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Black America Web
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
10 Jams To Celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month
Caribbean-American Heritage Month, celebrated every June, honors the rich contributions of Caribbean-Americans to the United States. From politics to sports, and especially music, their impact has left an indelible mark on American culture. This month invites the nation to recognize and celebrate the vibrant traditions, history, and talent of Caribbean-American communities. One of the most influential areas of Caribbean-American expression is music. Genres like reggae, calypso, and dancehall have taken root in the U.S., influencing hip-hop, pop, and R&B. Through their rhythmic energy and lyrical depth, these artists embody the essence of Caribbean-American culture. Their music bridges generations and inspires listeners worldwide. Here's a list of 10 unforgettable songs by Caribbean-American musicians, showcasing their diverse nationalities. 10 Jams To Celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month was originally published on 1. Harry Belafonte – 'Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)' Nationality: Jamaican 2. Johnny Kemp – 'Just Got Paid' Nationality: Bahamian 3. Maxwell – 'Lifetime' Nationality: Haitian & Puerto Rican 4. Fridayy – 'When It Comes To You' Nationality: Haitian 5. Nicki Minaj – 'Moment 4 Life' Nationality: Trinidadian 6. Heavy D – Big Daddy Nationality: Jamaican 7. Busta Rhymes – 'In The Ghetto' Nationality: Jamaican 8. Wyclef Jean – 'Gone Till November' Nationality: Haitian 9. Lenny Kravitz – 'It Ain't Over Til It's Over' Nationality: Bahamian 10. The Notorious B.I.G. – 'Juicy' Nationality: Jamaican
New York Times
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Olga James, a Star of ‘Carmen Jones' and ‘Mr. Wonderful,' Dies at 95
Olga James, an actress and operatic soprano whose career highlights occurred nearly back to back in the mid-1950s — as Harry Belafonte's jilted girlfriend in the all-Black musical film 'Carmen Jones' and as Sammy Davis Jr.'s love interest in the Broadway show 'Mr. Wonderful' — died on Jan. 25 in Los Angeles. She was 95. Her death, in an assisted living facility, was confirmed by her niece Janet Adderley. Ms. James had performed with an opera company in France and in a popular musical revue in Atlantic City, N.J., when her manager, Abe Saperstein — the basketball impresario behind the Harlem Globetrotters — landed her an audition in 1954 for 'Carmen Jones,' the movie version of Oscar Hammerstein II's hit 1943 Broadway update of Georges Bizet's opera 'Carmen.' The opera is set in 1820s Spain; the setting of the film, like that of the Broadway musical, is the American South during World War II. Auditioning for the role of Cindy Lou, whose boyfriend, Joe (played by Mr. Belafonte), a soldier headed for flight school, is seduced by Carmen (Dorothy Dandridge), a worker in a parachute factory, Ms. James sang an aria at the Alvin Theater (now the Neil Simon Theater) for Otto Preminger, the film's imperious director. 'It wasn't a stretch for me,' she was quoted as saying in 'Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be King' (2007), by Foster Hirsch. 'I was that character, a country-looking girl. I was just a little ingénue.' Ms. James with Harry Belafonte in a publicity photo for 'Carmen Jones.' She did her own singing; his singing voice and Dorothy Dandridge's were dubbed because they could not sing in an operatic range. Credit... 20th Century Fox, via MichaelShe won the role. 'Carmen Jones' would be her first movie — and her last. Of the film's three lead performers, only Ms. James did her own singing; Mr. Belafonte's and Ms. Dandridge's songs were dubbed because they could not sing in an operatic range. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
