By Ron Wynn The entertainment world has been paying tribute the past few days to Bill Cobbs, one of America’s premier character actors, who passed last Tuesday at 90. Cobbs appeared in more than 200 films and/or television shows as well as many plays over a career that dated back to 1969. A Cleveland native, he initially worked in that city’s theatrical circuit before moving to New York. There he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, acting alongside Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. His first on-screen role came in the original version of “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” in…
Author: Ron Wynn
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — The transformation of Tennessee baseball from mediocrity to championship status was completed Monday night in Omaha. The Volunteers won the school’s first Men’s College World Series title by defeating Texas A&M in the third and deciding game 6-5. Tennessee had to win consecutive games after losing the opener. The victory completed a season where they won a record 60 games, becoming the first SEC team to reach that plateau while losing only 13 and leading the nation in home runs. They also became the first number one team to win the Men’s College World…
The death last week of the great Willie Mays also marked the end of one of the few remaining links to a bygone era. Mays, who died at 93 may have been the greatest all-round player of the modern (post-integration) era. He combined power, speed, percentage hitting, throwing and defensive ability in a manner that some could surpass in terms of individual categories, but none could top for total brilliance. He was also among the first players to jump from the Negro Leagues to the majors as a rookie. He made his debut in 1951 for the then New York…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — One of Nashville’s, indeed the entire state’s, greatest homegrown jazz musicians was John Lucius Green Sr. A Tennessee State University graduate and also member of the original Aristocrat of Bands, Green made history on two fronts. As an artist, he performed with a number of legendary acts as a founding member of the New Imperials, among them the great Sam Cooke. As an educator he was a band director for over three decades, teaching at the elementary, middle and high school levels while also operating summer camps for underprivileged youth. His daughter, Dr. Jewell…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Several top stars in multiple fields of entertainment are scheduled to appear and/or perform on the 2024 BET Awards, which are scheduled for this Sunday. They will be hosted once again by Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson. “I am thrilled to be returning as the host of the ‘BET Awards’ for the third time,” she said in a statement. Drake leads the nominations with seven, including an Album of the Year nod for his eighth studio album, “For All the Dogs.” One of the awards he’s up for is the music video for “First…
Jerry West was an NBA legend on and off the court in multiple ways. He was among the greatest players of all time, and such a league staple his image became that of the official NBA logo. He remains the only player on a losing team to win NBA Finals MVP, and he also was an exceptional executive with multiple teams. But when West passed last week at the age of 86, another important part of his legacy wasn’t commented on enough in mainstream sports circles: his longtime friendship with and advocacy for Black players. Though he hailed from West…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN —A familiar face is returning to the long-running ABC drama series “Grey’s Anatomy” this fall. Jason George, who starred on the program from 2010-2012 will be back on his former show and a series regular. George was in “Station 19” from 2018 until its cancellation last month. Variety reports that George’s character will be going back to his surgical role as well. He had decided to leave his practice as a surgical resident to become a firefighter. His return to “Grey’s Anatomy” has been in the works since its cancellation, with his character already establishing…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Whenever the legendary gospel artist Vanessa Bell Armstrong releases an album it’s big news. On June 21 (Shanachie), her first LP in over a decade, hits the streets. Armstrong acknowledges that this one is a very special part of her impressive recorded legacy with particularly poignant messages and themes. “I finished this one just before my father passed,” Armstrong told the Tribune during a recent interview. “It’s dedicated to him and to the inspiration and support he provided me throughout my career and my lifetime. I know he’s watching from up above and it’s…
The college football world, indeed the entire nation, lost a giant last week. Doug Porter was that rare individual who devoted his entire life and career to HBCUs, but accomplished so much and positively affected so many people he wasn’t overshadowed or overlooked. Porter, who was 94, excelled in multiple athletic phases. He was an outstanding player, head coach, athletic director and later overall small college administrator. He did all this while never abandoning the HBCU universe in search of bigger fame and larger riches. He certainly could have done that given his connections and stature, but he preferred working…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — Among several local Juneteenth celebrations, one of the biggest and most family-oriented is the annual Music City Freedom Festival. This event, now in its fifth year, will be held this weekend starting June 15 and continuing through June 17 at historic Hadley Park, 1037 28th Ave. North. The festival is free and runs from noon until 8 p.m. each day. There will be local food trucks, local vendors to shop from, and even inflatables for the children. There will also be local live bands performing, with music mixes also provided by an area DJ.…