We are so star struck by celebrities that we sometimes forget that they are real people. They are real people, right?
The truth is, it's kind of hard to tell. We never see them get out of bed in the morning. We never see them making breakfast or some other meal. If they do go out of the house to go shopping then most likely they're so heavily disguised we wouldn't recognize them anyway. We certainly never see them take their kids to school. Most likely they've got servants for that chore. And heaven knows we never see them go to sleep at night. It seems like celebrities are up 24 hours a day, especially since many TV stars spend 16 hour days taping an episode of your favorite show.
No, from what we see, it doesn't really look like celebrities are real people at all. They're some kind of plastic, celluloid hero, immune to tears, hunger, thirst, fear and just about every emotion that we so take for granted. In the 1970s, the Kinks came out with a song called "Celluloid Heroes". Ray Davies sings about these poor souls who suffered and struggled for fame. How some succeeded and some suffered in vain. But Celluloid Heroes, as he so beautifully put it, "never feel any pain. Celluloid Heroes never really die".
That last line is just further evidence that celebrities aren't real people at all. Everyday on our televisions we see shows with stars who are long gone, such as "All In The Family" with Carol O' Conner, who passed away recently. But there he is, still sitting on that chair and still calling Edith a dingbat. Certainly he can't be real anymore, if he ever was. Did you know that Carol O' Conner lost a son because of drugs? He never really got over that.
We also watch "Chico And The Man" reruns with Freddie Prinze. Now that was one talented man who had everything to live for. Maybe he thought he wasn't real too. Or maybe he realized just how real he was when he took his own life at the height of his popularity. Today, his son, Freddie Prinze Junior, is making appearances on "Boston Legal" as Denny Crane's son who's really not his son, just his pretend son. Denny Crane is played by William Shatner. He's still alive but so many of the people who he stared with in "Star Trek" are gone; people like Deforest Kelley who played Dr. McCoy and James Doohan who played "Scottie". Do you think Shatner feels his own mortality with so many of his friends passed on or getting older?
But there they are, still up on our screens, still smiling, still telling jokes, still acting, still singing, or whatever it is they do. To us, it's all they do. No real lives, no heartaches, no joys, no dull days, nothing that we as regular people experience everyday. So obviously celebrities can't be real people.
Or maybe we should just take the time to ask one.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Sunday
Celebrities - 15 Minutes Of Fame
Celebrities, for the most part, stand the test of time. Once they become stars, they remain stars until the day they die and even beyond. But there is another type of celebrity. This kind is known as the "fleeting celebrity". They are said to have their "15 minutes of fame", which was a phrase coined by the late Andy Warhol. Our culture has seen a number of these 15 minute wonders. We're going to take a look at just a few of them here.
Why don't we start off with two for the price of one? Remember quite a few years ago when a 16 year old girl by the name of Amy Fisher had an affair with a guy by the name of Joey Buttafuco? Amy ended up shooting the guy's wife in the head and ended up going to prison for 6 years. Today, nobody gives her or Joey a second thought.
Then of course there was Monica Lewinsky who had sex with President Bill Clinton. Of course Clinton's celebrity status has not diminished since, but Lewinsky has so fallen off the radar map that today nobody even knows where this woman is or what she's doing.
Then there was the big scandal in the late 80s involving Jim Bakker, who began the Praise The Lord Ministry in Fort Hill, South Carolina in 1974. A big sex scandal and some shady business dealings involving the PTL landed Bakker in prison for 45 years. Most people today don't even give him a second thought.
In the world of music, a guy by the name of Carl Douglas gave us the totally ridiculous song "Kung Fu Fighting". While Douglas may have been yesterday's news after that song mercifully fell off the charts, the song itself has been in more Kung Fu movies than you can possibly imagine. But NOBODY remembers who did it.
And then of course there was the novelty song of the 90s, "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred. These bald headed brothers probably grew hair after this total embarrassment of a song. Neither one of them has been heard from since and the song only gets played as a parody. A very bad one.
In the world of comedy, there was probably no greater 15 minute of fame star than the one and only Unknown Comic. Murray Langston, who was so desperately in need of money at the time, didn't want his friends to know so he put a bag over his head and appeared on the "Gong Show". He was an instant hit. He also burned out faster than a speeding nova.
And of course who could ever forget the incomparable Blossom Rock? (who)? She just happened to play the grandmother on the short lived TV show "The Adams Family". Rock was actually the little known sister of the famous actress Jeanette McDonald. Obviously she didn't have quite he luck or he talent.
And the list goes on and on. So many that lasted so briefly. Makes you really appreciate those who have stood the test of time.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Why don't we start off with two for the price of one? Remember quite a few years ago when a 16 year old girl by the name of Amy Fisher had an affair with a guy by the name of Joey Buttafuco? Amy ended up shooting the guy's wife in the head and ended up going to prison for 6 years. Today, nobody gives her or Joey a second thought.
Then of course there was Monica Lewinsky who had sex with President Bill Clinton. Of course Clinton's celebrity status has not diminished since, but Lewinsky has so fallen off the radar map that today nobody even knows where this woman is or what she's doing.
Then there was the big scandal in the late 80s involving Jim Bakker, who began the Praise The Lord Ministry in Fort Hill, South Carolina in 1974. A big sex scandal and some shady business dealings involving the PTL landed Bakker in prison for 45 years. Most people today don't even give him a second thought.
In the world of music, a guy by the name of Carl Douglas gave us the totally ridiculous song "Kung Fu Fighting". While Douglas may have been yesterday's news after that song mercifully fell off the charts, the song itself has been in more Kung Fu movies than you can possibly imagine. But NOBODY remembers who did it.
And then of course there was the novelty song of the 90s, "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred. These bald headed brothers probably grew hair after this total embarrassment of a song. Neither one of them has been heard from since and the song only gets played as a parody. A very bad one.
In the world of comedy, there was probably no greater 15 minute of fame star than the one and only Unknown Comic. Murray Langston, who was so desperately in need of money at the time, didn't want his friends to know so he put a bag over his head and appeared on the "Gong Show". He was an instant hit. He also burned out faster than a speeding nova.
And of course who could ever forget the incomparable Blossom Rock? (who)? She just happened to play the grandmother on the short lived TV show "The Adams Family". Rock was actually the little known sister of the famous actress Jeanette McDonald. Obviously she didn't have quite he luck or he talent.
And the list goes on and on. So many that lasted so briefly. Makes you really appreciate those who have stood the test of time.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Celebrities - Most Popular Real People
You may be thinking to yourself that we're all real people. Well, yes. But this little review is going to focus on the real people who don't normally become celebrities. These aren't the movie stars or recording stars. These are just the everyday folks who go to the supermarket to buy food for their family or go to school or are even unemployed. If you're wondering how these people can become celebrities, you can thank the reality television craze for that.
Yes, reality TV. It is the biggest thing on television since, well, since real TV. You have to give the first person credit who thought even for a moment that anybody would spend a half hour or an hour of their time sitting in front of their television watching a bunch of nobodies doing just about anything and everything, from singing to eating bugs. Most of these people have drifted into obscurity but there have been a few who have become very popular and there names will always be known to millions of people around the world.
One of these such people is a gentleman by the name of Richard Hatch. In case you have been living in a cave and don't recognize the name, which is doubtful, Hatch was the original survivor of the show by that name. He has since gone on to tour the world as a spokesperson and motivational speaker. Ever hear of a show called "Entertainment Tonight?" Of course you have. Well, Hatch has worked as a correspondent for that show. He did this for the "Early Show" as well and if that isn't enough, he appeared as a guest star on the hit comedy "Becker". He still runs his own business as a corporate trainer and a consultant, but he is probably one of the most popular real people celebrities that ever was and will ever be.
But don't think the reality craze ends with Richard Hatch because it doesn't. During the 2004 season of American Idol two singers went into the final round as the two most popular finalists in American Idol history. Their names were Ruben Stoddard and Clay Aiken. Going into the last week it was a toss up as to who was going to actually be the next American Idol. Eventually Stoddard was named the next American Idol. And while he did achieve a level of popularity, he never did match the popularity of clean cut boy Aiken who went on to guest at many events including parades and ultimately at Dick Clark's "Rockin' New Year's Eve". Aiken has since become an ambassador to UNICEF and has pretty much dropped out of the show biz arena. But during his time as an American Idol runner up, nobody was more popular than Clay Aiken.
These are just a couple of the many "stars" who have come about because of reality television. As of this writing another American Idol winner is just a week away. Will this person become the next Richard Hatch or Clay Aiken? Or will the runner up become the more popular? Or will they both just drift into obscurity?
Only time will tell.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Yes, reality TV. It is the biggest thing on television since, well, since real TV. You have to give the first person credit who thought even for a moment that anybody would spend a half hour or an hour of their time sitting in front of their television watching a bunch of nobodies doing just about anything and everything, from singing to eating bugs. Most of these people have drifted into obscurity but there have been a few who have become very popular and there names will always be known to millions of people around the world.
One of these such people is a gentleman by the name of Richard Hatch. In case you have been living in a cave and don't recognize the name, which is doubtful, Hatch was the original survivor of the show by that name. He has since gone on to tour the world as a spokesperson and motivational speaker. Ever hear of a show called "Entertainment Tonight?" Of course you have. Well, Hatch has worked as a correspondent for that show. He did this for the "Early Show" as well and if that isn't enough, he appeared as a guest star on the hit comedy "Becker". He still runs his own business as a corporate trainer and a consultant, but he is probably one of the most popular real people celebrities that ever was and will ever be.
But don't think the reality craze ends with Richard Hatch because it doesn't. During the 2004 season of American Idol two singers went into the final round as the two most popular finalists in American Idol history. Their names were Ruben Stoddard and Clay Aiken. Going into the last week it was a toss up as to who was going to actually be the next American Idol. Eventually Stoddard was named the next American Idol. And while he did achieve a level of popularity, he never did match the popularity of clean cut boy Aiken who went on to guest at many events including parades and ultimately at Dick Clark's "Rockin' New Year's Eve". Aiken has since become an ambassador to UNICEF and has pretty much dropped out of the show biz arena. But during his time as an American Idol runner up, nobody was more popular than Clay Aiken.
These are just a couple of the many "stars" who have come about because of reality television. As of this writing another American Idol winner is just a week away. Will this person become the next Richard Hatch or Clay Aiken? Or will the runner up become the more popular? Or will they both just drift into obscurity?
Only time will tell.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Celebrities - Most Popular Radio Announcers
Remember the days when you used to be able to turn on the radio and not have to worry about what was going to come out of the announcer's mouth? Those days are long gone. Today, with celebrities link Howard Stern, nobody is safe from the trash talk dancing through the air waves. But there was a time when radio was really a class act and the announcers were as popular as the music they played.
There was probably no greater DJ team than the group put together by WABC Radio in New York. The station ultimately lost out to the AM-FM wars of the 1980s, but during its prime, WABC was the most popular radio station in the country and the jocks were household names that eventually went on to other things when the station changed over to talk radio.
The morning started with Harry Harrison. Coffee and music was his trademark. Harry had a pleasant voice and was very easy to listen to. He wasn't the most interesting of the WABC jocks but he always made you feel at home. Harrison could be heard from 6 to 10 every morning for over 15 years. His spot in the lineup was the springboard for what was to follow.
From 10 AM to 2 PM was Ron Lundy. Lundy was the fat jolly fellow who always started his broadcast day with a "good morning love" to his audience. Lundy had a more bubbly personality and voice than Harrison, but was still rather reserved in comparison to the man who would follow him at 2 PM.
At 2 PM everyday nobody knew what to expect. The man behind the mic was as unpredictable as the weather. His name was Dan Ingram, who also did many voice-overs for TV commercials and many of the WABC commercials as well. Ingram was without a doubt the most colorful DJ that WABC ever had. He was as outrageous as you could get without having to resort to off color humor. One afternoon he would preface each record he played with the intro to a James Brown song, "Make It Funky" where the song starts out with Brown asking his friend, "Bobby, what you wanna play now?" The answer was, "Whatever we play, we got to make it funky". And then they would count off and just at the end of the count off Ingram would put on whatever song he decided to play. Dan Ingram was so far ahead of his time. And he was the perfect lead in for the man who counted down the top 20 every Tuesday.
Bruce Morrow was called Cousin Brucie. He WAS the voice of WABC radio and his shows, which ran for almost 20 years were the highlight of the WABC broadcast day. He had the largest listening audience of any show in the New York area. The advertising spent during his 4 hours from 6 PM to 10 PM was astronomical for the time. Bruce Morrow was the dessert after a main course that was the best that radio had to offer.
Today, WABC is just a memory. But if you look it up on the Internet, you will see many sites dedicated to this once great radio station and the great DJs who graced their air waves.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
There was probably no greater DJ team than the group put together by WABC Radio in New York. The station ultimately lost out to the AM-FM wars of the 1980s, but during its prime, WABC was the most popular radio station in the country and the jocks were household names that eventually went on to other things when the station changed over to talk radio.
The morning started with Harry Harrison. Coffee and music was his trademark. Harry had a pleasant voice and was very easy to listen to. He wasn't the most interesting of the WABC jocks but he always made you feel at home. Harrison could be heard from 6 to 10 every morning for over 15 years. His spot in the lineup was the springboard for what was to follow.
From 10 AM to 2 PM was Ron Lundy. Lundy was the fat jolly fellow who always started his broadcast day with a "good morning love" to his audience. Lundy had a more bubbly personality and voice than Harrison, but was still rather reserved in comparison to the man who would follow him at 2 PM.
At 2 PM everyday nobody knew what to expect. The man behind the mic was as unpredictable as the weather. His name was Dan Ingram, who also did many voice-overs for TV commercials and many of the WABC commercials as well. Ingram was without a doubt the most colorful DJ that WABC ever had. He was as outrageous as you could get without having to resort to off color humor. One afternoon he would preface each record he played with the intro to a James Brown song, "Make It Funky" where the song starts out with Brown asking his friend, "Bobby, what you wanna play now?" The answer was, "Whatever we play, we got to make it funky". And then they would count off and just at the end of the count off Ingram would put on whatever song he decided to play. Dan Ingram was so far ahead of his time. And he was the perfect lead in for the man who counted down the top 20 every Tuesday.
Bruce Morrow was called Cousin Brucie. He WAS the voice of WABC radio and his shows, which ran for almost 20 years were the highlight of the WABC broadcast day. He had the largest listening audience of any show in the New York area. The advertising spent during his 4 hours from 6 PM to 10 PM was astronomical for the time. Bruce Morrow was the dessert after a main course that was the best that radio had to offer.
Today, WABC is just a memory. But if you look it up on the Internet, you will see many sites dedicated to this once great radio station and the great DJs who graced their air waves.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Celebrities - All Time Greatest Singers
Anybody can argue about who's the best at any particular occupation. The all time "best" lists are in no way either right or wrong. But they sure are a lot of fun to come up with. People love lists. They love to see what other people think so that they can send in letters and emails arguing with those lists.
Well, according to almost every list ever made, from TV Guide, to Entertainment Weekly, to you name it, the most popular, if not the greatest singer of all time, was Bing Crosby. Crosby had no less that 383 songs in the top 30 during his lifetime, including 41 number 1 hits. Crosby had a one of a kind voice that simply dominated the music scene from 1931 to 1954. His biggest hit of all time was "White Christmas", which radio stations still play today when Christmas time comes around. Not only was it Crosby's biggest hit but it was the biggest selling single of all time. It was number one on the charts for an amazing 14 weeks. There is no artist that has come even close to Crosby's popularity, not even the man most lists have at number 2.
That would be the great Elvis Presley, who was the most popular singer of the last half of the 20th century. Presley is given credit for almost single handedly starting the rock and roll revolution. His style completely changed the look and feel of popular music. His popularity ran from 1956 to 1981. He had 85 songs in the top 30 and a total of 18 number 1 hits. His biggest hit of all was "All Shook Up" which was number 1 on the charts for a solid 9 weeks.
Surprisingly, at least as far as popularity goes, no other stars even come close to the popularity of Crosby and Presley. However, there have been other great singers during the 20th century and certainly somebody, even if he or she is far from the front runners, has to come in at number 3. Unfortunately, this is where most lists usually go off in their different directions. Many are split between pre 1950s singers and post 1950s singers and the top 10 in many lists is so varied that it is hard to get a sense of who the majority of the people feel should be in that top 10.
For example. Many lists have Al Jolson at number 3 because of his 91 charted hits and 23 number 1 hits. But other lists don't even have Jolson listed, probably because he was in an era that has long been forgotten. Certainly Jolson had one of the most unique voices of all time. Some lists have Elton John coming in at the third position because of his 47 top 30 hits and 8 number 1 hits. Much of John's appeal must be credited to his ties to many other people as well as his tributes to Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana. And yet, there are lists that don't even have Elton John in the top 30.
Much of the problem probably can be attributed to who you ask. Younger people will lean more towards the post 1950s era while older folks will go for the old time standards. That's why to find Crosby and Presley at the top of most lists is truly a tribute to these two great singers.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Well, according to almost every list ever made, from TV Guide, to Entertainment Weekly, to you name it, the most popular, if not the greatest singer of all time, was Bing Crosby. Crosby had no less that 383 songs in the top 30 during his lifetime, including 41 number 1 hits. Crosby had a one of a kind voice that simply dominated the music scene from 1931 to 1954. His biggest hit of all time was "White Christmas", which radio stations still play today when Christmas time comes around. Not only was it Crosby's biggest hit but it was the biggest selling single of all time. It was number one on the charts for an amazing 14 weeks. There is no artist that has come even close to Crosby's popularity, not even the man most lists have at number 2.
That would be the great Elvis Presley, who was the most popular singer of the last half of the 20th century. Presley is given credit for almost single handedly starting the rock and roll revolution. His style completely changed the look and feel of popular music. His popularity ran from 1956 to 1981. He had 85 songs in the top 30 and a total of 18 number 1 hits. His biggest hit of all was "All Shook Up" which was number 1 on the charts for a solid 9 weeks.
Surprisingly, at least as far as popularity goes, no other stars even come close to the popularity of Crosby and Presley. However, there have been other great singers during the 20th century and certainly somebody, even if he or she is far from the front runners, has to come in at number 3. Unfortunately, this is where most lists usually go off in their different directions. Many are split between pre 1950s singers and post 1950s singers and the top 10 in many lists is so varied that it is hard to get a sense of who the majority of the people feel should be in that top 10.
For example. Many lists have Al Jolson at number 3 because of his 91 charted hits and 23 number 1 hits. But other lists don't even have Jolson listed, probably because he was in an era that has long been forgotten. Certainly Jolson had one of the most unique voices of all time. Some lists have Elton John coming in at the third position because of his 47 top 30 hits and 8 number 1 hits. Much of John's appeal must be credited to his ties to many other people as well as his tributes to Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana. And yet, there are lists that don't even have Elton John in the top 30.
Much of the problem probably can be attributed to who you ask. Younger people will lean more towards the post 1950s era while older folks will go for the old time standards. That's why to find Crosby and Presley at the top of most lists is truly a tribute to these two great singers.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Celebrities - Most Popular Broadway Stars
Broadway is unique. In most venues, TV, movies, radio, etc., we never really get to see our favorite celebrities up close and personal. But Broadway is different. Depending on how much money you dished out for tickets, you may end up just a few feet away from your favorite Broadway star. This is something that can't be equaled by any other medium of entertainment, excluding of course sports events. But to get a courtside seat to a Knicks game is going to cost you thousands of dollars. Few real people can afford that.
In the meantime, Broadway has certainly given us our share of popular stars. One needs to look no farther than Julie Andrews who originated the role of Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady." Many people felt it was strange that she wasn't picked to do the movie version, especially since Audrey Hepburn couldn't even sing and had to have her vocals dubbed in. Certainly one of the strangest casting jobs in all of movie history.
If you're looking for a more recent example, there is always Michael Crawford who originated the role of "The Phantom Of The Opera" in the early 80s. Crawford's portrayal was so incredible that he was actually named a living legend because of it. Nobody has since sung "Music Of The Night" like Crawford, a song that has been literally linked with him for all eternity.
If you need an even more recent example of two people who will forever be linked with a show, you need look no farther than Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel who portrayed the good witch and the wicked witch respectively in the Broadway production of "Wicked." When it came time to hand out the Tony Awards for that year it was literally a toss up as to who was going to win between the two of them. Menzel ultimately ended up winning. It was said that these two were so perfect for their roles that there may never be anyone who comes close to pulling off a performance as great as the ones these two gave us.
And then of course there are the Broadway stars that transcend Broadway and grace just about every corner of stage and screen. There is no better example of this than Hugh Jackman who was simply brilliant in "The Boy From Oz" and "Oklahoma." Many of us also know him as Wolverine in the "X-Men" series of movies. Jackman is probably one of the most popular performers on stage today.
The list, of course goes on and on. There's currently Sara Ramirez and Christopher Sieber of "Spamalot," a Monty Python goof that is probably one of the funniest plays to come out in a very long time that mixes comedy with some of the best, and most hysterical, music around. Just one listen to "The Song That Goes Like This" is all you need to realize that Ramirez and Sieber are pure comic and musical geniuses.
And just think of it. These are people who you can actually see live.
It doesn't get any better than that.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
In the meantime, Broadway has certainly given us our share of popular stars. One needs to look no farther than Julie Andrews who originated the role of Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady." Many people felt it was strange that she wasn't picked to do the movie version, especially since Audrey Hepburn couldn't even sing and had to have her vocals dubbed in. Certainly one of the strangest casting jobs in all of movie history.
If you're looking for a more recent example, there is always Michael Crawford who originated the role of "The Phantom Of The Opera" in the early 80s. Crawford's portrayal was so incredible that he was actually named a living legend because of it. Nobody has since sung "Music Of The Night" like Crawford, a song that has been literally linked with him for all eternity.
If you need an even more recent example of two people who will forever be linked with a show, you need look no farther than Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel who portrayed the good witch and the wicked witch respectively in the Broadway production of "Wicked." When it came time to hand out the Tony Awards for that year it was literally a toss up as to who was going to win between the two of them. Menzel ultimately ended up winning. It was said that these two were so perfect for their roles that there may never be anyone who comes close to pulling off a performance as great as the ones these two gave us.
And then of course there are the Broadway stars that transcend Broadway and grace just about every corner of stage and screen. There is no better example of this than Hugh Jackman who was simply brilliant in "The Boy From Oz" and "Oklahoma." Many of us also know him as Wolverine in the "X-Men" series of movies. Jackman is probably one of the most popular performers on stage today.
The list, of course goes on and on. There's currently Sara Ramirez and Christopher Sieber of "Spamalot," a Monty Python goof that is probably one of the funniest plays to come out in a very long time that mixes comedy with some of the best, and most hysterical, music around. Just one listen to "The Song That Goes Like This" is all you need to realize that Ramirez and Sieber are pure comic and musical geniuses.
And just think of it. These are people who you can actually see live.
It doesn't get any better than that.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Celebrities - Elvis Presley, From Birth to "Heartbreak Hotel"
The Presleys were a family of modest means. They lived near family and Elvis was close to his Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandparents. While attending the Assembly of God Church, he was exposed to his first taste of music. In 1945 at the age of 10, his first performance was at the Mississippi and Alabama Fair in a talent contest. Within a year Elvis got his very first guitar.
As with many, the Presley family were struggling money-wise and decided to move to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, hoping for a better life. Things were still hard, both Gladys and Vernon worked as much as they could but they still struggled. Things were so hard Elvis also worked, while attending LC Humes High School to help his family.
Elvis began to develop his own style while in high school. He slicked back his hair and grew his famous sideburns. He won the high school talent competition and even played an encore.
In June 1953, Elvis graduated high school and began working at a mechanics shop. During the summer he made his first demo at The Memphis Recording Service. He recorded "That's When Your Heartaches Begin" and "My Happiness". He changed jobs frequently and started to go to night school to be an electrician.
The owners of the recording studio in which Elvis had been making demos, paired him up with some other local artists. While working at Crown Electric Presley had his first recording, contracted with the recording service, released and started to perform at local events and bars. Elvis was even booked on The Grand Ole Opry, although it was dubbed a disaster. He was told not to quit his day job.
Late in 1954 Elvis signed on with KWKH radio for a year. This is when Elvis met 'Colonel' Tom Parker. Tom Parker was known to manage other artists including Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow.
Bob Neal became Presley's manager in January of 1955. This union did not last long. By August Hank Snow Attractions was in control of Elvis' career. Hank Snow Attractions was owned equally by Snow and Tom Parker. Soon after ,Colonel Parker became in complete control of Elvis, Snow and Neal are no longer connected to Presley.
The new management seemed to work as a benefit for Presley. Colonel Parker sold Elvis' Sun contract (The Memphis Recording Service) to RCA. Hill and Range Publishing company also got in on the action of the rising star and helped create Elvis Presley Music Inc. Elvis and the publishing company shared ownership of his songs.
Only one year after his first manager signed him on, Elvis began recording "Heartbreak Hotel" with RCA and teamed up with the Jordanaires, a gospel quartet. Presley and the Jordanaires worked together well into the late 1960s.
"Heartbreak Hotel" was released on January 27, 1956. It went to number one on Billboard's pop singles chart for eight weeks and hit number one on the country chart and number five on the R&B chart.
"Heartbreak Hotel" began Elvis' road to stardom and fame. The next 20 years were filled with music, movies, military marriage and divorce. Elvis Presley died August 16 1977 due to heart failure. He was only 42 years old.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
As with many, the Presley family were struggling money-wise and decided to move to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, hoping for a better life. Things were still hard, both Gladys and Vernon worked as much as they could but they still struggled. Things were so hard Elvis also worked, while attending LC Humes High School to help his family.
Elvis began to develop his own style while in high school. He slicked back his hair and grew his famous sideburns. He won the high school talent competition and even played an encore.
In June 1953, Elvis graduated high school and began working at a mechanics shop. During the summer he made his first demo at The Memphis Recording Service. He recorded "That's When Your Heartaches Begin" and "My Happiness". He changed jobs frequently and started to go to night school to be an electrician.
The owners of the recording studio in which Elvis had been making demos, paired him up with some other local artists. While working at Crown Electric Presley had his first recording, contracted with the recording service, released and started to perform at local events and bars. Elvis was even booked on The Grand Ole Opry, although it was dubbed a disaster. He was told not to quit his day job.
Late in 1954 Elvis signed on with KWKH radio for a year. This is when Elvis met 'Colonel' Tom Parker. Tom Parker was known to manage other artists including Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow.
Bob Neal became Presley's manager in January of 1955. This union did not last long. By August Hank Snow Attractions was in control of Elvis' career. Hank Snow Attractions was owned equally by Snow and Tom Parker. Soon after ,Colonel Parker became in complete control of Elvis, Snow and Neal are no longer connected to Presley.
The new management seemed to work as a benefit for Presley. Colonel Parker sold Elvis' Sun contract (The Memphis Recording Service) to RCA. Hill and Range Publishing company also got in on the action of the rising star and helped create Elvis Presley Music Inc. Elvis and the publishing company shared ownership of his songs.
Only one year after his first manager signed him on, Elvis began recording "Heartbreak Hotel" with RCA and teamed up with the Jordanaires, a gospel quartet. Presley and the Jordanaires worked together well into the late 1960s.
"Heartbreak Hotel" was released on January 27, 1956. It went to number one on Billboard's pop singles chart for eight weeks and hit number one on the country chart and number five on the R&B chart.
"Heartbreak Hotel" began Elvis' road to stardom and fame. The next 20 years were filled with music, movies, military marriage and divorce. Elvis Presley died August 16 1977 due to heart failure. He was only 42 years old.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Celebrities
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Celebrities and Their Diamond Engagement Rings
What better way to show the world that you are in love than by the act of giving and receiving a diamond engagement ring? With many actresses and other famous women sporting bigger and sparklier diamond rings, celebrity engagements have become a delight for the jewelry lover. The size of the diamond is not necessarily the key as to what makes some of these rings so famous and recognizable, rather it seems to be a combination of the engagement ring itself and the famous lady it is associated with.
The history of diamond engagement rings
Maximillan I of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring on record to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. He had the ring commissioned to unite their two houses and make their marriage a unifying symbol to the country.
The smallest diamond engagement ring ever made was given to Princess Mary who was married by proxy to the Dauphin of France in the year 1518. Princess Mary was two years old at the time.
Throughout history diamond engagement rings have become larger, more elaborate, and have included a wide variety of other jewels and metals. Diamond engagement rings settings can be made of silver, platinum, white or yellow gold or a mixture of these elements.
Famous ladies and their engagement rings
Celebrities and other famous people influence the look and style of many aspects in fashion and also set trends. Diamond engagement rings are no exception to this rule. The following is a partial list of the famous ladies and their equally famous engagement rings:
Royalty:
Queen Elizabeth II received an engagement ring from Prince Phillip that was made from diamonds from his mother's tiara.
Grace Kelly was given a 12 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from Prince Rainier.
Lady Diana was engaged with a ring made of an 18 carat blue oval sapphire that was circled by fourteen diamonds.
Actresses:
Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to her third husband, Michael Todd, with an emerald cut diamond that weighed almost 30 carats. However, she is more known for her other pieces of jewelry, one more striking than the other: the 39 carat Krupp diamond, the 69.42 carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond and the 17th century heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond.
Priscilla was engaged to Elvis with a 3.5 carat diamond engagement ring that was circled by another 21 smaller diamonds and diamond chips.
Sharon Stone was given a three diamond, 3 1/2 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Phil Bronstien.
Catherine Zeta-Jones' promise to Michael Douglas was finalized with a 10 carat antique marquise diamond estimated at amost $2 million.
Joan Collins got a heart-shaped diamond ring in a nineteenth-century setting from husband Percy Gibson.
Pop stars:
Madonna received from Guy Ritchie an antique Edwardian three-stone diamond ring with a decorative platinum band. The Neil Lane ring was supposed to represent their family: mother, father and son Rocco.
In the case of Toni Braxton, drummer Keri Lewis designed a stunning 4.5 three-stone diamond ring with an oval-shaped center stone and 2 heart-shaped diamonds on the sides.
Paris Hilton, even though not a pop star but a diva anyway, received 2 diamond engagement rings from billionaire Paris Latsis, a $5 million 24 carat canary diamond ring and a $2.1 million 15 carat white diamond ring.
Britney Spears has two engagement rings also: one that she bought for herself before the wedding, a $40,000 4 carat cushion-cut diamond ring with a platinum pave setting, and one that she received 9 month after the marriage from husband Kevin Federline.
Christina Aguilera became engaged to Jordan Bratman after he presented a $54,000 20-carat diamond engagement ring designed by jeweler Stephen Webster.
Whitney Houston sports a stunning 4 carat oval-shaped center stone with trillions on the sides which she received from Bobby Brown.
Replica diamond engagement rings
Of course there is the very famous pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez. This 6 carat radiant shaped pink diamond quickly caught the attention of the public and has become a highly sought after replica. It is completed with a platinum band as well as three baguette white diamonds on each side. The pink diamond engagement ring is reported to have been purchased for $1.2 million in 2002. The ring, while easily identified is also very feminine and modern looking.
Replicas of the famous pink diamond ring are now available for a moderate price. The cost of the replicas depends on the quality of the stones and the materials used in reproducing the pink diamond engagement ring.
Some replicas are styled as more antique diamond engagement rings. These rings have an everlasting quality and symbolize tradition and heritage. The recent engagement of Camilla Parker Bowles in February of 2005 featured such an antique engagement ring. The platinum ring has an emerald-cut center diamond with three diamond baguettes on each side. This ring originally belonged to the Queen Mother and is believed to be valued at over $1 million.
Since few people can afford the original item, there will always be a market for replicas of these one of a kind diamond engagement rings. The quality of the replicas varies, as does the price. It is important to note that the styles of diamond engagement rings that are popular with celebrities will soon become the styles that are sought after by the not quite so rich and famous.
Tim Richardson is your guide in the world of diamond engagement rings at http://www.loveanddiamonds.com where you can find tips on choosing the diamond and the setting for the perfect ring. You'll learn about diamond shape, cut, clarity, weight, color, how to read a diamond certificate and how to avoid scams.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Richardson
The history of diamond engagement rings
Maximillan I of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring on record to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. He had the ring commissioned to unite their two houses and make their marriage a unifying symbol to the country.
The smallest diamond engagement ring ever made was given to Princess Mary who was married by proxy to the Dauphin of France in the year 1518. Princess Mary was two years old at the time.
Throughout history diamond engagement rings have become larger, more elaborate, and have included a wide variety of other jewels and metals. Diamond engagement rings settings can be made of silver, platinum, white or yellow gold or a mixture of these elements.
Famous ladies and their engagement rings
Celebrities and other famous people influence the look and style of many aspects in fashion and also set trends. Diamond engagement rings are no exception to this rule. The following is a partial list of the famous ladies and their equally famous engagement rings:
Royalty:
Queen Elizabeth II received an engagement ring from Prince Phillip that was made from diamonds from his mother's tiara.
Grace Kelly was given a 12 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from Prince Rainier.
Lady Diana was engaged with a ring made of an 18 carat blue oval sapphire that was circled by fourteen diamonds.
Actresses:
Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to her third husband, Michael Todd, with an emerald cut diamond that weighed almost 30 carats. However, she is more known for her other pieces of jewelry, one more striking than the other: the 39 carat Krupp diamond, the 69.42 carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond and the 17th century heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond.
Priscilla was engaged to Elvis with a 3.5 carat diamond engagement ring that was circled by another 21 smaller diamonds and diamond chips.
Sharon Stone was given a three diamond, 3 1/2 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Phil Bronstien.
Catherine Zeta-Jones' promise to Michael Douglas was finalized with a 10 carat antique marquise diamond estimated at amost $2 million.
Joan Collins got a heart-shaped diamond ring in a nineteenth-century setting from husband Percy Gibson.
Pop stars:
Madonna received from Guy Ritchie an antique Edwardian three-stone diamond ring with a decorative platinum band. The Neil Lane ring was supposed to represent their family: mother, father and son Rocco.
In the case of Toni Braxton, drummer Keri Lewis designed a stunning 4.5 three-stone diamond ring with an oval-shaped center stone and 2 heart-shaped diamonds on the sides.
Paris Hilton, even though not a pop star but a diva anyway, received 2 diamond engagement rings from billionaire Paris Latsis, a $5 million 24 carat canary diamond ring and a $2.1 million 15 carat white diamond ring.
Britney Spears has two engagement rings also: one that she bought for herself before the wedding, a $40,000 4 carat cushion-cut diamond ring with a platinum pave setting, and one that she received 9 month after the marriage from husband Kevin Federline.
Christina Aguilera became engaged to Jordan Bratman after he presented a $54,000 20-carat diamond engagement ring designed by jeweler Stephen Webster.
Whitney Houston sports a stunning 4 carat oval-shaped center stone with trillions on the sides which she received from Bobby Brown.
Replica diamond engagement rings
Of course there is the very famous pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez. This 6 carat radiant shaped pink diamond quickly caught the attention of the public and has become a highly sought after replica. It is completed with a platinum band as well as three baguette white diamonds on each side. The pink diamond engagement ring is reported to have been purchased for $1.2 million in 2002. The ring, while easily identified is also very feminine and modern looking.
Replicas of the famous pink diamond ring are now available for a moderate price. The cost of the replicas depends on the quality of the stones and the materials used in reproducing the pink diamond engagement ring.
Some replicas are styled as more antique diamond engagement rings. These rings have an everlasting quality and symbolize tradition and heritage. The recent engagement of Camilla Parker Bowles in February of 2005 featured such an antique engagement ring. The platinum ring has an emerald-cut center diamond with three diamond baguettes on each side. This ring originally belonged to the Queen Mother and is believed to be valued at over $1 million.
Since few people can afford the original item, there will always be a market for replicas of these one of a kind diamond engagement rings. The quality of the replicas varies, as does the price. It is important to note that the styles of diamond engagement rings that are popular with celebrities will soon become the styles that are sought after by the not quite so rich and famous.
Tim Richardson is your guide in the world of diamond engagement rings at http://www.loveanddiamonds.com where you can find tips on choosing the diamond and the setting for the perfect ring. You'll learn about diamond shape, cut, clarity, weight, color, how to read a diamond certificate and how to avoid scams.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Richardson
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