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Legendary actor James Earl Jones did the unthinkable to ensure his iconic voice lives on forever

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The world is mourning the death of beloved Broadway actor James Earl Jones, who passed away on Monday, September 9 at the age of 93.

While fans will miss his physical presence, the Oscar winner worked with Disney to ensure his presence can be felt in future works through technology.

Jones was not only a pioneering actor whose performances broke barriers Broadway since 1957 in such iconic plays as “The Great White Way”, “Of Mice and Men”, “Paul Robeson” and in the acclaimed role of Troy Maxson in the original staging of August Wilson’s “Fences”, but he was also a person whose resonant voice enchanted audiences across seven different a long time.

James Earl Jones passed away on Monday, September 9, at the age of 93. (Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, Fil)

The Tony Award-winning actor’s fan base also spanned generations, from the Greatest Generation to baby boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z. People around the world were accustomed to his iconic voice.

In addition to his theatrical credits, Jones has been the voice behind a few of the most memorable characters in entertainment history. He narrated 27 books of the Bible in audiobook form, voiced King Mufasa in the original Lion King and, perhaps most famously, brought to life the menacing voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise.

“Luke, I’m your father”

Jones was recruited by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas for his booming baritone in the mid-Nineteen Seventies. “I’m just effects,” Lucas claimed, though he hired David Charles Prowse, who had a British accent and a tenor voice.

“George thought he wanted a — if you’ll excuse the expression — darker voice,” Jones once told the American Film Institute. “So he hired a guy who was born in Mississippi, raised in Michigan, and has a stutter. That’s the voice.”

“I was lucky,” he added.

Jones had a significant issue with stuttering until his highschool English teacher introduced him to writing. He barely spoke in school until he began reciting poetry to his classmates, which helped him overcome his speech impediment.

Lucas and Disney later admitted that they were the lucky ones, especially since they managed to pay Jones just $7,000 for the first recording of Darth Vader’s voice.

Jones he said“I thought it was good money,” especially because it was only a couple of hours of labor. He didn’t even get credit for his role in the film.

Following the success of the role, Jones was rehired. But this time, he and Lucas had different ideas about what Darth Vader’s voice must be.

“I wanted Darth Vader to be more interesting, more subtle, more psychologically driven,” Jones said. he said. But Lucas insisted, “No, no… you have to keep his voice in a very narrow intonation range because he’s not human.”

While the intonations were vital, the storytelling fit his voice perfectly and made the film a cult classic. Most notably in The Empire Strikes Back, when Darth Vader battled Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, and allowed Jones to utter one in all the most famous lines in film history: “No, I am your father!”

This iconic line has kept the brand going for years.

Jones approved AI voice manipulation before his death

When Disney+ began production on the recent Obi-Wan Kenobi series, the creators wanted to include Darth Vader but make him sound the same as he did when Jones first voiced the character greater than 45 years ago.

To do that, the company turned to Ukrainian startup Respeecher, which focuses on using archival recordings and a patented AI algorithm to create recent dialogue from the voices of past performers, aiming to recreate the texture and quality of Jones’s voice from the Nineteen Seventies and Eighties.

AI programmers worked meticulously to recreate Jones’ voice, ensuring it sounded authentic and never an affordable imitation. They worked with Matthew Wood of Skywalker Sound, who has worked with Lucasfilm for 32 years and recorded Jones quite a few times, most recently in 2019 for The Rise of Skywalker.

Jones then told Wood he was considering retiring.

“He mentioned that he was considering ending that particular character’s career,” Wood said in a 2022 interview. interview from Vanity Fair. “So How Do We Move Forward?”

The solution turned out to be artificial intelligence technology.

Wood introduced Respeecher’s work to Jones, and the “Coming to America” ​​star ultimately agreed to use his archival voice in recent projects.

With this agreement, Jones’ Darth Vader will remain a very important character in the series, even whether it is a synthetic one.

Jones is credited with directing the performance in “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The NAACP Image Award winner was also consulted on Vader’s plans and provided advice on how to maintain the character’s integrity as recently as two years ago.

Now, James Earl Jones’ voice might be preserved for future generations. However, the estate has not commented on how it should be utilized in the future.

The world mourns a mild giant

Of the many tributes to Jones, one in all the most touching got here from his Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill, who simply tweeted: “#RIP dad (with broken heart emoji).”

Legendary Host LeVar Burton published on Platform X: “James Earl Jones… there will never be another combination of charms like his.”

Director Ava DuVernay Expressed her gratitude on her Instagram story, writing, “Thank you for showing us ourselves. Our complicated selves, our dignified selves, our smiles, our pain. A job well done. A gift beautifully given. Blessings on your journey.”

Ava DuVernay shared an eight-slide tribute to the late James Earl Jones on her Instagram Stories. (Photos: Instagram/ @ava)

Disney CEO Bob Iger also honored Jones with an award statement on the Walt Disney website, saying, “From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing menace of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones has given voice to some of the greatest characters in film history.”

He added: “A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television appearances to his credit, he brought the stories he created to life with a unique, commanding presence and a genuine richness of spirit, leaving an indelible mark on generations of viewers.”

Jones provided the voice of Darth Vader, one in all Hollywood’s best villains, in the original 1977 Star Wars film — which was eventually retitled Star Wars: A New Hope — in addition to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), in addition to the Disney XD animated series Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018) and the Disney+ original series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), which was set to be his last credit on IMDb.

The last project during which he might be seen on screen was “Coming 2 America” with Eddie Murphy in 2021. He reprised one other classic role, playing King Jaffe Joffer of Zamunda.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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