Radio

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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(photo credit: Keisha Eugene)

Greetings!

Here’s wishing you all the best during this holiday season…and let me suggest that you might want to check out the latest edition of the Biographers International Organization’s Podcast Series. In it, distinguished author Maryemma Graham talks about her biography of the award-winning poet, novelist, and educator Margaret Walker.

Click here  to listen to Dr. Graham’s fascinating conversation with fellow biographer Kevin McGruder.

And if you’re searching for more listening options, the audiobook of my Word Warrior  biography currently is on sale.

So as we quickly approach a new year, please stay safe and well, enjoy my listening suggestions, and I hope to see you 2024!

 

Honoring the Memory of Extraordinary Artist & Activist Harry Belafonte

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On April 25, 2023, the world lost a gifted artist and committed activist – a man who was never shy about speaking (or singing) truth to power.

With his passing, Harlem born Harry Belafonte joined his long time friend and fellow artist Sidney Poitier among the ancestors. Both men will be sorely missed.

During the early 2000s in the Howard University Department of Media, Journalism and Film in Washington DC, we had the pleasure  of honoring Belafonte with an award named for one of the men who inspired him – singer, actor and activist Paul Robeson.

After our awards ceremony, Belafonte conducted a master class in which he shared information about his life, his career and his commitment to civil and human rights.

To hear the radio program we produced based on this master class – a study in wisdom, courage and artistic integrity  – click here.

A June Black Music Month Special Not To Be Missed!

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In honor of Black Music Appreciation Month this June – and in loving tribute to the late master vocalist Al Jarreau – PRX is rereleasing a special 13-part Smithonian Productions series called, Jazz Singers.

With Jarreau as the series’ enthusiatic and knowledgeable guide/narrator, each episode explored different aspects of the history and the art of jazz singing and improvisation.

Originally, these shows aired on public radio stations nationwide in 2001. They featured the artistry and words of wisdom from singers like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Kurt Elling, Diana Krall, Louis Armstrong, Anita O’Day, Abbey Lincoln, Bobby McFerrin and Dianne Reeves – just to name a few.

I was fortunate enough to serve as one of the writer/producers on the series, and you can hear my producing handiwork on episode #5 (With a Little Help From My Friends), episode #9 (It’s Our World…Sometimes: Women Jazz Singers), and episode #13 (Today,Tomorrow…Forever?).

So whether you decide to check out all the shows or just a select few, kick back, relax, and get be prepared to savor this series – a true labor of love for our Smithsonian Institution production team.

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