Fresh Air Remembering Actor James Earl Jones
Sep 13, 2024
James Earl Jones, the legendary voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, shares his inspiring journey from battling a stutter to becoming an icon in theater and film. Russell Malone, a celebrated jazz guitarist known for his work with Diana Krall, reflects on his musical evolution and the emotional connections he fosters through his art. The discussion dives into the power of voice in Hollywood, the challenges faced by African American artists, and a tribute to both legends, blending heartfelt storytelling with profound cultural insights.
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Childhood Stutter
- James Earl Jones developed a stutter after moving from Mississippi to Michigan as a child.
- He barely spoke between ages six and 14, finding solace in conversations with animals.
Reclaiming Voice Through Poetry
- Jones's English teacher, Donald Crouch, challenged him to recite a poem he wrote to prove he hadn't plagiarized it.
- This exercise, using the rhythm of poetry, helped Jones regain his voice.
Rhythm and Stuttering
- Jones explains that rhythm helps him overcome stuttering, similar to how some singers don't stutter when singing.
- He highlights the role of rhythm in smoothing out speech and preventing logjams.
