Entertainment

Quincy Jones: A Musical Innovator and Cultural Icon

Published

2 years ago

November 4, 2024

Rod Washington, Daily News Staff

Last Updated on November 4, 2024 by Daily News Staff

Quincy Jones: The Musical Legend

On November 3, 2024, the world lost an extraordinary talent and visionary, Quincy Delight Jones Jr., at the age of 91. Jones, an American record producer, songwriter, composer, and film and television producer, left an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond, shaping the soundscape of multiple genres over a career that spanned more than 70 years.

Born on March 14, 1933, Jones’s journey in music began in the 1950s as a jazz arranger and conductor. He quickly rose to prominence and became known for his versatility, seamlessly moving between jazz, pop, and film scoring. His remarkable ability to transcend genres led to iconic collaborations, including producing pop hits for Lesley Gore, arranging for legends like Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, and ultimately partnering with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The trio of albums they created—Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987)—remains monumental in music history, with Thriller still holding the title of the best-selling album of all time.

Jones broke numerous barriers throughout his career. In 1968, he became the first African American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “The Eyes of Love.” His groundbreaking achievements continued as he became the first African American musical director and conductor of the Academy Awards in 1971 and received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995. With 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations, Jones’s accolades are a testament to his exceptional talent and influence.

Beyond music, Jones was a multifaceted entrepreneur, establishing a media empire that included Qwest Records, QDE Entertainment, and the acclaimed Black music magazine, Vibe. His ability to foster talent extended to the realms of film and television, where he played a pivotal role in launching the careers of icons like Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

Jones’s legacy is characterized not only by his remarkable achievements but also by his unique approach to music production. Described by his longtime sound engineer Bruce Swedien as someone who often used food-related metaphors in the studio, Jones had a distinctive way of cultivating creativity. He believed in the power of “divine intervention” and was known for his willingness to experiment, an attitude that kept him at the forefront of musical innovation. His embrace of synthesizers and blending of funk with jazz were revolutionary, influencing countless artists across generations.

Throughout his life, Jones collected stories and experiences that would intrigue anyone. From his encounters with historical figures like Leni Riefenstahl to iconic musicians like Tupac Shakur, his narratives were as rich and diverse as his music.

Quincy Jones’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to resonate through the countless artists he inspired and the music he crafted. As we remember this musical innovator, we celebrate a life dedicated to breaking barriers and creating a legacy that transcends time and genre. His contributions have forever altered the landscape of music, and his spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians and dreamers.

Rest in peace, Quincy Jones—a true maestro, a visionary, and an enduring symbol of artistic excellence.

Entertainment

SeaWorld Unveils Coast-to-Coast Summer Lineup With All-New Drone Shows at Three Parks

Published

6 days ago

May 11, 2026

Rod Washington, Daily News Staff

SeaWorld is leaning hard into summer nights in 2026, rolling out a coast-to-coast entertainment lineup across Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio. The headline addition: all three parks will feature all-new nighttime drone shows, paired with nighttime animal presentations, seasonal concerts, parades, and event-style programming designed to keep families in the park after sunset.

SeaWorld is rolling out a coast-to-coast Summer Spectacular in 2026 with all-new drone shows, nighttime animal presentations, concerts, and family entertainment at its Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio parks. — For the first time ever this summer, SeaWorld San Diego and SeaWorld San Antonio will debut state-of-the-art drone shows while SeaWorld Orlando will introduce an all-new drone show.

SeaWorld says the goal is a bigger, more immersive summer experience that blends animal encounters with high-energy entertainment. Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts (SeaWorld’s parent company), said the company is “raising the bar across the country” with a mix of “cutting-edge drone displays” and “nonstop family fun” meant to create lasting memories.

What’s new across all three parks

Across Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio, SeaWorld’s summer push centers on nighttime programming. The parks are introducing new drone spectacles (with San Diego and San Antonio debuting drone shows for the first time, and Orlando launching a new version), plus new nighttime animal presentations and event-style entertainment.

Families planning travel around theme parks will want to watch two things: start dates and nighttime schedules, since several offerings roll out in late May and mid-June depending on the park.

SeaWorld Orlando: Electric Ocean returns June 12

In Orlando, SeaWorld’s summer nights are anchored by Electric Ocean, beginning June 12. The event is built as a full evening block: performance show, dance party energy, animal presentations, and a closing sky show.

Electric Ocean includes:

Hydro Surge: Cirque Spectacular Show, a high-energy cirque-style production with acrobatics, dancers, and live drumming
Club SeaGlow, an evening DJ party with dancers and atmospheric acts
An all-new drone spectacle, featuring hundreds of synchronized drones forming ocean-themed scenes
Ignite: A Fireworks Spectacular, returning with an enhanced mix of fireworks, fountains, lighting, and music

Also beginning June 12, SeaWorld Orlando is introducing three new nighttime animal presentations:

Shamu Celebration: Light Up The Night
Sea Lions Tonite
Dolphins: Touch the Sky

SeaWorld also teased a new attraction opening this summer: Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice, described as a scientific mission exploring the most powerful forces that shape one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

SeaWorld San Diego: Drone show debut, Shark Encounter, and a summer concert series

SeaWorld San Diego’s summer programming begins May 22, with a slate that runs from daytime experiences into nighttime entertainment. The biggest “first” is the park’s debut drone show.

New offerings starting May 22 include:

Ocean of Dreams Drone Show, a 12-minute nighttime show featuring 600 synchronized drones set to a soaring soundtrack
Shark Encounter, a refreshed, interactive, immersive experience featuring sharks from 11 species
Dolphin Adventures, featuring dolphins, pilot whales, and “the next generation of dolphins”
The Wonders of North American Wildlife, highlighting native wildlife diversity and rescue/rehabilitation stories
Deep Sea Disco, a dance-focused nighttime experience under SkyTower lights

On June 12, SeaWorld San Diego adds three nighttime animal presentations:

Shamu Celebration: Light Up The Night
Sea Lions Tonite
Dolphins: Touch the Sky

The park is also bringing back fan-favorite shows including BMX Blast! Powered by BODYARMOR and Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. Plus, SeaWorld says its 2026 Summer Concert Series will run every Saturday, spotlighting artists tied to ’90s and early-2000s hip hop and R&B.

SeaWorld San Antonio: Electric Ocean, a 400-drone finale, and a new family coaster

SeaWorld San Antonio’s summer lineup also starts May 22, led by its own version of Electric Ocean. The park’s summer nights are built around parade energy, stunt action, and a drone finale.

Electric Ocean in San Antonio includes:

RhythMotion Ocean Parade, featuring floats, dancers, and characters
Hydropower: Xtreme FX, a waterski stunt show with pyrotechnics, lasers, and live music
SeaWorld Illuminight Drone Finale, featuring 400 synchronized drones creating marine-life-inspired animations

San Antonio is also adding two nighttime animal presentations beginning May 22:

Shamu Celebration: Light Up the Night
Sea Lions Tonite

For families looking for a ride-centered reason to visit, SeaWorld San Antonio is promoting Barracuda Strike, described as the tallest inverted family coaster in North America.

Annual Pass angle for repeat visits

SeaWorld is positioning its Annual Pass as the best way to experience the summer lineup, emphasizing unlimited visits and perks like savings on merchandise, reserved seating, and add-ons.

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A note on SeaWorld’s conservation and rescue work

Alongside the entertainment rollout, SeaWorld highlighted its conservation and animal rescue efforts. The company says it has helped more than 42,000 animals to date and that the SeaWorld Conservation Fund has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations since 2003.

Planning tips: what to watch before you book

If you’re planning a family trip around these summer events, the key details to confirm are:

Event start dates (May 22 vs. June 12 depending on the park)
Nighttime showtimes for drone shows and animal presentations
Concert dates (San Diego’s Saturday series)
Park hours and whether any offerings require reservations or have limited seating

Source: SeaWorld (press release distributed via PRNewswire, May 7, 2026).

Related: Sea World Orlando

and let your entertainment journey begin!

music and concerts

Hillbilly Bible Film Relaunch Honors John Amos, Adds Voyage Air Guitar Giveaway

Hillbilly Bible, a Memphis-rooted faith-based dramedy dedicated to John Amos, is set to begin production in Fall 2026 and is launching a $30 fan campaign with a Voyage Air Guitar giveaway.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 5, 2026

Daily News Staff

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hillbilly Bible, a Memphis-rooted, music-driven faith-based dramedy, is being relaunched by Hillbilly Bible Movie LLC in association with MVP3 Foundation and MVP3 Network, with director KC Amos stepping in to honor the legacy of his father, actor John Amos.

acoustic guitar player in music studio. Hillbilly Bible — Photo by Caique Araujo on Pexels.com

The film is supported by Voyage Air Guitar as the leading product placement title sponsor and is scheduled to begin production in Fall 2026, with filming planned in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, and Clarksdale, Mississippi.

What the film is about

Written by Marie Pizano with co-writer Mark Selker and inspired by the book title Hillbilly Bible by Stevie Rey, the PG-13 story follows Billy Madden, a former foster kid whose early trauma shadows his adult life.

After a public fall tied to pride and addiction, Billy heads south searching for a legendary bluesman known as the “Cool Cat Jesus,” believing the musician can help restore his broken career.

Instead, he meets unexpected messengers who challenge him to face humility, inner-child wounds, and the cost of chasing applause over purpose.

The film tracks Billy’s road to repentance, healing, and restored identity, blending music, drama, and humor while carrying a dedication to John Amos.

The creative team

Pizano leads the project alongside director KC Amos and co-director Al Coronel, who makes his directorial debut. The producing team also includes Kent Wells, a longtime producer associated with Dolly Parton.

“This story carries the spirit of all of us,” Pizano said in the announcement. “We all stumble and fall, but we can get back up and find our ‘yes.’”

Fan campaign + giveaway

To bring supporters into the rollout, the film is launching a $30 fan supporter campaign and a Voyage Air Guitar giveaway. Organizers say the campaign is designed to give back to foster youth, ministries, and mental health advocacy.

Each supporter package includes an exclusive Hillbilly Bible T-shirt, entry into the Voyage Air Guitar giveaway, and access to a private screening before any wider public release.

More details and official rules are available at https://hillbillybiblemovie.com/. Fans can also follow the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/1ApXMKqqA1/?mibextid=wwXIfr.

What to Watch For

Fall 2026 production start and location updates (Memphis, Nashville, Clarksdale)
News from press-only conferences set for March 25, 2026 (Memphis and Clarksdale), plus a later Nashville event
Casting, music partnerships, and additional sponsor announcements as the project ramps up

Sources: hillbillybiblemovie.com
Official Facebook page

STM Daily News’ Entertainment section delivers the latest on movies, television, music, pop culture, events, and industry buzz. From breaking news and trending stories to feature coverage and community-centered entertainment reporting, it keeps readers connected to what’s happening on screen, on stage, and beyond.

pop culture

May the Fourth: Celebrating National Star Wars Day | Fun Facts & Festivities

National Star Wars Day, also known as May the Fourth, is a celebration of the Star Wars franchise that takes place annually on May 4th.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Daily News Staff

Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff

National Star Wars Day, also known as May the Fourth, is a celebration of the Star Wars franchise that takes place annually on May 4th. The day is filled with festivities such as costume contests, trivia games, and movie marathons. Fans of the series can dress up like their favorite characters, watch their favorite movies, and make outer space snacks.

The phrase “May the Fourth Be with You” was first introduced by the Conservative Party in the UK in 1979 to congratulate Margaret Thatcher on becoming the first female Prime Minister. Since then, the phrase has become synonymous with Star Wars Day and is used by fans around the world to greet each other on this special day.

National Star Wars Day was first organized in Toronto, Canada, in 2011, and has since become a worldwide phenomenon. Fans of all ages come together to celebrate their love for the franchise and to honor its creator, George Lucas.

Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just a casual admirer, National Star Wars Day is a day to let loose and have some fun. May the Fourth be with you!