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This may be sort of a tough guess, because these two singers look a tad different now…but we thought it’d be fun to see how many of you think you guessed this one right — before scrolling down to see the answer.

Check out the photo up top and see if you recognize them…then get your scroll-on to find out who these two are…

They Are None Other Than…

Yep…it’s the two eldest siblings of the iconic Jackson fam’ — “Ms. Centipede” a.k.a. Rebbie Jackson and Jackie Jackson. Now can you see the resemblance in the pics?

On a side note…at 73 years young, Rebbie is still looking fine as wine; and 72-year-old Jackie, looks like he’s found some type of reversed-aging time machine or something. These two eldest Jackson siblings are aging very gracefully. Go ‘head Rebbie and Jackie!

What Rebbie Jackson’s Been Doing In Recent Years

Here’s a quick run-down of what Rebbie’s been up to. Some years ago, Rebbie announced she was in the studio again working on a new album, not sure if that’s still in the works though. That would be the first album she’s released in 19 years. In 2011 she toured on the “Pick Up The Phone” tour, which is dedicated to teens who have committed suicide all over the U.S.. She said she felt a personal connection to doing that because one of her daughters is bipolar. Recently, Rebbie has reportedly been the caretaker of their mother, Katherine Jackson. And by the way…you can catch Rebbie on her baby sis,’ Janet Jackson’s, new self-titled Lifetime Network documentary…it’s a must-watch.

Rebbie has three children with her husband of over 44+ years, Nathaniel Brown. Sadly, Nathaniel passed away in 2013 after a battle with cancer. They also have one granddaughter together.

What Jackie Has been Up To Lately

Jackie has four children; and in recent years, he’s been constantly touring with his brothers and selling out shows across the globe. He has four children — two with his first wife, the late Enid Jackson; and two young twin boys with his current wife, Emily Besselink.  And in case you missed our previous story about that wild incident that happened between Enid, Paula Abdul, and Jackie Jackson, you might want to check that out HERE.

Overall, it’s always great to see artists from back in the day still living healthy and doing well. Did you guess this one correctly ILOSM fam?’

There’s no doubt that the similarities between Miki Howard’s son, Brandon, and Michael Jackson are definitely evident.  From the way they move, to the tone of their voices, their mannerisms, and dance styles- everything about them is similar. In fact, here have been so many theories circulating about this, that we don’t know WHAT to believe, so we wanted to show y’all the comparisons and let you be the judge.

Miki Howard’s son is a singer who goes by the stage name, B. Howard. I remember when the song, “Billie Jean,” was dominating the charts, many wondered back then, if there was a REAL Billie Jean. For over 30+ years, millions of MJ fans have contemplated that very subject, which leads us to Brandon.

Organizers of a previously highly publicized DNA test claimed to have “confirmed” that the late music legend is Howard’s biological father…..but back in the day, the TV announcer on Batman would have said “But wait! Tune in again, same time, same place,” because in another episode, TMZ claimed that test was NOT authentic.

Now, here may be the enormous bombshell: During that time, Miki’s manager was none other than Joe Jackson in the 1980s. Yep, MJ’s dad. So with this turntable, many speculate that Papa Joe may have been the supposed ‘Papa’ to Brandon. In more recent developments, the New York Daily News cited an ‘unnamed source,’ who  also claimed the late Jackson family patriarch, Joe, was actually Brandon’s father and Michael’s half brother. Like I said, we don’t know WHAT to believe.

B. Howard has confirmed, in several interviews, that he grew up amongst the Jackson family and is still extremely close to them today. He used to spend his Summers with Katherine Jackson and the rest of the fam,’ at the Jackson home, while his Mom was working on the road.

Brandon is now a singer, who was once featured on an Akon song. Speaking of Akon, who became a close friend of Michael Jackson’s and collaborated with him for many songs…stated in a prior interview, that he thinks B. Howard is Michael’s son. Watch Akon explain that here on “The Larry King Show”:

Another longtime friend of MJ’s – actor Corey Feldman – said that he, too, believes B. Howard is MJ’s seed. Feldman and B. Howard also reportedly know each other very well.

In addition to those claims, when an interviewer expressed to B. Howard that there were many similarities between him and Michael Jackson, he then asked B. if MJ is his Dad.  B. Howard replied with this: “Really? Really? Well you’ll have to read my bio, it’s all in there, I grew up with the Jackson family.” He never gave a straight answer though.

Sources close to Brandon revealed that the Miami resident was born soon after Miki met Michael. When Brandon was asked about MJ’s DNA matching with his, he said that he “never self-proclaimed to be Michael’s child,” but again, he never denied it. Watch him say this below:

Also, after this whole DNA debacle, Miki Howard came out and stated this:

“I love and support my son and the Jackson family. The Jacksons are good very friends. They are beautiful people and have always been loving and supportive of me and my career. As to this claim – at this time I am not at liberty to discuss this, as it is common practice in our business that celebrities have non-disclosure agreements. And, we are NOT suing anyone! By the way…I am NOT ‘Billie Jean!”

He’s had many Jackson relatives on his album and if you really want to be blown away by the similarities between B. Howard and MJ, check out the clip below of B in the studio (you can forward to the 2:55 mark):

Following all the hoopla over Brandon’s DNA, Miki’s ex/singer, Auggie Johnson, came forward a few years ago, to tell the world that he is in fact the father of B. Howard.

The similarities between MJ and B. Howard raises red flags, but so does the fact that this story didn’t come out until AFTER MJ passed away.

What do YOU think ILOSM Family? Is B. Howard part of the Jackson bloodline someway, somehow? Or are those claims a bunch of bullcrap?

If I were to simply here the name, Anjelica Huston — like many of us ILOSM Old Schoolers  — I’d be like, ‘Come again now…Anjeli- WHO?’ And that’s understandable, given that I haven’t seen most of the actress’s work. However, when it comes to the name, “Morticia Addams,” many of us instantly recognize Huston for her role as the matriarch of the classic monster fam’ in the film adaptation of The Addams Family.

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That film brought back childhood memories for many…and apparently, Huston has some memories to rehash of her own. The only difference is that her recounted memories have nothin’ to do with The Addams Family, but everything to do with Oprah Winfrey, Eddie Murphy, and other celebs.

And uh…let’s just say the “Morticia Addams” actress didn’t necessarily have the fondest memories to share about her encounters with the aforementioned legends.

In a 2019 interview with Vulture, Anjelica Huston sounded off about how Oprah Winfrey was allegedly jealous of her; and how Eddie Murphy supposedly acted like a ‘diva’ toward her…but there’s more…

Check Out What Huston Says Oprah And Eddie Did To Her

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Huston Accuses Oprah Of Oscar Award Shade
According to Huston, Oprah has had issues with her since 1986, when Huston took home the “Best Supporting Actress” Oscar Award for her Prizzi’s Honor role. Oprah was nominated for the same category that year for her “Miss Sophia” role in The Color Purple…which she should have won in my opinion, but I digress.

Anyways, Angelica says Oprah has never gotten over that loss to her…and she also claims that as a result, Oprah shades the hell outta her every chance she gets. One of the “repercussions” Huston says Oprah gave her, is “She never had me on her show, ever. She won’t talk to me.”

Huston continued:

“The only encounter I’ve had with Oprah was when I was at a party for the Academy Awards, a private residence. I was talking to Clint Eastwood, and she literally came between us with her back to me. So all of the sudden I was confronted with the back of Oprah’s head.”

When the interviewer asked Huston if she thinks the reason behind Oprah’s shade stems from her 1986 Oscar loss, Huston replied:

“Well, nobody else would dislike me so much as to literally, physically come in between the person I was talking with that way. But I admire Oprah. God knows, she’s made some big steps.”

What’s Her Issues With Eddie Murphy?
As far as Anjelica Huston’s prob’ with comedian/actor, Eddie Murphy, it’s centered around time…literally.

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While co-starring with Eddie on the film, Daddy Day Care, in which Eddie was the lead character, Huston recalled hating that he required the cast to arrive to set 15 minutes before he did. And what she disliked even more, was Eddie’s reported response to her request to alter that rule:

“You’d be waiting for over 15 minutes in a California summer, so you’re not appetizing by the time you get on-camera,” said Huston. “Maybe he didn’t recognize that factor. So I requested to at least know when he was traveling to set. His reply, through the grapevine, was ‘Ladies first.’ Frankly, a lot of male movie stars behave in an offhand manner, like they’re just more important than you are.”

Wow! Gotta love the Old School memories.

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ILOSM family, you ever had that one friend who could sometimes act a fool in public, embarrassing the hell outta not only themselves, but you as well? Welp, that was apparently what happened to Usher when his homie, Chris Brown, flew clean off the handle Friday night, reportedly resulting in an all-out brawl with Usher. In case you haven’t heard about that, let us fill you in…but not before we share new video footage of Usher lookin’ unbothered today.

Usher Shares Video Lookin’ Unbothered, After Alleged Beatdown

The day after Chris Brown and/or his goons allegedly molly-whopped Usher in a reportedly unfair fight, it seems the “Good Kisser” singer is taking it all in stride, while simultaneously making sure to show a close-up of his face. As you can see in the below video, Usher has no visible swelling, nor bruises on his face…although it’s unclear if he’s wearing makeup to cover any bruises up.

Usher is unbothered by the alleged altercation with Chris Brown 😅pic.twitter.com/upwaJif6zy

— Hot Freestyle (@HotFreestyle) May 6, 2023

Nevertheless, fans are just glad the brotha is doing well, and will still be performing in spite of the unfortunate disaster that went down between he and Chris Brown last night.

Alleged Chris Brown-Usher Fight Was Over Singer, Teyana Taylor? (Video)

According to what several sources have revealed to Youtube vlogger, Tasha K, and reporter, B. Scott, Usher threw Chris Brown a birthday party at a skating rink in Las Vegas last night. Everything supposedly was all good, until one of Chris’s other now-former close friends – singer Teyana Taylor – showed up. Teyana and Chris have been damn near best friends for many years, with Teyana even putting herself on the line, by standing up for Chris when the domestic violence drama between he and Rihanna happened years ago.

Well, those years of ride-or-die friendships between Chris, Usher, and Teyana have seemingly gone out the window as of Friday (May 5, 2023). Why? Because according to sources who were present at the birthday shindig, Chris and Teyana have been beefin’ ever since Chris’s Michael-Jackson-tribute was axed from the 2022 AMA Awards Show, which he reportedly partially blames Teyana for.

You see, Teyana –who according to TMZ, is a creative director for many artists’ musical performances, projects, etc– was said to have been involved in the creative direction for the AMA’s ‘MJ tribute.’ Word on the old school curb is that the AMA’s began to catch a lot of online flack from folks who were claiming the ceremony was ‘allowing one abuser to pay tribute to another abuser.’ Obviously, those people were referring to the 2009 Chris Brown/Rihanna domestic violence incident, as well as the unproven allegations in the “Leaving Neverland” documentary.

It’s been alleged that as a result of the backlash at that time, Chris was allegedly pulled from the show within a day or so of his scheduled ‘MJ’ performance. As a result, Chris felt like Teyana did not have his back, says sources.

Fast fast forward to last night, and Chris was apparently still highly pissed when he realized Usher had invited Teyana to his birthday party. Several onlookers said Chris started going completely OFF as he vented his frustrations about Teyana to Usher, supposedly referring to Teyana as a “b!**h” and whatnot.

Those same sources also said Teyana handled the whole thing like a lady, without engaging in the public spectacle with Chris; while Usher tried to calm Chris down. However, as Usher was reportedly trying to talk Chris back down to a level-head, spectators claim Chris demanded that not only Usher make Teyana leave the party…but that Usher exit the party as well– which he supposedly threw for Chris! Laaaawd…🤦🏽.

Anywho, Usher reportedly refused to leave, but Teyana decided it was best she exit, which she did. Chris then supposedly stormed out of his own birthday party, and Usher followed him to the parking lot, allegedly still attempting to talk his friend and get him to calm down. Unfortunately, according to onlookers, that’s when either Chris, or a few of Chris’s ‘goons’ reportedly snuck Usher, and proceeded to jump him in the parking lot!!

Following the dust-up, sources say Usher was pissed, and understandably so.

It’s unclear what, if anything, has transpired between the three friends now…but there doesn’t seem to have been much of a reconciliation whatsoever at this point.

Nonetheless, Usher is still hittin’ the stage Saturday night for the “Friends & Lovers” concert in Las Vegas. No word on if Chris Brown will still be performing at the show. Can’t we all just get along?!!

After more than three weeks in an Atlanta, GA hospital, the legendary Jamie Foxx has finally spoken out directly from his hospital bed.

Jamie Foxx’s Message To Fans From Hospital

Having received thousands of well wishes from people all across the globe, Jamie Foxx has heard our outpouring of support. So on Wednesday (May 3, 2023), Jamie took to social media to send a heartfelt message to his fans, writing, “Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed.”

 

 

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A post shared by Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx)

Needless to say, celebs and fans alike were more than ecstatic to hear from Jamie, and have been flooding his social media timelines ever since:

Mary J Blige left the comment, “Love you Jamie ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”

Tamar Braxton commented, “Love to you my brother ❤️❤️❤️”.

Ellen Degeneres wrote, “I’m sending love to you every single day.”

Comedian, Deon Cole, stated, “SHONDO!!!! Supreme, forever goood love for you.”

Since there is no video message, nor image of Jamie Foxx messaging fans from his hospital bed, it’s unclear if he, or one of his loved ones actually posted his message on his social media page. Either way, though, fans are just happy to see any type of update from the comedic OG.

It’s also being reported that as Jamie continues to remain hospitalized following a mysterious medical emergency, on Wednesday, sources within his inner circle are continuing to ask the masses to “pray for Jamie,” who seemingly has a longer road to recovery than many previously thought.

Jamie Thanked Nick Cannon For Steppin’ In

News spread today, that Jamie also won’t be shooting the upcoming season of his show, “Beat Shazam,” which Jamie was previously scheduled to begin filming days after his medical emergency. The musical game show also co-stars his daughter, Corrine (as the show’s DJ). However, Corrine will also be skipping the entire upcoming season, as she remains by her dad’s side, while he fights his way back to 100% health in due time.

In a separate post, Jamie also thanked Nick Cannon, who will now be filling in for Jamie to host the upcoming season of “Beat Shazam.” Kelly Osbourne – daughter of rock legend, Ozzy Osbourne – will be filling Corrine Foxx’s DJ’ing spot for the season as well. To Nick, Jamie wrote, “Appreciate ya my boy,” as he shared his daughter’s post, thanking Nick and Kelly for temporarily taking over the show for them.

Jamie’s team and family have kept the details of what exactly happened to Jamie during his “Back In Action” movie filming on the low. But thankfully, Jamie’s health seems to be improving. We will continue to send Jamie Foxx uplifting energy, and look forward to seeing him make a full recovery.

Anita Baker reached unprecedented heights during her many years as a successful R&B singer in the music industry. Like many others, her rise to fame wasn’t the result of an easy journey. She faced many obstacles along the way. In fact, the singer has shared details about the family secrets she was plagued with for many years and how she managed to overcome. You won’t believe all Anita’s been through.

The Family Secret About Her Birth Mom Caused Years Of Pain

Many fans probably have no idea Anita Baker’s mother gave her up for adoption when she was just a baby. The daunting realization of her mother’s decision actually made her question her worth and the purpose of her life. During an interview with Essence, she spoke openly about her life:

“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she said. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.”

BUT THERE IS WAY MORE TO ANITA BAKER’S STORY…

“That Child Believed Her Mother Abandoned Her”

JRank reported that the woman Anita once believed was her mother, was a woman by the name of Mary Lewis. Although it was never publicly confirmed who Mary actually was, it wasn’t until Anita was 13 years old (when Mary died), that she found out she was actually a foster child; and Mary was her foster parent.

The publication also stated that Anita’s aunt, Lois Landry, was the beautician who Anita reportedly thought was originally her older sister. But after Mary’s passing, Lois reportedly informed Anita that she was her aunt and that she was actually given away by her birth mother, to Mary. Afterwards, Lois and her husband, Walter Landry, officially adopted little Anita and raised her as their own. Anita now refers to Lois as her “earth Mother,” as she explained to Essence:

“That child believed her mother abandoned her,” [Anita Baker] said (referring to herself), “because there was something bad about her. Something terrible that made her unlovable. And until Walter [Baker’s then husband], that is how I felt about me—that I was not good enough. Not good, period.”

“It started with the fact that my mother gave me up when I was a baby,” she says of the event that made her question her own worth and try to prove herself all her life. “Not because she was a bad person or because she was some monster or something. She was just a child and could not care for me. It has taken me a long time to find peace within my own heart.” (via JRank)

 

What Happened When Anita’s “Earth Mother” Fell Severely Ill

Despite her humble beginnings, Anita was blessed to be adopted by a loving family and she managed to prevail. However, for every level of success, there are oftentimes more problems. Anita revealed the parental battle she faced after rising to success. Whenever she’d have music obligations, her adopted mother would unfortunately become ill:

“Every time I would leave to do music, my mother would go into the hospital,” [Anita Baker] said. “And eventually I decided, you know what, I’m not leaving, because it’s just not worth it to me to leave her.”

So she came up with what she believed would be a solution to the problem:

“I set up a studio at home. My producer would be flying in, and we’d be in the middle of something, and I would get a call from the hospital, and I’d have to go.”

It’s A New Day Now!

Now, those painful days are behind the “Sweet Love” songstress and she’s living her best life at 65 years young.

We appreciate Anita’s honesty. Her story has probably just helped someone else out there who may be dealing with any doubtful feelings about their own self-worth.

When I listen to her music now, the pain I feel in her voice, seems that much more real and relatable. Much respect to Anita for pouring her soul/pain into her work. Her music has helped her fans get through tough times, and also helped many folks make a few babies along the way, LOL. Gotta love the power of REAL R&B music!

When Force MD’s took the R&B industry by storm, they had everybody singing “Tender love, love so tender, holding me close to you, baby I surr-en-der…”. Then they hit us again with their hits, “Love Is A House,” “Here I Go Again,” and “Tears.” They had ’80s radio on fire at that time! The Force MD’s music used to set the late night mellow mood radio shows off just right too.

They were on top of the world during that era. Then, things suddenly began to change behind the scenes, and ultimately three members died at very young ages.

We knew them as the clean cut group that consisted of brothers, Stevie D. and Antoine “T.C.D.” Lundy; their uncle, Jessie Lee Daniels; and their two friends, “Trisco” Pearson and Charles “Mercury” Nelson. However, what we didn’t know was that there were some struggles and internal battles they were dealing with, right in front of our eyes.

How 3 Members Died Within A 5 Year Span

After a while, fans weren’t really buying many Force MD records anymore and then things took a very tragic turn for the worst- 3 members of the group passed away within a five year span and a fourth member sadly died decades later.

Antoine “T.C.D.” Lundy

Lead singer, Antoine “T.C.D.” Lundy, passed away from Lou Gehrigs disease (also known as ALS).

Charles “Mercury” Nelson

Charles “Mercury” Nelson died from a heart attack in 1995.

Dr. Rock

Dr. Rock (not pictured) was a former Force MD group member whom many fans didn’t get to know. He was a DJ who partnered with the group in the very early stages of their success, but left soon after Force MD’s first album dropped. Dr. Rock died suddenly from natural causes in 1998.

Trisco Pearson

Trisco Pearson reportedly developed an addiction to drugs and alcohol, eventually battling cancer as well. Sadly lost his battle with Stage 4 cancer on Sept. 16, 2016.

What Happened To The Remaining Group Members

Jessie D.

At the height of their success, Jessie D., reportedly became heavily involved with drugs. His addiction continued to progress, ultimately getting him booted from the group and landing him in prison. After getting out of the pen,’ Jessie briefly reunited with the newly reformed Force MDs, but he’s no longer part of the group.

Stevie D.

Years later original Force MD member, Stevie D.,  joined forces with his brother, Rodney “Khalil” Lundy. “Khalil” was also another original group member back in the day, but he split from the group before they’d signed their first major record deal with Tommy Boy Records.

The New Force MDs

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A post shared by THE LEGENDARY FORCE MDS (@officialforcemds)

These days, The Force MDs are still performing as a 3-man group, with the newest group member, Jessie Daniels. Yep, those brothas can still hit those harmonies just as flawless as they did back in the day.

They have gone through more than enough turmoil to last them a lifetime but they never gave up and they’re still writing their legacy because it’s not ever just yet. They clearly have a passion for music and true passion will always overpower any adversities and tragedies life may through your way. Looking forward to hearing more from these cats real soon.

Barack Obama Loves The Force M.D.s

In a previous interview…former president, Barack Obama, revealed that the Force M.D.s were included in his Air Force One iPod playlist. Who would’ve ever imagined we would’ve ever had a President who not only knows who Force MD’s are, but actually vibes to their classic joints?!! Gotta love it!

Usher dropped a few unknown tidbits of old school facts about his personal life and his career, which seemed to kinda all be intertwined together. In a previous interview with The Roots’ drummer, Questlove, on his Pandora radio show, Questlove Supreme, Usher chopped it up about everything, from how he got caught up in music legends, Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid’s and Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmond’s beef back in the day, to how Tevin Campbell ended up getting work that was originally meant for him; to issues with his ex-wife/mother of his two kids, Tameka Raymond, and also his mother/ex-manager, Jonetta.

L.A. Reid & Babyface Drama Led To Tevin Campbell Taking Usher’s Songs

It turns out “Can We Talk” was originally Usher’s song…until Babyface gave it away to Tevin Campbell in order to spite LA Reid at that time, according to Usher:

Usher: “When I first signed to LaFace Records, I wanted to do an album with Babyface and LA Reid, right? I signed specifically for that reason. So LA Reid wanted Babyface to work on me…and they were going through, you know, a lot of drama at the time. They were kinda severing their ties. He [Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds] got mad…and he built an entire album for me, and he gave the whole album to somebody else…Tevin Campbell! ‘Can We Talk’…was my song…”

https://youtu.be/3SoYkCAzMBk

“Can We Talk” ended up being the biggest song of Tevin’s career. It stayed at #1 on the R&B charts for weeks and the entire album, I.m Ready, sold 2 million+ albums. By the way, I dig Usher and Tevin, but I gotta admit that after the way Tevin killed it on “Can We Talk,” I couldn’t imagine ANY other singer recording that song…not even Usher.

Issues With His Momager vs. His Mother

Usher’s mother was his manager for years, until he fired her. But he acknowledges his gratitude for her…

Usher: “I’m a grown man in theory because I’ve always been the man of the house…I’ve elected to be the provider of the family even though my mother is the protector…she crippled me a little bit for a minute because my focus wasn’t, had nothing to do with business. Had everything to do with art and I thank her for that because I wouldn’t of established the focus that I have now…if I was always kind of trying to figure out who’s trying to take the money, where the money’s coming from, I would’ve been petty…I would have lost sight of what the goal was…”

Biggest Regret? Denying A Young Chris Brown

Usher: “So there’s one thing in my career that I definitely regret, one thing. And to this day I battle with it which is why I always show support of this artist whenever he asks…So his manager comes in…They show him to me…I was working on an album at this time, they wanted him to perform on this album…I was like okay cool…Then I went to my team and they was like ‘I don’t think you should work with this artist’…Then he left…Chris Brown.”

Ex-Wife, Tameka Raymond & Why He Stayed So Long

There were rumors that Usher fired his mother because she didn’t approve of him marrying Tameka and that caused tension in their professional life. Usher didn’t specify if the firing rumor was was true, but he did acknowledge that his Mom tried to warn him about marrying Tameka…

Usher: “That marriage and that relationship was gonna come to an end…but it served a purpose in my life…And no matter what my mother was attempting to tell me, and a lot of people were trying to tell me about that, I think a lot of it had to do with my lack thereof a father…I did not want to be a person who would just roll out…”

And there ya’ have it ILOSM fam.’

You know you’re a true Old Schooler (and proud of it), when you remember watching the legendary Donnie Simpson host his BET show, “Video Soul.” That ’80s/’90s era was a beautiful time for music and everybody who was anybody in the R&B game, sat on the couch to chop it up with the brotha who damn near single-handedly put BET on the map back then. The ageless 69-year-old legend – or “DJ Green Eyes” as he’s also known as -was, and still is, a sex symbol for his female fans who now listen to him on his Washington D.C. radio show, “The Donnie Simpson Morning Show.” However, all fans of Donnie’s will be surprised to know that he actually has a TWIN brother! How the hell they kept this on the low for so many years deserves an award of it’s own, but nonetheless, they were successful at it…until now.

Meet Donnie Simpson’s Twin Sibling

Pretty sure the ladies are gonna love this one. Donnie Simpson has sporadically given his fraternal twin brother, Lonnie Simpson, a shout out in public throughout the years. Even though they’re super close and ‘shared a womb’ together, as Donnie stated, they clearly have totally different opinions about being in the spotlight. Despite showing love to his brother with random public shout-outs, rarely has Donnie ever shown a photo of Lonnie- presumably because Lonnie isn’t attracted to the limelight, like his twin is.

We, here at ILOSM, have known about Donnie’s twin for many years now, but actually getting a photo that we could share of him, was like pulling teeth. No worries though family, we finally have a pic of the two together and here it is: Meet Lonnie Simpson…

Same Birthdays, Totally Different Careers

Donnie and his twin, Lonnie, not only share different views about the famous life, they also chose two totally different career paths. Donnie loves being a radio personality- he’s been one for approximately 54 years. However, his brother had a different calling-Lonnie Simpson is a preacher and has been one for many years as well. Yep, folks, Lonnie’s career is a far cry from the days of his twin, Donnie, interviewing the likes of the late, great Whitney Houston during her “Saving All My Love For You” era…or Bobby Brown, during his “My Prerogative” bad boy phase.

Nevertheless, Donnie respects the hell outta his twin bro’ and his religious calling to the fullest, as was displayed in his prior Twitter post…

Donnie Simpson: “My twin brother Lonnie is the greatest person I have ever met! Any situation he faces gives him one way to react. That book [the Bible] gives my brother the preacher the answer.”

Even though the Simpson twins’ interests are vastly different, their brotherly love is unconditional, which Donnie also displayed proved on their January 30th birthday this year, when he wrote this:

“I swear it seems like I just celebrated my birthday a month ago. It’s amazing how fast they come now. It’s like when they try to show the passage of time in movies by having the gentle wind blow the pages of a day calendar. That wind is now a hurricane. 😂

I’m so blessed to pass these years with the guy I came into this joint with though. Although I’m 53 minutes and 6 seconds older than my twin brother, it’s him who lights the way for me. I thank God for him, his heart and his grace.

Happy Birthday Lonnie!! 🎂”

Donnie’s & Lonnie’s Other Siblings

There are six Simpson kids in total. They grew up in their parents’ (Dorothy and Calvin Simpson) Detroit, MI record store, Simpson Records, which remained opened for well over four decades. Given their upbringing, at least one of them were destined to be in the music business one way or another. However, it turns out, that three Simpson siblings ended up taking a music business route. Donnie became a radio personality by age 15; his brother, Calvin Jr. owned a chain of wholesale record stores, called Bad Records; and their other brother, Harry became a DJ in Detroit.

When Donnie became the in-demand TV host of “Video Soul,” his mother, Dorothy, confessed that she had a love for music but had no clue, at that time, what exactly he was doing:

“I remember records, eight tracks, four tracks, cassettes, all that. But I also remember thinking: ‘What’s a video?’” laughs Mrs. Simpson.

Beautiful memories from Mrs. Simpson, and a true sign of the times indeed.

Who are the three lovely young ladies in the above photo? Well, there isn’t a simple answer to such a complicated question. These ladies go by the name, The Womack Sisters. So, your first guess would likely be ‘They must be Bobby Womack’s daughters,’ right? Nope, their truth is far more complex. So lets dig into their truth — it begins with Sam Cooke. Follow me on this web of relationships that produced these beautiful young ladies with a last name so renowned and respected in soul music.

The Breakdown Of Their Complicated, Yet Iconic Family Tree

Soul singer, Sam Cooke, married his then-wife, Barbara Cooke. After Sam passed away, Barbara then married his close friend, blues music legend, Bobby Womack. Barbara already had a daughter, Linda Cooke, who is the child from her prior marriage to Sam Cooke. Then the plot thickened even further. So, not only did Barbara and Bobby Womack wed, but Bobby had an affair with…wait for it…Barbara’s then-young daughter, Linda Cooke!

Yes, Bobby Womack married Sam Cooke’s widow, Barbara, and eventually began an affair with her and Sam’s daughter; Linda (for which he got shot, but that’s another story) during their marriage. You following me thus far ILOSM fam’? Okay, good. But hol’ up, wait a minute though…there’s more…

Linda Cooke (pictured below) then breaks up with her stepfather-turned-boyfriend, Bobby Womack. Linda began dating Bobby’s BROTHER, Cecil Womack, whom she eventually married, taking on the name Linda Cooke-Womack. Linda and Cecil had seven children together….hence, you have The Womack Sisters!

In short, The Womack Sisters are the children of Linda Cooke-Womack (Sam Cooke’s daughter) and Cecil Womack (Bobby Womack’s brother). They are also the granddaughters of both Sam Cooke, and his — and Bobby Womack’s — ex-wife, Barbara Cooke. And their Mother’s ex-boyfriend is their uncle, Bobby Womack. Whew…that was a loaded entanglement to unpack wasn’t it?!!

The Womack Sisters’ Parents, Cecil and Linda Womack

By the way, Linda and Cecil Womack had a successful recording career under the name, Womack & Womack, penning songs for artists such as Wilson Pickett, James Taylor, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti Labelle, Debbie Harry, Eric Clapton and Elton John.

Watch The Womack Sisters Perform – They Can SANG!

 

 

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What do The Womack Sisters do, you ask? Their R&B group consists of sisters, BG, KC, and Imani – three soulful vocalists and songwriters, who also sometimes go by the name:

The Womack Sisters are performing to crowds of 10,000 plus, working with the Rolling Stones, Kid Rock, Bonnie Rait, Ozzy Osborne, Annie Lennox and many more, are all in their own way life changing moments that have crafted the sound, the feel and the depth of the Womack Sisters.

Wow, what a rollercoaster! But we’re glad to see that The Womack Sisters are in touch with their musical roots, because those ladies can SANG. Check out one of their live performances below…

As you can see, those musical genes rom their iconic family tree runs all up, down, and through their DNA. Wishing The Womack Sisters much continued success.

And simply because we dig Sam Cooke’s and Bobby Womack’s music, here at I Love Old School Music, enjoy two of their classics below…

Bobby Womack’s “If You Think You’re Lonely Now”

Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”

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