According to St. Louis Today, R&B/gospel singer David Peaston, a St. Louis native has died. Peaston died on Wednesday. He was 54. His cause of death has not been released. Peaston’s longtime battle with diabetes led to the amputation of both his legs, beginning with his right leg in 2004. Speaking with the Post-Dispatch in a 2004 interview, in connection with an event honoring him at the time, he said he was initially angry with himself over his illness.

“I didn’t want to be back in the public. I wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed, but I felt I let myself down and, therefore, I let everyone else down. It was my fault for being sick, and I didn’t want anybody to see me like that.”

Peaston, known for a high-piercing falsetto that was unmatched, was a winner at “Showtime at the Apollo,” where he got his big break, and found national fame with hits such as “Can I” and “Two Wrongs (Don’t Make a Right).” His albums include 1989′s “Introducing…David Peaston” and 1991′s “Mixed Emotions.” The Soul Train Award winner is also well-known for his rendition of “God Bless the Child.” Peaston has also been a big presence on the local gospel scene. Friend Leslie Johnson, a St. Louis gospel singer, said on his Facebook page:

“FB FAM…On tonight my friend, David Peaston, received his complete healing. He is now with God. Please keep his wife Marilyn, their children and his entire family in your prayers.

Tonight, I dedicate my page to the memory of the Incomparable, “MR. DAVID PEASTON.”

Another friend, Cheryl Pepsii Riley, told eurweb.com:

“David Peaston and I were, in the beginning, the only secular artists doing Gospel traveling plays. Back then there were just about 4 shows out so they stayed out a long time. I met David doing the show “Momma Don’t”. We ended up doing several shows together after that and were official Road Dawgs! I Soooooooooo Loved this Man with the Hearty Laugh, Great Sense of Humor, That Incredible Voice, and He was The Most Amazing Friend!!! This hurts so much. He had a Gift that commanded the Room. David will be sorely missed. My Condolences go out to His Beautiful Wife and Children and All the Many Friends and Fans His Presence has Touched and Blessed.”

Peaston’s mother is the sister of “Rescue Me” singer Fontella Bass. His mother, Martha Bass, was a member of the Clara Ward singers.

Survivors include his wife Marilyn Peaston.

U2′s lead man shares a powerful perspective of his views on Faith vs. Karma. Check out what he had to say!

You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so you will sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff…

I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep s—. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity…

I love the idea of the Sacrificial Lamb. I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there’s a mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and, let’s face it, you’re not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That’s the point. It should keep us humbled… It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven.

As the lead singer of U2, one of the most popular and influential rock bands of the last 30 years, Bono is a figure adored and admired both within and outside of the music industry. As a rock star, his music with U2 has earned him legions of devoted fans across the world, whilst as a humanitarian and crusader for the world’s poor, co-founder of organisations such as DATA and the ONE Campaign, he has gained deep respect from politicians and global statesmen as well as music fans.

Honestly, Octavia Spencer’s win for Best Female Actor In A Supporting Role, was expected, as she’s been the one to beat during this awards season. She’s been on a roll this season, having won awards for her performance at the Golden Globes, the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and now the SAG Awards. Spencer was honored to be recognized by her fellow actors, and quoted after her win:

“It’s beyond profound,” she said backstage, “because its your peers saying you are the best that you can be tonight.”

I believe Octavia will soon be called Academy Award Winner, because she got The Oscars on lock.

Viola Davis I thought had more competition, and I wasn’t too sure if she would get it, especially since Meryl Streep seems to be the one to beat, and who was the one who walked away with the Golden Globe. But she did it and she won for Best Female Actor In A Leading Role.

Viola quotes after her win

“I feel pretty overwhelmed with my name being called,” Davis said backstage Sunday night when the cast answered questions about the film’s best ensemble win.”

“I just don’t see the ‘best’ thing going on,” Davis said. “It’s hard. Every time I start a new job, I feel like I start with a clean slate. … I feel like everyone is going to find out what a hack I am. And it’s strange to triumph over Meryl Streep.”

I am so happy to see that they BOTH got wins last night, well deserved!!!

Today Elder Vikki Johnson reminds women that we have the power to create! Not just physically but also spiritually by what we speak out of our mouths! Check out today’s Girl Talk Moment!

This week Kym Lee introduces us to a wonderful home grown boutique in the infamous Bloomingdale area of NW, DC it called Studio 85.

Studio 85 is located at 53 Florida Ave, NW in Bloomingdale. Their website says:

Tammi, Tamika, & Tiffany are sisters who were born & raised in Washington, DC. As kids they were always taking their creativity to new levels, whether putting on homemade fashion shows in their moms closet or turning the whole house into an amusement park! The three have always kept in touch with their creative side and it was always encouraged by their artist father, and there fashion forward mom. So working in a creative field seemed to be fate for each sister.

Studio85 came to be one morning at a coffee house, in their parents hometown of Lancaster, South Carolina. They were singing songs, making jokes, & somewhere the idea of making funny names for nail polishes came about, and that’s how they came up with idea of creating this line.

The name “Studio85″ just seemed to flow with the women. They knew they wanted a studio and CEO Tiffany was born in 1985, completing their artistic semi-circle. Once the company name was decided, the three narrowed down the hundreds of names & color combinations to develop the now exclusive S85 Nail Gloss.

With their love for the arts, and their eager ambition to make all things possible these sisters are looking forward to presenting you with all things art and apparel with, Studio85.

check out today’s beauty segment with Kym Lee!

This month I grace the cover of Kingdom Voices Magazine. Things get real interesting when I sit on the other side of the interview chair with editor-in-chief, Latoya A. Young. Check out the up close and personal interview here.

Kingdom Voices (KV) is a revolutionary online Christian lifestyle magazine for all men and women of faith. A bi-monthly publication comprised of spiritually based articles designed to encourage and minister to the needs of the believer while bringing awareness to the unbeliever. They are a free web-based publication open to everyone but core readers are between the ages of 21-60. The brand is built on uncompromising quality, professionalism, bold graphics, and savvy marketing which produce a standard of excellence in the Kingdom of God.

Check it out at http://www.kingdomvoicesmag.com

It was one of the most touching moments during Bishop T.D. Jakes’ 2011 Woman Thou Art Loosed conference. His daughter, Sarah Henson, who became a mom at the young age of 14, shared how her father was her rock and biggest champion during such a difficult time in her life. Today, on her blog, the budding writer opened up about the moments leading up to her tear-jerking introduction of Dad Jakes, among the most influential Christian men in the world.

“My parent’s asked me to introduce my father at one of our largest conferences,” wrote Henson. “Not one to be in the limelight but still something in me said yes… I went back and forth with myself struggling to find something nice and short to say before my dad took the stage. One night at three am the words hit me…so I said them in front of 18,000 people, I shared one of the most precious parts of my heart. Things have continued to grow from that point, it’s remarkable what a difference a year makes.”

If you missed the sweet moment, you can watch it on YouTube here.

According to Gospel Pundit.com the nominees for the 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced today!

In the category of Outstanding Gospel Album, here are your nominees:

Yolanda Adams – Becoming

Deitrick Haddon – Church on the Moon

Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear

Mary Mary – Something Big

Andraé Crouch – The Journey

Also, in the Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration category, long-time favorite choir Sounds of Blackness was nominated!

The awards show will air live on February 17, 2012, on NBC, from 8pm-10pm ET.

Congrats, nominees!

On this weeks Beauty and Health Segment, make up artist to the stars, Kym Lee talks with 1st Lady Michelle Obama’s hairstylist Johnny Wright. He shares with her tips to have flawless hair every day. She also scope the red carpet at BET Honors and the Stellar Awards and shares her favorites.

Check out the full commentary!

Kim Burrell and Israel Houghton hosted the luncheon, along with Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, and Del Bryant, BMI President and CEO.

A full slate of artists delivered stunning performances before the show, including Wess Morgan, William McDowell, Earnest Pugh and VaShawn Mitchell.

The awe-inspiring musical tribute to Hezekiah Walker featured Faith Evans and the original lead singer Timiney Figueroa-Caton. Check out the video!