As more information becomes available we will update you.

Hal Jackson was a man of firsts, he was was the first Black radio announcer in network radio; the first Black host of a jazz show on the ABC network; the first Black play by play sports announcer on radio in the country; the first Black to host an interracial network television show on NBC-TV; the first person to broadcast from a theater live; organized and owned the first Black team to win the World’s Basketball championship; the first Black host of an international network television presentation; was instrumental in acquiring the first radio station owned and operated by Blacks in New York City; the first to broadcast live from New York into Japan; the first New York City radio personality to broadcast three daily shows on three different stations in the same day; the first to broadcast live via satellite from Jamaica into New York and currently hosts a radio program which has been rated #1 by Arbitron continuously in its time slot for over 11 years on 107.5 WBLS in New York.

R.I.P. to a legend!

RELATED STORIES:

RIP Donna Summer, Watch Her Most Memorable Live Performances [VIDEO]

Chuck Brown, D.C.’s ‘Godfather Of Go-Go’, Dead At 75

I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.

Like HelloBeautiful on Facebook to stay on top of your favorite black celebrities:

Watch the video below:

This is a gutsy and admirable move,and personally I’m proud of our president!

President Obama Slow Jams The News With Jimmy Fallon [VIDEO]

Listen To This Obama-Inspired Playlist!

Click Through This Gallery Of President Barack Obama!
President Barack Obama

Start Gallery

Tyler Perry Releases Statement On Studio Fire [EXCLUSIVE]

“One building on the Tyler Perry Studio lot has, partially, collapsed due to fire damage,” Captain Jolyon Bundrige of the Atlanta Fire Department told 11 Alive.

According to the studio’s website, the 200,000 square-foot facility includes five sound stages and a 400-seat theater.

Perry himself was reportedly on the scene surveying the damage and has yet to comment on the fire.

We will keep you updated as this story develops.

Tyler Perry A Victim Of Racial Profiling?

Tyler Perry Gives Bobbi Kristina A Job

Like HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With Your Fave Black Celebs!

Take a look at our Tyler Perry gallery below:

Start Gallery

Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” which propelled him to fame, brought rock ‘n’ roll music into millions of households and showed teenagers how to do the latest dance steps.

Clark was 82.

4 Essential Heart Tests For A Longer Life

3 Great History Making “American Bandstand Moments” In Black Music!

The singer, 48, was also found to have cocaine in her system at the time of her death. Contributing factors of her death included heart disease and cocaine use.

Investigators found no evidence of cocaine in the hotel room, but sources say a person who is connected to Whitney and was with her the day she died told the website, an individual removed all traces of cocaine from the room before authorities arrived.

The Coroner’s Office says Whitney used cocaine “immediately prior to her collapse.” Investigators who arrived on scene found no traces of cocaine or any other illegal substance.

So sad!

Whitney Houston’s Death: Is There A Cocaine-Heart Attack Connection?

Brandy Wants Ray J To Get Counseling To Cope With Whitney’s Death

Melanie Fiona Remembers Whitney Houston & Missing The Chance To Meet Her! [VIDEO]

Start Gallery

According to their sources Bobbi was taken on a stretcher out of the Beverly Hills Hilton, where her mother died yesterday.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ police and fire responded to a call for a medical emergency, but would not confirm who was transported.

This is so tragic!

New Details: Whitney Houston Found Face Below Water, Legs Up

Jennifer Hudson & Chaka Khan To Perform Tribute To Whitney Houston At Grammy Awards

Celebrities React On Twitter To The Death Of Whitney Houston

Dionne Warwick & Cissy Houston Spoke To Whitney Moments Before Her Death

Whitney Houston Found In Bath, Prescription Drugs Nearby

Houston was discovered in the bathtub of her hotel room which means she could have fallen asleep after the lethal combination and drowned.

“The L.A. County Coroner will perform an autopsy — possibly today — to determine if Whitney died from drowning, and OD or other causes.”

Whitney Houston Dead At 48

Celebrities React On Twitter To The Death Of Whitney Houston

Bobby Brown “Crying Fits” Over News Of Whitney Houston’s Death

Celebrities React On Twitter To The Death Of Whitney Houston

Dionne Warwick & Cissy Houston Spoke To Whitney Moments Before Her Death

Whitney Houston Found In Bath, Prescription Drugs Nearby

CNN is reporting that Ray J found Houston dead at the Beverly Hills Hilton hotel ahead of the party honoring music exec Clive Davis.

Houston won two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards during her record-breaking career. But by the end of her career, drug use took its toll as her record sales plummeted and her voice became raspy and hoarse.

Whitney was set to appear in this year’s “Sparkle,” a remake of the 1976 hit, which was loosely based on the story of The Supremes. It was her first movie role since 1996′s “The Preacher’s Wife.”

Houston had one child, Bobbi Kristina, with husband Bobby Brown. Houston and Brown were married from 1992-2007.

Is Whitney Houston Trying To Kill Herself?

Whitney Houston & Kelly Price Take The Stage Together!

Start Gallery

James was recently released from the hospital just days after her condition improved enough for her to be removed from a breathing machine.

“This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world,” De Leon said. “She was a true original who could sing it all – her music defied category. I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always.”

Condolences goes out to her family.

SOURCE

Etta James Terminally Ill

VIDEO: Brandy Wows Audience With Etta James Cover

According to TMZ, Dr. Elaine James, who isn’t related to the 73-year-old entertainer, says the singer’s chronic leukemia was declared incurable two weeks ago.

The singer whose health has been on a rapid decline, suffers from dementia and leukemia and was hospitalized in May over a life-threatening blood infection.

VIDEO: Brandy Wows Audience With Etta James Cover

Beyonce Talks Etta James Whoop Ass Comments

Read The Rest at NEWSONE.COM

Herman Cain For Dummies: Who Is This Guy And Why Should You Care??

Who Are The Black Women Occupying Wall Street? [VIDEO]

Judge Pastor said, “There are those who feel Dr. Murray is a saint. There are those who feel he’s the devil. He is neither. He’s a human being.”

Judge Pastor says it’s irrelevant to him that Michael might have met this fate with some other doctor. The fact is, Pastor said, Michael Jackson died because of the actions of … Dr. Murray.”

Murray’s attorneys, who suggested at trial that the singer caused his own death by taking extra drugs when Murray was out of the room, asked that Murray receive probation.

In his sentencing memo, the prosecution contended that Murray, 58, performed a “dangerous, unprecedented pharmaceutical experiment,” withheld from paramedics and emergency room doctors that he’d administered propofol, and hid some drugs and equipment after Jackson stopped breathing.

SOURCE

In Florida, if any deaths are the result of hazing it is considered to be a third-degree felony. The investigation will continue and will not be able to confirm if hazing was the result for another 10-12 weeks explained by Sheri Blanton, a forensic coordinator for the medical examiner.

In response the president of the University, James Ammons, suspended the marching band, Marching 100, from practice and performances until the cause of death is revealed.

Follow me on twitter: @NessaLovesMusic

Best HBCU Homecoming Videos Of 2011

A 911 call was placed from his Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway.When the ambulance got there Heavy D was conscious and speaking and was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died.

He was 44 years old.

Heavy just performed at the BET Awards in October and appeared to be fine. Story developing..

HelloBeautiful sends our condolences to his family and friends.

Murray was remanded into custody without bail pending sentencing on Nov. 29.

Read more: http://www.eonline.com/news/michael_jackson_verdict_conrad_murray/273356#ixzz1d3m7E3Fw

Jurors heard from 49 witnesses over 23 days, including Murray’s girlfriends and patients, Jackson’s former employees, investigators, and medical experts for each side.

Janet Jackson: “Dr. Murray Killed My Brother”

Dr. Conrad Murray To Stand Trial, License Suspended

events will be a cake-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m in front of the modest house at 2300 Jackson Street marking Jackson’s actual birthday.

Start Gallery

18 Ways Kim Kardashian Can Use The $18 Million She Made Off Her Wedding

The date of separation is listed as today, Oct. 31, 2011.  Rumors of a split had been swirling for some time and the couple were spotted out to dinner earlier this week looking quite unhappy with each other and did not spend Halloween together (that had to be the nail in the coffin!)

Word on the street is, Kim did not want to leave LA, with a playlist like this, who want to!

Earlier this month Star magazine claimed Humphries has been spotted partying in both Miami and New York without Kim, getting flirty with multiple women and ‘acting like a single man.’

Top 5 Contenders To Be Kim Kardashian’s Next Husband

Ryan Seacrest, the producer of her E! reality show, tweeted: ‘Yes @KimKardashian is filing for divorce this morning. I touched base with her, getting a statement in just a few mins.’

I seriously thought they would’ve at least make it to 6 months! Kim pulled a fast one, she raked in 18 million off of her wedding she-bang. Now that’s gangsta!!!

#thingsthatlastlongerthankimkmarriage go for it!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE DIVORCE PAPERS
Kim Kardashian Releases Statement On Her Divorce:”It Was Not An Easy Decision”
Did Kim Kardashian Hook Up With Her Ex Reggie Bush?

Kim K’s Wedding Arranged By E! Kris Humphries Not First Choice!

Start Gallery

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: @Sweet_Sweetback

http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhellobeautifulofficial&width=305&colorscheme=dark&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=true&height=62

The first time the name Mac(intosh) took on a meaning that meant more to me than “lackluster computers that geeks like” I was at a summer journalism camp at Ball State University.  I decided to take a course in page design and thus had my first in-depth encounter with an Apple computer (and consequently Adobe products).  It was love at first crash.  Back then, Macs were different beasts.  They were big and clunky machines; there were zip disks & drives, lots of crashes met with that error message with the bomb (the equivalent of today’s spinning wheel of death) and many nights spent scouring autosave vaults for files that you’d likely end up spending the next six hours recreating.  But somehow, instead of swearing off Macs forever, you felt like you’d just been hazed in to Mac fraternity.  Suddenly PC’s didn’t seem like better products at all.  You began to enjoy the window-less operating system, you began to feel superior to your friends who’s PC’s told them what to do instead of the opposite.

As Mac products improved, I became a die-hard user.  Each time a new product came out, I felt like it was made just for me, like the people at Mac had been in the lab with me that time I lost the whole front page of the paper an hour before it needed to go to print, they had heard my expletives and they had fixed it for me.  That’s the magic of Steve Jobs Apple Fraternity, he kept innovation and the forefront of the company and was never afraid to pick a starting point and then continue to improve.  And improve they absolutely did.

I was the proud owner of a first generation iPod.  I think back on it, with those four buttons at the top and that circle-dial thingy, its Game-Boy like screen that only listed songs.  In comparison to the iPod’s of today it seems laughable, but in 2002 when I pulled it out of my bag on an airplane, the grown man next to me gasped and said “can I see that?”  That was (and still is) the incredible thing about Steve Job’s innovation; it compelled you to just reach out touch it.  Likewise, I remember sitting in a Starbucks in 2005 and pulling out my Powerbook G4 and the gentlemen sitting across from me stuttering in to his cell-phone. He caught his breath and then apologized to whomever he was speaking and said, “Sorry, someone just took out the computer of my dreams.”  That’s how I felt just last year when I first held the iPad.

Steve Job’s legacy is vast.  He will be remembered as an innovator, visionary and tremendous business leader.  But what I will take from Steve Jobs is a story of transparent growth.  His willingness to introduce a product and then improve upon it in front of our very eyes is a tremendous testament to his strength and courage.  I can only hope that I can mirror that behavior in my life.  Just imagine, if we all said, “here’s my starting point, now help me grow to the next level”, and did this continuously throughout our lives.  Sure the criticism would be tough, and the journey difficult, but eventually you’d grow from being a 1998 iMac into a 2011 iPad and I think that’s pretty cool.   I’m proud to say I’m some version of a Mac; we’ll see where I end up.

Celebrities Tweet Reaction To Steve Jobs’ Death
Top 10 Inspirational Steve Jobs Quotes

The past week has been an emotional and challenging one, as people across the world have mobilized to get the word out regarding the pending execution of Georgia inmate Troy Davis in the face of serious doubts about his guilt in a 1989 murder. As we speak, protesters are at the White House letting the POTUS know just how they feel about this miscarriage of justice. Davis is scheduled to be put to death at 7pm EST tonight.

If Davis’ life is not spared, was it all in vain? And if he is freed, does the fight stop tonight? Absolutely not. This man’s case can be the catalyst to spark new interest in abolishing the death penalty in the US for once and for all.

First, everyone should understand why capital punishment does not work. The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty has put together a list of the top ten reasons why we should oppose legal murder:

1. Executions are carried out at staggering cost to taxpayers: It costs far more to execute a person than to keep him or her in prison for life.

2. Capital punishment does not deter crime: There is no evidence that the threat of death prevents crime. The Southern US has both the highest capital punishment and murder rates in the country.

3. States are unable to prevent accidental executions of innocent people: 138 people to date have been pardoned while on Death Row. If someone is executed and then found innocent, then what?

4. Race plays a role in determining who lives and who dies: While the numbers of Black and White murder victims have been similar since 1977, some 80% of people executed were convicted of murdering a White person. Is the crime of murder more terrible if the victim is White? The death penalty seems to indicate so.

5. The death penalty is applied at random: There are 22k homicides every year, but only 150 people sentenced to death. Why? The NCADP fingers “politics, quality of legal counsel and the jurisdiction in which a crime is committed”.

6. Capital punishment goes against almost every religion: While there is supposed to be a separation between church and state, it doesn’t stop the same religious people who oppose abortion (yet often support the death penalty) from citing faith as a reason to prevent legal killings.

7. The U.S. is keeping company with notorious human rights abusers: Over 128 nations worldwide have abandoned the death penalty. And only China, Saudi Arabia and Iran put more people to death each year than America.

8. Millions of dollars could be diverted to helping the families of murder victims: The money used to execute people could be used to provide therapy, compensation of lost wages and other more tangible methods of recompensing victims of murder.

9. Bad lawyers are a persistent problem: Incompetent lawyers have been a huge factor in determining who lives and who dies. The better the quality of the legal representation, the less likely the accused will face death…is that fair?

10. Life without parole is a sensible alternative to the death penalty: Almost every state has a life sentence option available for sentencing criminals. You can take someone’s life without taking their breath. You can also be sure that someone who is later exonerated is alive to receive justice.

With this information, where do we go next? Well for starters, continue contacting local government/government officials in jurisdictions that use the death pentalty. Georgia should hear the voice of the people long after tonight for what has transpired there, regardless of the final outcome. Also, get involved with orgs such as the NCADP. Use your cyber presence (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc) to spread the word about pending executions. VOTE your feelings! Demand accountabily from candidates and officials seeking re-election. Don’t let Troy Davis’ 20 year fight be in vain.

Congrats Bey!

2011 VMA Red Carpet [PHOTOS]

Miami Police Pulled Weapon Out On Solange Knowles!

2011 MTV VMA’s

Start Gallery

TMZ placed a call to Jada’s rep, Karynne Tencer, who told them … “What? In Touch said that? I know nothing about this … Lord. I’m going back to bed.”

Who’s next? Claire & Cliff Huxtable?

At this point, I’m not sure if this is true, but best believe I’m going to get to the bottom of this.

After doing some research, I came across this video of Jada and Marc Anthony on a recent episode of her hit show “HawthoRNe” and let’s just say it doesn’t get any steamier than this. These two were going in, tongue and everything!!

Could this be the reason why both Will & Jada and J.Lo and Marc Anthony split up?

Inside Will & Jada’s Calabasas Home [PHOTOS & VIDEO]

Jada Pinkett-Smith Reveals If She & Will Are Having More Kids

The Smith Family

Start Gallery

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: @Sweet_Sweetback

http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhellobeautifulofficial&width=305&colorscheme=dark&show_faces=false&border_color&stream=false&header=true&height=62

Taylor filed for divorce last month, after she claimed Russell physically abused her.

So sad!

Story developing…

Tyler Perry

Start Gallery

I came across a post on HeadlineNewsToday.com that explained some unanswered questions about Amy Winehouse’s drug usage and death.

“Sometimes the most talented people are also the most sensitive, which is why we see them turn to drugs and alcohol. Amy was one of these people, talented yes, could be a bit crazy at times, but sensitive to the world around her. She was likely suffering on the inside, and drugs and alcohol was her way of escaping the pain.”

Although we don’t know the exact cause of Amy’s death at this time, we can only assume that it may have been drug and alcohol related. Her life is an example that no one can hide from the strong and deadly effects of drug abuse.

Amy Winehouse was extremely talented and we hope that she will be remembered for her musical ability as well as a wake up call to anyone battling with drug usage. There are no second chances.

How do you think Amy will be remembered?

RIP Amy Winehouse

Start Gallery

Breaking News: Amy Winehouse Found Dead!

Celebrities React To Amy Winehouse’s Death On Twitter

Below are some of the tweets from celebrities who expressed thoughts over Amy Winehouse’s death:

Eve: “my condolences to Amy Winehouse’s family and friends. RIP so sad”

Rihanna: Dear God have mercy!!! I am SICK about this right now! #DearAmy

Big Boi: “Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and now Amy Winehouse. All died aged 27. RIP to you all.”

Nicki Minaj: “Please tell me Amy Winehouse didn’t die. Is this some sick joke?“

Angela Simmons: “Prayers go out to Amy Winehouse family. #RIP”

Lauren London: “My heart and prayers to Amy Winehouse and her family. We felt your soul in your music. May you rest in peace. #RIPamywinehouse”

Dawn Richard: “RIP Amy Winehouse .. I am in shock. So young”

(Source: Necolebitchie.com)

Still a very sad situation and our thoughts and prayers are continuously with the family and friends of the late Amy Winehouse. RIP.

Start Gallery

Breaking News: Amy Winehouse Found Dead!

TMZ states: “Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square NW1 shortly before 16.05hrs today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased.
On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained.“

Although the cause of death is unknown at this time, it’s no secret that Amy Winehouse battled with an addiction to drugs and alcohol and was in and out of rehab for many years during her career. It’s reported that she canceled her tour last month in Europe because she was “completely out of it”.

Amy was signed to Island Def Jam and her hit single, “Rehab” which includes the remix with Jay Z, made her into an international superstar.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Amy Winehouse.

Start Gallery

According to a witness, Lamar and Khloe were riding around Queens, New York on the way to a barbershop in Lamar’s old town and before arriving at their destination, Lamar crashed into the motocycle, seriously injuring the driver.

The motorcyclist is currently in Elmhurst hospital in Queens, NY. Reports also state that a young boy who was near the scene was also seriously injured from the accident.

Neither Lamar nor Khloe were injured by the crash.

We’ll continue to update you as this story develops

Prayers being sent!

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom

Start Gallery

Kardashians Launch 14-Color Nail Polish Collection With OPI [PHOTOS]

Khloe Kardashian & Her Stepkids Do Lunch [PHOTOS]

Khloe And Lamar’s Family Day Out [PHOTOS]

The law will go into effect 30 days after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signs the bill, allowing homosexual couples to legally get married by the middle of this summer.

This is a huge step toward equality for the gay community in New York- the place where the national gay rights movement was born, and with this weekend being “Gay Pride Weekend” in New York City, this couldn’t have happened at a better time.

President Barack Obama visited New York yesterday and addressed this issue. He explained to the gay community that having the right to get married would take time but stated, “I believe that gay couples deserve the same legal rights as every other couple in this country”.

What do you think about gay marriage being legal in the state of New York?

Read More Here.

Tracy Morgan Criticized For Gay Rant & Finally Issues An Apology

Tracy Morgan: “I’d Kill My Son If He Was Gay”

Miguel Addresses Sexuality Rumors

Start Gallery

Story developing…

Sean Kingston & Nicki Minaj’s “Letting Go (Dutty Love)” [NEW VIDEO]

Sean Kingston

Start Gallery

“Justice has been done,” said the president in a dramatic late-night announcement at the White House.

Bin Laden was shot in the head after he and his guards resisted an assault Sunday by a U.S. special operations team that raided his compound in Pakistan.

His body was quickly buried at sea in accordance with Islamic custom, which requires a speedy burial.

President Obama

Start Gallery

When asked about the shooting,  Wyclef stated that he was just leaving his car when he heard gunfire and then he noticed that he saw blood on his shirt and shoes and had no idea who fired shots and whether or not he was the target.

Wyclef recently performed  at a concert given for Haitian presidential candidate Michel Martelly right before the shooting occurred.

Glad to hear he’s okay!

Start Gallery

Celebs Team Up For “We Are The World” Remake

Karma! Kanye Banned From Haiti Telethon

Wyclef Asks For Haitian Earthquake Aid

The word is she was separated from her camera crew and set upon by a group of up to 200 people. She was rescued by a group of women and Egyptian soldiers and is currently recuperating in a hospital.

Understandably, neither her nor the network are offering further comment. Our thoughts go out to her, her family and young son, as well as the people of Egypt. Hopefully she and everyone else living in the region is okay.