Saturday Soul: Mother's Finest

This Saturday Soul Session is so funky it should come with its own anti-perspirant.

In this vintage performance by little-known but legendary rock band Mother's Finest , frontwoman Joyce Kennedy is the definition of the term, "vocal power-house." Her sound is a fiery hybrid of Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight. But make no mistake about it, Kennedy's voice is remarkably original, and capable of singing quivers into your vertebrae.

From the 1977 album, Another Mother Further, here's "Baby Love":

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered... Broadway

We were on our heels.

One of the most defining pieces of literature written for the 1970's American stage was to experience a revival on Broadway, thanks largely in part to a woman who redefined Broadway in the 1980's.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf, Ntozake Shange's 1975 masterpiece of post-civil rights era black womanhood in America, at the hands of Whoopi Goldberg, starring soul songstreses India.Arie, was set to open September 8th on New York's "Great White Way." But recent news of the loss of a major financial backer has dimmed the lights on what was a highly anticipated show.

We're not sure if this production will ever see the light of Broadway but until then, there's still the the 1982 American Playhouse DVD (starring a young Lorreta Divine, Alfre Woodard and Lynn Whitfield) to hold onto.

Holy Shirley Chisholm! A Change is A' Coming!

"I am, was, and always will be a catalyst for change" -- Shirley Chisholm

Few would have predicted that 36 years after New York congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm's, historic bid for presidency in 1972, Barack Obama would emerge a prime contender for Chief Executive of the U.S. with his own hopeful message of change.

Obama's compelling sweep of four states this weekend is just another sign that Americans are not only ready for change but acting on it, and fighting back with a weapon so rarely used: the ballot.

Something is in the wind on these shores and we're all for pulling off our jackets and basking in it. The fervor and creativity of Obama supporters around the country just does our heart good. Check it out:

Saturday Soul: The Funky Lyn Collins

It's getting funky in here!

If you're an old-school hip-hop head, you will definitely recognize Lyn Collins' voice; the infectious sampled backing of Rob Base's 1987 hit, It Takes Two.

A Soul/Funk legend, Collins gained fame as a part of James Brown's Soul Revue of the early 70s. Along with vocalists Marva Whitney and Vicki Anderson, she became one of the Godmothers of Soul and an integral influence of early rap music.

Here's Lyn Collins, aka "The Female Preacher," performing Never Gonna Give You Up on Souuuul Train. Check for the Godfather himself behind her, leading the band in one sharp 70s suit.

Collins passed in 2005 and Brown in 2007 but their music never dies.

Lieutenant Uhura: Remixed.

Since her inception in the late 1960s, Star Trek's Lt. Uhura has remained a pop-culture icon. The beehive-rocking, smart, Chief Communications Officer of the USS Enterprise, introduced international television audiences to a kind of black woman it had never seen before: a sista literally light-years ahead. Becoming one of the first African American characters to join a culturally diverse television cast, actress Nichelle Nichols helped to change archaic notions that once crippled the sci-fi genre, and proved once and for all that people of color would, indeed, have a place in the celluloid future.

Though, Nichols made Uhura's sci-fi trekking look easy, she battled racial inequalities both in front of and behind the scenes and had once contemplated leaving the show in its first season, until Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talked her into staying. The legendary leader told her how important it was for the world to see her in such a groundbreaking role--and who can really argue with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr? Nichelle Nichols continued through the shows' three seasons, making television history along the way. King's words would ring true when, years later, Mae Jamison, the first black female astronaut, cited seeing Uhura on television as an inspiration for joining NASA.

Now, forty years later, the iconic role of Lt. Uhura will have a new face: Zoe Saldana's. The new Star Trek film will begin shooting this winter and is expected to hit theaters Christmas 2008.

Zoe has been given some pretty big shoes to fill, but we're sure she'll wear them well. Beam her on up, Scotty!

Saturday Soul: Gladys Knight

On September 10th, Gladys Knight will be honored with this years' Ella Award. The ceremony, named for its first recipient, Ella Fitzgerald, celebrates singers who lend their time and support to charitable causes. Past recipients include Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion and Elton John.



Enjoy this 1974 performance of "You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" from Gladys Knight and the Pips. After over 50 years in the business, Gladys' voice is still as rich as pure honey.

When the movie is made that highlights this womans' life and illustrious career, we think Kelly Rowland would make an excellent Gladys Knight. Don't they look alike?

(right: singer, Kelly Rowland)

The Black Model Museum [#003]: The Beauty Dynasty

From The Cocoa Lounge

Three generations of fashion industry giants.

In one historic snapshot, circa 2001, Vanity Fair Photographer Annie Leibovitz captured over 30 years of black beauty from all around the globe. To us, it was one of the most relevant images published in the magazine in years.

(Models pictured. Front Row (l to r) : Gail O'neal, Karen Alexander, Shakara Ledard, Clara Benjamin Naomi Campbell, Iman, Second Row: (l to r) Kadra, Kara Young, Cynthia Bailey, Tyra Banks, Liya Kebede, Beverly Johnson Third Row: (standing) (l to r:) Oluchi, Katoucha, Adia, Noemie Lenoir

Gotta Love Those Jacksons!

Though scandal has plagued the Jackson clan over the last few years, it's clips like this (from their 1970s variety show) that explain what made this family amazing.

Who but the Jackson dynasty, which included a young Michael and pint-sized Janet, could get down with the legendary Nicholas Brothers and make tap dancing look like childs play? Is it just us, our is Michael Jackson, hands-down, one of the greatest dancers to ever exist...? Watch the entire Jackson family (minus Joe and his wife, Katherine) hoof it up with the fiery Nicholas brothers.

The Cocoa Lounge Remembers: Calvin Lockhart

From The Cocoa Lounge

We were devastated to learn of the passing of Calvin Lockhart, and it is with great sorrow that we remember this legendary actor, one of our all-time favorites...



Before Denzel Washington, and slightly after the reign of Harry Belafonte, there was Calvin Lockhart. During his nearly 30 year film career, his acting talent was upstaged only by his tremendous good looks. Though his skill and physical assests surpassed many of his caucasian contemporaries, Hollywood failed to capitalize on the ball of fire that was Calvin Lockhart. Despite the limitations of the film industry for black actors of the time, his contribution to film remains etched on celluloid; showcasing a talent unbound by continent, genre, or race.

Calvin Lockhart was born Bert Cooper on October 18, 1934 and raised in Nassau Bahamas, moving to New York City at the tender age of 19. The story goes that during this time, he was so disturbed by people's fascination with his looks that he attempted to disfigure his face with scissors. He later moved to London where many of his early films were produced, and would also become the place he called home for 13 years. The looks that he resented so much in his youth would come to work to his advantage; in 1971 he was declared "The World's Sexiest Man" by the British public. Much of his early work can not be seen on video in the U.S., though he worked extensively in America during the 1970's. His most memorable available work can be seen in 1973's Cotton Comes to Harlem opposite Cocoa Lounge Legend, Judy Pace and the Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier comedies Uptown Saturday Night and Let's Do It Again in which he played characters "Silky Slim" and "Biggie Smalls" respectively, roles that later influenced members of the hip-hop community, most namely, the Notorious B.I.G.

Though Calvin Lockhart's appearances would diminish in number and acclaim over the years, he left an indelible mark in the hearts of filmgoers the world over. He is perhaps one of the most beautiful men of African descent ever to inhabit a film frame and beyond that, a captivating presence to watch onscreen.

Mr. Lockhart died March 29th, 2007 of complications from a stroke. He was reportedly filming a movie titled "Rain," one of his first screen roles in over 10 years. For Lockhart fans, the film may provide one last look at a man who was instrumental in opening doors for African American leading men. He will be truly missed.



More information on Calvin Lockhart:

• Calvin Lockhart on Wikipedia
  
• Calvin Lockhart Photo Gallery
  
• Calvin Lockhart filmography
  

Related Posts: The Cocoa Lounge Remembers Tamara Dobson

Cocoa Lounge Legends [#002]: Judy Pace

From The Cocoa Lounge


Judy Pace, trailblazing actress.

Judy Pace started her career by entering a beauty pageant and failing to win in a single category. A student at Los Angeles City College, Judy had hopes of earning a degree in sociology when a leg condition that she had suffered from as a child returned. She was hospitalized for months, during which time she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an actress.

Pace found small roles in The Candy Web (1963), The Fortune Cookie (1966) and was a regular on the now classic tv hit, Peyton Place from 1968-1969. She would also co-star in the acclaimed, but short-lived series, The Young Lawyers. During the Black Action film explosion, Judy starred in the Ossie Davis-helmed Cotton Comes To Harlem (1970), Cool Breeze (1972) and The Slams (1973) (with Jim Brown ). She co-starred in the first-ever made-for-televsion film, Brian's Song (1971) as the on-screen wife of Billy Dee Williams.

Judy Pace's star rose quickly, but unfortunately, after 1973 she would be seen in very few films. She later married Baseball Hall of Famer Curt Flood, a marriage that lasted until his passing in 1997. Since then she has carried the torch for Flood, becoming a spokesperson for free agency in professional sports. Judy also co-founded The Kwanzaa Foundation with Star Trek legend Nichelle Nichols.

We'd love to see Judy Pace return to the screen in a major role to push the doors she opened for young black actresses in the 60's, for today's actresses now in their 60's. Woman Power Style!

Saturday Soul: Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye

FromThe Cocoa Lounge



Today's Saturday Soul moment is brought to you by the incomparable Motown legends, Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye, both of whom the music world lost much too soon.




Tammi Terrell was only 24 years old when she died in 1970, during which time, Marvin Gaye is said to have taken a 2 year hiatus from performing and focused on creating the introspective masterpiece "What's Going On."

This performance of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" shows the two at their best; flirty and fabulous. Enjoy.


A Tammi Terrell pin, collected at a Motown show last year.

Cocoa Lounge Legends [#001]: Brenda Sykes

From The Cocoa Lounge


Hollywood had never seen the likes of a Brenda Sykes before she made her screen debut in the early 70s. Sure there were the Lena Horne's, Dorothy Dandridge's and Pearl Bailey's of era's gone by; pin-up beauties or heralded performers that became the staples of black entertainment. But no one was quite like Brenda.

The doe-eyed Louisiana native was a physical incarnation of the "Black is Beautiful" era. An antithesis of the buxom, brassy, heroines of the time (Pam Grier, Tamara Dobson, etc) Brenda Sykes, was, for a very brief moment in time, our Audrey Hebpurn.

Discovered on the Dating Game, Sykes went on to co-star in notable 70s films including Cleopatra Jones, Mandingo, and The Liberation of L.B. Jones. Though her acting career was mainly limited to supporting roles, Brenda Sykes imprinted herself forever in the psyche of many and remains a cellouid legend.

Saturday Soul: Ike and Tina Turner

From The Cocoa Lounge



We think we just found our theme song.

Though What's Love Got to Do with It, has made it tough for anyone to look at Ike Turner without fighting the urge to call the cops, the truth is that Ike & Tina put out some of the funkiest, hard-hitting soul records of our time.



Check out Ike looking a lot like Andre 3000 from the Hey Ya video and Tina Turner, aka Soul Sister #1, performing, Bold Soul Sister.

'Raw' Footage: Chaka Khan on Drums

From The Cocoa Lounge


We all know Chaka Khan is one of the baddest chicks to ever breathe life into a note but who knew she was just as comfortable behind the band as she is in front of it?

Check out Chaka Khan playing the Drums in 1976 on the aptly titled, "People to Watch" show.

Speaking of Stephanie Mills...

We mentioned singer Stephanie Mills in our previous "Divas Simply Singing" post. Here she is at only 16 years old (!) singing the song that became her signature, "Home."

We're glad to see Stephanie back 'Home' on the stage these days. They just aren't producing talent like this these days (but we'll reserve that for another post...).

The Cocoa Lounge Remembers Tamara Dobson

We recently featured an article that a rumor was circulating that actress Tamara Dobson may be returning to the screen. Unfortunately, the buzz was unfounded. Tamara Dobson, former model and star of the Cleopatra Jones films of the 1970s died recently in her hometown of Baltimore after a battle with mutiple sclerosis. She was only 59.

If you are unfamililar with Ms. Dobson's accomplishments, here's a biography that we featured on the Cocoa Lounge in our early days:

Tamara Dobson earned a degree in Fashion Illustration at the Maryland Institute of Art. It was no suprise that the striking 6' 2" Baltimore native would later decide to head to New York to become a model. Before heading to Hollywood, Tamara Dobson plugged products for 25 television commercials. In the early 1970s it was almost impossible to see adverstisements geared to black audiences that didn't include Tamara Dobson or then-model, Richard Roundtree (who also became a huge action star in the Shaft films).

She later won the role of Cleopatra Jones beating out over 100 other young ladies who auditioned. Cleopatra Jones (1973) and Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold (1975) were two of Dobson's most popular films, providing young black women with a classy, sassy film icon that they could identify with. After the Cleopatra Jones films, however, Dobson would appear in only a few televsion movies and series and would disappear from the Hollywood scene forever, leaving two films to stand as testament to the box-office clout that black women can have--when given the opportunity.



Related Posts: Tamara Dobson Returns?

Tamara Dobson Returns?

If you haven't seen Cleopatra Jones in action, then you probably don't know who Tamara Dobson is. The model-turned-actress starred in the successful Cleopatra Jones action films in the early 1970s and disappeared from the film and television scene altogether shortly after. Along with Richard Roundtree (Shaft) and Pam Grier (Foxy Brown), Tamara Dobson was the equivalent of a superhero to action fans of the era.


Rumors have it that Tamara Dobson will return to the screen in an upcoming Rudy Ray Moore Dolemite film but with Rudy's recent health issues, we're not sure if this one will ever see the light of day.

In the meantime, if you'd like to see Tamara Dobson again (or for the first time), we'd recommend renting Cleopatra Jones or Cleopatra Jones and the Casino Gold.


The Casino Gold film is a Cocoa Lounge favorite. How often do you get to see an action flick starring an African American woman filmed on location in Hong Kong? Correct us if we're wrong, but we don't think that has happened since 1975.