It always amazes me how some people get more press when they die than others (even though others have done more in the entertainment industry). Case in point, legendary Lena Horne died at 92 this past week. I barely saw any entertainment shows cover it but when Anna Nicole Smith died, that was all over the place for months. There should be specials to remind us of where we’ve been artistically. We are always are history. And by we, I mean, everyone.

Should Lena Horne’s passing have gotten more exposure in the media?

I love to see singers branch out and do more. Singer Mary J. Blige is slated to play Nina Simone in the biopic about the late singer’s life. Apparently, (like many films) the movie has been a long time in the making but it looks like it’s finally going to be a go. Nina had a tremendous body of work that continues to influence today’s music. So, it’s great to see others pay homage to her life and her work. In some ways, her story kind of reminds me of singer Phyllis Hyman. If Mary takes on the role and commits to it, I think it could take her into a whole other direction in her career. I’m talking award winning performance.

Do you think Mary J. Blige can make a strong showing in the film about Nina Simone’s life?