Author's posts
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Blanche Calloway
One might assume that the sister of legendary Cab Calloway would stand in a mighty long shadow. Not Blanche Calloway. She basked in her own spotlight. For a time, her nightclub gigs earned Blanche more income than her little brother. She worked with Eubie Blake, and was accompanied by Louis Armstrong on two recordings. Her …
Talking Pictures 2-15-23
The Last of Us (HBO Series) and Empire of Light (2022) with Hollis Monroe, Phil Brown and Scott Chrisman.
Soundtrack to the Struggle: “We Insist!”
1960. Black America’s struggle for civil rights reaches critical mass. In February, anti-segregationist lunch counter sit-ins began in Greensboro, North Carolina. Rallies and marches spread across the country like a brushfire, with Black and white musicians, dramatists, and visual artists adding their voices to the Movement. The question was no longer if a change was …
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Benny Goodman & Teddy Wilson
It’s 1935 and vibraphonist Red Norvo and his wife, singer Mildred Bailey, host a party. Their living room fills with the brightest stars in jazz. Pianist Teddy Wilson is there, as is Benny Goodman and many of his cohorts. Before long, a jam session breaks out. Goodman, of course, had brought his clarinet to …
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Producer Norman Granz
It was easy to dislike Norman Granz. He was acerbic, sarcastic, and quite often, downright rude. But, like him or not, jazz producer and impresario Norman Granz earned universal respect for his battle for racial equality, and for equity in the music world. His biggest critics, it seemed were racists in the industry. Granz insisted …
Soundtrack to the Struggle: Roy Eldridge & Gene Krupa
It’s 1941 and drummer Gene Krupa steps between his bandmate, trumpeter Roy Eldridge, and the nightclub doorman who refuses to let him enter. Krupa points to the poster beside him, with he and Eldridge listed as headliners. The doorman doesn’t move. Furious, Krupa confronts the club owner. Fire that doorman or the band walks out …
Talking Pictures 2-8-23
Skinamarink (2023) and I, Claudius (1976 BBC Mini-Series) with Hollis Monroe, Phil Brown and Ron Adkins.
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, …