I was such a kid that it did not occur to me until I was older that James Earl Jones was the voice to the villain of my favorite sci-fi film series Star Wars. 

For me, and what was a good representation for me as a young black man, it was his portrayal of King Jaffe Joffer. Ragal. A lion in his ferociousness and with his son a bit of softie. And...glasses. But yet, his eyes held you. His presence was strong AND different to what little I saw of black people on tv growing up. And do I even need to mention his voice? It makes me bittersweet to think it was a similar presence I thought to a character I did in community theater that I did not understand then, but I see now. 

 

He's done so much stuff. From Star Wars to Roots to Conan to as mentioned Sesame Street. 

 

He was a vibe. A Goat. And lived a full life and will surely be missed. RIP. 

 

 

Edited September 10, 20241 yr by janea4old

from Kevin Costner
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Just hearing the news of James Earl Jones’s passing.

That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams.

If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a corn field in Iowa. I’m grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen.

Rest in peace, friend.
 

Nothing much to add to all that's been said about James Earl Jones, but as a 90s kid, my earliest and strongest memory of him is The Sandlot. I love the fact that as extremely talented he was a serious stage actor, he never turned up his nose as less prestigious TV and movie fare. That's the mark of an actor who just loves to act, in my opinion.

Frankie Beverly of Frankie Beverly and Maze has passed away:

 

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Very sad news. Joy and Pain is a wonderful song, among so many classics.

30 minutes ago, DRW50 said:

Very sad news. Joy and Pain is a wonderful song, among so many classics.

Totally. His songs always summoned a Sunday afternoon vibe.

Wow, R.I.P. to Frankie Beverly the cashmere voiced who was the highlight of many of summer cookout and inspired many cover versions and samples.

 

Thanks @I Am A Swede .

I see on her Wiki that she sold her US home due to Trump. As one should...

This went viral again a few years ago due to being in a Spiderman movie.

 

Very sad news from the world of dance. 29 is far too young to lose her. She was a gift.

Trailblazing ballerina Michaela DePrince dies aged 29

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly was such a gigantic part of my childhood. My dad was a big fan, so the likes of Golden Time of Day, While I’m Alone, We Are One, Joy and Pain, Before I Let Go, Can’t Get Over You, Running Away, I Wanna Thank You, and, his favorite, Happy Feelins, were on constant rotation. The music just puts you into a weekend mood, whether it’s a backyard party, Saturday morning chores, going fishing down the bayou, etc. Some of the best memories of my life.

To people who don’t know who this young woman was or what made her so special, here are a few illustrations of why. The first video, she was only 13.

She came through some pretty rough circumstances early in her life. To be called evil because you have vitiligo, to be made to feel ugly and to use all your strength and power and energy to persevere and (still do it with a smile on your face) to create such beauty is indescribable.

We don’t yet know the circumstances of why/how this talented soul passed away but may she rest in peace. It’s sad that we won’t have more of her beautiful dancing.

On 9/14/2024 at 9:49 AM, All My Shadows said:

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly was such a gigantic part of my childhood. My dad was a big fan, so the likes of Golden Time of Day, While I’m Alone, We Are One, Joy and Pain, Before I Let Go, Can’t Get Over You, Running Away, I Wanna Thank You, and, his favorite, Happy Feelins, were on constant rotation. The music just puts you into a weekend mood, whether it’s a backyard party, Saturday morning chores, going fishing down the bayou, etc. Some of the best memories of my life.

The last time Maze featuring Frankie Beverly put out a new album, Bill Clinton had been president for only eight months.  Yet, to the African-American community, they were relevant right up to the very end.  That's the ultimate testament to their musicianship.  RIP.