Welcome to The Detroit Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Detroit Tigers home games

• Downtown Detroit Awaits NFL Draft with Anticipation

• A deep-dive into the life of Della Reese

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?”

-Albert Einstein

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Detroit-born musician is known as the "Queen of Soul"?

A) Madonna

B) Diana Ross

C) Aretha Franklin

D) Aaliyah

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The island park in Detroit designed by Frederick Law Olmsted is A) Belle Isle.

News

💼 Business

Downtown Detroit businesses, bars and restaurants counting down until NFL Draft. (link)

Recess Detroit proprietors Kai Bowman and Roddy Allen are bringing four Black-owned food concepts into a food hall and bar in downtown Detroit. (link)

Michigan company has been the top pick to quickly personalize draftees' new NFL jerseys. (link)

Stellantis slashes 199 jobs at Detroit plant producing Ram 1500 amid market challenges. (link)

🏒 Sports

Riley Greene's 2 homers power Detroit Tigers to 4-2 win at Rays. (link)

Former Detroit Lions tight end Devin Funchess is set to try his hand at professional basketball in Colombia. (link)

The Detroit Lions have released a list of jersey numbers online, including players that have switched their numbers heading into the 2024 NFL season. (link)

NFL Draft in Detroit benefits youth sports organizations. (link)

🏦 Finance

Detroit Sports Commission Expands $1 Million Living Legacy Program and Holds Community Celebration With Partners. (link)

Michigan Congressman Shri Thanedar Enriched Campaign Funds Through Bitcoin. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾Detroit Tigers vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Comerica Park Detroit, MI
Monday April 29 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾Detroit Tigers vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Comerica Park Detroit, MI
Tuesday April 30 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾Detroit Tigers vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Comerica Park Detroit, MI
Wednesday May 1 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸Bayside - The Worse Things Than Being Alive Tour
The Fillmore Detroit
Wednesday May 1 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Musiq Soulchild
Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel Detroit, MI
Wednesday May 1 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Madison Beer - Spinnin Tour
The Fillmore Detroit, MI
Friday May 3 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎭Annie (Touring)
Fox Theatre Detroit
Saturday May 4 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Family

📚Family Storytime
Elmwood Park Branch Library
Wednesday, May 1 · 10:30 - 11am EDT | (more info)

💐The Mothers of Michigan Ceremony hosted by: 313 Magical Memories
3815 West Fort Street Detroit,
Saturday, May 4 · 5 - 8pm EDT | (more info)

🚴Joe Louis Greenway Ride for Safety
Warren Gateway: Joe Louis Greenway
Saturday, May 4 · 12 - 4pm EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban landscape of Detroit with advanced public transport systems.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Detroit Historical Events

1908 - Model T production begins, revolutionizing the auto industry.

In 1908, the Ford Motor Company introduced the Model T, a groundbreaking automobile that would forever change the landscape of the auto industry. This innovative vehicle was the first mass-produced car, making automobile ownership accessible to the average American. With its affordable price tag and reliable performance, the Model T quickly became a symbol of mobility and freedom for people across the country. Detroit, the birthplace of the Model T, experienced a surge in economic growth and industrial innovation as the production of this iconic car revolutionized the city's automotive landscape.

The introduction of the Model T in 1908 marked a turning point in Detroit's history, solidifying the city's reputation as the "Motor City." As the production of the Model T ramped up, Detroit became a hub for automotive manufacturing, attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs from all over the country. The city's economy flourished, and Detroit quickly became synonymous with automotive excellence, setting the stage for its future as a global automotive powerhouse.

The impact of the Model T's production in 1908 extended far beyond Detroit, shaping the entire auto industry and paving the way for modern transportation as we know it. The Model T's mass production techniques and assembly line innovations set a new standard for efficiency and productivity, influencing manufacturing practices across various industries. This pivotal moment in automotive history not only transformed Detroit into a thriving industrial center but also left an indelible mark on the world, forever changing the way people traveled and interacted with automobiles.

Famous People From Detroit

Della Reese (1931–2017)

Della Reese, born Patricia Early on July 6, 1931, in the historic Black Bottom neighborhood of Detroit, was an American jazz, gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister. Her career spanned seven decades, and she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Gospel Music (1931-1947)

Della Reese, born Deloreese Patricia Early in Detroit, Michigan, began singing in church when she was six years old. Throughout her formative years, Reese sang gospel music, and at age thirteen, she was hired by the late Mahalia Jackson to sing with her group. Her early exposure to gospel music laid the foundation for her future career as a singer and minister.

Rise to Stardom in Music (1948-1950)

Reese began her long career as a singer, scoring a hit with her 1959 single "Don't You Know?" Her captivating voice and soulful performances quickly garnered attention, propelling her to stardom in the music industry. Her unique sound and powerful stage presence made her a standout talent in the jazz and pop music genres.

Transition to Acting (1951-1960)

By the late '60s, Reese began to develop her career as an actor. She started out with one-off appearances on TV shows like 'The Mod Squad' (ABC 1968-73) and then TV. Her transition to acting showcased her versatility and expanded her influence beyond the music industry.

Touched by an Angel and Television Success (1961-1970)

Reese's career as an actress reached new heights with her role in the hit TV series "Touched by an Angel." Her portrayal of the character Tess endeared her to audiences worldwide, and the show's success solidified her status as a beloved television personality. Her impact on the small screen was profound and enduring.

Ordained Ministry and Community Involvement (1970s-1980s)

In addition to her entertainment career, Reese pursued her passion for ministry and became an ordained minister. Her commitment to spirituality and community service was evident in her work, and she used her platform to inspire and uplift others through her faith-based initiatives.

Legacy and Impact (Post-2010)

Della Reese's legacy extends beyond her achievements in music, acting, and ministry. She is remembered for her groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment industry and her unwavering dedication to her faith. Her impact on Detroit, where she was born, remains significant and enduring.

Key Achievements:

• Successful career spanning seven decades as a jazz, gospel, and pop singer.

• Acclaimed actress known for her role in the hit TV series "Touched by an Angel."

• Ordained minister and advocate for spirituality and community service.

• Groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment industry and her unwavering dedication to her faith.

• Remembered as a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and spiritual leadership.

Della Reese's story is one of overcoming adversity, achieving greatness in entertainment, and dedicating herself to the betterment of her community and the world. Her impact on Detroit, Michigan, and the entertainment industry remains profound and enduring.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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