Damzel In Distress

Al Green Should Thank President Obama for Record Sales

2012-01-27T12:06:00.002-05:00

After video of the president singing the first line of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” went viral last week, the R&B classic posted its best download sales week since 2003.

Since President Barack Obama broke out in song at the Jan. 19 fundraising event, the tune enjoyed a 490 percent weekly sales increase, selling 16,000 downloads in the week ending Jan. 22 according to Nielsen SoundScan.

It’s the best sales week for the song since SoundScan began tracking downloads in 2003.

The fundraiser took place at New York’s Apollo Theater, where Green was also making an appearance. As Obama took to the stage, he noted Green’s presence in the room and surprised the crowd (and his aides) with the opening line.

“Those guys didn’t think I would do it,” joked Obama, gesturing to his staffers on the side of the stage. “I told you I was going to do it. The Sandman did not come out.”

While there are multiple videos of the moment on YouTube, the most-viewed clip has been watched more than 4 million times. Watch below.

Mary Gets No Love: Oscar Snub

2012-01-26T13:07:00.001-05:00

Mary J. Blige is not a happy camper today after being snubbed yesterday by the folks who give out “original song” Oscar nominations.

Who can blame her?

The singer’s theme song for “The Help,” a tune called “Living Proof” was considered by many to be as sure bet to at least get a nomination if not the award itself. Well, they wuz wrong as the the saying goes.

If fact, there were only two songs nominated this year when usually there are five.

Miss Mary tweeted her frustration saying:

“I’m so thankful for the true fans like you all. It saddens me and feels like the Academy is being mean. 2 only nominate 2 of the 5 slots is ….”

First Lady Wears Barbara Tfank Dress at State of the Union

2012-01-26T12:58:00.002-05:00

First Lady Michelle Obama sported a sapphire blue dress by Los Angeles-based designer Barbara Tfank for the State of the Union address.

The designer described it as a “criss cross bodice cap-sleeved slim dress in silk twill.”

Mrs. O also wore Barbara Tfank — a floral print dress from the resort collection — last May for a Buckingham Palace visit where she greeted the Queen and met Duchess Catherine (aka Kate Middleton) for the first time.

The designer, who started her career as a costume designer and has said that her focus is on creating “timeless” looks, will show her latest collection during New York Fashion Week on Feb. 13. Tfank’s spring 2012 collection was inspired by some of Elizabeth Taylor’s most iconic on-screen styles.

See Barbara Tfank's Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear line on Style.com.