Black head coaches have had their difficulties making headway in NCAA football circles, but things are much better in basketball circles. Both the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments have seen teams led by Black coaches distinguish themselves, with one of them making history and another reaching the Final Four in his inaugural season. The talk of the men’s field has been the Saint Peter’s Peacocks, who at one point in the year were only 12-11. But they went on a winning streak, reached the Tournament as a 15 seed, and then shocked the entire basketball world. Led by Shaheen Holloway,…
Author: Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — The Tennessee men’s team may have had a disappointing NCAA Tournament, but the school administration is certainly pleased with the overall job head coach Rick Barnes has done. They announced last week that his contract has been extended an additional year, and now runs through the 2026-27 season. According to the Knoxville News, Barnes is scheduled to make $5.45 million during the 2022-23 season. The publication also reported that Barnes will earn $28.85 million over the next five seasons. Tennessee finished 27-8 this season, and won the SEC Tournament for the first time since 1979. But they…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The past few years have seen a wave of attention and publicity being paid to Black country music artists. Now there’s a new documentary that spotlights their struggles and accomplishments. “For Love & Country” debuts April 7 on Amazon Prime. Some of the artists featured include 2022 Grammy-nominees Mickey Guyton, Valerie June, and Allison Russell. The film is directed by Joshua Kissi, and it explores country and roots music’s origins through the lens of a new generation of Black artists. Other participants include Amythyst Kiah, BRELAND, Blanco Brown, Reyna Roberts, Brittney Spencer, Frankie Staton,…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Jazz composer and bandleader Jon Batiste and rapper Nas are among performers named this week to perform on Sunday’s Grammy telecast. Others include R&B star H.E.R. country artist Chris Stapleton and rockers Foo Fighters. The ceremony will also include an “In Memoriam” segment featuring Stephen Sondheim songs performed by Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler. These five new performers were announced last week by the Recording Academy. Previously announced performers are Brothers Osborne, BTS, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow and Olivia Rodrigo. Trevor Noah is…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The Lady Vols were 24 seconds away from missing the Sweet 16 once again, but a pair of missed free throws and a clutch three pointer enabled the to ultimately escape Belmont 70-67 Monday night. It marks the first time since 2015 that the Lady Vols have gotten out of the NCAA women’s Tournament’s second round, and the 70-67 win negated a gallant Belmont effort. The Lady Bruins, a 12 seed, erased a 14-point deficit and held the lead until the Lady Vols’ Sara Puckett hit a three-pointer with 18 seconds left. “They didn’t…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Buddy Guy was once the young blues upstart, schooled in the tradition by Muddy Waters, Howlin’Wolf and John Lee Hooker among others. Today he’s an elder statesman of the music, still vital and active at 85. Guy returns to Nashville Saturday, appearing at the Ryan Auditorium along with Eric Johnson. He’s also the subject of a new documentary “The Torch” by Jim Farrell, which debuted in various theaters last week. The film spotlights Guy’s current role as keeper of the blues flame. His newest protege is featured in the film. Quinn Sullivan from New…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Regina Hall has amassed lots of credit as both a successful comedic performer and a solid dramatic one. Now she’s enjoying another role: co-host. She’ll be joining Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer Sunday night when the trio make history as the first all-women group to host the Oscars. It’s been a steady rise for Hall, a Washington D.C. native. She made her screen debut playing an exotic dancer in1999’s “The Best Man.” Next came a role in 2000’s “Scary Movie.” Hall’s comedic profile continued growing as she was in the casts of such films…
Auto racing has never been among the most diverse sports, with NASCAR in particular not having a great record for attracting or recruiting either Black drivers or audience. For decades the other Black driver to have any impact in NASCAR was the late Wendell Scott, who was both their first full-time African American driver and first to win a Cup series race in 1963. Scott dealt with racist treatment and fan indifference throughout his lifetime, but was recognized for his importance to the sport with induction into the Hall of Fame in 2015. His life was also dramatized in the…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The Tennessee Volunteers ended a 43-year SEC Tournament drought Sunday, defeating Texas A&M 65-50 in Tampa, Florida and clinching a number three seed in the NCAA Tournament. They’ll be heading to Indianapolis for a game Thursday against 14th seeded Longwood. They will be 17-point favorites in that one. Should they win, their next game would be against the winner of the game matching sixth seed Colorado State and 11th seeded Michigan. The Vols have never reached the Final Four and have only made the Elite Eight once, but their path on paper looks easier…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The Oscar Awards will have a new look this year. It’s being hosted by three women for the first time. One of them, Regina Hall, says she’s willing to satirize and roast some of her peers. “We’re really excited to celebrate film and make fun of people, too,” Hall told Variety last week. Hall’s also appearing in the new horror film “Master,” which opens Friday. She added, “I was like, ‘Do you think we’re going to have friends after?’ No, we’re going to. Hopefully everyone will know anything that’s said or done, it’s all…