Julius “Nipsey” Russell was born in Atlanta, although it’s not very clear exactly when. Various sources claim various dates between 1918 and 1925. He served as a medic in World War II, returning home in 1945. He got a job as a carhop at the famed Varsity, a wildly popular hot dog stand that takes …
Teenage Clara Smith began performing in tent shows and vaudeville stages in 1910. By the 20s, she was headlining for the Theater Owners Bookers Association circuit, a promoter working exclusively with African-American talent. After appearing all across the United States, Clara settled in New York City, topping the bill at speakeasies and cabarets. She was …
Avon Long was a talented singer and dancer. He appeared as “Sportin’ Life” in the 1942 Broadway revival of Porgy and Bess. He appeared with Lena Horne in Beggar’s Holiday and with Thelma Carpenter in the 1952 revival of Shuffle Along. He originated the role of “John” in Bubbling Brown Sugar and was nominated for …
Jim “Mudcat” Grant, Major League pitcher with 14 seasons under his belt, had a career filled with firsts. Despite being awarded a scholarship to play football and baseball at Florida A&M University, Mudcat had to drop out in order to help his family through a spell of financial hardship. Ever determined, Mudcat was signed as …
Eugene Bullard was unhappy as child, as was evidenced by his numerous attempts to run away from home. After each unsuccessful try, he was returned to his father, who proceeded to beat young Eugene. In 1906, at the age of 11, Eugene got far enough away and hoped to experience a happier life. He wandered …
No, that’s not Natalie Portman, although Cindy Williams thought it was. I met Cindy Williams at a collector show in Gaithersburg, Maryland. A two-plus hour drive from my house, this particular show offered something for both Mrs. Pincus and myself. It boasted a large variety of vendors selling antiques and assorted collectibles, something my wife …
Charles Shackleford could have been big. He was a celebrated forward for NC State in the mid-1980s, with a promising career in the NBA. He played for the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, with successful stints in the European basketball league in between. Unfortunately, several brushes with the law and an …
Paired with Mitch DeWood, comedian Marty Allen worked as an opening act for such popular stars as Sarah Vaughan, Eydie Gormé, and Nat King Cole. They played major clubs including the famous Copacabana in New York. The pair split in 1958 and Marty teamed up with singer Steve Rossi. Allen and Rossi were wildly successful. …
Virginia O’Brien was at the very top in the 1940s. She was featured in 17 films, most of which showcased her comedic ability and lovely singing voice. But, what made Virginia stand out among her contemporaries was her style. And her style was deadpan. In numerous featured performances, whether fronting a big band or at …
Glenda Farrell was the epitome of the snappy-talking blonde, so popular in 1930s Hollywood. She was often cast as confident women in films, including I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang and Lady for a Day. She appeared alongside Edward G. Robinson in Little Caesar and a succession of film noirs to great success. …
