In Defense of Diana Ross’ Dorothy | The Street Committee Vol. 4
Plus thoughts on Prince, Samara Joy, and Southern affairs
Hey Kinfolk!
This fall will make 50 years since The Wiz first opened at the Majestic Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland. Its Broadway debut followed the next year and became a national sensation, largely due to a teenage Stephanie Mills as Dorothy.
Before long, Motown Productions acquired rights to a film version and a star cast was quickly assembled. But there was a major shocker–Motown opted to have its flagship songstress Diana Ross, then well into her 30s, play Dorothy rather than Mills. The 1978 film release was a critical and commercial flop although it has solidified a special place in the culture. One of the biggest “what-ifs” in Black entertainment might be what if Stephanie Mills portrayed a teenaged Dorothy rather than Diana Ross playing a 24 year-old school teacher?
But in a time where we talk more about anxiety and neurodivergent behaviors, does Diana Ross’ Dorothy make more sense? One of the critiques of Ross’ delivery was that her Dorothy bordered on hysteria, but we now live in a time where public displays of emotion are more tolerated.
And of course many felt it was ludicrous that a college-educated, 24 year old in the late 1970s would still live with her family. Today, trends show that not only are current 24 years old–Gen Z–still living at home but millennials are as well.
We recently released a YouTube episode showing the correlation between The Wiz and Black American history. Please watch!
So what are your thoughts? Does Diana Ross’ Dorothy make more sense in 2024? Let us know in the comments on our Substack.
Shakir Stewart, perhaps the most accomplished A&R of his generation, has resurfaced in public discourse because of his contentious association with Sean “Diddy” Combs. On our YouTube channel, we provided a visual biography on his life and legacy to show he is so much more than that.
The discussion around mental health has improved greatly since Stewart’s death, but innuendo and mystery continue to abound around his story. We hope this episode brings some clarity.
The estate of Prince–fractured amongst relatives and corporate interests–is apparently in a tussle with Netflix and documentarian Ezra Edelman over a documentary about the musician’s life. This past Sunday The New York Times Magazine ran what appears to be a pressure piece to convince the estate to stop holding the project hostage. Amongst the many concerns is the accusation that Prince was physically abusive to one of his ex-girlfriends. The revelation has sparked several debates.
For one, how much leeway do we give accusations when the accused is not here to defend himself? If anyone followed the Prince fandom while the musician was alive, it was no secret people from his past often had bad blood with him, ranging from adolescent friends turned spurned business partners to scorned ex-lovers who were convinced Prince did more to sabotage their careers than help. These accusations–if true–could have been raised years ago. Why now?
The article does acknowledge what many have raised concerns about–there seems to be a disproportionate tendency to amplify the misdeeds of a Black icon but white icons have their misdeeds rationalized.
And that leads to another point…we’re all human. Does the need to preserve someone’s genius mean we should fall silent on their supposed shortfalls?
The documentary sounds fascinating but ultimately gives no answers on who Prince really was. Apparently, Prince wanted it that way. So is the collateral damage of an impossible task to unveil the real Prince even worth it? Let us know your thoughts.
You can read the full article here.
Samara Joy, recipient of Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards (2023) and considered by many to be the standard bearer of Gen Z jazz, announced her third studio album Portrait will be released on October 11, 2024.
Her first single from the album, “You Stepped Out of a Dream,” lives up to the title. Listen to a stunning live performance below.
Sapelo Island is one of the last in-tact Gullah Geechee communities, but it is currently at risk of being rezoned to accommodate those who want to transform it similar to Hilton Head. Residents of McIntosh County, Georgia–where Sapelo Island is located–have organized a referendum to thwart the efforts. If you or anyone you know are eligible to vote concerning this matter, please let your voice be heard. Find more details on how to vote here.
We send our love and prayers to those who are affected by Hurricane Francine. Stay safe!
If you enjoyed this newsletter, share it with someone! Be sure to regularly check our website www.blackamericanamedia.com as we routinely provide updates about the culture.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive more in-depth research and analysis on Black American culture.
See you soon!