James Earl Jones might have the most recognizable voice known to man. When he speaks, you know what time it is. His larger-than-life voice made him a domineering figure to each one of his iconic roles. James Earl Jones always made his presence known.
On January 17, 1931, James Earl Jones was born in rural Mississippi. His mother Ruth Connolly was a maid and teacher, while his father, Robert Earl Jones, was a boxer and aspiring actor. His father left his family shortly after James’ birth to try his luck at acting. Robert Earl Jones went on to appear in several stage plays and films as early as the 1930s. These mostly Black only productions were known as Race Films.
James grew up with a speech impediment and stutter. He sometimes would not speak at all to avoid the embarrassment. In school, he took up acting and reciting poetry. He would practice speaking loudly to help overcome his handicap. Who would have thought the man with such a powerful voice encountered these obstacles growing up as a youngster.
After serving in the Korean War, James returned home and reunited with his father. He eventually moved in with his father to pursue a career in theater and acting.
Shortly after he landed several roles in theater. These included various Shakespearean roles like Othello. King Lear, and Hamlet. From the theater he went to the screen (big and small), with amazing works such as Claudine, Conan the Barbarian, Field of Dreams, and Coming to America among others. Even the children’s television series Sesame Street featured James voice in the early promos and episodes. His voice was on full display with his work as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise and Mufasa in the animated Lion King films. Did you know he was the voice for the “This is CNN” spot?
James won several awards during his timeless career. He won a Grammy Award in 1977 for Best Spoken Word. The album was titled Great American Documents. In 1969, he won a Tony Award for The Great White Hope and another for Fences in 1987. The Great White Hope was turned into a film the following year and led to James taking home a Golden Globe. Other accomplishments include Emmy awards for Gabriel’s Fire and Heat Wave in 1991, and a daytime Emmy for Summer’s End in 2000.
One of the treasures of James Earl Jones illustrious career is a series that I discovered some years ago. He hosted an early 1970’s obscure program titled, Black Omnibus. This variety show was syndicated, so not many could watch its premiere in 1973. This rare and obscure series featured James interviewing prominent figures of Black America in the 1970s. From Richard Pryor to Cicely Tyson. Jim Brown, Alex Haley, Paul Mooney, Reverend James Cleveland, the Spinners, Bar-Kays, and many more powerful African Americans discussed what was happening in the culture at that time. His voice paired with different artists in Black America was just what James Earl Jones embodied throughout his entire career, POWER.
James Earl Jones passed away September 9th, 2024, surrounded by his family. James leaves behind one son, Flynn Earl Jones. James was 93 years old.
