News about Gordon Parks

Richard Roundtree, the actor who helped define cinematic cool with his iconic title role in Shaft and its sequels, died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 81. The actor, who was often referred to as 'the first black hero,' appeared in the Shaft film, but he had a number of credits under his belt. John Shaft, the writer and composer-turned-filmmaker Gordon Parks' directed filmmaker and starring Isaac Hayes' classic soundtrack, appeared in 1971.

Jennifer Lopez is the eponymous cover star of Vogue magazine in December 2022, marking her third appearance for the magazine. Although her cover photo is simple and free-flowing, the inside spread reveals outfits that span from bustiers and crop tops to an ethereal bridal-white moment. In the cover photo, photographed by Annie Leibovitz and styled by Alex Harrington, 53, hangs gracefully from a tree branch, with her red Valentino Haute Couture gown blown in the wind behind her. The photograph is a tribute to Gordon Parks' photograph essay in the magazine Eartha Kitt for Life magazine in 1952, which featured a similar snapshot of Kitt hanging from a tree trunk, although she did so in a polo shirt and shorts more than 70 years ago.

By Grant Sharples Saba, a Chicago-born rapper, debuted Care For Me, his sophomore album. It was a moving journey of grief, life, and innocence, based on piano-driven arrangements that belied Saba's trademark quick-fire delivery and laser-sharp focus. The record has earned him a larger audience, which came as a result of year-end awards and a level-up in bars and theaters, but he doesn't want to rest on his laurels.