By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Yet another valuable and previously unreleased recording by legendary jazz musician John Coltrane is finally being issued. It was announced last week that the album, “Evenings at the Village Gate” will be released in July. The sessions were recorded in 1961, but for decades were assumed to be lost. It now turns out they were discovered at the New York Public Library. They add some important new material to the early 60s Coltrane legacy. At that time he was working with multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy, and he appears on this recording along with two thirds…
Author: Ron Wynn
Whether it was Bill Russell, the duo of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, the high flying acrobatics of Michael Jordan, or the sustained excellence of Kobe Bryant, the league has depended on these and others to win fans and spread its popularity. The NBA has always been a league where superstars set the tone. As the 2023 playoffs continue, the approaching end of another era has suddenly emerged as a huge story, one that threatened to drown out the ongoing battles for a title on the court. Only moments after a tough loss to the Denver Nuggets that ended the…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — As voluntary workouts continue and training camp approaches, some big questions remain about the Titans on both sides of the ball. But a move by the Arizona Cardinals last week has put a player on the market that the Titans could clearly use if they could make the salary work. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins regularly terrorized the Titans when he was on the Texans. He was just a shell of himself the last two seasons, plagued by injuries and a PED suspension. Still last season in an off-year he had 64 receptions for 717…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Tributes and salutes came from around the globe last week in the aftermath of Tina Turners passing at 83. She became not just a phenomenal live performer and dynamic vocalist, but the embodiment of perseverance and recovery as a woman who rebuilt her life and career while enduring and surviving unspeakable domestic abuse. Turner would ultimately become not only a rock legend, but an inspiration and symbol of strength and bravery. As detailed in both her autobiography “I Tina,” and the film: “What’s Love Got To Do With it,” she met Ike Turner at…
NASHVILLE, TN — Even those who think they totally know his history and importance may discover some new facts this week about the great Little Richard. The remarkable pianist, bandleader and vocalist is the subject of an exceptional new documentary “Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock and Roll.” It is an American Masters production in conjunction with Minnow Films and the BBC, and directed by James House. The film shows Little Richard as a trailblazer in multiple areas. He was a pioneer for Black musicians and an innovative performer who also broke ground for LGBTQ artists. The production…
Few things are more disturbing to witness than self-destructive behavior. That is clearly what has been happening over the past few weeks with Memphis Grizzlies superstar guard Ja Morant. A supremely talented and charismatic performer on the court, a combination of poor choices and questionable associations off it have him at a career crossroads. Roughly two weeks ago, Morant was indefinitely suspended by the team from all activities. It’s the second time in a two-month period that Morant has been suspended, and both times it was for being shown on an Instagram video holding or appearing to hold a gun.…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Jim Brown was one of America’s greatest athletes and later an ardent advocate for Black economic empowerment. Brown, who died last Thursday at 87, also had a complicated legacy, one that had many moments of glory but also periods of controversy and turmoil. As an athlete, he was one of the greatest in the 20th century. He was an All-American at Syracuse in both football and lacrosse, while also playing basketball and baseball, even occasionally running relays in track meets. He was eventually inducted into both the college and pro football Halls of Fame,…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The newest documentary series from the production company of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama explores the workplace. In fact, Obama is also the narrator, host and principal interviewer for the Netflix docuseries “Working — What We Do All Day.” It debuted last weekend, President Obama visited three workplaces and interviewed workers doing various tasks to get their views on their jobs. The series will also explore the gap between what should be considered ideal conditions and pay versus the reality of their experiences. The series runs four episodes and is in…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Two of the most creative and musically ambitious artists in jazz are joining forces in concert this week. Vocalist Kurt Ellung and guitarist Charlie Hunter will be performing at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville Thursday night. Each has won critical acclaim and also helped extend the audience for improvisational music. Elling has won two Grammy awards and is known both for being a great lyric intepreter and also among the masters of swing within his style. His brilliance has extended over a 25-year-plus career that has also seen him excel as lead vocalist with…
Decisions made in the world of professional sports often defy logical explanations. Unrealistic expectations can trigger strange or bizarre moves, whether they are coaching or personnel changes. Prime examples of this have been evident this season in the NBA, but two big recent stunners have many observers wondering exactly what coaches need to do in order to be considered a success in their jobs. Last week the Phoenix Suns fired head coach Monty Williams after four years on the job. During his tenure Williams was twice voted NBA Coach of The Year. The Suns went to the NBA Finals in…