In this heartfelt tribute, the legendary James Earl Jones reflects on overcoming his stutter to become the iconic voice behind characters like Darth Vader. Guitar virtuoso Russell Malone shares his journey in jazz, praising the emotional power of music. Film critic Justin Chang reviews 'His Three Daughters', exploring complex family dynamics and emotional struggles. The guests celebrate the enduring impact of storytelling in film and music, showcasing resilience and the richness of artistic expression.
James Earl Jones overcame childhood stuttering through poetry, transforming his struggle into a powerful voice that resonated in iconic roles.
Jones highlighted the evolving landscape of Hollywood, emphasizing that talent can transcend racial barriers and create opportunities for future generations.
Deep dives
James Earl Jones: A Prolific Career
James Earl Jones made significant contributions to film, television, and theater, becoming an iconic figure through his iconic roles such as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. He started his acting career in the 1950s, with theater remaining his first love throughout his life. His role in August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences, earned him a Tony Award, demonstrating his extraordinary range and depth as an actor. Jones was not only acclaimed for his performances but also for his groundbreaking presence as one of the first Black actors in various key roles across different media.
Overcoming Challenges: The Struggle with Stuttering
James Earl Jones battled a debilitating stutter in his childhood, which left him nearly mute from ages six to fourteen. He eventually found a means to regain his voice through poetry, guided by his English teacher, Donald Crouch, who encouraged him to recite his original poetry in front of the class. This experience ignited his passion for performance and helped him to connect rhythmically with language, which crucially aided his speech. By embracing the rhythm of words, Jones discovered a way to harness his stutter, allowing him to overcome the challenges of communication that often plagued him.
Signature Voice: The Legacy of Darth Vader
Jones provided the voice for Darth Vader in Star Wars, a role he initially saw as a minor contribution due to the visual performances of other actors involved. His distinctive voice created an imposing and memorable character that has captivated audiences for decades, leading to ongoing recognition as one of cinema's most recognizable villains. He was compensated for his work on this iconic franchise with a flat fee, illustrating the different dynamics of voice acting in comparison to on-screen performances. Despite this, he has acknowledged that the role opened doors, allowing his voice to become valued in various commercial sectors.
The Dynamics of Race in Hollywood
Jones addressed the complexities of race in the entertainment industry, asserting that talent often transcends racial barriers in Hollywood. He stressed the importance of perseverance for aspiring artists and asserted that each passing generation finds increased opportunities. While acknowledging historical challenges, he emphasized that successful projects featuring Black talent would inevitably lead to further opportunities. By focusing on the merits of artistry and the evolving nature of the industry, Jones remained hopeful for future generations of actors irrespective of their backgrounds.
James Earl Jones was the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mafusa in The Lion King, and once the voice of CNN. But there was a time when he didn't want to be heard. We revisit his 1993 interview with Terry Gross about how he overcame his stutter. Jones died this week at 93.
Also we remember late guitarist Russell Malone. He played with Diana Krall and Harry Connick Jr.
Film critic Justin Chang reviews His Three Daughters.