Top bachelors of the year

Ebony, June, 2005

LISTEN up, ladies! If you're searching for a fine Brother who will make your soul sing, take a look at these 24 single, attractive men who are looking for that someone special. They range from athletes to entertainers to lawyers to members of the armed forces, and hail from across the country. What they seek in a potential mate rings through loud and clear: A Sister who is morally and spiritually grounded, takes care of herself inside and out, has a sense of humor and wears her independence like a glove. These Brothers say they are willing to work to find that special someone who they can take on vacation, out to dinner or to the theater.

MARQUES HOUSTON

23, LOS ANGELES

Seen every week on the new UPN comedy Cuts, Houston starred in the feature film Fat Albert, You Got Served and Good Burger. He's looking for that special lady who can make him laugh, is outgoing and not "prissy." When he's not performing, he likes to relax at home.

BRYCE WILSON

33, LOS ANGELES

Recently seen in the comedy Beauty Shop, Wilson is also one of the stars in The Life He Chose, a feature film about the music industry. Who's the ideal woman for this rising star who doubles as a music producer? "Someone who is not caught up in protecting her image. She must be very real with herself."

CARLOS WATSON

35, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.

The CNN political analyst loves to travel--he has visited more than 30 countries. He loves movies, especially suspense thrillers like The Negotiator and The Usual Suspects. His ideal woman is open, fun and carefree. She loves the world and loves life. She's genuinely kind and loves to laugh.

NATHAN B. MORRIS

33, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA.

Morris, a member of Boyz II Men, prefers a woman who is understanding and trusting. He believes in commitment, saying, "If you make a commitment to be with someone for the rest of your life, you have to make it work, regardless of the circumstances." When he's not performing, Morris likes to unwind by watching movies at home and working on home-improvement projects.

CHRISTIAN KEYES

25, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

A multitalented singer and actor, Keyes is also a partner in a company that designs men's suits. The perfect woman for him is intelligent, down to earth, driven and "not too skinny. I like some meat on a woman's bones."

DWAYNE ADWAY

36, LOS ANGELES

Adway is one of today's most versatile actors, having appeared in Into the Blue, Soul Plane, First Daughter and CSI. The woman for him is spiritual, educated and has a strong sense of family. His interests include playing basketball, attending church and shopping.

GORDON CHAMBERS

35, NEW YORK

This award-winning producer, songwriter and singer has written for many artists, including Aretha Franklin and Queen Latifah. He recently made his debut as a singer with the release of Introducing Gordon Chambers. "My mother taught me to be sensitive, considerate and not driven by ego. So I write songs that allow women listeners to take pride in themselves."

JUSTIN GATLIN

23, PENSACOLA, FLA.

Dubbed the world's fastest man after winning a gold medal in the 100 meters at the 2004 Olympics, Gatlin is looking for that special someone to complete his life. She must be ambitious, intelligent and goal-oriented, with a sense of humor. "I have a lot of ambition and goals set in life, and my ideal woman would want to actively share in them, as well as have her own natural drive that I can share in return."

JASON FAUST,

27, KELLER, TEXAS

Faust, a labor attorney, is always looking for new I challenges. He's searching for a woman who has a healthy disposition and is financially secure.

ERIC HAMILTON

35, DETROIT, MICH.

Hamilton, a computer systems engineer for DaimlerChrysler's product design office, enjoys skiing, golfing and biking. He is seeking a financially secure, honest, loyal and smart woman with "great business savvy."

TIMOTHY ASHFORD

47, OMAHA, NEB.

A prosecutor turned defense attorney, Ashford likes to unwind by jogging up to 20 miles a week, lifting weights and playing chess. He's looking for an intelligent, God-fearing woman who enjoys working out.

KEITH HENDERSON

25, BRIDGEVIEW, ILL.

Henderson, an assistant manager at a Wal-Mart, enjoys attending church, shopping, playing video games and working out. He's looking for a shapely, God-fearing woman.

TODD J. CLARK

27, MORGANTOWN, W. VA.

Clark, a lawyer, enjoys working out and spending time with his son. His ideal woman pushes him to do his best. "For me," he says, "an educated Black woman is as evocative as a woman wearing sexy lingerie."

GEORGE F. SPENCER

29, NORFOLK, VA.

A software configuration manager, Spencer likes to travel and cook. He's looking for an educated, God-fearing woman who is career-oriented and has a great smile.

DONALD MAURICE JACKSON

39, MONTGOMERY, ALA.

Jackson, a sports attorney, enjoys weightlifting and coaching youth sports teams in his spare time. He seeks a well-educated, attractive and fit woman.

WILLIE F. PARKS

35, BOLIVAR, TENN.

Parks, who works at a correctional facility as a pre-release coordinator, is a widower, who enjoys spending time with his three children. He desires a "God-fearing woman" who is confident, assertive and an excellent communicator.