I’m so loving this throwback photo of the one and only Aretha Franklin. The pic was taken back in 1961 when she was rehearsing for an upcoming show and she is pictured with famed choreographer Cholly Atkins (1913 – 2003).
Aretha (who was just 19 years-old at the time this photo was taken), would go on to break records, release hit after hit and get the title ‘The Queen of Soul’.
The living legend is now 67 years-old and is still performing and trendsetting (Presidential Inauguration, anyone?). More photos of Aretha in the studio back in the early 60s below. She was rockin’ that leotard, huh?
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Check out these throwback promo shots of singer/actress Dorothy Dandridge taken in 1951. The star was 29 years old at the time and they were taken for the film, ‘Tarzan’s Pearl’.
Just in case you didn’t know, Dorothy was the first black woman nominated for the ‘Best Actress’ Oscar for her role in the 1954 film, ‘CARMEN JONES’. Even though she didn’t win, she opened a lot of doors for actresses in our era.
A troubled Dorothy passed away in 1965 at the age of 42 from an accidental drug overdose, but her contributions to film and the stage are still evident today. Some of you may even remember the 1999 HBO film, Introducing ‘Dorothy Dandridge’ starring actress Halle Berry. She won numerous awards for her portrayal of Dorothy.
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Check out these beautiful photos that legendary photographer Gordon Parks took of singer/dancer/actress Eartha Kitt when she was just 25 years old. She is pictured sitting in the streets in 1950s NYC and below on her bicycle.
Eartha passed away in late 2008 at the age of 81, but she will forever be known for her sultry voice, dance moves, sex appeal and her outspokenness. She was and still is an international symbol of elegance and sensuality.
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Check out this throwback photo of public speaker/human rights activist Malcolm X taking a photograph of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali right after he beat Sonny Liston in Feb. of 1964; gaining the ‘heavyweight championship of the world’ title. Ali was surrounded by fans in a small diner in Miami, Florida.
Less than a year later, Malcolm X would be gunned down while giving a speech in New York City. Great photos.
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