I hope this is not something I have to do a regular basis, but one of the great artists of our time just passed.
Gordon Parks was a photographer for Life Magazine documenting the tragedies and triumphs of black America. He created a black superhero named Shaft who's influence is still seen in mainstream film today. Previous to that he wrote and directed a movie called The Learning Tree that was loosely based on his childhood in Kansas dealing with racsism. I could go on and on about the things he has done, but I'd rather express an impression he left on me during a documentary. The film was about him, the late Ossie Davin and Melvin Van Peebles and thier impact in film. Warrington Hudlin asked them about women's impact on thier lives. Gordon speaks briefly about being married three times and they show seperate pictures of him with all three wives. What left an impression on me was that Gordon, who divorced wife number three in 1979 held no bitterness towards any of them and in subsequent interviews with them they hold no bitterness towards him. In fact there was a photo of him and all three wives standing together and smiling. I may never direct a film or be published in a magazine, but hopefully the women I've loved in my life would readily stand with me and smile when my hair turns grey. If that is not a testament to living a good life I don't know what is.
I have been a fan of Amel Larrieux since she was doing her thing with Groove Theory. As fine as she is, she rarely smiles for the camera which is a shame because she has an incredible smile. Her voice has has soft power to it that I have always thought was unique and very sexy. Her music has an intelligence and earthy soul fullness that keeps her from being recognized by the masses Her third solo album entitled "Morning" will be coming out on April 25 on Bliss Life Records.
