Filed under: Exclusives, Interviews, Music
The tome, 'Getting Back to My Me' ($27.95), addresses everything from Young's feud with video vixen-turned author, Karrine "Superhead" Steffans, to his fallout with Jennifer Lopez and why he was fired from a television special with her.
Additionally, the book explores singer/songwriter/actor's obsession with plastic surgery; offers details about his past drug and alcohol abuse and the trouble it caused; recalls sexual abuse; and even explores the legal battle surrounding his home, Youngwood Court in the prestigious Hancock Park community of Los Angeles.
"It w
as such a cleansing and freeing experience in writing this book. Once facing my past and revealing my truths, it forced me to not only hold others accountable but to also hold myself accountable for my own actions regarding where I was and who I am presently in my life," Young told BV Buzz.'Getting Back to My Me' features a forward by his mother Betty Young and sister, Tanya Young Williams - the estranged wife of incarcerated former NBA star Jayson Williams.
The book is being released on Oct. 18 via Young's own
imprint Norwood Publishing and was edited by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist/publisher Karen Hunter.Young hopes the book helps others to begin to release their life baggage and process the past situations that affect them presently.
"My advice to the reader is twofold. First, never keep secrets regarding any form of being violated because they can manifest into horrible life altering things. Second, it's never too late to find your 'me!' I found my 'me' and I am living my best life on my own terms," he concluded.
Young is a 'Star Search'
contestant who later went on to become the lead singer for the jazz collective, Pieces of a Dream. He recorded lead vocals on the group's singles, 'I Can't Let You Go' and 'Shoulda Been Us Together.'The eccentric singer, known for his flamboyant fashions and ostentatious parties, was featured on the E! Entertainment reality series 'High Maintenance: 90210.'
More recently, the New Jersey-bred talent was named King of Hancock Park by LA City Beat Magazine. His home, Youngwood Court, features seventeen naked statues of David in the front lawn.
For related stories, read: 'Tome Talk: Mary J. Blige Eager To Inspire In First Book'
& 'End of the Road: Darius McCrary & Karrine Steffans Divorcing.'
VIDEO: Watch the music video for Norwood Young's new single 'I Fell In Love With You First.'
Black Music Notes Mar. 19
3/19/09: Rihanna / Chris Brown
Contrary to previous claims that Rihanna and Chris Brown reunited in the studio last month to record a new duet, record producer Polow Da Don recently confirmed that the couple recorded the newly surfaced track last year. "The reports are inaccurate," Polow's publicist, Laura Wright, told US magazine. "The duet was recorded long before the incident." According to People, the track, reportedly titled 'Bad Girl,' was intended to be on the soundtrack for 'Confessions of a Shopaholic,' but the song was eventually recorded by the Pussycat Dolls.
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3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
Seven years ago this month, music heavyweights R. Kelly and Jay-Z released their highly anticipated collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Now it appears Kanye West and The Dream are vying to work on a similar project. "Everybody is trying to talk us into it," Dream told 'MTV News' of his and West's friends and business associates. "It was first thought of by me. I was in Miami at the time, and I gave Kanye a call and said, 'The best thing would be for me and you to do an album.'... Let's take the best of both worlds and put it on a CD and try to make something we can sell to the consumers. He says he's with it. We're gonna try to make it happen." For now, you can catch Kanye on Dream's potential third single 'Walking on the Moon,' which is featured on his newly released album 'Love vs. Money.'
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3/19/09: The Miracles
Legendary Motown group The Miracles is the latest musical act to receive a Hollywood star on the world-renowned Walk of Fame. The 'Ooo Baby, Baby' singers were presented with the 2,381st star on March 20 by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Leron Gubler. Motown founder Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were also on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony.
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3/19/09: Chester Gregory
After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'
Jemal Countess, WireImage
3/19/09: Sammy Davis Jr.
Altovise Davis, the widow of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. , recently died at the age of 65. Two days prior to her death, she was admitted to Los Angeles'Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke. The couple, who met in 1967 on the set of the musical 'Golden Boy,' married in 1970 and remained together until Davis' untimely death of throat cancer in 1990.
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3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.
Santiago Llanquin / AP
3/19/09: Kim Burrell
Gospel vocalist Kim Burrell is on deck to release her first new album in nine years titled 'No Ways Tired.' The project's title is inspired by gospel pioneer James Cleveland's classic of the same name. In addition to covering Cleveland's hit, Burrell also tapped other timeless classics including 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee,' 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' 'O Lamb of God,' and 'I Surrender All.' There are also a few originals. 'No Ways Tired' is set to hit stores April 7 via Shanachie Records.
Zomba
3/19/09: Mike Jones
Despite being on hiatus since the release of his debut album 'Who Is Mike Jones?' Houston's own Mike Jones is ready to make his mark on the charts once again with the release of 'The Voice.' Jones' sophomore effort is packed with some of the industry's most talented artist including, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Devin the Dude, Hurricane Chris and Twista. He's had recent success with his latest single 'Next To You,' which is currently number 16 on Radio and Records Rhythmic charts. "For the past four years, I have been doing a lot of restructuring, getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more," Jones said of his hiatus. "Now, I am ready to finish what I started. I'm hoping my fans will feel 'The Voice' was worth the wait." Mike Jones 'The Voice' is due in stores April 28.
Gilbert Carrasquillo, FilmMagic
3/19/09: Prince
With the recent announcement that Michael Jackson will return to the stage this summer, another influential artist is also planning to make his return. Beginning March 25, Prince will be performing on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' for three consecutive nights. In addition, the 'Little Red Corvette' singer is also readying the Mar. 29 release of his two new albums 'LOtUSFLOW3R' and 'MPLSoUND.' Prince is the latest artist to promote a release through multiple late-night talk show performances. U2 also recently performed five nights in a row on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' in support of its new album 'No Line on the Horizon.'
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