A Gift Of Robert Frost

The first time I knew there was something called poetry that was created by people known as poets, was January 20, 1961.

Pete Seeger surrounds hate and forces it to surrender

Pete Seeger (1917-2014)

Turn! Turn! Turn!

Cecile McLoren Salvant awaits her Grammy

Cecile McLoren Salvant's first album, The Making of a Woman Child was nominated for an Emmy in the Jazz Vocal Performance category. The twenty-three year old singer didn't win, (losing out to the smoother stylings of Gregory Porter) but we're taking bets that her day will come. 
Introducing Woman Child 

Passings Duly Noted: The Tale of The Bronze Buckaroo, A Man of Many Colors

When Duke Ellington asked the smooth baritone, Herb Jeffries, to record "Flamino" for this short film, the singer had never before heard the song. Nonetheless, he sang what would become his signature song in just one take. With an otherworldly lyric that presaged later misterioso ballads such as "Nature Boy", the sensuous ballet interlude and The Ellington Orchestra providing a majestic cushion, this three minutes of elegant artistry provided Jeffries with the crown to his legacy. 

Honoring Paul Robeson

“As an artist, I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always speak for peace, and no one can silence me in this.” – Paul Robeson (April 9, 1898 – January 23, 1976).

In the days following the honoring of Dr. King and leading to the celebration of Black History month, amid the ceaseless, deafening, mindless, twitter chatter, the chest pounding, bragging and braying of the Trumpet as well as so many presumed celebrities of all colors and persuasions, is our time not better spent honoring and emulating earlier giants who walked among us with pride, grace, maturity and style?

The Godfather and the Queen of Soul pleasing each other

Aretha Franklin and James Brown please each other - 1987

Please, Please Please

John Wooden's Pyramid of Success

Wouldn't it have been nice if every every student-athlete had an opportunity to play for and learn from a coach like John Wooden? Wouldn't it be nicer still if every coach (and teacher) made an effort to model themselves after Coach Wooden? 

The Everly Brothers passing through the years

The Everly Brothers need no introduction, only a fond farewell to Brother Phil, who passed away on January 4, 2014. A selection of their TV and concert appearances follows the jump.