Al Freeman Jr.
*The man who played Elijah Muhammad in Spike Lee’s epic film, “Malcolm X,” Al Freeman Jr., has died. He was 78.
Howard University in Washington, D.C., confirmed his death Friday night but details weren’t immediately available. Freeman taught acting there for years and served as chairman and artistic director of its theater arts department.
“He was a brilliant professor, a renowned actor and a master director who made his mark in the classroom as well as on stage, screen and television. … He has mentored and taught scores of outstanding actors. He was a resounding voice of Howard and will be missed,” university spokeswoman Kerry-Ann Hamilton said in a statement.
Carl Davis
*Carl Davis, the music producer behind some of R&B and pop music’s biggest hits has died.
Davis, a Chicago native, passed away at his home in Summerville, South Carolina on Thursday.
He was 77 and had been suffering from lung disease.
Davis was probably best known for developing “The Chicago Sound.” He was the man behind such hit songs as Gene Chandler’s 1962 classic “Duke of Earl”, Jackie Wilson’s 1967 hit “Higher and Higher”, and the Chi-Lites’ ballads “Oh Girl, ” “Have You Seen Her?” and Major Lance’s “Monkey Time,” among many othersDon’t forget he also produced Barbara Acklin’s “Love Makes a Woman.” And of course he was responsible for The Dells’ six minute R&B classic, “Stay in My Corner.”
Davis is survived by his wife and seven children.
So sorry to hear the passing of these legends. It is sad that their deaths would be just a blip in the media obituaries. Very talented men. I might be wrong about this but didn’t Carl Davis also responsible for helping Curtis Mayfield during the early years when he was with the Impressions? I think Carl was the one who schooled Mayfield on the industry from production to publishing. May they both rest in peace.
Man-oh-man, I remember Mr. Freeman from the soaps. Mr Davis, I didn’t know who produced those hits but, I thank both of you . . . my condolences to both families.
Al Freeman I remember him, good actor. I believe he also played Malcolm X in Roots: The Next Generation. Sorry to hear about his passing. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Carl Davis,his named just doesn’t sound familiar to me. I see he has worked with some of music finest. He passed away in my home state, and not far from where I grew up. Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Freeman and Mr. Davis. ~R.I.P. ~
So sorry to hear Al Freeman has passed away. I thought of him just recently while watching a film made in 1970 when I couldn’t quite place an actor’s name. I’ve enjoyed many of his fine performances and look forward to seeing more of him on screen. I’ve wanted to view ‘Dutchman’ for years and am now tempted to contact Baraka about making it available on DVD. Folks be sure to pick up a copy of ‘Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored’ (directed by Tim Reid) from Amazon, eBay etc…you won’t be disappointed. May he rest in peace…