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Clark Atlanta University Panther
March 27, 1992
Soul Train Music Awards On The Right Track
BeBe and CeCe Winans
Lisa Fisher
Keith Washington
By Chandra JR. Thomas
Lifestyles Editor
“AND THE WINNER IS...” was a
frequently repeated phrase on the
March 11, airing of the 1992 Soul
Train Music Awards.
The show, hosted by four very
diverse African-American entertain
ers, Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle,
Vanessa Williams, and Will “The
Fresh Prince” Smith, exhibited an
array of musical talents.
Much of the talent featured is
often omitted from European ori
ented award ceremonies like the
Grammy and American Music
Awards. Performances included
Heavy D., Jodeci, Naughty By Na
ture, and Public Enemy.
Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable” was
awarded Best Jazz Album. Sur
prisingly, “Too Legit To Quit” by
Hammer, beat out Michael
Jackson’s “Black or White” for Video
of the Year. No doubt, all jaws
dropped to the floor when “I Want
To Sex You Up” by the multi-racial
group Color Me Badd defeated “It’s
So Hard to Say Goodbye” by Boyz II
Men for Song of the Year (Boy, did
the crowd “boo”).
The evening was also highlighted
by the performance of renowned
gospel duo BeBe and CeCe Winans
who were joined by their mother.
Smith performed an atrocious
stand up comedy routine and Janet
Jackson received the 1992 Sammy
Davis Jr. Award for outstanding
achievement as Entertainer oftheYear.
However, the true highlight of the
evening was the tribute to musical
mastermind Prince. He was
awarded the 1992 Heritage Award.
Labelle, Stephanie Mills, and Rosie
Gaines (of his New Power Genera
tion band) performed songs written
and produced by the musician
Labelle stole the show and left both
the audience and Prince in tears.
After a well deserved standing ova
tion, Prince called the ladies “God’s
living proof of angels.”
Indeed, most of the stars were “in
vogue” for the evening. Lisa Fisher
was scandalous in her micro-mini
dress, while Troy Beyer was “tres
chic” in her white floor length gown.
Vandross looked ravishing , flaunt
ing his “latest” trim physique. The
Winans were untouchable in then-
matching electric yellow suits. But,
Jodeci stole the show with their
“my-pants-are-falling-and-they-
can’t-get-up attire.”
Often the stage was cluttered with
too many presenters and there were
commercial breaks every twenty
seconds (there’s only so many Geo
commercials one can take).
But overall, the show proved to be
an exceptional showcase for the
talents of African-American enter
tainers. It was a milestone in the
accomplishments of African-Ameri
cans. It gave us the opportunity to
applaud our own achievements. The
show demonstrated that African-
Americans can come together and
achieve success. The 1992 Soul
Train Music Awards loudly pro
claimed “WE ARE SOMEBODY.”
By Chandra R. Thomas
Lifestyles Editor
“Ain’t Misbehavin’," the “interna
tional sell-out musical hit” featur
ing the music of Thomas “Fats”
Wilder, is being presented at the
Alliance Theatre through April 4.
Winner of the Drama Critics’ Circle
Award and the Tony Award for Best
Musical of 1978, it was directed by
Tony award nominee, Arthur Faria.
EvanBell, Capathia Jenkins, Julia
Lema-Jackson, Sharon Wilkins,
and Atlantan, Barry Bruce, star in
this recreation of the gaudy glam
our of a 1930’s Harlem nightspot.
The show effectively collaborated
song and dance with the humorous
edge known by it’s inspiration, Fats
Wilder. The players’ exceptional
acting ability shined brightly in their
conveyance of each character’s dis
tinct qualities.
The musical selections were ex
cellent and proved to be most en
tertaining. Numbers ranged from
bubbling burlesque such as “This
Joint Is Jumpin’ “ and “Squeeze
Me” to the blues of “Black and Blue”
and “MeanTo Me.” The song “Feets
Too Big,” no doubt, added a comical
perspective. The vocalists unveiled,
a wide range of gospel-oriented
vocal ability.
The sequined dresses and
pinstriped suits, designed by Randy
Barcelo.were extremely effective in
illustrating the appeal of the Harlem
Renaissance era.
Resembling an actual jukebox,
the set greatly contributed to the
lively atmosphere of the play.
The production might have been
more effective with more dialogue
but, the players’ use of audience
participation was especially favor
able.
Most audiences will find this mu
sical to be wonderfully entertain
ing. “Ain’t Misbehavin’ “ is a musi
cal production in a class all its own.
See it!
Misbehavin' At the Alliance
Sharon Wilkins and Evan Bell in "Honeysuckle Rose" from "Ain't Mishehavin"
Tootie Toots! will return
in the next issue.