Thursday, June 6, 2013

Esther Williams

Competitive swimmer and film star -- via ABC News. As the beautiful heroine of "aquamusicals" that capitalized on her looks, charm, and talent, she was a huge box-office draw in the immediate post-World War II.





Friday, May 31, 2013

Franca Rame

Playwright, actress, and revolutionary -- via the New York Times. Her lifelong collaboration with her husband Dario Fo utilized classic comic and street-theater techniques to spread a socialist message. Together, they fought the state and church -- actions that barred them from the U.S. for many years (where of course free speech is fine . . . if it's the right kind), and that targeted her for rape and assault by right-wing thugs, which she later reenacted in her famous monologue "Lo Stupro" ("The Rape").

Marvin Junior

Lead singer for the Dells -- via the New York Times.

Clarence Burke, Jr.

Lead singer for the Five Stairsteps -- via the New York Times. Their biggest hit was "O-o-Child"; until the Jackson 5 came along, these siblings were known as "The First Family of Soul."

Jean Enzinger Bach

Documentary filmmaker and jazz nut -- via the New York Times. Her enthusiasm and curiosity prompted her to make one of the most charming jazz documentaries, "A Great Day in Harlem." On Aug. 12, 1958, Esquire photographer Art Kane gathered 57 top musicians for a group photo on a brownstone's steps in Harlem; the movie that documents that morning is a marvelous tribute to the high-water mark of 20th century jazz.