Latest news with #Lonnie
Calgary Herald
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Blues-coloured DNA: Second-generation musician Ronnie Baker Brooks learned from the greats
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content When Ronnie Baker Brooks was eight years old, his father made him a promise. It was 1975, and Lonnie Brooks was in Europe as part of a multi-artist Chicago blues tour. Lonnie was already well-established, having released in 1969 his debut, Broke an' Hungry, for Capitol Records. So young Ronnie was well aware of what his dad did for a living, and he wanted in. Article content Article content Lonnie would call home periodically to check on the family during the lengthy tour. Article content Article content 'I would beg him to take me with him next time,' says Brooks, in an interview with Postmedia from his home south of Chicago. 'He said, 'Well, if you learn two songs by the time I get back, I'll take you on stage with me.'' Article content So Ronnie learned his first song, which was Messin' With the Kid, a song by his father's friend Junior Wells. He then picked up Lowell Fulson's Reconsider Baby. Ronnie was waiting for his dad when he returned from the airport. Article content 'The man couldn't get out of the cab fast enough. I said, 'I got the songs! I got the songs!' He kept his promise.' Article content Close to his ninth birthday, he got on stage with his father in a small but packed club in Chicago called Pepper's Hideout. His mother had bought him a rust-coloured suit for the occasion. He was a nervous wreck. Article content Article content 'I had a mood ring on and the mood ring was turning all different kinds of colours,' says Brooks. 'My mom said to me, 'Just play it like you play it at home with your dad.' When she said that to me, there was a sense of calmness that came over me. I got up on stage, man, and they started tipping me. I made more money than my dad did that night.' Article content 'He let me keep the tips. But my mom said, 'No, I need it for that suit I bought you …' Looking back, those times I had with my dad will last forever,' said Brooks, who will play at The Confluence on Aug. 2 as part of the Calgary International Bluesfest. Article content On Brooks' newest album, Blues In My DNA, the second-generation singer, guitarist and songwriter runs a short clip of his father that he had recorded years before for another album. Lonnie, who died in 2017, can be heard saying, 'Son, I gave you your first blues lesson and now I'm going to give you my blessing to keep these blues alive.' It acts as an intro to the autobiographical title track, which begins with the younger Brooks shredding some monster riffs.
CBS News
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
"Cardboard Genius" Kambel Smith creating a new sculpture in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park
Kambel Smith's nickname should ring a bell: The Cardboard Genius. He's the local artist who creates cardboard sculptures of famous landmarks just by looking at pictures of them. Now, he's bringing his talent to Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park. Smith will create a new sculpture at Smith Memorial on Thursday as part of its Boxopolis program. Visitors are encouraged to watch Kambel work and get in on the action by making their own creations out of cardboard boxes. "I like to be focused," Kambel says while working on his latest project. "And I like to be patient." It's a scene his neighbors know well, as Kambel quietly and painstakingly creates in his front yard. "Trying to make sure the details are tight," he adds. Those who don't know him often stop to marvel, learning his sculptures are made mostly from cardboard and completely through sight alone. Kambel wrapped up his latest exhibit in Germantown in June. The display was aptly dubbed "Cardboard Genius." While his genius is clear now, Kambel's father Lonnie says Kambel's talent was hidden at first. Kambel was diagnosed with autism as a child. Once he found art, Lonnie says his son's autism became a superpower. "Unknowingly, what he's done here, though, it's powerful," Lonnie says. Kambel's journey has become an inspiration nationwide. His story on CBS News Philadelphia was viewed more than a million times on social media, and tens of thousands are showing their admiration and support, including Philly's own Questlove and former Eagle Terrell Owens. "When he hears that people are interested in his projects, it just motivates him to move faster," Lonnie says. One of his next creations is the Marcy Houses, the place where Jay-Z grew up in Brooklyn. Lonnie says Roc Nation recently reached out to show Kambel support, and that inspired the artist. Lonnie is never far from Kambel's side. Many online are also praising Lonnie for creating a safe space for his son to thrive. "It's not a big deal," Lonnie says, laughing. "It's just what I do because I love him." Kambel will take part in Smith Memorial's Boxopolis Playstallation on Thursday, July 24. Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Kambel will start creating his piece at 1:30 p.m. It's free and open to the public. Smith's Boxopolis Playstallation runs through September.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Kansas City area couple wants changes for restraint chair use after nephew's death
A Kansas City area couple is calling for changes in the way corrections officers use restraint chairs after watching a nationwide KMBC 9 News investigation and the KMBC 9 Chronicle Documentary : Restrained. Lonnie and Nolana Evans' nephew Christian Black died in March after being in a restraint chair in Dayton, Ohio.
CBS News
06-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Lonnie Quinn returns to CBS News New York after taking time to recover from accident
Welcome back, Lonnie Quinn! CBS News New York's chief weathercaster Lonnie Quinn returned after stepping away to recover from an accident. Lonnie was greeted by hugs and applause as he walked back into the newsroom. "I missed you guys more than you know," Quinn said when he returned. "It's these moments like this that just warms your heart and you think 'I work with good people.'" Lonnie suffered a concussion earlier this year, but additional testing revealed deeper concerns. "It was a very major head injury. Once the MRI came back, that's when the doctors came in and said 'Whoa, whoa, whoa. This is actually a traumatic brain injury, not just a concussion. You've got to be out of work for six to eight weeks, rest and relaxation," Lonnie said. We're thrilled that Lonnie has recuperated and is back with us.
CBS News
15-03-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
CBS News New York's Lonnie Quinn stepping away to recover from accident
CBS News New York's chief weathercaster Lonnie Quinn will be stepping away for several weeks to recover from an accident. Earlier this year, Lonnie suffered a concussion. He went to the hospital and had a CAT scan, but the results were negative. Weeks later, however, he started to suffer other symptoms. He got another CAT scan, which was also clear, and was told to follow up with a neurologist. Lonnie then got an MRI, which revealed additional concerns. He will be off the air as he takes times to rest and recuperate.
