Get PerSOULnal Interview with JOE JAMES
DISILGOLD: Welcome Joe to the Disilgold Community. I just want to set the wealth of background for our interview if you don’t mind. The last time we spoke, you were producing the set of the Arthur Ashe Story at the American Restaurant in 2003. Your professional film crew and co-producer Rosette M. Union, along with actors and actresses selected by your scouts, made cameo appearances in the restaurant scene where you played Arthur Ashe along with co-actress, Jordan, who played Beverly Johnson with both striking resemblance. Actors like Sevoria Hendrix, Wayne Livingston, Shadonna Edwards, Douglas Walker, Morgan Wic, Wilimine Julien, Kervens Fonrose, Gwendolyn Washington, Joel G. Kramer, Mr. Lee Parnell, Jonathon & Anne Kalb, Brandon Hall, Niti Pong, Lynna Davis, and Russell Newland were entranced in disbelief because the scene seemed so real. There was a lot of color and Funk-a-delic wear that made me want to return to the style of the 60's and 70's. You have managed to hold onto the classic afro-centric look in honor of the movie scheduled to be released soon. Tell us how the movie is progressing, and your role up until the final stages of the Arthur Ashe movie.
JOE JAMES: The Arthur Ashe Story is in its final stages as we speak and is undergoing color corrections. It is a one hour and twenty minute docu-drama tribute to Arthur Ashe. My role consisted of directing, producing and starring in the movie.
DISILGOLD: This is a first, and to be commended. You are a producer, director, actor and may I mention a music producer as well?
JOE JAMES: Yes, I have a male singing group entitled, Angels VOP (Voices of Praise). They are currently unsigned, but we are in the process of getting them signed to a major record deal as we speak.
DISILGOLD: What titles can we look forward to listening to when your singing group debuts?
JOE JAMES:The demo currently consists of song titles, "By and By," "You’re so special," Someday We’ll All Be Free," and "The Presence of the Lord."
DISILGOLD:Are these spiritual songs and how many members are in the group?
JOE JAMES:It is a Male Gospel trio, or male version of Destiny’s Child. The members are in their thirties, and have outstanding singing talent.
DISILGOLD:Are there any other movie projects you are working on? I do know producers often work on more than one project at a time.
JOE JAMES: The movie I am working on is "Soul Baby."
DISILGOLD:What is it about?
JOE JAMES: It is a spiritually uplifting and moving story. It recognizes intelligent communication between 4 couples showing different levels of their relationships. I am also working on the final stages of Soul Baby, the novel.
DISILGOLD: Can I hear a little of the Soul Baby Soundtrack Joe? (Listening in) . That is remarkable! It reminds me of the cutting edge effect of what Whitney Houston's "Shoop" song did for the "Waiting to Exhale" movie soundtrack. You also, have a full soundtrack for the Arthur Ashe movie. Who contributed to the soundtrack if you don’t mind me asking?
JOE JAMES:Not at all. Alicia Key’s contributed one of her songs from the first album, Alicia Keys in A Minor. I have also written a song for Alicia Keys but it didn’t make the cut. I also conceptualized the other song titles songs, and put these words in a song such as Colored People," "Fight," "Prisoner of My Past," "Conceptualized Country Boys," and "King of the Court- RAP."
DISILGOLD:I was not able to be present on all of the scenes of the movie, but can you shed light on the other actors in the Arthur Ashe Movie?
JOE JAMES:Sanaa Latham’s aunt, Marlene Mc Coy, plays Arthur’s wife. Alicia Keys mom, Terria Joseph plays Billie Jean King. Sonny Rawlin’s nephew plays Arthur’s coach, Clifton Anderson.Cal Ramsey, a former Knick’s basketball player plays Arthur’s father. A little girl by the name of Madison, plays her daughter.
DISILGOLD: Is Madison a child actress?
JOE JAMES: All were contribution performances, but I do know that Madison just signed a 4 year licensing deal with 4 Kids Entertainment who discovered the popular Cabbage Patch Kids. Her new toy line is PUPPY FISH for girls 7-13 years of age. Madison, whose mother’s company is called Fortune Girl is only 8 years old. Her toy line which is based on her colorful artwork, will represent international stationery, gift wrap and apparel. Madison’s line debuted at the International Licensing Show in Las Vegas. Her mother is also, the head designer of Jockey's apparel.
DISILGOLD:That is amazing. I can’t help but to think of you as what Berry Gordon has done for Motown, and as what you are able to do for rising artists, authors, musicians, producers and more. I see all of these national contests for film rights, but you are actually placing everyday people in your movies with talent. I even got a chance to flaunt my make-up skills and apply cosmetics to everyone on the set for your movie and I thank you for that. You make what you do look so easy, but it is clear that you had a clear vision for what you wanted the scene to look like before the day of taping. There were many retakes. You dealt with lightning, positioning of the models, scenery, stage enhancements and direction in less than one hour. This was amazing to see, but yet, you were so cool, calm and collected.
JOE JAMES: It is easy when you are doing a movie that noone up until now wants to do. The movie is a beautiful tribute to Arthur Ashe who I knew from childhood. The growing epidemic of AIDS/ HIV is brought to light as a man who was loved and admired by so many was stricken with the disease in the prime of his life from a blood transfusion, but this did not stop the world from honoring him as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The beauty of the movie is his wife’s support and love for him until his dying day. It is a love story of struggle, strength and endurance up until his last day. People say if you knew him, he was the truest of friends and set the ground for other pro-tennis players like Serena Williams as the winner of the US Open Finals. He was from Virginia. I was blessed to see him play tennis as a youth, and I am a tennis player myself. Some of his last words were, "I honor my wife for how she stuck by me, and she is and will always be the love of my life." This movie will set a different tone about Black men who are often depicted in movies as womanizers. Arthur Ashe loved his wife.
DISILGOLD: I just saw Oprah Winfrey's excellent production of the Zora Neale Hurston movie starring Halle Berry, and if this movie created a classic touch of desire for real romance on a tv drama between African American couples, I can only imagine the spark of return to romance the Arthur Ashe story will make on the lives of ordinary people on the mainstream movie market. The time could not be better. With Ozzie Davis's passing, we are reminded by actress Ruby Dee's life with him of the beauty of Black romance. Overall, movies require millions for mass production. How have you been able to market your movie to the mainstream.
JOE JAMES:The Arthur Ashe story is clearly a docu-drama. I am working on raising money with the right investors for Soul Baby.
DISILGOLD:Who is the editor of your latest movie project?
JOE JAMES:NY Film School is the editor. The film is expected to reach the International Film Circuit.
DISILGOLD:Will you do other documentaries?
JOE JAMES:I would like to do a documentary on Shirley Chishlom, and a dentist from the 1800's who was issued slaves to treat so they would be ready for the slave market, but instead, he took them up north to free them. A treatment has already been written for this movie.
DISILGOLD:I am looking at your photo, and you bear a strikingly similar resemblance to Arthur Ashe?
JOE JAMES: Well, I did professionally play tennis. It is a one man’s game so to speak. You don’t have coaches where you can run to and say what do I do. You can get a fine if your coach is signaling you in other games, but not in tennis. This is why Arthur was so incredible. Just imagine standing there playing as your own director? This is why I wanted to bring out Arthur Ashe’s talent. Will Smith played Muhammad Ali, Denzel Washington played Malcolm X, Jamie Foxx played Ray, and now Joe James can play as Arthur Ashe.
DISILGOLD: The only difference is that you are the director, producer and lead actor in keeping in company and memory of the spirit of Arthur Ashe and his greatness I would say. How did you get to meet him as a youth?
JOE JAMES:I met him at an exhibition match in Virginia when I was 7 years old. I was the only black, and he gave me a greeting like, "Wow!" I went like, "Oh my God," when he spoke to me and in all respect.
DISILGOLD:I understand this feeling. It’s like meeting Dr. Maya Angelou, but I got to wipe her tears, and walk her up the stage at the Phillis Wheatley Awards, and in my wanting to send her a photo of her big day, I acted like a fool, and dropped my thousand dollar camera on the ground. But-- with all humility, I feel blessed and touched by an angel. I write historical bios, and so, if no one writes her bio, I know that I will. You have done this nation a great service. Arthur Ashe's legacy will live on thanks to you. Was there anyone else you met as a youth?
JOE JAMES:When I walked into the US Tournament, Yannick Noah looked up and waved as well. I was the only black in the stadium then.
DISILGOLD: That is moving. And-- who would know as a boy all grown up now, that you'd produce, direct and document the life of Arthur Ashe. Who would have known this?
JOE JAMES:I am glad that the project is almost done.
DISILGOLD:You played Gordon’s father on Sesame Street. I said, I would never tell, but I grew up watching you, and obviously you were very young back then because you still look the same.
JOE JAMES:Well I started acting young, and just like Morgan Freeman who appeared in Electric Company and Lawrence Fisher who started on the Pee Wee Herman Show. I then worked for two years on the soap opera, Another Life which appeared on a Christian Broadcasting Network, and is still aired in the United Kingdom and Great Britain. I also was on America’s Most Wanted and did a lot of looping jobs.
DISILGOLD:Please give us one looping job that we can reference, and is possibly on video.
JOE JAMES:Okay, well do you remember the Pelican Brief?
DISILGOLD:Yes, I remember that movie with Denzel Washington.
JOE JAMES:Well, the part where Denzel is panting in a scene. That is me. Actors get residuals for this kind of acting and this is pretty much how I have been able to continue acting.
DISILGOLD:How can people get in touch with you Joe? The Disilgold audience wastes no time getting in touch with YOUnity Guild Award Members.
JOE JAMES:I will be away May 2005. I am scheduled to appear in Virginia to play in Hiram & Netty with Denise Douse. She starred in Ray as the woman who swindled him out of money and also, appeared in Coach Carter. We are both from Virginia.
DISILGOLD: What is Hiram & Netty about?
JOE JAMES: It is a Black Musical.
DISILGOLD: Well, we want to hear all about it and look forward to seeing you at the 2nd YOUnity Guild Awards. Will Joel Kramer be there? The last time we spoke, he was working on a massive company that produces over 200,000 products that could enhance the community’s media campaign. I already see some gifts I would like to order for friends and family. This is a major enterprise.
JOE JAMES:Yes, he will be there, and his website can be found over at www.kramerpromotions.com
DISILGOLD: Wonderful! Well we look forward to seeing you there, and we thank you for taking the time from your schedule to let us know about your latest project. PerSOULnal blessings Mr. Joe James.
JOE JAMES: Be well my sister.
DISILGOLD: Welcome Joe to the Disilgold Community. I just want to set the wealth of background for our interview if you don’t mind. The last time we spoke, you were producing the set of the Arthur Ashe Story at the American Restaurant in 2003. Your professional film crew and co-producer Rosette M. Union, along with actors and actresses selected by your scouts, made cameo appearances in the restaurant scene where you played Arthur Ashe along with co-actress, Jordan, who played Beverly Johnson with both striking resemblance. Actors like Sevoria Hendrix, Wayne Livingston, Shadonna Edwards, Douglas Walker, Morgan Wic, Wilimine Julien, Kervens Fonrose, Gwendolyn Washington, Joel G. Kramer, Mr. Lee Parnell, Jonathon & Anne Kalb, Brandon Hall, Niti Pong, Lynna Davis, and Russell Newland were entranced in disbelief because the scene seemed so real. There was a lot of color and Funk-a-delic wear that made me want to return to the style of the 60's and 70's. You have managed to hold onto the classic afro-centric look in honor of the movie scheduled to be released soon. Tell us how the movie is progressing, and your role up until the final stages of the Arthur Ashe movie.
JOE JAMES: The Arthur Ashe Story is in its final stages as we speak and is undergoing color corrections. It is a one hour and twenty minute docu-drama tribute to Arthur Ashe. My role consisted of directing, producing and starring in the movie.
DISILGOLD: This is a first, and to be commended. You are a producer, director, actor and may I mention a music producer as well?
JOE JAMES: Yes, I have a male singing group entitled, Angels VOP (Voices of Praise). They are currently unsigned, but we are in the process of getting them signed to a major record deal as we speak.
DISILGOLD: What titles can we look forward to listening to when your singing group debuts?
JOE JAMES:The demo currently consists of song titles, "By and By," "You’re so special," Someday We’ll All Be Free," and "The Presence of the Lord."
DISILGOLD:Are these spiritual songs and how many members are in the group?
JOE JAMES:It is a Male Gospel trio, or male version of Destiny’s Child. The members are in their thirties, and have outstanding singing talent.
DISILGOLD:Are there any other movie projects you are working on? I do know producers often work on more than one project at a time.
JOE JAMES: The movie I am working on is "Soul Baby."
DISILGOLD:What is it about?
JOE JAMES: It is a spiritually uplifting and moving story. It recognizes intelligent communication between 4 couples showing different levels of their relationships. I am also working on the final stages of Soul Baby, the novel.
DISILGOLD: Can I hear a little of the Soul Baby Soundtrack Joe? (Listening in) . That is remarkable! It reminds me of the cutting edge effect of what Whitney Houston's "Shoop" song did for the "Waiting to Exhale" movie soundtrack. You also, have a full soundtrack for the Arthur Ashe movie. Who contributed to the soundtrack if you don’t mind me asking?
JOE JAMES:Not at all. Alicia Key’s contributed one of her songs from the first album, Alicia Keys in A Minor. I have also written a song for Alicia Keys but it didn’t make the cut. I also conceptualized the other song titles songs, and put these words in a song such as Colored People," "Fight," "Prisoner of My Past," "Conceptualized Country Boys," and "King of the Court- RAP."
DISILGOLD:I was not able to be present on all of the scenes of the movie, but can you shed light on the other actors in the Arthur Ashe Movie?
JOE JAMES:Sanaa Latham’s aunt, Marlene Mc Coy, plays Arthur’s wife. Alicia Keys mom, Terria Joseph plays Billie Jean King. Sonny Rawlin’s nephew plays Arthur’s coach, Clifton Anderson.Cal Ramsey, a former Knick’s basketball player plays Arthur’s father. A little girl by the name of Madison, plays her daughter.
DISILGOLD: Is Madison a child actress?
JOE JAMES: All were contribution performances, but I do know that Madison just signed a 4 year licensing deal with 4 Kids Entertainment who discovered the popular Cabbage Patch Kids. Her new toy line is PUPPY FISH for girls 7-13 years of age. Madison, whose mother’s company is called Fortune Girl is only 8 years old. Her toy line which is based on her colorful artwork, will represent international stationery, gift wrap and apparel. Madison’s line debuted at the International Licensing Show in Las Vegas. Her mother is also, the head designer of Jockey's apparel.
DISILGOLD:That is amazing. I can’t help but to think of you as what Berry Gordon has done for Motown, and as what you are able to do for rising artists, authors, musicians, producers and more. I see all of these national contests for film rights, but you are actually placing everyday people in your movies with talent. I even got a chance to flaunt my make-up skills and apply cosmetics to everyone on the set for your movie and I thank you for that. You make what you do look so easy, but it is clear that you had a clear vision for what you wanted the scene to look like before the day of taping. There were many retakes. You dealt with lightning, positioning of the models, scenery, stage enhancements and direction in less than one hour. This was amazing to see, but yet, you were so cool, calm and collected.
JOE JAMES: It is easy when you are doing a movie that noone up until now wants to do. The movie is a beautiful tribute to Arthur Ashe who I knew from childhood. The growing epidemic of AIDS/ HIV is brought to light as a man who was loved and admired by so many was stricken with the disease in the prime of his life from a blood transfusion, but this did not stop the world from honoring him as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The beauty of the movie is his wife’s support and love for him until his dying day. It is a love story of struggle, strength and endurance up until his last day. People say if you knew him, he was the truest of friends and set the ground for other pro-tennis players like Serena Williams as the winner of the US Open Finals. He was from Virginia. I was blessed to see him play tennis as a youth, and I am a tennis player myself. Some of his last words were, "I honor my wife for how she stuck by me, and she is and will always be the love of my life." This movie will set a different tone about Black men who are often depicted in movies as womanizers. Arthur Ashe loved his wife.
DISILGOLD: I just saw Oprah Winfrey's excellent production of the Zora Neale Hurston movie starring Halle Berry, and if this movie created a classic touch of desire for real romance on a tv drama between African American couples, I can only imagine the spark of return to romance the Arthur Ashe story will make on the lives of ordinary people on the mainstream movie market. The time could not be better. With Ozzie Davis's passing, we are reminded by actress Ruby Dee's life with him of the beauty of Black romance. Overall, movies require millions for mass production. How have you been able to market your movie to the mainstream.
JOE JAMES:The Arthur Ashe story is clearly a docu-drama. I am working on raising money with the right investors for Soul Baby.
DISILGOLD:Who is the editor of your latest movie project?
JOE JAMES:NY Film School is the editor. The film is expected to reach the International Film Circuit.
DISILGOLD:Will you do other documentaries?
JOE JAMES:I would like to do a documentary on Shirley Chishlom, and a dentist from the 1800's who was issued slaves to treat so they would be ready for the slave market, but instead, he took them up north to free them. A treatment has already been written for this movie.
DISILGOLD:I am looking at your photo, and you bear a strikingly similar resemblance to Arthur Ashe?
JOE JAMES: Well, I did professionally play tennis. It is a one man’s game so to speak. You don’t have coaches where you can run to and say what do I do. You can get a fine if your coach is signaling you in other games, but not in tennis. This is why Arthur was so incredible. Just imagine standing there playing as your own director? This is why I wanted to bring out Arthur Ashe’s talent. Will Smith played Muhammad Ali, Denzel Washington played Malcolm X, Jamie Foxx played Ray, and now Joe James can play as Arthur Ashe.
DISILGOLD: The only difference is that you are the director, producer and lead actor in keeping in company and memory of the spirit of Arthur Ashe and his greatness I would say. How did you get to meet him as a youth?
JOE JAMES:I met him at an exhibition match in Virginia when I was 7 years old. I was the only black, and he gave me a greeting like, "Wow!" I went like, "Oh my God," when he spoke to me and in all respect.
DISILGOLD:I understand this feeling. It’s like meeting Dr. Maya Angelou, but I got to wipe her tears, and walk her up the stage at the Phillis Wheatley Awards, and in my wanting to send her a photo of her big day, I acted like a fool, and dropped my thousand dollar camera on the ground. But-- with all humility, I feel blessed and touched by an angel. I write historical bios, and so, if no one writes her bio, I know that I will. You have done this nation a great service. Arthur Ashe's legacy will live on thanks to you. Was there anyone else you met as a youth?
JOE JAMES:When I walked into the US Tournament, Yannick Noah looked up and waved as well. I was the only black in the stadium then.
DISILGOLD: That is moving. And-- who would know as a boy all grown up now, that you'd produce, direct and document the life of Arthur Ashe. Who would have known this?
JOE JAMES:I am glad that the project is almost done.
DISILGOLD:You played Gordon’s father on Sesame Street. I said, I would never tell, but I grew up watching you, and obviously you were very young back then because you still look the same.
JOE JAMES:Well I started acting young, and just like Morgan Freeman who appeared in Electric Company and Lawrence Fisher who started on the Pee Wee Herman Show. I then worked for two years on the soap opera, Another Life which appeared on a Christian Broadcasting Network, and is still aired in the United Kingdom and Great Britain. I also was on America’s Most Wanted and did a lot of looping jobs.
DISILGOLD:Please give us one looping job that we can reference, and is possibly on video.
JOE JAMES:Okay, well do you remember the Pelican Brief?
DISILGOLD:Yes, I remember that movie with Denzel Washington.
JOE JAMES:Well, the part where Denzel is panting in a scene. That is me. Actors get residuals for this kind of acting and this is pretty much how I have been able to continue acting.
DISILGOLD:How can people get in touch with you Joe? The Disilgold audience wastes no time getting in touch with YOUnity Guild Award Members.
JOE JAMES:I will be away May 2005. I am scheduled to appear in Virginia to play in Hiram & Netty with Denise Douse. She starred in Ray as the woman who swindled him out of money and also, appeared in Coach Carter. We are both from Virginia.
DISILGOLD: What is Hiram & Netty about?
JOE JAMES: It is a Black Musical.
DISILGOLD: Well, we want to hear all about it and look forward to seeing you at the 2nd YOUnity Guild Awards. Will Joel Kramer be there? The last time we spoke, he was working on a massive company that produces over 200,000 products that could enhance the community’s media campaign. I already see some gifts I would like to order for friends and family. This is a major enterprise.
JOE JAMES:Yes, he will be there, and his website can be found over at www.kramerpromotions.com
DISILGOLD: Wonderful! Well we look forward to seeing you there, and we thank you for taking the time from your schedule to let us know about your latest project. PerSOULnal blessings Mr. Joe James.
JOE JAMES: Be well my sister.
