DUKE ELLINGTON (Courier File Photo) by Jerry HarkavyAssociated Press Writer "Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington" (Gotham Books), by Terry Teachout Duke Ellington died nearly 40 years ago, but for jazz fans of a certain age his musical creativity and elegant style remain timeless. Whether he was leading his orchestra in "Take the A Train," the composition by collaborator Billy Strayhorn that became Ellington's theme, or assuring his fans in his velvety bass-baritone that he loved them madly, the Duke's public persona as a jazz giant has endured for half a century.
by Brett BarrouquereAssociated Press Writer Sam Moore may be "The Legendary Soul Man," but a federal appeals court says he doesn't have sole use of the title. The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld the dismissal of Moore's suit against the Weinstein Company and MGM studios over the 2008 film "Soul Men" and its soundtrack and promotions.
Kerry Washington arrives at the Academy of Television Art and Sciences' event with the cast and producers of "Scandal". (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) by David BauderAP Television Writer NEW YORK (AP) — With Kerry Washington as guest host, "Saturday Night Live" wasted no time poking fun at itself after receiving criticism for having no Black women among its 16 regular cast members.
by Frank EltmanAssociated Press Writer DIX HILLS, N.Y. (AP) — In a quiet, tree-lined suburb of New York City sits an unassuming brick ranch house that many musicians consider hallowed ground. This is where saxophonist John Coltrane composed the epic 1964 jazz masterpiece "A Love Supreme," shortly after moving into the Dix Hills, Long Island, home. Although he only lived there three years — Coltrane died of cancer in 1967 at age 40 — musicians including Carlos Santana and Coltrane's son Ravi are among those backing a volunteer effort to turn the dilapidated, four-bedroom house into a museum and learning center.
Chiwetel Ejiofor by Stacy M. BrownFor New Pittsburgh Courier(NNPA)—Famed film director John Singleton said when movies about African-Americans debut, he’s always the first to be called to lend insight.Singleton, who directed the 1991 critically-acclaimed drama “Boyz in the Hood,” said that recently his telephone hasn’t stopped ringing “I’d like to talk about other movies, too,” he said, but acknowledged that he doesn’t mind weighing in on the recent avalanche of Black films, including what many view as an Oscar front-runner, “12 Years a Slave.” “I’ve seen it and I can tell you it’s a work of art,” said Singleton, 45.
This Oct. 29, 2013 photo released by NBC shows actress Kerry Washington, right, with cast member Taran Killam during a promotional shoot for "Saturday Night Live," in New York. Washington will host the late night comedy sketch series on Nov. 2. (AP Photo/NBC, Dana Edelson) by David BauderAP Television Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Kerry Washington's turn as host of "Saturday Night Live" this week gives that television institution something it hasn't seen much lately: a Black woman onstage trying to make people laugh. The show's diversity has become an issue, pushed to the forefront by comments from the two Black male cast members.
Steve McQueen accepts the Hollywood breakout director award at the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Oct. 21, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP) USC Annenberg study finds a dearth of African Americans in film --on screen and behind the camera LOS ANGELES--Fruitvale Station. 12 Years a Slave. The Butler. 42. Mandela. It may seem in 2013 that the critical and popular success of films featuring Black lead actors signals that Hollywood is diversifying. But a new study from USC Annenberg shows it's business as usual when it comes to employing underrepresented races and ethnicities in the industry.
SHALIEK Singer Shaliek could be called the Dr. Phil of music because of the healing words of his debut single “The Past,” which is burning up the music charts.The singer, who was born and raised in the Bronx, wants to help people with their romantic relationships. “The song is for everyone,” says Shaliek. “We all make mistakes—men and women—and we can all relate to the song. People have told me that they feel like I am talking directly to them.”
Absolutely nobody can stop you. Oh, no. You’re too determined to be deterred from what you want. You’ve got plans, you’ve got might, and you’ve got the guts to make it all happen. If there’s somebody in your way, watch out! You’ll run them right over. Then again, there are times when even the unstoppable is halted in its tracks. And in the new book “His Third Wife” by Grace Octavia, the octagonal red sign is up ahead. Mama Fee was not letting her daughter go through her nuptials alone.
GERI ALLEN Internationally acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Geri Allen (MA 1982, ethnomusicology) has stepped in as Director of Pitt’s Jazz Seminar and Concert, now in its 43rd year. Allen is continuing the legacy of Professor of Music Emeritus Nathan Davis, the founder and former director of the Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert, who retired this summer. In January, Allen will join the faculty of the Department of Music as an associate professor and assume leadership of the Department’s program in Jazz Studies. Allen was one of the first to graduate from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in jazz studies. It was at Howard where she began to embrace music from all cultures and it has greatly influenced her work. She met Nathan Davis through one of her instructors who had studied under him. After graduation from Howard, while studying under Kenny Barron in New York City, Davis encouraged her to attend Pitt. She followed Davis’ advice and earned her master’s degree in ethnomusicology in 1982.
