Remembering A Classic: Stormy Weather Starring Lena Horne, Bill Robinson, & Cab Calloway

Broadway Black — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 19:08:56 +0000

This summer marks the 72nd anniversary of the iconic film, Stormy Weather, starring Lena Horne, Bill Robinson, Fats Waller and Cab Calloway. Named for the 1933 song by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, the story follows Bill Williamson (Robinson), a soldier coming home from war who wants to start a life as a performer. He meets the smoldering Selina Rogers (Horne) who helps him reach his dream but they both learn the difficulties of success. In a career-making performance, Lena Horne is transcendent and solidifies her place in the firmament of entertainment royalty. This cinematic gem was one of the first nationally successful Hollywood films that featured an African-American cast. In the advent of MGM’s Cabin in the Sky, this 20th Century Fox production dared to put in the mainstream something that simply was not there- black performers.

Also featured in this film is the incredible Katherine Dunham and her dance troupe. Dunham’s choreography was part of countless film and stage productions and her company travelled internationally for over 20 years. She inspired artists such as Alvin Ailey and her technique is still taught today in dance programs around the world.

Other brilliant dancers in this piece are the incomparable Nicholas Brothers. Their performance of “Jumpin Jive” with Cab Calloway and his orchestra is still one of the most thrilling dances captured on film.

What makes this film so important is not only the presence of artists of color on the silver screen, but the portrayal of black people as more than just domestic workers and servants in the background which had been Hollywood standard with few exceptions. This film joyously showcases some of the most talented entertainers while also breaking barriers and blazing trails for artists today.

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Morgan Freeman Honored by The Actor’s Fund

Broadway Black — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:29:28 +0000

On May 11,2015 actor, director and activist Morgan Freeman was honored by The Actor’s Fund at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York along with entrepreneur and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Morgan Freeman made his off-Broadway debut in 1967 in The Nigger Lovers (a play about the civil rights era “Freedom Riders”) and his Broadway debut in the all black version of Hello, Dolly! which also featured Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway. He has won a total of three Obie Awards for Driving Miss Daisy, Coriolanus and The Gospel at Colonus. He also won a Drama Desk Award and a Clarence Derwent Award for The Mighty Gents.

The Actor’s Fund is a nationwide human services organization that helps professionals in performing arts and entertainment. The Fund is a safety net for those who are in need, crisis or transition. It was founded in 1882 by a young journalist, Harrison Grey Fiske, in a time when the profession was not highly regarded by society. Their were prejudices towards artists in the entertainment industry. Many entertainers were denied aid and benefits and The Actor’s Fund was there to fill the gaps.

For more information on The Actor’s Fund and their mission visit www.actorsfund.org.

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Cab Calloway Archives - Broadway Black

Remembering A Classic: Stormy Weather Starring Lena Horne, Bill Robinson, & Cab Calloway

Morgan Freeman Honored by The Actor’s Fund