This week's open thread will highlight the talents of some lesser known scat and bebop singers. Betty Carter (born Lillie Mae Jones, May 16, 1929 – September 26, 1998) was an American jazz singer known for her improvisational technique, scatting and other complex musical abilities that demonstrated her vocal talent and imaginative interpretation of lyrics and … [Read more...] about Monday Open Thread: Scat and Bebop Singers
African Americans
Sunday Musical Brunch Open Thread: Jeffrey Osborne
Jeffrey Linton Osborne (born March 9, 1948) is an American musician, singer-songwriter, lyricist and lead singer of the band,L.T.D.. … [Read more...] about Sunday Musical Brunch Open Thread: Jeffrey Osborne
Saturday Open Thread: African American Pioneers in Mental Health
Jacki McKinney, M.S.W. Jacki McKinney is a survivor of trauma, addiction, homelessness and the psychiatric and criminal justice systems. She was sexually abused as an infant and was later ostracized by her community because of it. She later developed depression and mental illness, which is common among people who experience severe trauma in their youth. … [Read more...] about Saturday Open Thread: African American Pioneers in Mental Health
Saturday Open Threads: The History of Race Films
In the early days of the film industry, for most American silent films, minorities were generally played by white actors in make-up. When actual minorities were cast, roles were generally limited. Latinos in silent films usually played greasers and bandits; Asian-Americans played waiters, tongs and laundrymen; and blacks usually played bellboys, stable hands, maids or simple … [Read more...] about Saturday Open Threads: The History of Race Films
Friday Open Thread: The History of Race Films
Oscar Micheaux (October 2, 1884 – 1951) was a pioneering African American author and filmmaker, and without a doubt the most famous producer of race films. Micheaux (or sometimes written as “Michaux”), was born near Metropolis, Illinois and grew up in Great Bend, Kansas, one of eleven children of former slaves. As a young boy he shined shoes and worked as a porter on the … [Read more...] about Friday Open Thread: The History of Race Films