Noire History

Latest Episodes:

Rosewood Massacre [Black History Short 97] Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

If you're interested in learning about the events that led to the destruction of the predominantly Black town of Rosewood, Florida and its aftermath, my Rosewood Massacre Black History Short is for you.

Show notes and sources are available http://noirehistoir.com/blog/rosewood-massacre.

A Kind of Freedom [Book Review] Jul 16, 2021

Show notes

A review of "A Kind of Freedom" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton, the story of three family members which provides a glimpse into issues such as Jim Crow, drug addiction, and mass incarceration that have plagued the Black community.

Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/a-kind-of-freedom-book-review.

Louis Armstrong Later Life [Black History Short 96 - Part Two] Jul 13, 2021

Show notes

If you're interested in learning about a legendary jazz musician whose playing and singing style were a major influence on other musicians and singers in the genre and beyond, my Louis Armstrong Later Life Black History Short is for you.

Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/louis-armstrong.

Tina [Movie Review] Jun 25, 2021

Show notes

A review of "Tina", a 2021 HBO documentary about the life and career of Anna Mae Bullock better known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll", Tina Turner.

Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/tina-movie-review.

Louis Armstrong Early Life [Black History Short 96 - Part One] Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

If you're interested in learning about how a boy born into poverty and instability in a rough New Orleans neighborhood turned his life around after finding positive male role models and music, my Louis Armstrong Early Life Black History Short is for you.

Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/louis-armstrong.

I Put a Spell on You [Book Review] Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

A review of "I Put a Spell on You," an autobiography about the life and career of the singer, songwriter, and pianist known professionally as Nina Simone.

Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/i-put-a-spell-on-you-book-review.

Ma Rainey [Black History Short 95] Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

If you're interested in learning about the blues singer and songwriter who inspired August Wilson's play "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and Alice Walker's Shug Avery character in "The Color Purple", then my Ma Rainey Black History Short is for you.

Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/ma-rainey.

Standing in the the Shadows of Motown [Movie Review] Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

A review of "Standing in the Shadows of Motown", a documentary about the Funk Brothers, musicians who played Motown's studio sessions.

Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/standing-in-the-shadows-of-motown-movie-review.

W.C. Handy [Black History Short 94] Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

A profile of W.C. Handy, a musician, and songwriter whose publishing company turned out hit blues compositions that helped launch the genre.

Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/w-c-handy.

My Life with Earth Wind & Fire [Book Review] Jun 04, 2021

Show notes

A review of the book "My Life with Earth, Wind, & Fire" by Maurice White which tells his life story and the story of Earth Wind & Fire.