February 9, 1991 James Cleveland, gospel singer, arranger and composer, died. Cleveland was born December 5, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. He began singing as a boy and in 1950 he joined the Gospelaires. He subsequently worked with Albertina Walker and the Caravans and in 1954 made his first recording.
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February 8th in African American History – Derrick Vincent Thomas
February 8, 2000 Derrick Vincent Thomas, hall of fame football player, died. Thomas was born January 1, 1967 in Miami, Florida. He played college football at the University of Alabama. In 1988, he was named an All-American and won the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in college football.
February 8th in African American History – James Oscar “Jimmy” Smith
February 8, 2005 James Oscar “Jimmy” Smith, jazz organist, died. Smith was born December 8, 1928 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Originally a pianist, he switched to the organ in 1953 and over his career recorded almost 100 albums, including “The Sermon” (1958), “Prayer Meetin’” (1963), “Root Down” (1972), and his last album “Black Cat/Daybreak” (2001).
February 7th in African American History – Chrisopher Julius “Chris” Rock III
February 7, 1965 Chrisopher Julius “Chris” Rock III, comedian, actor and screenwriter, was born in Andrews, South Carolina. Rock began doing stand-up comedy in 1985 and caught the eye of Eddie Murphy who became his mentor. Rock became a cast member of “Saturday Night Live.” In 1990 and in 1991 released his first comedy album, […]
February 7th in African American History – Eugene Ashley, Jr.
February 7, 1968 Eugene Ashley, Jr., Medal of Honor recipient, died. Ashley was born October 12, 1931 in Wilmington, North Carolina but raised in New York City. Ashley joined the United States Army in 1950 and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. On February 6, 1968, while serving as a sergeant first class in […]
February 6th in African American History – Natalie Marie Cole
February 6, 1950 Natalie Marie Cole, singer, songwriter and actress, was born in Los Angeles, California. Cole graduated in 1972 from the University of Massachusetts with a major in Child Psychology and a minor in German. Cole released her first album, “Inseparable,” which contained the hit singles “This Will Be” and the title track in […]
February 6th in African American History – Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr.
February 6, 1993, Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr., professional tennis player and civil rights activist, died. Ashe was born July 10, 1943 in Richmond, Virginia. In 1963, he became the first black player ever selected to the United States Davis Cup team. In 1965, Ashe won the National Collegiate Athletic Association tennis singles title. Ashe graduated […]