Over the past few years, we’ve lost some of our most beloved Black musicians, artists, actors and more. James Earl Jones, Tina Turner and more lived long lives after their peak of success, earning the status of “legend.”
However, we have more legends living who’ve been in the business for decades , but when you hear their name, you might go “… Oh shoot, they still alive?” As morbid as it may be to assume the death of a very much a celebrity, the less we see their faces on the screen or hear their voices in a song, the more work we must do to remember them.
Though we have a dazzling lineup of young singers, actors and more who are climbing to “legend” status, let’s refresh our memory of the ones we have now that need to be protected at all costs.
Berry Gordy
The 95-year-old Motown founder has since retired from record producing and songwriting. The latest news we have on the record executive is he recently discovered he’s related to late former President Jimmy Carter as a third cousin, per The New York Times.
George Clinton
The 83-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Parliament Funkadelic are still performing around the country. The latest win for Clinton was a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January of 2024.
Ronald Isley
One of the two remaining members of The Isley Brothers, 83-year-old Ronald, still travels the country to sing on stage but has also embarked on a new business venture, becoming the CEO of liquor brand “Liquid Gold,” per Click On Detroit.
Ernie Isley
The second surviving Isley Brother is 72-year-old Ernie, who, as you can guess, is still glued to his guitar having recently traveled to Hawaii for the Maui Music and Food Experience concert and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guitar Center Music Foundation, per Billboard.
Don King
The 93-year-old boxing legend recently ended up in a tussle outside of the boxing ring and in the courtroom, having faced a lawsuit from his promoter who helped push “Rumble In The Jungle 2,” per NBC News.
Keith David
The legendary actor’s deep voice is a signature in itself even behind the face of an animated character. The 68-year-old’s latest role was in “Mufasa: The Lion King” as “Masego.” One thing about him, he’ll always land a gig.
Billy Dee Williams
It’s been a few years since we saw the “’Star Wars” actor and artist grace the television screen. However, the 87-year-old still offers a lot on insight on the state of acting today including a controversial opinion that actors should be allowed to wear blackface, via Variety.
Sly Stone
The life of the 81-year-old music legend is being recognized in an upcoming documentary produced by Questlove and featuring commentary from rapper Andre 3000, per Variety. His fall from grace left his current status as unknown. He was last reported to be living out of a camper in Crenshaw and being looked after by a retired couple, per Far Out Magazine.
Bill Duke
The 81-year-old actor/director has taken less acting roles but more opportunities to share his experiences over the years in the industry, train other actors and also educating the public, via FOX Atlanta. He also received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024.
Marla Gibbs
The 93-year-old “The Jeffersons” actress is still not “completely” retired even after decades of work. She was spotted in short film “Mildred 4 a Million,” “The Jeffersons: Live,” and a short cameo in series “Not Dead Yet.”Amanda Edwards
Otis Williams
The 83-year-old Temptations founder is still kickin’ and has a lot to say about the current state of music: “I’m not impressed,” he said via FOX. not everyone can make a timeless hit like “My Girl,” but the group celebrated 60 years of success. Last year, Williams had a street named after him in his hometown of Detroit, per the Detroit Free Press.
Garrett Morris
The 87-year-old SNL alumnus hasn’t been on screen for a while but every role he played was sure to make you belly laugh. Part of what made his characters memorable was his courage, something he recently claims Saturday Night Live is missing, per Entertainment Weekly.
Pam Grier
We remember the 75-year-old actress is who we recall to be the foxy and fierce kickass lead in a series of 70s films including “Coffy” and “Foxy Brown.” However, lately, the icon is looking to produce “Foxy Brown” into a musical, per Entertainment Weekly.
Katherine Jackson
The mother of pop legend Michael Jackson is a strong and healthy 94 years old. Mrs. Jackson recently lost her son, Tito, and also lost a battle keeping Michael’s catalog assets from being sold, per PEOPLE.
Danny Glover
The 78-year-old beloved actor is still being cast for roles having been “The Naughty Nine” and “Double Soul” which premiered just two years ago. When you see that face in a trailer, you know it’s going to be good. We’re lucky to still see him in action.
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