Happy 70th Birthday, Cher, from Buddy B!

"Stars never die, they just fade away." Pop singer/ superstar Cher certainly refuted that adage by her sheer longevity.

It's been said that after an atomic blast, there'd be nothing left but roaches and Cher. Such is her legend as a survivor.

Today, May 20th, 2016, Cher -- a fellow Taurus -- turns 70. What a wonderful milestone for a timeless icon.

Cher started in show business as half of Sonny and Cher. She was a shy teen at the time but somewhere that all changed.

It was when Cher was appearing on the tv variety series, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. Cher was sick of her husband's overly controlling behavior and decided to take her career and her life back into her own control.

Cher has won an Oscar,, a Grammy, an Emmy among other prestigious awards.

She has a transgender son, Chaz, and has long been a big supporter of the LGBT community throughout the world.

They say black don't crack. Neither does white -- if you can afford all the work Cher's had done to her face over the years.

Some people think Cher is a vocal lightweight but she is not I assure you, after seeing her many times live in concert. Her voice is strong, throaty but powerful.

Like Joan Crawford, Cher's incredible career spanning six decades has depended upon her reinventing and adapting of her image for the public.

Happy 70th birthday, Cheilyn Sarkisian!

Video Beaverhausen: Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues

I remember going to see Lady Sings the Blues when it just opened at theaters. I was attending University of Colorado in 1972 when my friend, Lynne, and I went to a theater on the edge of town. I remember it was windy and the tumbleweed was sweeping all over the ground that night, making our walk to the movies cumbersome at best.

I also recall Diana Ross giving a powerful, star-worthy performance she received an Academy Award nomination for her tour-de-force acting.

Lady Sings the Blues is very old-school Hollywood biopic. It was even upon its release. And that's what everyone loved about it. It was a box-office smash. It was also critically praised, generally,

This was Miss Ross' first and best screen acting job. She shimmered like a legendary superstar. Unfortunately, after her debut on the silver screen, the quality of the films she did suffered.

Lady Sings the Blues is the sugar-coated true story of Billie Holiday. The drug and rehab scenes, however, are harrowing and haunting. Lady Day's life was much more troubled. Also, I'm not sure the film makes clear what a huge success Holiday was in her time.

The movie was directed by Sidney J, Furie. Hunky Billie Dee Williams plays Diana's love interest (a fictional character since Holiday was basically a lesbian), and Richard Pryor is wonderful as the character only known as Piano Man, a tragi-comic part.

The film was a real breakthrough for black talent.

Still, this is a wonderful film to curl up with on video. The best-selling soundtrack is still available as well. Music orchestrated by Michel Legrand. Co-produced by Berry Gordy. A Paramount release.

Video Beaverhausen: F/X Channel to Present Feud with Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon

This is perfect news arriving, as it does, just days before the anniversary of Joan Crawford's death.

Thanks to producer Brad Pitt bringing this property to the F/X cable channel, this tele-film is expected to come to us later this year.

Susan Sarandon will play Bette because she has Bette Davis eyes and Jessica Lange (hot off American Horror Story) will portray Joan. The mini-series will be a behind-the-scenes expose of the feud between the two stars on and off the set of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane in 1961.

Inspired by the Henry Farrell novella, this is anticipated to be powerhouse tv entertainment. This is turning into a divine year for the entertainment, entertainment industry and cable.

Pitt is producer and put his considerable muscle behind this effort. Stanley Tucci, Alfred Molina and  Judy Davis among others.

This has the potential to blow the roof off the house. Not to be missed. Alert to the film's legion of gay fans.

Buddy Beaverhausen's Random Thoughts on Diana Ross' Car Accident

I'm from New Jersey so I know: Jersey drivers are the worst. When I lived in NJ, I was petrified of getting on the highway for that reason.

Miss Ross'  car accident in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania yesterday occurred when her limo was hit by a reckless driver from ~ you guessed it ~ Joisey!

When police arrived, Ross complained of back and neck pain and explained she had a show to do. The limo had to be towed but the police escorted her to the Sands Casino.

Pro that she is, she took to the stage and performed to a packed house and a cheering crowd. Kudos from an audience obviously mean everything to this diva! That and the money, naturally.

Afterwards, she again complained of the pain in her back and neck. I hope that Miss Ross takes time from her schedule to get a check-up.

As for the 22-year-old woman from The Garden State, driving an SUV, she was issued a police citation. I hope she or her daddy has deep pockets as I'm sure Diana plans to sue.

Keep your eyes peeled for those Jersey drivers, kids!

Rubbing Elbows. Brushes with Celebrities and How I Became Buddy Beaverhausen, Celebrity Blogger: a Memoir (chapter 2 preview)

I always say I never met a diva I didn't like in my club-going and blogging experience. But I make a single exception. And that privilege belongs to Esther Phillips.

She started her career as Baby Esther in 1950. In fact, she did have a rather Baby Jane air about her, believing everyone remembered her past glory. We did not.

It was 1975 and I was working at The Bottom Line as a host (seating people). I had just moved to New York City and I lived near the iconic club in those days.

In '75, there was buzz amongst the managers and co-workers that Esther had a drug problem due to her tech rehearsals. She seemed itchy, twitchy and bitchy! And not at all comfortable in her own skin.

She was verbally abusive to the staff, management and to me personally. It was my job then to help set up tables before the performance. She pointed at me and yelled, "You there! Stop moving around, you're distracting me!" My manager, Alan Pepper was present and stood up in my defense ~ literally and figuratively..

"He's doing his job! You do yours," is what Alan said to her. Great guy!

Esther went on that night like a pro and belted out her disco cover of the Dinah Washington classic that everybody wanted to hear then.

So, here we have her: the one and only celebrity or diva I met whom didn't like.

Esther Phillips died less than a decade later of liver failure due to drug abuse. She was only 55.

RIP, Esther. What a sad end. You're through with this world and we're through with you.

Audio Beaverhausen: Cher's Mom Sings Out!

Just got around to listening to Georgia Holt's  Honky Tonk Woman (1980) for the first time. It's a high-powered vanity project because Georgia is Cher's mom. Not going to see a Mommie Dearest-like from Cher it seems.

Georgia was born in 1927 in Arkansas but found her way to L.A, This is her only album but it's a somewhat impressive one.

If I was a star of Cher's magnitude, I'd happily have made an album starring my mom who had such a sweet, lovely voice, so I totally understand where this is coming from.

Honky Tonk Woman kicks off with Cher and her mom singing a duet. From there, Georgia barrels through a barrage of country tunes, including a sweet and touching cover version of Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender."

Recommended to the devoted, and long live Georgia Holt!

Video Beaverhausen: Lana Turner Is Madame X!

Madame X is a Ross Hunter production for Universal starring Lana Turner and John Forsythe. It's campy fun mostly but have some Kleenex on hand for its finale.

This is a deluxe production and Hunter and the cast and crew pull out all the stops to put this across.

Constance Bennett portrays John Forsythe's mother, though she was only a few years older than he and Ms Turner. Still, she shines as the villainess of this film who causes Lana's downfall.

Though the film is a period piece, the hairdos and clothes are strictly 1960s throughout. Lana's frocks and hairstyles are fabulous, however, despite historic inaccuracy.

Ricardo Montalban is Lana's backstreet lover, an indiscretion that costs her dearly and sets off her downward spiral. Burgess Meredith pops up as a sleaze bag con man, and Keir Dullea (2001: a Space Odyssey, David and Lisa) plays Lana's son.

It's all about a mother's self-sacrifice in the end don'tcha know! You may giggle initially but you'll be in tears by the end, guaranteed.

Audio Beaverhausen: The Puppini Sisters Live the High Life

Hoorah, The Puppini Sisters are back in grand style with their new album, High Life! This is their first in five years and it's fabulous; an event!

Noteably, singer Stephanie O'Brien has been replaced by Emma Smith. But the harmonies are still lush and gorgeous. The Puppini Sisters are in smashing form with their typically eclectic (to say the least) and fun selection of pop tunes.

You haven't lived until you hear these women cover ~ in swing-band style ~ "Supercalifragilistic," Carmen Miranda's '''Tico Tico," "Rapper's Delight/ Chandelier," Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and much more. The album kicks off with "Is This the Highlife?" and ends with "Hit the Road, Jack." The trio is backed by a three-piece band, except for on the finale, where they have a full orchestra background.

The album will be released in the USA this Friday, March 18. I ordered  on cd but Marcella Puppini sent me a copy on-line, graciously, so I could review it. You can order it on Amazon or wherever fine music is sold.

Class with flash, campy and vampy. put High Life on your must have list.

Incidentally, I recently reviewed Marcella's solo album on this blog and did a Q&A with her as well. Busy lady! I'll be doing a Q&A with all three ladies very soon!

Video Beaverhausen: Love Has Many Faces with Lana Turner

This film should have been titled Lana Has Many Costume Changes.  At this point, Lana Turner had become more of a fashion plate than an actress. Watch her vogue and give good face -- maybe many of them!

You may be surprised at how daring Love Has Many Faces was for its time (1965). And, interestingly enough, this sleaze with ease, trash with flash was written by a woman, Margaurite Roberts.

Lana is a rich bitch married to aging ex-gigolo Cliff Robertson. Hugh O'Brien looks quite hot in this, especially when shirtless. (Oh, Maverick!) Stefanie Powers is aboard as are Ruth Roman and Virginia Grey. And it all takes place in glamorous Acapulco. The color cinematography is sumptuous.

Beach boys galore provide plenty of eye candy. But nothing can compare to Lana's fabulous frocks! The story is some trifle about a murder, so there's a bit of a mystery here though, really, who cares!

By the way, I've heard some people refer to this film as Love Has Many Facelifts.

Available on dvd from Columbia Pictures.

Exclusive Q&A with MargOH Channing!

Buddy Beaverhausen:: It was such s great pleasure to finally see your show. At Pangea, your guest star was Broadway's Nellie McKay. Your first show there  had Randy Jones of the original Village People with you. How do you manage to attract such wonderful artists to share your stage?
MargOH Channing: Well, I happen to know both of them from years ago. Nellie was a guest on the Manhattan cable tv show I had, and that's how we met.

BB: What, and who, inspires your material?
MC: I was a big fan of exploitation films, especially Russ Meyers. So I got the idea of doing MargOH from those films. Also, my own mother, who's a lot of fun and has always been a big jokester.

BB: How did you hook up with your co-star Man-ee Champagne? You make a great team.
MC: I've known Manny for over 20 years. It's an old love affair story; we met at a bar. It was in Providence, Rhode Island but we moved together to New York.

BB: Any plans to return to Pangea?
MC: Yes, I expect to be back there on May 19th
BB:Yay! Just after my birthday!
MC: Show's called "Hello, It's Me, Margoh!" We're lining up guests and, of course, Manee will be with me.

BB: What are your favorite movies of all-time?
MC: So many! My number one is Moonstruck with Cher. And anything with Judy Garland.

BB: It was so great seeing your mom with you at the show. She obviously supports what you do.
MC: She's a big supporter. And it was great for me to see her here in Manhattan, at Pangea, supporting me. All my family supports me.

BB: How do you play drunk so well?
MC: I had some practice. [laughs]. But it's acting. Part of my character. I watched Totie Fields, Foster Brooks. But you really can't drink and go on-stage. I learned that early on.

BB: Who are your favorite divas nowadays? And who are your most despised?
MC: That's a tough one. I love Adele. So talented and seems so down-to-Earth. Love Madonna; saw the Rebel Heart concert twice.  I don't really care for Iggy Azealia. Just kind of annoying. Not a big fan of Rihanna, either. A little too over the top for me.

BB: It was my friend, Nick Lion, who introduced me to your show. How do you know Nick?
MC: He's been such a big supporter for me and I love him. But we only hooked up on-line.

BB: Any last shout-outs to our readers?
MC: Thanks for your support. Lots of love. And come see my show in May!

BB: Thank you so much MargOH!
MC: Thank you, Buddy Beaverhausen!

Video Beaverhausen: Carmen Miranda ~ Bananas Is My Business

I first saw Bananas Is My Business at the Film Forum in Manhattan during its 1995 release. It's a spectacular documentary about our girl in the tutti frutti hat.

Carmen was the original bananarama, and here she is shown in all her divine, campy glory. You could make banana splits from some of her headdresses!

The film won awards at the Brazil and Havana film festivals. It is a pastiche of archival footage, some of it quite rare, and a few enacted recreations.

Like many great female stars of the silver screen, like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, she was ultimately forced to become an on-screen caricature of herself.

The documentary is full of many interesting and little known facts about Ms Miranda and her achievements. She's the first South American to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for instance.

Brava Carmen and bravo Bananas Is My Business!

Buddy B Wishes Dolly Parton Happy Birthday on Her 70th!

Happy 70th birthday to Dolly Parton, wishing her many more!

Ms Parton has re-invented herself throughout her career but has kept it going for decades, which is no easy feat in the recording business. She is a star of concert stages, tv and film,

Dolly Parton, always a full figure girl, is one of the best known solo artists in the world. There is an enire theme park, Dollywood, built around her. She penned the score to Broadway's 9 to 5: The Musical.

She is a great humanitarian who has given generously to charities, is an outspoken supporter of the LGBT community and such a positive force and a beacon of light. Her personal life has always been just that; a bit of a mystery to this day.

Dolly has always been best represented by her songs Here are some of my favorites:

Very Phil Spector influenced; from the '60s:


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Big pop cross-over hit by Barry Weil & Cynthia Mann:

Natalie Cole Everlasting

It's always very sad to start a new year with an obit of a beloved celebrity. Natalie Cole went to a higher plane yesterday, leaving us on New Year's Eve as we celebrated with champagne and fireworks.

Natalie was, of course, the daughter of the legendary Nat "King" Cole. She grew up in an affluent part of L.A. with brothers and one sister, along with their mom and dad.

I knew some female impressionists who could do a mean Natalie Cole, girlfriends, let me tell you! That means she was a diva, an LGBT favorite, and a smoking hot vocalist and Grammy winner. Her songs ranged from r&b to ballads to disco/ club music.

I don't know what the hell kind of a dress she is wearing in the picture at right, but you certainly couldn't miss that one! I would not have wanted to be seated next to her that night.

The media called her the "new Aretha Franklin," which Ms Franklin didn't appreciate, of course. And so a feud between the two divas began.

She pioneered the new trend of doing duets with dead celebrities when she sang with her dad on the best-selling album Unforgettable. He also left us too soon.

She is best known for the songs "This Will Be" and "I've Got Love On My Mind." However, the two singles below are my faves.

Miss you, Natalie Cole.

Dolly Parton, Peace Train on My Christmas Countdown

Hello, Dolly!

My Christmas Countdown is continuing through New Year's Day. I hope you have been enjoying the ride.

Here's Dolly, covering Cat Stevens' "Peace Train" with Ladysmith Black M

Take this country and take me home again. Holiday wishes to you and your family!

Mae West's New Year Resolutions

Mae West got into the swing of the 1960s and gave us her New Year's Resolutions as well.

Enjoy this bonus track on our holiday countdown. Only four days left until we say goodbye to 2015. It was a very good year!

Liza & Alan Cumming Say It's Cold Outside

Liza Minnelli and Alan Cumming teamed up to do this perennial winter favorite for a Broadway Cares benefit album.

This is one of the more charming covers of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" in my humble opinion.

My Christmas Countdown continues  until New Year's Day!

Julie London on Our Christmas Countdown 2015

The Countdown to New Year is on! It's Boxing Day, but I doubt I'll be boxing in any sense of the word.

Julie London was another of my childhood crushes. Even then, I loved my divas and admired her cool.

When I wrote my song "Heartbreaker City" for Kevin Scott Hall to perform, I wrote it with the late Ms London in mind.

Here is Julie London this Yuletide week!

Madonna on Our Christmas Countdown 2015

Does Madge know how to wear a Christmas tree or what!

It's the holiday season, so celebrate with this great seasonal remix of "Holiday" as our Christmas Countdown carries on!

Charo Brings Santa Claus to My 2015 Christmas Countdown

While still in a latin mood, here is some holiday cheer from Charo! The song was produced by The Salsoul Orchestra and was a big disco hit at this time of year on the dance floor. It was also a #1 hit on the dance-music harts,

Hear how Charo makes this number her own in her inimitable style, and Merry Christmas as my Christmas Countdown continues!

Now, donde esta Santa Claus? Totally adorable.

Bette Midler Arrives on Our 2015 Christmas Countdown!

This was an ideal song for Bette Midler to sing on her 2006 Cool Yule Christmas album. After all, she was raised in Hawaii!

This is a cover song originally recorded by Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters.

Beautifully arranged and sung, led in by "optimistic voices"! Simply click on the Youtube link below.

Enjoy, as my 2015 Christmas Countdown continues!











https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7ED-wvHNW8