Philly loses another Music Icon: Pieces of A Dream’s Cedric Napoleon

Yanina Carter Entertainment Editor

Pieces of a Dream cofounder Cedric Napoleon passed away last week, and the jazz community poured in with condolences via Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, etc. Cedric performed with the group from 1976 to 1986 before he left for a solo career.

His surviving bandmates Curtis Harmon (drummer) and James Lloyd (keyboards) handled bass (both acoustic and electric) as well as lead vocals on the group's early work. The teen group was popular in Philly and became the house band for the local television show, “City Lights” hosted by Elleanor Jean Hendley. Saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. mentored the group and helped boost their career by signing them on and opening for his tours.

Curtis Harmon and James Lloyd wrote on Facebook, 'It is with heavy hearts that we are saying goodbye to our brother and dear friend, Cedric Napoleon. As the remaining original members of Pieces Of A Dream, it's hard to fathom that one of us is no longer here...' his former bandmates posted to social media.

Philadelphia native Cedric was signed to Elektra Records and issued three Washington-produced discs, “Pieces of a Dream,” “We Are One,” and “Imagine This,” that shot them right to the top of the jazz scene. They also had crossover hits, including Cedric’s hit 'Fo Fi Fo' (in honor of the Philadelphia 76ers), which took “Imagine This” to the upper echelon of jazz, soul, and pop charts.

Cedric remained an in-demand bassist and worked with countless stars, ranging from Phyllis Hyman, Stevie Wonder, The O'Jays, The Stylistics, Patti Labelle, Angela Bofill, Phil Perry, Jeffrey Osborne to The Main Ingredient, The Stylistics, Blue Magic, Teddy Pendergrass, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Michael Henderson, Norman Connors, and a host of others.

It took a quarter century after leaving Pieces before he issued his solo debut album, Yesterday Today, in 2016.

He went from a child prodigy musician to a great mu-sician over the years, and Cedric Napolean will be greatly missed. Thanks to Smooth Jazz Network, Soul & Jazz & Funk, Soul Tracks, and Velvet Note for your tributes to Cedric Napoleon. ********** We remember her from the late 70s with hits like ‘I Try’ and now, the famous R&B Singer Angela Bofill has died at the age of 70. Longtime vocalist and songwriter Angela was best known for R&B hits such as “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter,” “I’m On Your Side” and “Tonight I Give In.”

I remember sitting in a limousine with Angela. She had just performed at a concert and she was one of my favorite singers. So, sitting across from her was amazing. She said with a tray on her lap and nibbled off the appetizer platter as she spoke of her career and love for music as they gave me a ride home. I pulled up in a limo, and folks were like who was that, I replied, “Angela Bofill. She gave me a ride home after the concert.” What a wow moment. But here death came as a surprise.

It was reported that Angela suffered two strokes previously that had left her debilitated but able to take the stage. During that time, friends and music industry colleagues supported her while she told the amazing story of her life during the performance production of “The Angela Bofill Experience.” Ongoing complications from the strokes continued to plague the singer–who was inducted into the Women Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2023. “With heavy hearts, we can confirm the loss of Angela Bofill, our mother, grandmother, and sweet songbird to the music industry and dear friend to many,” stated daughter Shauna Bofill-Portuguez. “She loved every one of her fans and was always reading letters and kind notes from those who adorned her and continued to support her wonderful legacy in music.” Angela was an American singer-songwriter of Cuban-Puerto Rican origins. A New York native, Angela began her professional career in the mid-1970s, recording in her teens. She released her first studio album, Angela, in 1978. She continued recording new albums into the 1990s. Some of her other hit singles include 'Something About You,' 'I'm on Your Side,' 'Let Me Be the One,' and 'I Just Wanna Stop.'

She was one of the women in the 70s that made music beautiful.

We love your music, and you will not be forgotten Angela Bofill. ********** Director Jordan Peels (“Get Out” and “Us”) has joined forces with Dev Patel (“Lion” and “Slumdog Millionaire”) in the new Netflix film, “Monkey Man” starring Dev Patel.

This one is a goodie. I thought I was looking at “John Wick 5.” Dev has come a long way with his acting abilities, and I am loving it.

“Monkey Man” is the story of a young man involved in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he's beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, he See “PhillyBeat” page 11

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discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city's sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.

A must-see. I was impressed with Jordan and Dev’s work on this one!!!

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“You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)” that’s the name of the book recently released by Taraji P. Henson. Honoring her grandmother, Taraji drew from her personal life for her debut children’s book. Her story follows Lil TJ, who gets teased at school for being different. The young girl decides to follow advice from her grandmother and embarks on a journey of making new friends. “To have a grandmother still alive at the age of 50 -- I am so grateful and blessed,” said Taraji, “I dedicated my book to her,” she added. The book can be used as a tool to learn lessons in life, and the back of the book are tips to help parents, Taraji explained. The book is illustrated by Paul Kellam.

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Lastly, look for Denzel Washington, who is training for his next new role in the upcoming film, ”Gladiator 2.” Well, That’s The Philly Beat!!!