Otis Alexander, Author at • Page 27 of 40

Academic Historian

Otis D. Alexander, Library Director at Saint John Vianney College Seminary & Graduate School in Miami, Florida, has also directed academic and public libraries in the District of Columbia, Indiana, Texas, and Virginia. In addition, he has been a library manager in the Virgin Islands of the United States as well as in the Republic of Liberia. His research has appeared in Public Library Quarterly, Scribner’s Encyclopedia of American Lives, and Virginia Libraries journal. Alexander received the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from the University of the District of Columbia and the Master of Library & Information Science degree from Ball State University. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from International University and studied additionally at Harvard Graduate School of Education Leadership for Academic Librarians, Oberlin Conservatory of Music Voice Performance Pedagogy, and Atlanta University School of Library & Information Studies.

Soul Train (1970-2006)

Soul Train, one of the longest-running syndicated shows in television history, began in 1970 on the Chicago television station WCIU-TV when there were few outlets for popular Black culture throughout the United States. It was a radical move for the time, exhibiting the cultural perspectives … Read MoreSoul Train (1970-2006)

Club Nouveau (1984- )

Club Nouveau (New Club) is a rhythm and blues group founded by record producer/performer Jay King, born on January 26, 1962, and raised in Vallejo, California. The son of Helen King and Jay King Jr., he played trumpet at Vallejo High School before graduating in … Read MoreClub Nouveau (1984- )

Frankie Smith (1953-2019)

The R&B novelty records artist Frankie Smith was born Franklyn Leon Smith in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 29, 1953, to Mary Josephine Smith, who worked at the commissary of the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. He began playing the piano in 1961 at the age of 8 … Read MoreFrankie Smith (1953-2019)

Clarence Avant (1931- )

Music executive Clarence Alexander Avant II became one of the most successful music producers in the recording industry. He guided the careers of Bill Withers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Schifrin, and Jimmy Smith. Avant was born on February 25, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina … Read MoreClarence Avant (1931- )

Gary U.S. Bonds/Gary Levohn Anderson, Jr. (1939- )

R&B singer and lyricist Gary U.S. Bonds was born Gary Levohn Anderson Jr. on June 6, 1939, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Irene Anderson, a piano teacher, and Gary Anderson Sr., a professor at Hampton Institute. The family moved to Norfolk, Virginia, when he was 2 … Read MoreGary U.S. Bonds/Gary Levohn Anderson, Jr. (1939- )

William H. Herrington (1950- )

The first African American mayor of Lawrenceville, Virginia, William H. Herrington, was born on August 15, 1950, in Hartsville, South Carolina, to Henry Herrington, a transportation worker from Darlington County, South Carolina, and Carrie Boyd Herrington, a housekeeper from Chester County, South Carolina. Herrington started … Read MoreWilliam H. Herrington (1950- )

Fred Parris & the Satins (1953- )

The doo-wop ensemble Fred Parris & the Satins was founded by baritone Fredericke Lee Parris in 1953 in New Haven, Connecticut. Originally called the Scarlets, the name was changed in 1954. It initially was composed of Parris, tenors Sylvester Hopkins and Nathaniel Mosely Jr., baritone … Read MoreFred Parris & the Satins (1953- )

Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers (1966-1988)

Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, an interracial and international R&B band, began when Thomas (Tommy) Chong invited Bobby Taylor, whom he had met in San Francisco, California, to become the lead singer for the Canadian group the Calgary Shades in 1961. The ensemble included Chong … Read MoreBobby Taylor & the Vancouvers (1966-1988)

Carmen Balthrop (1948-2021)

Carmen Arlene Balthrop-Delaney, soprano and arts advocate, was born May 14, 1948, in Washington, D.C., to John W. Balthrop, who was employed by the U.S. Department of Justice in the Printing Office, and Clementine E. Jordan Balthrop, a homemaker. Carmen was the youngest and only … Read MoreCarmen Balthrop (1948-2021)

Muriel Burrell Smith (1923-1985)

Mezzo-soprano Muriel Burrell Smith was born on February 23, 1923, in Harlem, New York City, to Sigourney Burrell Smith and Olive Gilmore Smith. At age 14, Smith got an artistic boost when she appeared on The Major Bowes Amateur Hour that aired live every Thursday … Read MoreMuriel Burrell Smith (1923-1985)