“You got big dreams, you want fame. Well fame costs, and right here is where you start paying… in sweat!”
Many of us eagerly waited to hear that line spoken every week by dance teacher Lydia Grant at the beginning of “Fame”. Grant was of course played by Houston, Texas-born Debbie Allen. A graduate of Howard University, Ms. Allen began her career on Broadway. Since then her resume boasts writing, dance, television, film and choreography for everyone from Michael and Janet Jackson to Mariah Carey.
It was Ms. Allen’s vision and influence that transformed Hillman College from your average everyday university to a memorable HBCU, when she took on the position as producer in the second season of “A Different World.” She directed episodes as well. True fans of the show may remember her appearing in one hilarious episode, as Whitley’s eccentric, wig wearing shrink–remember, “relax, relate, release!” If you really want to go old school, you’ll remember her as J.J.’s heroin-addicted fiancée on “Good Times.”
Her credits are too numerous to mention, which is why she has remained an inspiring entertainer and influential force in the industry for well over 30 years. It’s no wonder why she received the Soul Train Lena Horne Lady of Soul award in 1995.
– Montrose Cunningham
* * * *
Montrose Cunningham is an independent funk/rock/soul artist and devoted music aficionado residing in Dallas, Texas. When he isn’t digging through the crates–digital and analog–he’s jamming with his band or hanging with his daughter; sometimes both at the same time.
