Author's posts
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Herb Jeffries, “The Bronze Buckaroo”
It’s the late 1930’s and Herb Jeffries, a popular singer in several big bands, saddles up to become the first African American singing cowboy. Dubbed “The Bronze Buckaroo,” Jeffries starred in several low-budget Westerns, like Harlem Rides the Range, and Two Gun Man from Harlem. Every Saturday, children of all skin colors packed afternoon matinees, …
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Amanda Randolph, The First Black TV Star
It’s 1948 and the DuMont Television Network airs the first episode of its new program, The Laytons, starring jazz singer and actor Amanda Randolph. Little is known about this situation comedy, but Randolph made history in its mere ten episodes as the first African-American in a starring TV role. Despite The Laytons’s brief run, Randolph’s …
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Oscar Brown, Jr.’s “Brother Where Are You?”
Oscar Brown, Jr. was not a man easily defined. Labels like songwriter, composer, actor, singer, director, producer, playwright all fit, but not quite. He was also an activist, a visionary, and a social commentator. A vocalist whose technique was steeped in jazzy agility and swing, his performances were consistently witty, shrewd, musical and humane, and …
Clean Up Your Act 2-28-23
The University of Iowa is launching a new research center to improve flood prediciton.
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Max Roach/Abbey Lincoln
1956, and Abbey Lincoln stood poised to become jazz music’s next glamour star. She had just appeared in the film, The Girl Can’t Help It, wearing Marilyn Monroe’s flaming red dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Her stage presence was honed to accentuate her looks and figure, rather than her voice. None of this sat well …
Talking Pictures 2-1-23
Decision to Leave (2022), All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), and Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (2022) and some Oscar contenders with Hollis Monroe, Phil Brown and Denny Lynch.
KCCK’s Featured Album for February 2023
The KCCK Featured Album for February is the self-titled debut release from “The Heavy Hitters.” This brand new ensemble includes some of the most established players in the genre, co-led by pianist Mike LeDonne and saxophonist Eric Alexander, long-time friends coming together for their very first sextet project as leaders. Recorded at the legendary Van …
Clean Up Your Act 2-2-23
A new facility being built in Fairfax will recycle used wind turbine blades.