There aren’t many areas where the state of Tennessee makes good news these days, especially in the political arena. But athletically, Fisk University last week was in the spotlight for once again doing something that far too few colleges and universities have done at any level. They announced the selection of Valencia Jordan as their new Director of Athletics. It’s a return home for Jordan, who was a star volleyball player at Fisk from 1981-82. She talked about what the appointment meant to her upon being hired last Thursday. “Being an AD is a dream come true for me,” Jordan…
Author: Ron Wynn
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The world of books and reading have always been an important part of Levar Burton’s life. No matter what acting assignments he’s had, he has maintained a connection to events and presentations connected with books and reading. His newest position is a direct reflection of that interest. It was announced last week that Burton would be the new host of the 74th annual National Book awards. He is replacing Drew Barrymore. Burton has hosted “Reading Rainbow” for over two decades, and also has a podcast “Levar Burton Reads,” where he narrates short fiction. Burton…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Space films are usually either adventure or sci-fi oriented, but Peacock’s upcoming production goes in a totally different direction: romantic comedy. Anthony Mackie and Zoe Chao are the central stars in the upcoming Peacock film “If You Were The Last.” They portray two NASA astronauts whose latest mission has gone haywire. After three years,they’re aboard a broken ship drifting between Jupiter and Saturn. Isolated and marooned with rescue prospects dim at best, the couple try to decide whether starting a romance is the best thing to do given their situation. The film also stars…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — After six games the Tennessee Titans’ don’t look like a team with playoff potential, let alone a Super Bowl contender. Sunday’s 24-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in London dropped them to 2-4, and only an outstanding defensive effort in the red zone kept the score that close. The Titans defense forced the Raves to kick six field goals and surrendered only one touchdown despite being in the red zone six times. The Titans entered the game ranked fourth in the NFL for proficiency in preventing red zone touchdowns, and that was one area…
The difference in professional sports between the regular season and the playoffs is enormous. Regular season success gets headlines and individual awards, but only teams that win in the playoffs are crowned champions. History is littered with teams that have enjoyed spectacular regular seasons, only to crash and burn in the playoffs. Last season the Boston Bruins set NHL records for victories and points in a season, only to be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. The Golden State Warriors team that broke the Chicago Bulls record for most wins in a season isn’t celebrated for that achievement…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Singer/songwriter Stella Prince has amassed an impressive array of credits in a short period of time. Her new single “Dear Future Me,” which is being released this week on multiple streaming platforms, was co-produced by Grammy winner and steel guitar ace Steve Fishell. A gifted and veteran musician and producer whose past clients include Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples, Emmylou Harris and John Prine, Fishell raves about the polish, authority and authenticity of Prince’s voice, the conviction and intensity of her lyrics, and the overall quality of her music. She’s backed on the single by…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — More details have bern released about an upcoming film on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The film will be based on Jonathan Eng’s comprehensive biography “King: A Life,”and released by Universal Pictures. According to various stories, Chris Rock is now in final talks to both produce and direct the film. But that is not yet determined. However details that are set include Steven Spielberg as executive producer, and Amblin partners producing. Kristie Macosko Krieger has also been named as a produce Who will portray King has not yet been named, nor…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Nashville Chef Star Maye is now enjoying not only local acclaim, but national recognition. She was a big winner a few weeks ago on the Food Network’s “Chopped” series, and that’s just the latest recognition Maye has earned through a culinary career that’s now extended over two decades. “When they called me about the show I was really estatic,” Maye told the Tribune during a recent interview. “Winning was something special, but just getting the chance to be on national television, get some recognition for myself and Nashville, the experience was incredible.” For anyone…
After one month, this wild and odd year in college football continues to be extremely unusual and unpredictable. This is the last season for the Pac-12. One contingent of its members are defecting to the Big 10. A second group are going to the Big 12, which is also undergoing major changes as Oklahoma and Texas are going to the SEC. Even minor conferences like the AAC have teams moving in and out, while the Big South and OVC have merged, at least for football purposes. Next season the College Football Playoff is supposed to expand to 12 teams, but…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The next project from the Obamas production company for Netflix stars a powerhouse duo. The trailer for the new thriller “Leave The World Behind” has just been released this week. It shows a couple spending a weekend away in a luxurious Long Island home. The prospect sounds quite idyllic until the apocalyptic doom begins happening around them. “Leave the World Behind” is executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama. The film co-stars Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as a couple who books a weekend getaway with their children. In the middle of the night,…