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…
Author: Ron Wynn
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…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The Titans’s primary nonconference foes this coming season will be NFC South teams, including the New Orleans Saints in the opener. They will play the Saints and Buccaneers on the road, while the Falcons and Panthers come to Nashville. The Titans have AFC home games in October against the Bengals and Ravens, while they face the Browns on the road at the end of September and the Steelers to begin November. Other non-divisional AFC games are the home opener against the Chargers the second week of September and on the road against the Dolphins…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Actor and comedian Jamie Foxx will have a new job next year. The Fox network announced this week that Foxx will host a new musically themed game show. The show will be a variation on the network’s “The Masked Singer,” but focusing on more participants. Foxx’s show will be titled “We Are Family.” The premise will feature non-famous members of celebrity families performing duets with hidden celebrities. Audience members can win cash by successfully guessing the identity of the hidden celebrity performers. Despite recent reports of health issues, Foxx also recently said there were…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — CBS reversed its decision last week to cancel the long running procedural “SWAT” starring Shemar Moore. Instead the show got a temporary reprieve. It will return either later this year or in 2024 for a seventh and final 13-episode season, down from the standard 22, but enough to provide ample time to conclude storylines. The reversal came after both calls for reconsideration from the show’s star and enough response from fans to influence network executives. CBS had cited rising licensing and production costs as another reason for the cancellation, and those factors played a…
A turbulent season for the Memphis Grizzlies ended in disappointing and premature fashion two weeks ago with a first round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Making matters worse was how poorly they played throughout the series. There was one quarter where they set a playoff record for ineptitude by scoring only nine points. They shot just 30 percent in the game six finale and lost by 40 points. Now the franchise that two seasons ago looked like it was emerging as a potential title threat is facing hard questions about its character and management strategy.…