Latest news with #HollywoodSwinging
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iconic '60s Musician Dies in Car Accident
Michael Sumler, a longtime member of the influential R&B group Kool & the Gang has been reportedly killed in a car crash this past Saturday, as reported by Newsweek. According to the publication, the musician was 71-years-old. More popularly known under the jazzy moniker "Chicago Mike," Sumler was best known for appearing as an integral member of Kool & the Gang from 1985 onwards. Initially, Sumler had been brought into the group to serve as a stylist and choreographer, before eventually playing openers for the band and, ultimately, providing backup vocals. Over the weekend, Sumler was driving in Atlanta, Georgia's Veterans Memorial Highway when he struck another car near Buckner Road. As per local outlets, the musician died at the scene of the accident. Various personalities within the music world have offered their sympathies for Sumler's family, commemorating the funk musician's achievements in the annals of R&B musical history. Sumler's friend, Song Source Music Group's Adrian Meeks, offered his sentiments, telling Fox 5 Atlanta that Sumler was "always jovial, always just kind, always wanting to make sure everybody else around him was good." Similarly, the '60s funk band Con Funk Shun wrote on X, "We had no idea that Sunday night's Love's Train would be your last," of Sumler's passing. "Rest in heavenly peace." Originally formed in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964, Kool & the Gang has often described as one of the most revolutionary music groups within either the R&B, soul, funk or disco genres. Initially breaking through in the industry with hit singles like "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging," the band eventually rose to new heights with the release of their albums Ladies' Night in 1979 and Celebrate! and Emergency in the early 1980s. In addition to winning two Grammy Awards throughout their tenure together, they've also earned a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 and an honorary star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Iconic '60s Musician Dies in Car Accident first appeared on Parade on May 28, 2025
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Martin' Spinoff Series ‘Varnell Hill' Ordered At BET+
Another day, another TV spinoff. BET+ has greenlit the scripted workplace comedy Varnell Hill, which will feature the return of Tommy Davidson as the character of the same name from the Fox comedy Martin. Davison guest-starred in the two-part episode of Martin in 1993, 'Hollywood Swinging,' which followed Martin Lawrence as Martin Payne as he travels to Hollywood to appear on a TV late night talk show hosted by the obnoxious Varnell Hill. Per the logline, Varnell Hill 'explores Varnell's journey to remain relevant in an ever-evolving industry and the corporate dynamics of network executives, business stakeholders, and creative teams involved in the making of the show.' 'Did you miss me? Well, now you don't have to! I'm excited and honored to be a part of such a creative project with the brilliant mind of Martin Lawrence, over 30 years in the making," said Tommy Davison in a statement. "Fans have requested it and now it's coming to BET+!' Martin Lawrence, who is the co-creator of Varnell Hill alongside Bentley Evans, will executive produce. Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Andy Horne, Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, and Rae Proctor will also serve as executive producers. There is no word yet on if Lawrence will reprise his role as Martin Payne (or if any of the other characters from Martin will appear). Martin, which aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997, debuted at the time when Tommy Davison was appearing on the network's sketch comedy In Living Color. In the second season, Martin in fact moved to Fox's Sunday night line-up as the lead-in to In Living Color. Last July, an hour-long prequel series to Martin, titled Young Martin, was put into development, which would have followed young Martin Payne residing in Detroit. But it has not moved forward. The number of episodes ordered for Varnell Hill has not been announced.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Martin Spinoff Starring Tommy Davidson as Talk Show Host Varnell Hill Gets BET+ Series Order
A year-and-change after Martin cast members Martin Lawrence, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell and Carl Anthony Payne II winningly reunited at the Emmy Awards, BET+ has given a series order to a spinoff — albeit, one revolving around a one-off character from the 1990s Fox sitcom. Tommy Davidson is set to reprise his November 1993 Martin role as Varnell Hill, a stand-up comic turned late-night talk show host who appeared in the Season 2 two-parter 'Hollywood Swinging.' More from TVLine Brooke Shields to Headline New Crime Drama Allie & Andi at Acorn TV The Grapes of Wrath Adaptation to Launch New AMC Anthology Series Juno Temple to Star in Apple Dramedy About Woman With a Mysteriously 'Infinite Supply of Husbands' 'Did you miss me? Well, now you don't have to!' said Davidson in a statement. 'I'm excited and honored to be a part of such a creative project with the brilliant mind of Martin Lawrence, over 30 years in the making. Fans have requested it and now it's coming to BET+!' Set behind the scenes of a long-running, late-night talk show, The Varnell Hill Show is described as a workplace comedy that delves into the chaotic world of television production. Co-created by Lawrence, who will serve as an executive producer, the series explores Varnell's journey to remain relevant in an ever-evolving industry and the corporate dynamics of network executives, business stakeholders and creative teams involved in the making of the show. With a blend of satire, humor, cutaways and fourth-wall breaks, The Varnell Hill Show promises to 'engage audiences in a fresh and innovative way,' while showcasing a mix of new characters and celebrity guest cameos. Lawrence is not confirmed to reprise his role as Martin Payne, but Deadline hears he likely will appear in multiple episodes. Showrunner/director and fellow Martin EP Bentley Kyle Evans will also serve as an executive producer alongside Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Andy Horne, Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, Rae Proctor, Rose Catherine Pinkney and Jason Harvey. Best of TVLine Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More 'Missing' Shows, Found! The Latest on Severance, Holey Moley, Poker Face, YOU, Primo, Transplant and 25+ Others
