Otis Alexander, Author at • Page 33 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.

Carmen Velma Shepperd (1910-1997)

Classical pianist, mezzo-soprano, pedagogic Carmen Velma Shepperd was born on October 30, 1910, in Mona Heights, Kingston, Jamaica, to David N. Shepperd and Theresa Ann Rodriquez Shepperd, a music school administrator and seamstress, respectively. However, she was reared in New York City where she attended … Read MoreCarmen Velma Shepperd (1910-1997)

The Fifth Dimension (1965- )

The Fifth Dimension emerged with clean, breezy harmonies in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, as the Versatiles. The group was composed of jazz singer Lamonte McLemore, opera singer Ron Townson, born on January 29, 1933, St. Louis, Missouri, who received the Bachelor of Arts degree … Read MoreThe Fifth Dimension (1965- )

Archie Bell & The Drells (1968 – 1980)

Rhythm and blues vocal ensemble Archie Bell & the Drells was established in 1968 by lyricist Archie Bell. He was born in Henderson, Texas, on September 1, 1944, and reared in Houston. At the age of 10, he started singing in local clubs. When Bell … Read MoreArchie Bell & The Drells (1968 – 1980)

Friends of Distinction (1966-1996)

Established in 1966 as the Friends of Distinction, this California pop/soul sound R&B vocal quartet added a new dimension to the sound of African American contemporary music. They first thought to name the group, Distinctive Friends, but one of the members reversed the words. The … Read MoreFriends of Distinction (1966-1996)

Carl Douglas (1942 – )

Pop singer, disco lyricist Carlton George “Carl,” Douglas was born on October 10, 1942, in Kingston, Jamaica. After the death of his grandmother, his family migrated to Tottenham in North London, England, when he was seven. There his youth was filled with playing soccer and … Read MoreCarl Douglas (1942 – )

John Daniel Carter (1932-1981)

Renowned composer and pianist John Daniel Carter was born on April 19, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri but was reared in Tallahassee, Florida. He was the only child of John Hannibal Carter, a pianist, and his first music teacher, and Lilly Carter. John Carter quickly … Read MoreJohn Daniel Carter (1932-1981)

The Clark Sisters (1966- )

The Clark Sisters, an African American gospel ensemble comprising five daughters, was established in 1966 is the highest selling female gospel group in United States history. The singers are Jackie, born in 1948 in Selma, Alabama, from the first marriage of Leo H. Cullum, Sr. … Read MoreThe Clark Sisters (1966- )

Denise LaSalle (1934-2018)

The legendary vocalist, lyricist Denise LaSalle was born Ora Denise Allen on July 16, 1934, on a plantation in Sidon, Leflore County, Mississippi. Her parents were Nathaniel A. Allen Sr. and Nancy Cooper. In 1947, when LaSalle was seven and the youngest of eight children, … Read MoreDenise LaSalle (1934-2018)

The Ohio Players (1959-1980)

The Ohio Players who first called themselves the Ohio Untouchables, was a pioneering vocal and instrumental funk ensemble out of Dayton, Ohio. Established in 1959, the group comprised its organizer, pianist/principal vocalist Walter Morrison, trumpeters Bruce Napier and Marvin Pierce, vocalist/bass player Marshall Jones, saxophonist/guitarist … Read MoreThe Ohio Players (1959-1980)

Garland Green (1942- )

Pianist, singer, lyricist Garland Green, Jr. was born on June 14, 1942, in Dunleith, Mississippi, to Garland Green, Sr. and Mary Green. He was the tenth child of eleven siblings. In 1958, 16-year-old Green moved to Chicago, Illinois and shortly after his arrival he entered … Read MoreGarland Green (1942- )