Connect with us

Entertainment

A relative of Louis Armstrong helps create a musical icon on Broadway

Published

on

Brandon Louis Armstrong, Louis Armstrong, Broadway musical, theGrio.com

NEW YORK (AP) – A latest stage musical about Louis Armstrong on Broadway begins with a jazz icon in a rehearsal room next to an anonymous pianist. Keep an eye fixed on the important thing guy.

The audience may not understand it, but there are literally two Armstrongs on stage at that moment – the actor playing the nice trumpeter and one of his real-life descendants. The pianist for the kismet act will likely be Brandon Louis Armstrong, the great-great nephew of the musical giant.

“Right now I always feel like I’m talking to my great-great-grandfather from the afterlife as Brandon,” he says. “I can just spend a moment talking to him, ask if he’s OK and hear his voice.”

The younger Armstrong makes his Broadway debut “Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” playing many roles, including pianist, teacher and understudy to Louis Armstrong himself.

James Monroe Iglehart portrays Louis Armstrong during a performance of “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” in New York. (Jeremy Daniel via AP)

“I was cautious about how I would be able to step into this world and connect with some of the history of my family and my lineage,” he says. “I am very thankful, grateful and happy.”

Behind the smile

“A Wonderful World” – Starring the Tony Award Winner James Monroe Iglehart and sometimes James T. Lane within the title role – it’s a stage biography of one of probably the most influential figures in jazz, a musician known for “Hello, Dolly”, “Cheek to Cheek” and “A Wonderful World”.

The musical looks behind his broad smile and delves into his rise from poverty, 4 marriages and his struggles with racism, from New Orleans Klansmen to Chicago thugs to Hollywood bigots. A transcendent power emerges from it, warts and all.

“The message is that jazz is about the choices we make between the notes,” the younger Armstrong says. “It’s not about making the best selection each time. It’s about making a selection and allowing yourself to be present wherever those decisions take you.

Show choir and “Hamilton”

The younger Armstrong was born and raised in Los Angeles. His house has all the time been full of music, but nobody in his immediate family is a musician or desired to perform.

“I grew up in a house where there was a lot of jazz, a lot of gospel, a lot of R&B and a lot of hip-hop. “My mom was also really into 80s hair metal bands and stuff like that,” he says. “I stopped listening to Motown and started liking Guns n’ Roses and then Kenny Rogers. It’s just always been a tapestry of music.”

He was enchanted by his highschool’s choir performance and was invited to hitch in – all of the boys got here since it took muscles to lift the ladies – and was later stunned to see a regional production of the classic musical “Ragtime.”

“I was so moved by it that I thought, ‘I don’t care if I’m the one sweeping the floors when this is over.’ I just want to be a part of whatever it is,” he recalled.

He graduated from the American Academy of Music and Drama and after working on the local stage — including playing Donkey in “Shrek” — landed the third national tour of “Hamilton,” which began in 2019 in Puerto Rico with Lin-Manuel Miranda.

No name disappears

Armstrong didn’t rely on his name to realize success. In press interviews when it broke out, his famous pedigree was not even mentioned. “I never, surprisingly, thought about ever leading like this,” he says. “It’s inevitable in this particular program.”

James Monroe Iglehart plays Louis Armstrong, theGrio.com
James Monroe Iglehart portrays Louis Armstrong during a performance of “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” in New York. (Jeremy Daniel via AP)

Iglehart, also a co-director, remembers Armstrong walking into the rehearsal room and giving his name. “We thought, ‘How cool.’ He said, “No, no, I’m related.” He got the job because of his voice and acting, not his name.

“We really did it on talent,” Iglehart says. “I all the time feel like probably the most talented person on the show needs to be her. But the undeniable fact that it was his lineage, we felt it was a sign.

“A Wonderful World” is a strategy to honor not only Louis Armstrong, but additionally Brandon’s grandfather, Louis Henry Armstrong, who told stories of his proud lineage and infrequently picked Brandon up after school listening to jazz music, much to his teenage embarrassment.

“I just think in moments like this how incredibly proud he would be of something like this,” he says. “It’s the best kind of therapy every night.”

Even though the forged includes the true Armstrong, the opposite actors and creators didn’t pull Brandon aside to ask him what Louis would think of a line or scene. This is because Louis Armstrong left many wealthy records about his thoughts.

“A lot of the heartbeat of our show – and I prefer it this way – is the heartbeat in Louis’ voice, rather than someone coming in and arbitrarily squeezing himself into it,” the younger Armstrong said.

In addition to being a rehearsal pianist, serving within the band, and playing for a New Orleans music teacher who recognized Louis Armstrong’s talent, Brandon knows that someday he will likely be asked to proceed within the role of his great-great-grandfather.

“I think what worries me the most is when it happens, I just try not to cry throughout the whole show,” she says with a laugh. “Somehow the universe paved a path for me that brought me here, where I can literally walk up on stage and carry this baton.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

Published

on

By

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
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

on

By

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
Continue Reading

Entertainment

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

on

By

Instagram

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
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending