DCS: millicent patrick

Mildred Rossi was born in El Paso, Texas, but moved with her family to San Francisco when her father was named the construction manager of San Simeon, the proposed mansion and homestead of publisher William Randolph Hearst. Camille Rossi, Mildred’s father, was working under Julia Morgan, the first female architect licensed in California. Morgan was …

Continue reading ‘DCS: millicent patrick’ »

DCS: geoff stephens

A prolific songwriter, Geoff Stephens wrote a slew of  hits for one-off groups in the early days of British rock. In 1964, singer Dave Berry recorded Geoff’s song “The Crying Game” to great success. Later the same year, Geoff co-produced the debut album for British psychedelic folksinger Donovan. In 1966, Geoff assembled a group of …

Continue reading ‘DCS: geoff stephens’ »

DCS: topol

Chaim Topol, or just Topol, as he was known professionally, passed away this week from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease . His career spanned seven decades and he conquered film, television, stage and even musical recordings. He is most closely associated with the role of “Tevye the Dairyman,” the main character in the 1971 musical …

Continue reading ‘DCS: topol’ »

DCS: zina bethune

Seven-year old Zina Bethune studied dance at the famed George Balanchine School of American Ballet. She enrolled as a method of strengthening her legs and body after a diagnosis of scoliosis and hip dysplasia. By the age of 10, she was performing in The Nutcracker. At 14, she was dancing in the prestigious New York …

Continue reading ‘DCS: zina bethune’ »

DCS: ronald mcnair

In 1959, nine-year old Ron McNair wanted to check out some books for the Lake City Public Library in his native South Carolina. The library, however, was segregated and Ron, who was African-American was denied his request. Hurt and angered, he refused to leave. His mother was called, along with local police. After much discussion …

Continue reading ‘DCS: ronald mcnair’ »

DCS: clara smith

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 …

Continue reading ‘DCS: clara smith’ »

DCS: avon long

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 …

Continue reading ‘DCS: avon long’ »

DCS: mudcat grant

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 …

Continue reading ‘DCS: mudcat grant’ »