*Last night on TV One’s “Unsung,” fans of hip hop /R&B group Full Force learned that Paul Anthony George is battling lymphoma.  Paul is the most herculean member of the buffed band of brothers and cousins who recorded hits like “Alice Be My Girl,” “Please Stay” and “Let’s Dance Against The World.”  They also had memorable roles in the movies House Party, House 2 and Krush Groove, among others.

Paul Anthony explains how he found out:

“I was in the gym training and my training partner saw a small lump. He said, you need to go and get that checked out.  I didn’t feel nothing, but with that type you don’t feel anything.   I went and had a FNA (a fine needle aspiration) where they inject and pull the fluid out, and the diagnosis was that it seemed to be consistent with mantle cell lymphoma.”

The biopsy was conclusive and to date the disease is incurable.  Paul told EURweb’s Lee Bailey exclusively about his immediate reaction and strategy:

Out of this experience has grown a family quest for the right plan of attack, which included canvassing cancer treatment centers and interviewing world renowned physicians.   Making the right choice for Paul Anthony came easy, because it all boiled down to a name.  Somewhere out there was a Dr. Paul Anthony Hamlin and when the two Paul Anthony’s met, the irony served as a confirmation.  Full Force’s Paul Anthony comments on the coincidence:

“He said, I’ve never met another Paul Anthony and the doctor said, neither have I.  So I said, ‘ll my life, I’ve bet on Paul Anthony, so I’m going to bet on Paul Anthony.’”

Six months of intense chemotherapy followed for an undaunted Paul, who maintained his fitness regimen despite the treatments.  Anthony stresses that most diseases are individual, therefore implementing healthy lifestyle choices, mental focus and spirituality are what is most important in combating illness and maintaining health. Paul Anthony is currently in remission although, his brother Bow Legged Lou is a direct match for him should there be a need for a blood donor.  The success rate for such an operation is now 98-99%.

True to the Full Force persona that we know, Paul Anthony is living life and not missing a beat.  He also never paused to wonder why this diagnosis has come upon him.

“I never asked myself why me?  I was too preoccupied with let’s dance, let’s do this. The only thought is let me take care of this, let me dance with this, let me get control of this because I’ve got things to do!”

Paul Anthony decided to go public with his fight, so that it might encourage others, especially those who are entertainers, to be vocal about their predicament in the hope that they can help and inspire others. Be on the lookout for concerts, fundraiser’s and various events as part of the Paul Anthony Foundation and its mission to find a cure for lymphoma and other diseases.

If you missed it, click HERE to watch a clip from Monday night’s “Unsung” of Paul Anthony’s reveal of his lymphoma cancer: 

Soul Train creator Don Cornelius

*Super shocking news.

The man who created and hosted the legendary “Soul Train” program is dead at 75.

Don Cornelius was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning and law enforcement sources tell TMZ   it appears he committed suicide.

We’re told cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT.  Law enforcement sources tell us … Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted.

We’re told Cornelius was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“Soul Train” changed the landscape of television when it debuted in 1971 and ran until 2006.

Officials have notified Don’s family.

Developing  

*According to the Hollywood Reporter, “Red Tails” did far better than expected (by the Hollywood establishment that is.)

In its opening weekend “Red Tails” brought in $19.1 million for a solid number 2 placing at the box office behind “Underworld Awakening” with $25.4 million.

The back story behind “Red Tails” is that Producer George Lucas spent 20 years pursuing the project, and recently revealed he couldn’t get any studio to finance the film because of an all-black cast. He finally decided to put up the money himself, and spent $58 million on the production budget and another $35 in distribution costs.

Weekend/Domestic Box Office Jan. 20-Jan. 22

Title/Weeks in Release/Studio/Theater Count/Three Day Weekend Total/Cume

1. Underworld: Awakening (1), Sony/3,078, $25.4 million

2. Red Tails (1), Fox/2,512, $19.1 million

3. Contraband (2), Universal/2,870, $12.2 million, $46.1 million

4. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (5), Warner Bros./2,630, $10.5 million, $11.2 million

5. Haywire (1), Relativity Media/2,439, $9 million

6. Beauty and the Beast (3D) (2), Disney/2,625, $23.5 million, $33.4 million

7. Joyful Noise (2), Warner Bros./Alcon/2,735, $6.1 million, $21.9 million

8. Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol (6), Paramount/2,519, $5.5 million, $197.3 million

9. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (6), Warner Bros./2,485, $4.8 million, $178.6 million

10. The Iron Lady (4), Weinstein Co./1,076, $3.7 million, $12.6 million.

Read/learn MORE at the Hollywood Reporter. 

Etta James

*She could screech like a wildcat or purr like a kitten, but when you heard it you knew it was unmistakably the voice of Etta James – the legendary singer who passed away Friday January 20, 2012 after a lengthy battle with leukemia. She will be remembered for her extraordinary recordings and stage performances.

There exists an extensive collection of some of her early hits titled The Essential Etta James. Reading through some of the song titles is like reading a fragmented love letter. Weaving them together could look something like this:

[“My Dearest Darling” when we first started seeing each other I told you I wanted “A Sunday Kind Of Love.” Do you remember? You thought I was kidding with all those jive-talking men hittin’ on me, and I whispered “I Prefer You.” I asked, “Would It Make Any Difference To You” if you knew I’d been watching you and hoping we could get together? I would have done or gone through “Anything To Say You’re Mine.” You looked so sincere when you asked “Baby What You Want Me To Do?” Then you kissed me on the cheek, and sent chills down my spine. That night we got “All The Way Down” and it was wonderful!

Early recording session

After that I heard nothing from you for days and my thoughts of you made me “A Prisoner Of Love.” Finally when you came by to see me I was “Feeling Uneasy” until you took me in your “Lovin’ Arms” and held me tight. I cried tears of  joy and thought to myself, “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” – I knew right then I was hooked on your love. I said “If I Can’t Have You” I don’t want anybody else. You looked me in the eyes, told me you loved me and said, “Don’t Cry Baby,” “Trust In Me.” That was the assurance and the “Security” that I needed. “At Last” I had found my true love; my knight in shining armor. As time went on I began “Loving You More Everyday.” I treasured what we had.

Then one day I found out you were seeing someone else. I didn’t want to believe it at first but when I went down that night to club “In The Basement” and saw you and her talking, something told me it was over. I lost control and made a big scene. You had been taking me for a “Pushover” while I was being your “Seven Day Fool.” I was devastated and “All I Could Do Was Cry.”

Soon after we broke up I heard it through the grapevine that you were going to be married. I cried so much I had to go “Tell Mama.” I told her “I’d Rather Go Blind” than to see you married to someone else. Mama said, ‘If you feel that way then go “Stop The Wedding.”’ I was “Almost Persuaded” but decided not to go. Instead, I went to the club and sat for hours thinking about all “These Foolish Things.” Then I told Joe to give me “One For My Baby (And One For The Road).” “Fool That I Am” for falling in love with you.]

In the collection’s liner notes – written by biographer David Ritz – James is quoted: “It was a roller-coaster ride,” she says with a sigh, her mind racing with a million memories. “Man, it was absolutely crazy. But when I listen to the music on these discs, when I think of the producers and writers and musicians who gave me their talents and hearts, when I hear all the different kinds of songs I sang, the different styles, the different feelings I expressed…well I know I’ve been blessed.”

In appreciation, we thank you Ms. Etta James for the many songs that became some of the best and most memorable soundtracks of our lives.

Larry Buford is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” (Steuben Pub) www.amazon.com. Available at Smiley’s Bookstore in Carson CA, Skylight Books, Los Angeles, and Chaucer’s in Santa Barbara CA. Visit the author at www.larrybuford.com. (213) 220-8101

*Jordin Sparks is overly excited about her role in the remake of 1976′s “Sparkle” because one of her biggest idols will star in the movie alongside her.

It’s been more than 15 years since 48-year-old Whitney Houston has played a significant part on the big screen and many are rejoicing for her return to that side of the industry. Here’s what Sparks told People:

“She was so cool and very motherly toward me,” says the former American Idol winner, 22, who marks her film debut in the remake of a 1976 movie that originally starred Lonette McKee and Irene Cara. “If I ever looked like I needed something, here she came saying ‘Are you okay?’ ”

RELATED: Video: Mike Epps Stops by WJLB Detroit to Dish on ‘Sparkle,’ Whitney & More

But Sparks isn’t the only excited about the whole ordeal. The legendary singer is overwhelmed with joy to have a part in a film like this.

“Part of the fun of making this movie is definitely the costumes and the hairstyles,” Houston also told People. “The movie is set in 1963, and we had a great wardrobe, hair and makeup person and I loved wearing the outfits.”

The film, which also stars Derek Luke, is all about the challenges the group of sisters faced once they made it big. It’s due Aug. 10. 

*A San Francisco fumble sets up New York for a game-winning field goal in overtime for a 20-17 victory. The Giants will meet the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on Feb. 5.

Lawrence Tynes kicked a 31-yard field goal with 7:06 left in overtime as the Giants won the National Football Conference’s championship game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The winning kick came after the Giants recovered a fumbled punt by Kyle Williams at the 49ers’ 24-yard line.

“It’s amazing, I had dreams about this last night,” Tynes said in a televised interview. “I was so nervous before the game just anticipating this kind of a game.”

Read/learn MORE at Bloomberg.