Music

Juliana D. Norwood  |   OW Staff Writer
Jan 19 2012

Collaboration is a core value

The Harmony Project is an award-winning nonprofit organization that targets at-risk youth in underserved areas of Los Angeles by promoting positive youth development through ongoing, year-round music lessons and ensemble participation.

“Our mission is to promote the healthy growth and development of children through the study, practice and performance of music and to build healthier communities by investing in the positive development of children through music,” said founder Margaret Martin.

Juliana D. Norwood  |   OW Staff Writer
Jan 19 2012

The world of Black music loses a pioneer

Rhythm & Blues pioneer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Johnny Otis—born John Veliotes—died Tuesday night in the Los Angeles area after a decade-long struggle with an undisclosed illness. He was 91.

Otis was born Dec. 28, 1921, in Vallejo, Calif. He dropped out of school to play with bands throughout the Midwest and settled in Los Angeles in 1943. He performed with Charlie Parker and Count Basie, but his main impact was in R&B.

Aug 4 2011

Central Avenue Jazz Fest scores with audiences

All types of jazz music and sunshine were the order of the day during the 16th annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival held last weekend. The event celebrates and remembers the storied musical heritage of the Central Avenue community with two days of performances by veteran performers, legendary musicians and emerging artsts.

Terri Schichenmeyer  |   OW Contributor
Jul 28 2011

Author: Muriel Harris Weinstein, illustrated by Frank Morrison

When you were a little kid, you had some weird ideas.

For one thing, you were convinced that monsters lived beneath your bed or on the other side of every door. You seriously thought that if you worked hard, you could somehow gain superhero powers. And you believed that your toys could talk.

On that last one, come to think of it, you still sometimes wonder….

Stanley O. Williford  |   OW Editor
Jul 21 2011

He’s on top, but still rising

Music direction is the story of Rickey Minor’s life, and he somehow keeps taking new steps to higher achievement.

But if you’ve been the musical director of the Grammys, “American Idol” and now the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” what other heights are left to climb?

If you’ve been musical director for the nation’s most incandescent artists, such as Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Ray Charles, Beyonce Knowles, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and many more, who else is there to work with? 

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.
California
Yvette Hollingsworth was recently named chief compliance officer for Wells Fargo & Co. Hollingsworth, who most recently served as managing director and global head of operations compliance and financial crimes compliance & risk management for Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank, will begin her new role on June 1, 2012. Hollingsworth will be based in San Francisco, and will report to Caryl Athanasiu, executive vice president and chief operational risk officer in the corporate risk group. As chief compliance officer, Hollingsworth will be responsible for ensuring that all areas of the company meet compliance management responsibilities and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. Her team will continue to provide independent oversight of business-based compliance management activities.
District of Columbia
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Los Angeles attorney Paul Watford to serve on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals: “It is great news that the Senate has confirmed Paul Watford, an exceptionally talented attorney, to serve on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has a breadth of experience as a former prosecutor and a top appellate litigator and will make an excellent addition to the federal bench. However, I am very disappointed that more of my Republican colleagues did not join us in backing this highly qualified nominee.” When Watford is sworn in, he will be only the second African American serving on the Ninth Circuit.