Posts Tagged ‘Michael Jackson’

Smack me upside the head and say it ain’t so! The latest author in the continual onslaught of “poor rich me” is none other than Maureen McCormick, aka Marcia Brady, who reveals in her new book, “Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice,” unimaginable liaisons with pseudo-brother Barry Williams (her TV stepbrother), outings with Michael Jackson (seriously), Steve Martin (seriously?) and “it’s-a-miracle-I’m-not-dead” cocaine binges at the Hefner Playboy mansion (dear Lord, Marcia!) and the home of (wait for it!)…Sammy Davis, Jr!

The book reveals the trials and tribulations of a beaten and tattered star-on-the-rise, who eventually falls flat on her face and nearly fades into obscurity.

Once the most prominent member among TV’s most popular TV families of the era, McCormick’s real-life family drama paled in comparison (her father’s infidelity was a cause of anxiety for the teen queen). Following years of drug abuse, drug addiction, and at least one unwanted pregnancy later, she finally kicked the habit and battled her demons – legally.

Thanks to reality-TV, our dear Marcia is once again the darling of the small screen, having appeared on MTV’s Celebrity Fit Club and most recently on Outsider’s Inn with singer Carnie Wilson and Bobby Brown (yes, as in hip hop artist Bobby Brown). In any case, today McCormick faces life with clarity and is drug-free. And that’s certainly something to write home about.

Stevie Wonder, who certainly needs no introduction, will be honored by The Library of Congress with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Winners are recognized for their lifetime achievement, while transcending musical styles which promote expression and cultural understanding.

The 58-year-old Wonder, a self-taught prodigy, appeared on American Bandstand at age 12, and music hasn’t been the same since.

His songs include, “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” (which has been sung by every B-rated torch singer this side of the Mississippi…just an observation), “My Cherie Amour,” “Superstition,” “Living for the City,” and far too many to mention.

He’s collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned artists, like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Bob Marley, to name just a few; and his music’s been used by Will Smith, Coolio, Warren G, 50 Cent, and others.

The 58-year-old Wonder will receive the Gershwin Award on February 23, 2009.