Every athlete eventually will be defeated by age. While some like Tom Brady or Lebron James seem to defy the usual impact of getting older (though this year James started to show signs of its effect), even they eventually will have to give way to younger replacements. But nowhere is this topic being discussed more lately than in the tennis world, mainly because two of its greatest legends are now facing constant questions about retirement. Venus and Serena Williams have been the greatest sister act in sports history period. Their influence and accomplishments aren’t just tennis achievements, they’re cultural milestones…
Author: Ron Wynn
By Ron Wynn Shemekia Copeland has more than upheld the grand blues tradition of her late superstar father Johnny Copeland. Sunday she was the biggest winner at the 2021 Blues Music Awards (BMAs) among those honored in 25 categories. The 42nd annual ceremonies coincide with the 42 annual celebration of Black Music Month. Copeland won the top honor, the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. She also repeated as Contemporary Blues Female Artist award winner from 2020, and her LP “Uncivil War” earned Contemporary Blues Album honors as well. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram continued his winning streak from 2020 with…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Neither Vanderbilt, the defending NCAA baseball champion or Tennessee accomplished their primary goal at last week’s SEC tournament. But both did reach their secondary goals and will be among seven SEC teams hosting regional tournaments for the forthcoming NCAA College World Series. The SEC took seven of the 16 available spots for regional events. A total of 64 teams will be attempting to reach Omaha, the site of the College World Series. Each regional consists of four teams playing in a double-elimination format. All the events run from Friday through Monday. Regional winners advance…
This should be the best time of the year for the NBA. The playoffs are in full stride, and teams aren’t playing in an isolated bubble, but in front of hometown crowds. Many states are relaxing COVID-19 protocols and allowing fans to return, something that was initially viewed a another big plus. But increasingly the issue of fans misbehaving at games is becoming a major one, as this past Sunday saw yet another ugly incident in the first round that involved someone in the stands displaying deplorable conduct during or after a game. This time a Boston Celtics fan threw…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The major theatre chains are now easing mask mandates as many jurisdictions are also cutting back on COVID-19 protocols. The general trend now is moving towards allowing fully vaccinated patrons to enter a theater without wearing face coverings. However, masks will still be required for all customers if mandated by local authorities — such as in Los Angeles, the country’s largest moviegoing market. “Consistent with the latest CDC guidance and following consultation with public health experts, AMC Theatres guests who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear face coverings at AMC locations,…
By Ron Wynn In an ideal partnership, Cafe Mocha, the nation’s number one nationally syndicated radio show for women of color, is joining forces with the country’s foremost showcase for Black creative sounds, The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). This year’s Salute THEM Awards will be streamed from the Museum, 510 Broadway, Sunday at 6 PM CST; followed by broadcast on BNC TV at 9PM CST. The ceremony will be hosted by Café Mocha Gracie Awards Winners Loni Love, Yo-Yo, and “Ain’t Too Proud” Broadway star Saint Aubyn. The event is sponsored by AARP and Toyota, with musical…
Last week for the second time in recent months Tennessee State University’s athletics program was in the national news. The Eddie George hiring got them major attention both in and out of the sporting arena, and the same was true when an announcement was made that the school was exploring the possibility of adding hockey to its array of varsity sports. TSU is conducting a feasibility study in partnership with the National Hockey League, Nashville Predators, and College Hockey Inc. The results of this study are expected to be released late this fall. If TSU is successful in adding…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The Memphis Grizzlies have shocked the NBA world by reaching the playoffs this season the hard way. They had to defeat both the San Antonio Spurs at home and the Golden State Warriors on the road as the ninth-place finisher. But they did both those things, surviving a brilliant 39-point outburst from Steph Curry in the Golden State game and despite blowing a nine-point lead in the final two minutes and having to win in overtime. Ja Morant’s brilliance (35 points, six assists, six rebounds, four steals) keyed the 117-112 win and the Grizzlies…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — One of the most innovative and edgy comedies on broadcast, cable TV or streaming services will be back next season. HBO announced this week that Robin Thede’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show” would receive a third season. Thede, the creator, showrunner, executive producer, writer and star of the Emmy-nominated narrative comedy show, told Variety.com that making the show has been a dream come true. “I’m honored to continue our incredible series and wonderful partnership with HBO, Issa Rae, JAX Media and our entire producing team,” she added in a statement. The first season debuted…
By Ron Wynn Lee Daniels is one of the most prolific and versatile creative figures in Hollywood at the moment, and he’ll be quite busy this upcoming season. He also has a new deal with 20th Television, a Disney backed studio. The deal was announced this week, and comes on the heels of Daniels and his company (Lee Daniels Entertainment or LDE) returning to broadcast television for the 2021-22 season. They’ll be doing both “The Wonder Years” update at ABC and “Our Kind of People” at Fox. “I’m beyond grateful to continue my partnership with 20th, Dana Walden, Karey Burke…