October 2, 1981 Hazel Dorothy Scott, jazz and classical pianist and singer, died. Scott was born June 11, 1920 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, but raised in New York City. She performed extensively on the piano as a child and received further training at the Julliard School. In 1940, Scott starred at the […]
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October 1st in African American History – Youssou N’Dour
October 1, 1959 Youssou N’Dour, singer, composer, and entrepreneur, was born in Dakar, Senegal. N’Dour began performing at the age of 12 and within a couple of years was performing with the most popular group in Dakar. In 1979, he formed his own ensemble which by 1981 had evolved into Super Etoile de Dakar, the […]
September 30th in African American History – John Royce “Johnny” Mathis
September 30, 1935 John Royce “Johnny” Mathis was born in Gilmer, Texas. As a teenager, Mathis was known for his singing and athletic abilities. At San Francisco State College he broke classmate Bill Russell’s high jump record and in 1955 had to decide whether to pursue a recording career or tryout for the 1956 Olympics. […]
September 30th in African American History – Franklin Joseph “Frankie” Lymon
September 30, 1942 Franklin Joseph “Frankie” Lymon, R&B singer and songwriter, was born in Harlem, New York. At the age of 12, Lymon began singing in a group that called itself both The Ermines and The Premiers. In 1955, they wrote the song “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.” On the day of recording, the […]
September 26th in African American History – Bessie Smith
September 26, 1937 Bessie Smith, blues singer, died. Smith was born on April 15, 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 1912, she was hired as a dancer with the Moses Stokes troupe which included Ma Rainey. By the early 1920s, Smith had starred with Sidney Bechet in “How Come?,” a musical that made its way to […]
September 11th in African American History – Taraji Penda Henson
September 11, 1970 Taraji Penda Henson, actress and singer, was born in Washington, D. C. Henson earned a degree in Theater Arts in 1995 from Howard University. She made her film debut “Baby Boy” (2001) and also has appeared in “Hustle & Flow” (2005), “Four Brothers” (2006), and “Talk to Me” (2007). In 2008, Henson […]
September 9th in African American History – Otis Ray Redding, Jr.
September 9, 1941 Otis Ray Redding, Jr., singer and songwriter, was born in Dawson, Georgia. Redding grew up in Macon, Georgia where he sang in the church choir and won the local talent show 15 weeks in a row. In 1960, Redding began to tour the South and in 1962 recorded “These Arms of Mine”, […]