By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The issue of non-traditional or colorblind casting, whether it is in dramatic, comedic or animated stories, often is a source for lots of discussion and controversy. That is proving the case with a new production airing on Disney+. Yara Shahidi is being both hailed and criticized for her role as Tinker Bell in “Peter Pan & Wendy.” The production is a live action re-imagining of the 1953 animated version about a girl who doesn’t want to grow up meeting a boy (Peter Pan) who refuses to do so. Shahidi has called the casting a…
Author: Ron Wynn
The current NBA playoffs are already producing some surprising results. The Eastern Conference’s top team the Milwaukee Bucks have already been eliminated in the first round by the eighth seed Miami Heat. The Western Conference’s second seed Memphis Grizzlies have also been eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers. This is the first season any play-in teams have advanced past the first round. LA won its first play-in game to finish seventh, while the Heat had to win their second to finish eighth. But while attention is now locked on the playoffs, both players and owners will soon be focused on…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s second book This Light We Carry – Overcoming in Uncertain Times is the impetus behind a current Netflix documentary. The program of the same name is now airing on the streaming service. The 80-minute special, directed by Linda Mendoza, was filmed late last year in Inglewood, California at the conclusion of the first leg of Michelle Obama’s book tour. The documentary features an extensive interview between the former First Lady and Oprah Winfrey. The two cover a host of topics, including Obama’s college years, the strain and issues she…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The importance and impact of Harry Belafonte as an artist and activist cannot not be understated or minimized. Belafonte, who died April 25 at the age of 96, smashed barriers and blazed trails in music and acting, while also being a constant participant in and contributor to demonstrations, marches and efforts on behalf of multiple social justice causes. Born in Harlem, the son of Caribbean immigrants, his early-fame came as a vocalist. His album “Calypso” was the first to be certified selling over one million copies. He was also the first Black vocalist to…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — One of the greatest names in popular music history is back with a brand new album. Motown legend Smokey Robinson announced Friday the release of the nine-song LP “Gasms.” It is his first new project in nearly a decade, and it reaffirms his mastery as a premier writer and performer of romantic material. At 83, Robinson still sounds elegant and passionate. He may not have the tonal range of years past, but few can match him in delivering a lyric or expressing a theme. The album is clearly aimed at adults, with content that…
Football, especially at the professional level, is an extremely brutal and violent game. While there are undeniably incredible moments of athletic grave and beauty on display, at its core there is a physicality and violence that can be unsettling. But near the end of last season something happened that shocked the entire athletic world. On a Monday night national telecast Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin lay prone on the ground without a heartbeat. He had made what seemed a routine tackle, but he was lying flat and still on the field. Hamlin’s heart had stopped. Thankfully it was revived and…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — With the NFL draft set to begin Thursday in Kansas City, Tennessee Titans fans wonder if a last minute deal to move up is in the works. New general manager Ran Carthon has not made public any preferences or tendencies, but the rumor mill has been active with various draft specialists anticipating a Titans trade. If no move is made, they will draft 11th in the first round. Some analysts predict a trade up to possibly get one of the three QB prospects. They are either Will Kevus of Kentucky, Anth Richardson of Florida…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The longtime R&B group New Edition was honored recently by the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). The Black pop music superstars have reunited for a new tour that also features the group Guy and vocalist Keith Sweat. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also joined in the event, which recognized New Edition as one of the oldest and most commercially successful vocal groups in popular music history. Though he has missed some dates on the current tour, Bobby Brown was among the members participating in the event. He praised the Museum…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — CBS sports and news reporter Nate Burleson is getting yet another job at the network. Starting in June, he will be a game show co-host. Burleson and Kettie Knight are co-hosting the new program “Superfan.” It is the latest twist on music competition shows, but with a different wrinkle. This time the participants are not professional vocalists or musicians. Instead, they are fans and supporters of musicians who will be performing. Each week a guest performer will make the choice of a winning super fan. These winners are also competing for a separate grand…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Organizations and outlets all over the world are celebrating International Jazz Day Sunday April 30. Locally, the Nashville Jazz Workshop will be marking the day with events and a special concert beginning at 5 pm at their headquarters located at 1012 Buchanan Street. The Nashville Jazz Workshop has earned national recognition for its combination of advocacy, education, and performance. Their special concert room, known as the “Jazz Cave,” functions for improvisational artists in the same way as the Bluebird Cafe does for aspiring singers and songwriters. It is a listening and concert venue, and…