(Huntsville, Alabama) There are a number of podcasts out on the World Wide Web, but only one can claim an intimate, candid conversation with our very own Varion Walton.
After more than 20 years in the game, this award-winning anchor and investigative reporter talks about current trending topics, plus what's truly been the "secret behind the sauce" since 1994.
Check out the full episode of "Mere Motivation" hosted by newcomer J.L. Orr, an accomplished scholar and author in her own right.
VisionVoiceVarion and Mere Motivation...."stronger together!"
As everyone prepares to ring in the New Year, The VisionVoiceVarion crew is focused on closing the book on "the decade!" It's been a hard fought 10 years that's included everything from covering The Obama White House, to starting up our entertainment magazine.
Through the years we've brought you all of the news makers and breakers, live reports from Essence Music Festival in New Orleans to The Stellar Awards in Nashville.
Varion Walton is leading the charge with her crew as we embark on 2020, committed to serving up more impactful stories with memorable content, globally!
Spread the word, tell a friend, "VisionVoiceVarion giving you more of what you love, 24/7 and beyond!"
(New Orleans, LA.)--It's this week's VISION/VOICE/VARION EXCLUSIVE! Ahead of this week's big premiere on The Own Network, Varion Walton has the scoop on the brand new drama series that is intelligent, rare and intriguing.
"Queen Sugar," the new drama series inspired by a novel by Natalie Baszile. Created by famed writer/director Ava DuVernay, Queen Sugar is a warm, beautifully written family drama about The Louisiana Bordelon family. DeVernay and media mogul Oprah Winfrey are teaming up again following their success with the movie Selma, hoping to get viewers to "reimagine" television when it comes to a scripted drama series.
Queen Sugar on OWN TV
Queen Sugar on OWN TV
The 2-day premiere is leaving audiences on the edge of their seats as the Bordelon siblings, Nova (True Blood's Rutina Wesley), Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe), and Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner), all children of Ernest (Veteran Actor Glynn Turman) - a sugar cane farmer and black landowner in St. Josephine Parish falls on hard times and failing health.
The new television drama series slowly, methodically takes the viewer through three generations of Bordelons, their plight, their fury and weaknesses when it comes to being a dysfunctional family.
In the novel written by Natalie Baszile, the character "Micah" is female. In The OWN NETWORK drama series, Micha is male and played by newcomer Nick Ashe. Varion Walton got an opportunity to talk with Ashe and other cast members this summer during her coverage of The Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
Ashe, who is more of theater major talks exclusively with VARION WALTON about being given a shot to cut his acting chops on the small screen, all with two powerhouse females like Winfrey and DuVernay at the helm.
PRESS PLAY and check out what Nick had to say when asked about his schoolboy looks and being part of something he clearly defines as "something revolutionary" when it comes to seeing stories about black love and black families on the small screen.
ANTHONY HAMILTON TOUR WITH FANTASIA STARTS APRIL 21ST!
"GOOD FOOD/GOOD MUSIC AT CRACKER BARREL"
(ATLANTA, GA.)-What goes better with a bowl of collard greens and fried chicken than soulful singer Anthony Hamilton? The Grammy Award winner's new CD "What I'm Feelin," come featuring his new single "AMEN" is serving up a "delicious bonus" for fans at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores nationally.
Varion Walton has the "scoop" on the bonus track available at the "home-style cooking" restaurant, plus details on his upcoming tour with American Idol Fantasia.
Anthony Hamilton's "new groove sound" on his 9th studio album is the focus of this week's VISION/VOICE/VARION EXCLUSIVE!
(Atlanta, GA.)--The Observance of "The Dreamer's" Birthday is almost in the history books, but first Varion Walton gives us a look back at the week the nation called "King Holiday!"
(Johannesburg, South Africa)-Norma Quarles, Carol Simpson and Charlayne Hunter-Gault, three names that dominated the broadcast news industry in the late 80's and 90's. As a little girl growing up in Prichard, Alabama they were my "it" girls because there were not a lot of examples of strong black female journalists "on air" for me. (Keep in mind this was long before the years of Oprah!) I also never forgot this "fiercely feminine" trio because they broke down barriers, opened doors and paved the way for me.
I remember it like it was yesterday, Sunday after church I'd check out Charlayne Hunter-Gault on PBS. After dinner, Norma Quarles had my undivided attention in between my mother's serving of Southern "chicken and dressing" with NBC Nightly News on the television. Carol Simpson anchored ABC Evening News--Weekend Edition, respectively.
In the late 80's, early 90's they dominated the airwaves, but one by one they all slowly disappeared from the scene. I had the pleasure of meeting Carol Simpson during an NABJ Convention in Nashville nearly a decade ago. To this day Simpson is still quick to tell you what's on her mind and she doesn't mince words when it comes to talking about the continued struggle of breaking down "stereotypes" in the broadcast industry.
A few years later, during another NABJ convention and saw Charlayne Hunter-Gault in a crowded room of other well known national black journalists. I didn't get to meet Gault because my feet would not come unglued from their place. I was somewhat apprehensive about actually walking up to my childhood "shero!" I would never tell Carol, but Charlayne was my favorite. Whenever she was on my television I was immediately awestruck. Not only is she tall and has a "big" presence on camera, to this day she is still articulate and has that smile illuminates any room she enters.
Imagine my surprise when I turned on my television this weekend to find her on the air again after all these years. Charlayne Hunter-Gault was hand picked as a special correspondent for NBC Weekend Today. She had the undaunted task of giving Lester Holt a medical update on another "iconic" male figure that become the lone symbol of ending Apartheid, former South African President Nelson Mandela.
It's got to be gratifying for Gault who now lives full-time in South Africa to know she still has the trust and respect of her colleagues back here at home. Though her hair is now practically white, coiled tightly and different from her days of yesteryear, the wrinkles on her face are a vivid reminder of the miles she logged as an "international correspondent." I'm happy to say after all those years of my humble beginnings of growing up from Prichard, Mrs. Gault still has a way of "stopping me dead in my tracks."
Charlayne Hunter-Gault is one of those seasoned reporters who can still do the legwork and really "go get the big stories." Her intellect and integrity make me proud to spell my name "w-o-m-a-n" as I enter nearly 20 years in the business. Even today without the luxury of major call letters at the back of her name, Charlayne Hunter-Gault exemplifies what I know for sure, "once a journalist, always a journalist!"
In today's "Money Matters" segment, Varion Walton talks with a financial expert who gives you some tips on "Fixing your Finances" for good! Alphonso Brady, Jr, with New York Life helps you determine if you are on the right track with "your money!"
"Tips on Socking Away Enough For Savings"
New York Life Insurance Company 1110 Montlimar Drive Mobile, AL. 36609 (251) 622-1044 http://www.newyorklife.com
When "She Speaks", she speaks of heartache, depression, anxiety, molestation and sometimes yes, even incest! She speaks of the calamities and tragedies that have polarized her life. She speaks of a longing to be free from all that plagues her spirit. The poets in "She Speaks" talk about their struggles, challenges, victories and even triumphs in overcoming their demons, oppressors and their "audacity of hope."
Saturday, January 21, 2012 Katina Walton's vision of "She Speaks" was realized with the official book signing and performances of some of the most prolific poets featured in her anthology of poetry. It was standing room only as all of North Alabama came out to hear the words of these driven, determined women. Women freeing their minds, their bodies and their hearts.
This video was created and edited by Charles Beason. He's is the graphics designer and co-publisher of Radar Magazine. His skilled eye captured the essence of this incredible night. Through his careful selection of images and sound Charles captured a "moment in time" that's considered provoking, entertaining , empowering and leaves wanting more.
Congratulations Katina Walton, not only are you my little sister, but you're my best barometer for how to take it to "another level."
(Pensacola, FL.)"VISION/VOICE/VARION" celebrates it's 1 year anniversary with a "world exclusive!" The hit television series "THE GAME" premieres tonight on BET, but not before Varion Walton "scores" a touchdown with cast member Marion "Pooch" Hall. Pooch who is quickly becoming one of the hottest actors on television gives fans a sneak peek of this upcoming season. Varion gets Pooch to open up about his early days with Hollywood Producer/ Director Spike Lee, plus how after growing up in Brockton, Massachusetts he always thought he would some day make it to the NFL, just not in full make-up!
Watch Varion's exclusive interview and find out why BET's "THE GAME" is striking a nerve with black households and starting to draw comparisons to "Good Times" and "Different Strokes!" Spread the word, tell a friend; this week marks an anniversary like no other as Varion works overtime to "bring you more of what your love, 24/7!"
Courtesy: BET
Pooch Hall and Varion Walton
CLICK HERE TO Check out VARION's exclusive interview on her official website. "Up Close with Pooch Hall"
(MOBILE, AL.) What do you get when you stir up soulful ingredients like a "choir boy" in the church, a direct link to a legendary R&B family along with the incredible influences of iconic crooners like Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway? K-Rob, of course! This rising star appeared Live on "VISION/VOICE/VARION" following his performance with BayFest 2011. Check him out as he talks about mixing the nuances of today's R&B/Hip Hop with the "old school" flava.
(PREVIOUSLY RECORDED-- K-Rob Live on Vision/Voice/Varion during BayFest 2011)
A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THE HOTTEST CONCERTS OF 2011
Ron Isley and The Isley Brothers in Concert In November 2011
(MEMPHIS, TN.) --VISION/VOICE/VARION is your only "all access" internet magazine featuring some of the Mid-South's hottest concerts. In November Desoto Civic Center near Memphis put on one of the best concerts ever. There was just too much talent on one stage! The Bar-Kays featuring Larry Dobson, Anthony Hamilton, Ron Isley featuring the Isley Brothers, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. We wrapped up our tour of the Memphis area in December with the smooth sounds and cool vocals from Stax Recording Artist Lalah Hathaway and her featured opening artist Jonathan Winstead. Jonathan is definitely a "rising star" in his own right. He opened for Lalah the night of his birthday, but everyone in the audience walked away with a gift, the pleasure of enjoying the outstanding performance of this Tennessee based newcomer.
Check out the images captured by celebrity photographer "E" of Elpwe's Photography of Memphis.
