10th February, 2009
Famed Singer Charlie Wilson Diagnosed with Cancer
I adore the 'Gap Band.' Songs like "Yearning for Your Love" and "Outstanding" get heavy rotation in my world. Every major R&B singer to date has bitten some nuance of this man's style----R. Kelly, Aaron Hall, etc. On top of Charlie's successes with the 'Gap Band', he's been able to reinvent in recent years himself working with artists like Snoop Dogg and Pharell. Let's hope for a speedy recovery!
With the release of his second solo album, 'Uncle Charlie,' less than two weeks away, famed R&B artist Charlie Wilson has announced that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.The 'Yearning For Your Love' singer was diagnosed with the male-reproductive disease last fall and began therapy on Nov. 21. Wilson's sudden diagnosis has lead him to team up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness and research funds for prostate cancer.
"When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September, I thought to myself 'I'm too young... this isn't a cancer I should be getting,'" Wilson said in a statement.
"While I was surprised to discover that this disease strikes one out of every six American men, I was astounded to learn that African American men are 1.6 times more likely than others to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. My wife, Mahin, and I are very fortunate. I was lucky to be diagnosed and begin treatment early. My prognosis is excellent."
And 'Outstanding' he is!The former Gap Band front man has already started utilizing his Hollywood star status to help inform more African American men of the illness. Men are 35 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than women are to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
"I am excited to be working with the PCF. They are the cruising force behind many of the advances that have been made in prostate cancer treatment to date," says Wilson. "Their work has helped reduce the death rate by nearly 40 percent in the past few years. Together, I believe we can make an important impact."
The Grammy-nominated artist also noted that his wife's support has played a major in his recent campaign.
"We men don't want to consider or vocalize our vulnerabilities. It was my wife who kept after me to see my doctor for a screening," he revealed. "I thank God she did. Now I feel compelled to spread the word about prostate cancer."
This spring, Wilson will be taking his message on the road with him and overseas to U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait while touring in support of his forthcoming album. Charlie Wilson's 'Uncle Charlie,' featuring the top 10 single 'There Goes My bouncing baby,' hits stores and digital retailers on Feb. 17. (From AOL BlackVoices)
Posted at 12:17 pm | Comment (0)
20th August, 2008
Jonas Brothers enlist in Marine Corps, shipping to Iraq
The Jonas Brothers got more than a photo op during their visit to the White House yesterday. It turns out the crooning siblings were so inspired by the patriotic spirit that they also signed up for the Marine Corps!
"[Vice President] Dick [Cheney] sat down with us and after we signed autographs for all 17 of his granddaughters, he explained the importance of defeating the terrorists in Iraq before Saddam Hussein's brother Barack becomes president and surrenders," older brother Kevin said while the JoBros posed for a quick photo in their new plumpigues.
Marine Corps officials said the Jonas Brothers will be immediately sent to Iraq after completing basic training. Kevin is expected to be sent on patrols in Basra to find improvised explosive devices, or IEDS, while Joe will manage human waste disposal at a base outside Fallujah and Nick, who is too young for combat, will help with interrogations at Abu Ghraib.
"We've discovered a loophole in the rules for treatment of prisoners that lets a Jonas Brother sing outside a prisoner's cell indefinitely until he talks," a Marine Corps source said.
Tags: barack, hollywood, iraq, jonas brothers, photos, rap, stylePosted at 7:19 am | Comment (0)