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Description
Comedian Rickey Smiley joins the celebration to host The HistoryMakers Year in Review—2003 and walk us through the year’s milestones. He revisits An Evening With B.B. King, an hour-long interview conducted by Isaac Hayes that provides a deeper look into the life of the legendary musician. Meanwhile, in 2003 The HistoryMakers continues to receive grants and goes online, with the help of Carnegie Mellon University, officially establishing its digital archive. The public events continue to draw large crowds as The HistoryMakers honors black pioneers in theater, television, and entertainment, while the organization extends its reach into public education with its second annual Day of Education. By the end of the year, a record 303 HistoryMakers are interviewed from around the country. In addition to behind-the-scenes footage of the PBS-TV tapings and other events that year, this evening program includes a never-before-seen performance by Grammy Award-winning musician Keb’ Mo’ and guitarist Wayne Baker Brooks, in tribute to B.B. King and those interviewed in 2003. The evening closes with the screening of An Evening With B.B. King and An Evening With Russell Simmons.
Rickey Smiley: Celebrity Presenter
Rickey Smiley, WINNER of the 2017 Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year “Marconi Radio Award” from the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, is also CEO of Breakwind Entertainment and Founder and Chair of The Rickey Smiley Foundation. He is known for having made millions laugh for over 27 years. As a celebrated comedian, television host and top-rated nationally-syndicated radio personality, Rickey has earned a reputation for delivering to audiences both on and off stage. With the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold, Rickey is one of the few “clean” comics amongst the upper echelon of contemporary comedians. Rickey has recorded eight best-selling albums, including iTunes #1 best-selling comedy album, “Rickey Smiley: Prank Calls Number 6.” Rickey joined forces with Radio One owned television network, TV One as the star, executive producer and namesake of his own top rated docuseries, “Rickey Smiley For Real." In its fifth season now, the amusing series features the balancing act of a working radio host, comedian, business Mogul, and philanthropist with the joys and pains of being a single father of four.
Catherine Russell: Performer
Shemeika Copeland: Performer
An Evening With B. B. King - Special Viewing
Taped: Friday, October 24, 2003
This hour-long one-on-one interview program provided a rare and insightful look into the life of B.B. King, the King of the Blues. Taped in Chicago on October 24, 2003, in front of a live audience, King was interviewed by musician and entertainer Isaac Hayes. King has traveled the world spreading his brand of blues to fans. An Evening With B.B. King shared the good times and the bad as experienced by this legendary blues guitarist.
From his childhood in Mississippi to his audience with the Pope to his battle with diabetes, B.B. King led a rich life, and his music has influenced musicians for decades. With hits such as “The Thrill is Gone,” “Rock Me Baby,” and “How Blue Can You Get?”, King remained one of the most spectacular live performers in the music industry during his long career.
An Evening With B.B. King covered the full scope of the blues legend’s life, using video clips taken throughout his life and career and a live performance by King and the Ko Ko Taylor Band.
Find more information on the program here.
Date and Time
Friday, December 4, 20207 p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. CST/ 5 p.m. MST/ 4 p.m. PST
