REAGAN AND BLINKY
REAGAN: A Must-Watch Summer Film with a Motown Cameo
Wait…wait, this isn't a political post—we're not a political blog, quite the opposite, actually. But this new film, REAGAN, has caught our attention for other reasons.
From what I understand, REAGAN is an upcoming biographical drama directed by Sean McNamara. With a screenplay by Howard Klausner and Jonas McCord.
Apparently, the film is based on Paul Kengor's 2006 book, 'The Crusader': Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism. Oh yeah, this one would have surely flown past my radar if not for one of my trusted sources, a good buddy who keeps his ear closer to the ground than I do. And by 'the ground’, I’m not talking back allies, we’re talking about middle-aged to venerable icons of the entertainment industry—people who are still passionate about life, still creating, still vibrant, still coming anew.
Often, if not most of the time, it’s all usually very "shhhhh"—that is until it's suddenly, not. But some of us—like my trusty confidant—always get a whiff of what’s coming down the pipeline before everyone else does.
I was tipped off (with an informal "shhhhhh") that our mutual friend Blinky, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday with a formal gala, is going to be in a new movie. Doing what I wondered. Is she singing, no way is she acting. Or is she? When I probed, my trusty informant didn’t know much, but he knew just enough for me to conduct further investigation.
Thanks to that tip, I discovered that Blinky had indeed snagged a cameo in the upcoming film REAGAN. Wow! I didn’t see that coming. This is a fantastic look for Blinky!
For the uninitiated, Blinky—born Sondra Williams—is a legendary singer and performer, best known for her time at Motown and her long stint with Sammy Davis Jr. Despite being one of the label's hidden gems, her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have earned her a devoted following over the years and their demand to release her unreleased catalog resulted in a 2021 CD release of Heart Full of Soul: The Motown Anthology by Universal Motown rekindling an interest in the veteran performer.
Blinky/Heart Full of Soul: The Motown Anthology (2CD)
Blinky with Sammy Davis Jr. on Playboy After Dark Circa, 1969
Motown singer and Sammy Davis Jr. protégé Blinky performing on ~ Playboy After Dark Circa 69
For me, it's a real treat watching these legends mark new milestones as they glide gracefully into their mid-80s and for some, early 90’s. Take Ruta Lee, the veteran actress who celebrated her 89th birthday with a bang in Bel Air back in May. I’d say, I’ve come across at least seven octogenarian birthday parties on social media in the last three months and was invited to three of them (unfortunately only attending one).
Just recently, Motown’s Queen mother, Martha Reeves was on social media celebrating her 83rd birthday in classic Detroit style with a blowout party held at the famous Roostertail supper club, a cornerstone in the history of Detroit and Motown. It was home to the legendary "Motown Mondays" and where they recorded some of the great live albums that Motown released during the sixties, including Motown classics like 'Four Tops Live', 'Temptations Live', and 'Martha & The Vandellas Live', which was recorded in that very club where Martha was celebrating back in 1966. Wow! How many years ago was that? Almost 60. Amazing to think, with so much constant change, The Roostertail still survives to this day, as does Martha. And Martha’s music.
The Roostertail today, Detroit Michigan
And while we're speaking of Martha Reeves and icons in their 80s breaking new ground, Martha herself is coming off one of the highest honors that can be granted to an entertainment industry legend—a Hollywood Walk of Fame star this past March. Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Mickey Stevenson, Claudette Robinson of The Miracles, and the man himself, Berry Gordy, were all there—a testament to that enduring Motown family spirit. And yes, I was fortunate enough to be an invited guest. God knows I've crashed enough of these events in my day, so it’s nice to usually be on the list. But don’t think I’ve lost my party crasher skills—when necessary, they’re still very much intact.
Motown legend Martha Reeves, 82, gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame with tributes from Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. (L-R) William Mickey Stevenson, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, and Stevie Wonder).
So… now that the secret is out (I had a chance to speak with Blinky’s daughter, who excitedly shared the news), I knew I had to write a piece on Blinky being in REAGAN. Today, I decided to check out the trailer. I did, and I was in for an additional surprise: REAGAN stars none other than Dennis Quaid! So what, you might say? Well, here’s what: Mr. Quaid just happens to be one of my absolute favorite actors of the modern era. Honestly, I can’t recall a single role where he didn’t leave a lasting impression. He’s the kind of actor who elevates everything he touches—simply outstanding. Who doesn't get nearly enough recognition for his talents, if you ask me. So far, no one’s asked. But perhaps REAGAN will change that.
But I have to admit, I now want to see this film even more. Before, it was just to catch Blinky, as I have no idea how large or small her role is. Of course that wouldn’t matter—it would be super cool just to see Blinky on the big screen, especially in what might turn out to be an important piece of film work. And now that I see one of my acting inspirations, Quaid, is playing President Reagan, well, this is surely blog-worthy so this REAGAN film gets the official RET' classification.
Whether you’re a fan of the Motown mystery lady known as Blinky or a Dennis Quaid enthusiast like myself… #Quaidies Unite! (I know…corny. Maybe I shouldn’t try to be funny; ‘trying’ never quite works.) We encourage you to get out there on August 30, 2024, and support the summer film REAGAN, directed by Sean McNamara. With Dennis Quaid, C. Thomas Howell, Mena Suvari, Amanda Righetti, and an appearance by our friend Blinky!
In a world that often focuses on the next big thing, it’s important to remember that true greatness doesn’t fade—it evolves. And as these legends continue to break new ground, they remind us all that the best is yet to come.
REAGAN:
Reagan - Official Trailer (2024) Dennis Quaid, Jon Voight
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