius is streaming on Hulu. The documentary tells the story of Sly and the family Stones musical Journey. The documentary is directed by Questlove of The Roots.
Actor Morris Chestnut has a new show on CBS ‘Watson airs on Sunday nights
CBS Mornings and former NFL Player Nate Burleson has been named the new host of Hollywood Squares. Drew Barrymore will be the Center Square.
The 16th Annual Mother's Day Music Festival presented by Platinum Productions is coming to Atlantic City Saturday May 10th at the Boardwalk Hall. Keith Sweat, Charlie Wilson, Jagged Edge and Jon b.
On Sunday May 11th it's the Whispers and The Force MDs in concert at Caesars in Atlantic City
A new season of the NBC Singing competition The Voice Ha kicked off with Judges Adam Levine....He’s Back! Michael Buble, John Legend and Kelsey Ballerini.
Now speaking of Music Talents show Singer Jelly Roll is joining the crew at American Idol as a artist in residency. He will be joined by Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan and host Ryan Seacrest.
The ABC Comedy Abbott Elementary has been renewed for a 5th season. The show created by Quinta Brunson a Philly Native is a big hit for ABC.
Jamie Foxx’s New Netflix special What had happened was, is streaming now on Netflix. This special is excellent. He revealed his medical mystery was a stroke
His new movie with Cameron Dias ‘Back in Action is streaming on Netflix .
Get ready for the Stage Production ‘Jasons Lyrics April 3rd and April 4. The movie came out in 1994 The stage production stars Allen Payne, Singer K Michelle, Rapper Treach Naughty by Nature and Eva Marcille.
Mary J Blige is coming to Philly. Thursday April 17th with Trey Songz and Mario at the Wells Fargo Center. She is also doing a show in Atlantic City on March 28th at the BoardwLK hALL
Elton John has a new documentary on Disney Plus ‘Never Too Late’
I’ve got the scoop on two new cookbooks that you need to have in your collection. Today Show Weather guy and favorite Al Roker. Roker has written a book with his daughter Courtney Roker Lage Recipes to live by. The book features many family recipes and easy to make dishes. Tamron Hall has a new cookbook out ‘A Confident cook. Hall did the book with Chef Lish Steiling. In the book she shares recipes that every home cook should learn how to master their own kitchen.
Big News on Oscar winning Actor Denzel Washington! Denzel Washington is returning to Broadway in ‘Othello’ with Jake Gyllenhaal. it’s a 15-week engagement that runs March 23rd until June 8th. The Piana Lesson the movie based on the August Wilson play is in theatres and starts Streaming on Netflix November 22. This project was a family affair for the Washington family. His son Malcom directed the movie, His Son John David Washington is one of the stars also with his sister Katia who serves as Executive Producer. The movie also stars Samuel L Jackson, Erykah Badu and Corey Hawkins. Washington also revealed as he winds down his career, he will be featured in Black Panther 3.
Rappe/Actress/ Voiceover Artist MC Lyte is returning to TV in a new detective show called Angel on BET Plus.
Marvel Movies are making a big comeback in 2026 with the movies Avengers Doomsday and Spiderman 4 with Tom Holland in July 2026.
After nearly 20 years the Wayans Brothers are returning to the Scary movie franchise.
Damon Wayans Sr. And Damon Wayans Jr. Have joined forces for the new CBS Show Poppas House. Marlon Wayans is going to popping up for an episode next year.
The 1987 movie Dirty Dancing is coming to Broadway in 2025.
Actor Levar Burton has landed his own Game show on the CW Network. Burton is hosting Trivial Pursuit which airs Thursday Night at 9pm on the CW.
What's next for the Oscar Winning Member of The Roots Quest Love. He’s working on a new documentary about Earh wind and fire.
Actor Jermaine Fowler (Coming to America 2) is joining the cast of the CBS Comedy Crutch with Tracey Morgan. This is a spinoff of the Cedric the Entertainer show Neighborhood.
Sean Diddy Combs was recently taken into Federal Custody in New York. He has been Charged with Sex Trafficking, Racketeering and Kidnapping charges. These offenses go back to 2008 and also his violence towards women. He faces decades in prison if convicted. The Trial starts in early May.
The Steve Harvey Movie is coming to the big screen. His life Movies, TV, Books and Radio.
They starred in the Best Man anthology series now they are reteaming for a new Crime Comedy movie, Terrance Howard and Taye Diggs.
The New Racing car drama F1 Starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris is coming to Theaters next Summer.
Get ready for the 2025 Honorees for the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Nia Long, Fantasia, Sherri Sheperd, Prince, Jane Fonda, The Isley Brothers, Rapper Busta Ryhmes, and Actor Courtney B Vance to name a few.
Katt Williams is preparing a whole new show for next year. ‘Heaven on Earth’ is coming to Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall Saturday April 5th.
Production on the Michael Jackson Movie has wrapped up. Director Antoine Fugua (Training Day) is directing. Jemaine Jacksons son Jafaar will be playing to King of Pop. The movie will cover his triumphs, the Highs and Lows of his career and well as his creative genius side. Philly Native Colman Domingo will be playing Joe Jackson in the movie. Joe was the Patriarch of the Family. Actress Nia Long will be playing Mom Katherine Jackson. The movie is coming out in October of 2025.Actor Larenz Tate has also been added to the cast as Berry Gordy. And Actor Kendrick Patrick is playing Quincy Jones. T
Quinta Brunson is teaming up with Bill Hader, and Bowen Yang for an animated version of the Dr Seuss classic Cat in The Cat. The Emmy Winning Actress from Abott Elementary is also going to be the keynote Speaker at the upcoming Commencement address for Temple University.
Denzel Washington and Spike Lee are joining forces again for the Apple TV Movie High/Low.
Rapper/Actor Ludacris is coming to BET Plus he’s going to star in a dramedy about his life.
Actor Jaleel White (Urkel Family Matters) has a new game show. Flipside will air on CBS stations. The game show is about whoever has the best Intuition on Human Behavior.
I am now part of the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame. My bronze plague is on Broad Street. Broad and Pine in front of The University of The Arts.
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If you would like more info please email me at PattyJackson@iHeartMedia.com or check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm during the day on 105.3 Wdasfm. Or join me on Social Media Twitter:Mspattyjackson Instagram Wdaspatty and Facebook Patty Jackson and on Youtube Patty Jackson