MODA Entertainment Announces Mayor Bloomberg To Declare April 29th Duke Ellington Day in NYC

In honor of the 110th Anniversary of Duke Ellington's birth, Mayor Bloomberg will declare April 29th, 2009, Duke Ellington Day in New York City.

MODA Entertainment is proud to announce that New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will declare April 29th, 2009 "Duke Ellington Day" in honor of the 110th anniversary of the jazz legend’s birth. The proclamation will be presented to Duke Ellington’s grandson, Paul Ellington. Paul is the executor of the Duke Ellington Estate and musical director/ leader of the world famous Duke Ellington Orchestra.

The Duke Ellington Estate is represented by New York based MODA Entertainment for marketing, merchandising and licensing. In honor of the 110th Anniversary of Duke Ellington’s birth, MODA Entertainment is proud to present special events on “Duke Ellington Day” in New York City to coincide with the proclamation.

In commemoration and celebration of the legendary musician and cultural icon, The Islands Of The Bahamas is sponsoring an April 29th run of the last surviving 1939 “A” train. The inspiration for Duke Ellington's signature tune, Take the A Train, the historic and beautifully restored “A” train will depart 125th Street at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, making express stops through Manhattan and Brooklyn to Howard Beach in Queens. Open to the public, the festive round-trip runs will prove once again that taking the “A” train is still indeed the quickest way to Sugar Hill in Harlem.

Duke Ellington, one of the 20th century's most renowned musicians, is among the signature figures in the history of jazz. Whether as composer or band leader, Ellington transcended musical and racial boundaries. When asked what inspired him to write, Ellington replied, "My men and my race are the inspiration of my work. I try to catch the character and mood and feeling of my people."

In his fifty-year career, Ellington played over 20,000 performances worldwide.
Duke Ellington received 13 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement. He also was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the French Legion of Honor and the Pulitzer Prize. His image appeared on a US stamp in 1986. Ellington is the first African-American to solo on a U.S. coin. The Duke Ellington quarter was released in January of this year.

Ellington died on May 24, 1974, a month after his 75th birthday. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in NYC. His funeral at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine was attended by over 12,000 people.

Ella Fitzgerald nailed it for the world: "A genius has passed."



Duke Ellington

 

About MODA Entertainment, Inc.: MODA Entertainment, headquartered in New York City, is a multi-media entertainment company. MODA Entertainment has a particularly strong presence in the Classic Hollywood and Golden Age of Hollywood sectors of the entertainment market. Key clients in this category include Abbott & Costello, Duke Ellington, Greta Garbo, Edward G. Robinson, Marlene Dietrich, William Holden, Ida Lupino, George Raft, Loretta Young, Eartha Kitt, amongst others. MODA’s fully owned subsidiaries include MODA Productions, MODA Publishing, LICENSEBOX, PUBLICITYBOX and ICONS.

MODA Entertainment Signs New Client Iconic Performer Eartha Kitt

Licensebox, a wholly owned subsidiary of Moda Entertainment has signed an agreement to represent the name and likeness of Eartha Kitt for merchandising and licensing worldwide.

The Estate of Eartha Kitt has entered into an agreement with Licensebox, a wholly owned subsidiary of Moda Entertainment for merchandising and licensing the name and likeness of the legendary icon in all categories worldwide, it was announced today by Kitt Shapiro, daughter of the late performer and Richard Zampella, CEO, of Moda Entertainment.Said Shapiro, “I know that my mother would be pleased that her likeness and legacy will remain in the eyes and heart of her fans worldwide. By entering into this agreement with Moda, I am confident that her image will be protected and positioned with dignity and respect.” "We are thrilled to have been granted representation of a special and unique lady – Eartha Kitt, who continues to delight a new generation of fans with her music" said Richard Zampella, CEO, MODA Entertainment. "We look forward to further developing what is already a strong name."

Eartha Kitt, one of the world’s most distinctive performers, purred and pounced her way into the hearts of millions to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality. She is only one of a handful of performers ever honored with three nominations and two Emmy awards, three Tony nominations and two Grammy nominations in a career that spanned six decades. Orson Welles’s called her “the most exciting woman in the world” after he cast her in his production of Faust. Her unique style and feline qualities made her synonymous with her role as ‘Catwoman’ in the 1960’s television series, Batman, and her version of the Christmas classic ‘Santa Baby’ can be heard around the world during the holiday season.Ms. Kitt’s honesty and independence came to the forefront in 1968 when she spoke out against the Vietnam war at a White House luncheon with Lady Bird Johnson. Her unapologetic anti-war opinions found Ms. Kitt criticized in certain quarters and embraced in others. Never sentimental, Ms. Kitt continually said that she shared her opinion because she was asked and would do so again regardless of the consequences.

In 1978, Miss Kitt returned to Broadway and received her second Tony nomination for her electrifying performance in Timbuktu. In 2000, she mesmerized audiences again and received her third Tony nomination for her incendiary performance in The Wild Party.

She continued to perform until shortly before her death in 2008, mesmerizing audiences of all ages with her many symphony concerts and recordings. Young people came to know her for her role in the Disney film ‘Holes’ and she won Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2008 (Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program) as the deliciously evil sorceress Yzma on ABC’s Emperor’s New School. Fans first met Yzma in the 2001 movie Emperor’s New Groove (the forerunner to the series) and heard her on the soundtrack that she recorded with Sting. Also in 2008, Miss Kitt released a DVD of her thrilling performance at Great Britain’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Her final interview History Makers Presents: An Evening with Eartha Kitt was conducted by journalist Gwen Ifill in September and has aired on PBS stations nationwide in 2009.

The legendary performer died Christmas Day, 2008.

ABOUT LICENSEBOX: LICENSBOX a subsidiary of MODA Entertainment, Inc. is a broad-based merchandising and licensing company, which has a particularly strong presence in the Classic Hollywood and Golden Age of Hollywood sectors of the entertainment market. Key clients in this category include Duke Ellington, Greta Garbo, Edward G. Robinson, Marlene Dietrich, William Holden, Ida Lupino, George Raft, Loretta Young, Dexter Gordon, amongst others.

ABOUT MODA ENTERTAINMENT: MODA Entertainment, Inc., headquartered in New York City, is a full service multi-media entertainment company involved in development, production, packaging, marketing, distributing, licensing in all on and offline media. MODA Entertainment’s fully owned subsidiaries include MODA Productions, MODA Publishing, LICENSEBOX, PUBLICITYBOX and ICONS.

MODA Entertainment Announces Licensing Deal With Paper Studio Press For Client Greta Garbo

MODA Entertainment announced that its licensing arm, LicenseBox, a wholly owned subsidiary of MODA Entertainment, Inc., has signed a licensing deal with Paper Studio Press for Screen Legend Greta Garbo.

LicenseBox completed the licensing deal on behalf of its client; Greta Garbo, with Paper House Press for a paper doll tribute to Classic Hollywood Icon Greta Garbo. It is scheduled to be published in Fall 2009 to be sold in specialty stores and catalogues.

“Paper Studio Press is delighted to be working with MODA Entertainment and Licensebox in creating a paper doll tribute to the glorious silver screen legend, Greta Garbo. MODA's enthusiasm and support has enriched our creative process and we look forward to presenting the finished paper doll book by the talented fashion illustrator, Norma Lu Meehan, later this year.” said, Jenny Taliadoros, owner of Paper Studio Press.

Greta Garbo, arguably the most beautiful woman to ever appear on the silver screen will become a paper doll book created by one of the outstanding artists of today, Norma Lu Meehan. Norma Lu's exquisitely detailed work has been the basis of several museum paper doll books and make the artist extremely well qualified to render Garbo’s costumes accurately and with true fashion flair. Famed Hollywood designer, Adrian, created Garbo’s film wardrobes in such famous films as Camille, Anna Karenina, Grand Hotel, Mata Hari and Ninotcha.

Garbo came from Sweden when movies were still silent and her incredible beauty and dramatic emoting made her a sensation. When she made Anna Christie the advertising campaign proclaimed “Garbo Talks” and she conquered talkies. The star famously shunned publicity with her famous tagline, “I vant to be alone,” and after her retirement from the movies in 1941, she spent the rest of her long life dodging the press.

Norma Lu’s Greta Garbo paper doll book will celebrate the great beauty and the glorious fashion image the legendary star created on the screen.

“We are so pleased with the work of Paper Studio Press which compliments and adds to the current Greta Garbo brand and program.” said Richard Zampella, CEO of MODA Entertainment, Inc.

ABOUT PAPER STUDIO PRESS:Paper Studio Press celebrates the style and glamour of paper dolls at the peak of their popularity during Hollywood's Golden Era through gorgeous reproductions of highly collectible vintage paper doll books, as well as new titles designed to fit in with the paper dolls of yesterday. Owner, Jenny Taliadoros, works with a team of top-notch illustrators and graphic designers to create an ever growing selection of paper doll books featuring movie stars, fashions through the years and nostalgic characters.

ABOUT LICENSEBOX: LICENSBOX a subsidiary of MODA Entertainment, Inc. is a broad-based merchandising and licensing company, which has a particularly strong presence in the Classic Hollywood and Golden Age of Hollywood sectors of the entertainment market. Key clients in this category include Duke Ellington, Greta Garbo, Edward G. Robinson, Marlene Dietrich, William Holden, Ida Lupino, George Raft, Loretta Young, Eartha Kitt amongst others.

ABOUT MODA ENTERTAINMENT: MODA Entertainment, Inc., headquartered in New York City, is a full service multi-media entertainment company involved in development, production, packaging, marketing, distributing, licensing in all on and offline media. MODA Entertainment’s fully owned subsidiaries include MODA Productions, MODA Publishing, LICENSEBOX, PUBLICITYBOX and ICONS.

MODA Entertainment Signs The “Loretta Young Show” To Existing Merchandisng & Licensing Representation Agreement

MODA Entertainment signs agreement to represent the 1950s "Loretta Young Show" for distribution in new media worldwide.

MODA Entertainment has signed an agreement with the Estate of Loretta Young to represent the 1950s television series the “Loretta Young Show” for distribution through the internet. This agreement is an addition to MODA Entertainment’s existing agreement with the estate, representing the exclusive worldwide merchandising and licensing rights of the legendary film actress, Loretta Young in all categories, through its licensing division, LicenseBox.

Few celebrities have enjoyed the professional longevity of Hollywood actress Loretta Young, whose remarkable career stretched over seven decades. She began as a child extra during the Silent Era of motion pictures and attained star status as a romantic leading lady during Hollywood's Golden Age in such classics as “Along Came Jones,” “The Bishops Wife” and her Academy Award winning performance in “The Farmers Daughter.” A&E's biography summed up Miss Young as "a symbol of beauty, serenity, and grace.” Loretta Young moved into television as the host of her own dramatic series. The “Loretta Young Show” ran from 1953 through 1961. It is a drama anthology series hosted by Loretta Young. In addition to hosting the series, she played the lead in various episodes. The Loretta Young Show won various industry awards, including three Emmys for Young as Best Actress. It also was honored by numerous educational, religious, and civic groups. The series and its star were praised by these groups for promoting family- and community-based ideals in a rapidly changing postwar America.

Christopher Lewis, son of the late actress and representative of the family estate, says “his mother would have been proud of bringing her classic series to New Media. It was her idea to bring one positive idea into American households each week with the “Loretta Young Show,” now almost 60 years later those ideas can be shared by a whole new generation.”

"We are thrilled to have been granted the representation of this unique Classic Hollywood Icon and this historical television program.” said Richard Zampella, CEO of MODA Entertainment. MODA Entertainment is a unique New York based entertainment company specializing in promoting Classic Hollywood celebrity and entertainment properties. The company's mission is to successfully market clients as powerful commercial and cultural brands.

ABOUT LICENSEBOX: LICENSBOX a subsidiary of MODA Entertainment, Inc. is a broad-based merchandising and licensing company, which has a particularly strong presence in the Classic Hollywood and Golden Age of Hollywood sectors of the entertainment market. Key clients in this category include Duke Ellington, Greta Garbo, Edward G. Robinson, Marlene Dietrich, Ida Lupino, George Raft, Loretta Young, amongst others.

ABOUT MODA ENTERTAINMENT: MODA Entertainment, Inc., headquartered in New York City, is a full service multi-media entertainment company involved in development, production, packaging, marketing, distributing, licensing in all on and offline media. MODA Entertainment’s fully owned subsidiaries include MODA Productions, MODA Publishing, LICENSEBOX, PUBLICITYBOX and ICONS.

MODA Entertainment Signs New Client Actress/Director IDA LUPINO

MODA Entertainment's Licensing division, LicenseBox has signed Ida Lupino to a long-term agreement for the merchandising and licensing rights to her name and likeness.

Ida Lupino was a Classic Hollywood film actress, director, anda pioneer among women filmmakers. In her forty-eight year career, she appeared in fifty-nine films, anddirected nine others. She also appeared in episodic television fifty-eight times and directed fifty otherepisodes.

Now, in a major alliance announced today with estate representative Mary Ann Anderson, Licensebox, A Moda Entertainment Company has signed Ida Lupino to a long-term agreement for themerchandising and licensing rights to her name and likeness in all categories worldwide. Licensebox is very excited to add Ms. Lupino to the roster.

During her career as an actress, Lupino became known for her hard-boiled roles, and appeared in suchfilms as "They Drive by Night" (1940) and "High Sierra" (1941), both opposite Humphrey Bogart. Sheacted regularly and was in high demand throughout the 1940s.During the 1940s Lupino began studying the processes behind the camera. Her first directing job came unexpectedly when she first stepped behind the camera in 1949 for the film "Not Wanted." Lupino wenton to direct her own projects, becoming Hollywood's only female film director of the time. Lupino oftenjoked that if she had been the "poor man's Bette Davis" as an actress, then she had become the "poorman's Don Siegel" as a director.

Lupino continues to be the subject of renewed appreciation--not only for her incandescent acting but forher bold and prolific directing in film and television. The announcement of this alliance will perpetuatethe impact of Ms. Lupino's varied and significant career.

ABOUT LICENSEBOX: LICENSBOX a subsidiary of MODA Entertainment, Inc. is a broad-based merchandising and licensing company, which has a particularly strong presence in the Classic Hollywood and Golden Age of Hollywood sectors of the entertainment market. Key clients in this category include Duke Ellington, Greta Garbo, Edward G. Robinson, Marlene Dietrich, Douglas Fairbanks, George Raft, Loretta Young, amongst others.

ABOUT MODA ENTERTAINMENT: MODA Entertainment, Inc., headquartered in New York City, is a full service multi-media entertainment company involved in development, production, packaging, marketing, distributing, licensing in all on andoffline media. MODA Entertainment’s fully owned subsidiaries include MODA Productions, MODAPublishing, LICENSEBOX, PUBLICITYBOX and ICONS.

MODA Entertainment Signs New Client Loretta Young

MODA Entertainment Presents A Tribute Screening of Pride Of The Yankess

MODA Entertainment Presents:
PRIDE OF THE YANKEES TRIBUTE SCREENING

Event Date: June 28, 2004
Sponsored by: The New York Post, The Sporting News, Linden Travel, Magic Limousine, and The Fifth Avenue Luxury Group
Venue: Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City, NY

MODA Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to present an exclusive, one night tribute screening of the renowned classic baseball film The Pride of the Yankees. Featured guest speakers include: Teresa Wright (actress in The Pride of the Yankees playing Eleanor Gehrig), Maria Cooper (actor Gary Cooper 's daughter), John Mulholland (writer/director of Cooper & Hemingway: The True Gen) and John D. Rawlings (Senior Vice President/Editorial Director of the Sporting News). This special event will be hosted by John Sterling (The radio voice of the New York Yankees) and an introduction by Matthew Modine (actor, Full Metal Jacket, Le Divorce, Into The West).


Click here for the official event website