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Rest In Peace: Tony Nominee B.J. Crosby

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Rest In Peace: Tony Nominee B.J. Crosby

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It is with our deepest sympathies that we report the passing of a wonderful talent, Tony Award nominee B.J. Crosby. Having been seen on the Broadway stages in One More Time & Chicago, she is most known for her show stopping vocals in the musical review Smokey Joe’s Cafe. There has never been a voice that shook a Broadway house like that of B.J. Crosby. She was the definition of a powerhouse, with a vibrant spirit to match.

B.J. Crosby was born on November 23, 1952 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. And it was fellow NOLA native, Wendell Pierce, that broke the news to us of her passing. This led to an outpour of more than deserving social media love for the soul singer, including the Tony Award winning Harvey Fierstein and R&B Diva L.A. seen Stacy Francis. Those he knew her on and off the stage were are forever changed. She leaves behind something that can never be replaced and you can hear it in her voice. Below you’ll see her singing her show stopping number in Smokey Joe’s Cafe, “Fools Fall In Love”, which we often thought should have garnered her the Tony Award and not just the nomination in 1995. However, you’ll see why she has always been a winner.

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Drew Shade is a visionary creative force at the intersection of Black theatre, media, and culture. As the Founder and Creative Director of Broadway Black, Off-Book: The Podcast, and The Antonyo Awards, he champions artistic excellence and amplifies the voices of Black theatre artists with intention, heart, and unapologetic pride. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Playbill, Deadline, The Observer, and Apple TV’s Dear…, and he's collaborated with brands and institutions such as NBC, BET, Audible, Universal Pictures, SheaMoisture, The Public Theater, Signature Theatre, National Black Theatre, and more. He has also served as a cultural consultant and curator for countless Broadway productions for over a decade — establishing himself as a trusted voice and tastemaker in theatre and media. In addition to his work behind the scenes, Shade is a performer and creative artist in his own right, with credits including Classical Theatre of Harlem’s The First Noel at The Apollo, The Preacher’s Wife musical at The Alliance Theatre, and a Sondheim tribute concert at Carnegie Hall led by Tituss Burgess. He’s also lent his voice to campaigns for Google and continues to explore visual storytelling through photography — from red carpets to press coverage. Rooted in joy, justice, and the belief that Black theatre is both legacy and revolution, Shade continues to build platforms and shine light where it’s long been overdue — so Black artists are seen, heard, and celebrated on their own terms. “Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s disbelief.” – August Wilson

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