I'm Missing You...

I was listening to music today (what else is new :) and thought of all who I miss terribly -- take a trip down memory lane with me!

TUPAC


I really dug Tupac, on the good and bad days. I loved him as an actor - he was a character, for sure but the one memory that makes me smile is his role on the episode of A Different World as Jada Pinkett's boyfriend, Pickolo.

GERALD LEVERT


This brother, Gerald Levert just brings a chill to me now, even though he's no longer with us in the physical. Gerald performed in New York a few months before his shocking death and my sister and I were on hand to take it all in. I was so angry at her because we sat close enough for her to run to the stage to get one of the teddy bears that he was tossing into the crowd -- and this dummy was too scared!

Here, Gerald sings one of the songs made famous by my other departed boyfriend

RICK JAMES


I had this private love affair with Rick James that even he didn't know about. Lord, this was a favorite song and still is -- bless him.

MINNIE RIPPERTON


My father was in love with Minnie Ripperton and because of his love, I was exposed to her fabulous music and beauty.


PHYLLIS HYMAN
In my mind, Phyllis Hyman is a goddess and there will never be another to top her. Secretly I wanted to be Phyllis -- statuesque, smoky voiced and a diva with loads of class -- fawned after by many men.







DONNY HATHAWAY



No commentary necessary for Donny and his music. Genius -- pure genius and a brother that holds a special place in my heart filled with music!

MARVIN GAYE



Nobody rocked like Marvin - he was supposed to wait for me so we could hold hands, walk off into the sunset and live this happy life -- he didn't know it though and God had other plans for us both.

LUTHER VANDROSS



This will forever be a favorite of mine -- Gregory Hines and Luther Vandross -- whoever thought to pair them together did a marvelous deed!