Out and About: Bessie Edition
Solange, Janelle Monáe, Luke James celebrate premiere.
1 / 11
Bessie's Back in Town - Music stars came out from coast-to-coast in the days leading up to the debut of the HBO biopic of Bessie Smith. The flick hit the screen this weekend, and the blues icon's legacy was celebrated with some awe-inspiring R&B performances. Check out the pics. Queen Latifah walks the carpet at the Film Independent and LACMA screening of Bessie, in which she plays the complex blues singer to rave reviews. (Photo: Araya Diaz/WireImage)
2 / 11
Women on Top - Music industry executive Sylvia Rhone, director Dee Rees and producer Shelby Stone share a proud moment for their hard work. (Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for HBO)
3 / 11
Lessons in R&B - Bryan-Michael Cox, the Grammy-winning songwriter who has worked with everyone from Usher to Mariah Carey, shares his knowledge of the music industry as part of the Bessie 81 tour music workshop.(Photo: Maury Phillips/Getty Images for HBO)
4 / 11
That Kinda Girl - JoJo's taking her comeback nice and easy, following her EP release and performance at SXSW last year. (Photo: Maury Phillips/Getty Images for HBO)
5 / 11
Reppin' Harlem - Luke James belts out a few of his R&B hits for the crowd.(Photo: Dorothy Hong)
ADVERTISEMENT
6 / 11
Boogie Down - DJ D-Nice brings a little hip hop flavor to the celebration of jazz. (Photo: Dorothy Hong)
7 / 11
Electrifying Lady - Janelle Monáe thrilled the crowd with a surprise performance after the film's New York premiere. (Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for HBO)
8 / 11
East Meets West - AJ Calloway and director John Singleton catch up on old times as they enjoy Monáe's 30 minute set.
9 / 11
Preach-er Girl - Atlantic Records' newest artist Kehlani shows us what she's got.(Photo: Dorothy Hong)
Photo By Photo: Dorothy Hong
10 / 11
Show Stopper - Solange hopped on stage for a surprise performance to close out the Bessie 81 tour in Los Angeles. (Photo: Dorothy Hong)
Photo By Photo: Dorothy Hong
