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Divided, We Danced
AN ILLUSTRATED JOURNEY THROUGH SOUL
Divided, We Danced is an illustrated and though-provoking look at the Soul artists and music of the 1960s that changed America through breaking racial barriers. The blog also examines the legacy Soul music has today to fuel protests, comfort coronavirus patients, and highlight Black excellence.
Blog
What started as a simple illustrated poster project blossomed into an extraordinary journey as I delved deeper into the lives of the artists I was depicting. Their captivating stories ignited a fire within me, compelling me to craft a book spanning nearly 400 pages. But just as I was gearing up to share this masterpiece with the world, the pandemic struck, throwing a wrench into my plans to secure literary representation. Undeterred, rather than letting these incredible narratives gather dust, I made a bold decision to self-publish them as a dynamic blog, ensuring that these voices and tales continued to resonate far and wide, transcending barriers and hopefully bringing joy to readers. My work caught the eye of visionary film directors hungry to capture the essence of Soul artists on screen. I was approached numerous times to lend my expertise in research and creative direction.
The blog contains interviews with Soul artists and their closest kin. With every post are untold stories, the heartfelt confessions, and the electrifying insights that breathe life into the very essence of Soul music. Interviews include Darlene Love, Dee Dee Sharp, Mary Wilson and Susaye Greene of the Supremes, Bobby Rydell, the Vandellas, Diahann Carroll, La La Brooks of the Crystals, and many more.
Illustrations
Since 2015, I've created over 200 illustrations, each a labor of love and dedication. I often jest that I've speed-dated nearly every Soul artist, immersing myself in their world, delving into their personal stories, and paying homage to those who've passed. My days were filled with the rhythm of their music, and my evenings were dedicated to bringing their essence to life through art, a testament to my respect for their contributions to American history.
American Bandstand
Curtis Mayfield
Darlene Love
Dionne Warwick
Esquerita
Aretha Franklin
Peggy Jones "Lady Bo"
Norma-Jean Wofford "The Duchess"
Bo Diddley
Sammy Davis Jr.
The Temptations
The Shirelles
Nancy Wilson
Little Richard
Irma Thomas
Ike & Tina Turner
Holland-Dozier-Holland
Patsy Vidalia
Leslie Uggams
Solomon Burke
Dee Dee Sharp
The Marvelettes
Quincy Jones
Marvin Gaye
Odetta Holmes
Johnny Mathis
Jackie Wilson
James Brown
The Sweet Inspirations
Little Eva
Sly Stone
The Blossoms
Major Lance
Brenton Wood
Jackson 5
Martha and the Vandellas
Harry Belafonte Hosts the "Tonight Show"
Harry Belafonte
Chubby Checker and Bobby Rydell
Dee Dee Warwick
The Ronettes
Wigs
Nat King Cole
Sam Cooke
Mary Wilson
Diana Ross
Florence Ballard
The Toys
Girl Group Essentials
The Velvelettes
Eartha Kitt Confronts the Johnsons
Hugh Masekela
Willie Mitchell
Eddie Floyd
Nina Simone
Gladys Knight & the Pips
"American Bandstand" / Dick Clark
Otis Redding
Smokey Robinson
Jimi Hendrix
Linda Martell
Roberta Flack
Chambers Brothers
Etta James
Ray Charles and The Raelettes
Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles
© 2024 J.D. Humphreys
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