ENTERTAINMENT
The action of providing or being provided with amusement or
enjoyment.
-Dictionary.com
One would think with all the talent in our family this post would be my easiest. It most certainly IS NOT!! That's the problem. We have TOO MANY talented relatives! So let me give a disclaimer up front! If you have a sister, brother, niece, nephew, child, or grandchild who is phenomenally gifted and you don't see their names in this post...forgive me!
I've selected only a few family members, ones that I have witnessed exercising their talent; that have historical relevance, or whose gifts have been acknowledged on the world's stage. I also want to make a distinction between those who perform sporadically or only when inebriated [only kidding] from those who work hard to perfect their craft and have made it their career! With Your permission let the following represent us all!
🎵🎵 MUSIC 🎵🎵
Greggory Brian Smith, entertainment
business professional with over 15 years experience in music publishing,
performance right organization, artist/songwriter management, and artist
repertoire. Expertise include publishing administration, music copyright, and licensing.
Patrick J. "Que" Smith, Grammy
nominated record producer and songwriter has 15 years experience in the music business and
50 million albums to his credit. He has contributed to songs from
Usher, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Fantasia Barrina, Chris
Brown, Ariana Grande, The Gospellers, and Omarion.
[Greggory and Patrick are the sons of Woodrow Smith, Jr. and
Barbara Johnson. They are the grandsons of Woodrow Smith, Sr. and
Mildred Harris Strong]
Megan Mechelle Jefferson (Meg Thee Lil Pony) is an up
and coming jazz, R&B and Gospel singer. She is a live artist
performer debuting throughout the South. A gifted musician who
occasionally accompanies herself on the key board. Megan is a
featured artist on Alabama Chappy's album, Man of Many Faces.
⭐⭐DRAMA/COMEDY⭐⭐
Vanessa Fraction Williams, is a
writer (Monique Show, Arsenio Hall Show, 106 & Park, Mann &
Wife); stand up comedienne and actress known for her roles in
Barbershop 2: Back in Business and Holiday Love. She has over
a decade of entertainment experience and has been showcased on
Def Comedy Jam, 1st Amendment,
Stand Up; Mike Epps Live and Club Nokia. Vanesessa has often
been a guest contestant on a variety of game shows, i.e., Kevin Hart's Celebrity Game Face that feature rappers and comedians.
[Vanessa is the daughter of Brian Fraction and Cheri Smith Johnson.
She is the granddaughter of Woodrow Smith, Sr. and Mildred Harris
Strong]
🎥 THE ALMOST FAMOUS 🎥
Kevin L. Jefferson was only
twelve years old when he had his brush with fame. He received film
credit for his role as Joe Jefferson in the 1973 movie,
Tom Sawyer, a Disney remake of Mark Twain's iconic novel.
The production company took liberties with the book so the character
Kevin played may have been a combination of Joe Harper, Tom
Sawyer's best friend and Jim, the runaway slave he befriends.
This version starred Johnny Whitaker, Jodie Foster and veteran
stars Celeste Holmes and Warren Oates. Click link, to view a short clip of Kevin's role from a scene in the
movie:
[Kevin is the son of John L. Jefferson and Jeanette Harris Jefferson. He is the grandson of A.J. Harris and Josie Mae Kees Harris]
Maria Peterson Henderson believes one is never too old to fulfill your dreams. After a military career and the rearing of her daughter, she stepped out on faith. With a gigantic amount of confidence in this 4'10" relative she entered the world of talent training: acting and dance lessons, coaching, and auditions. The experience honed her skills in bringing joy and laughter on a smaller but more significant platform, her friends, church, and the senior community she loves.
😎JUST FOR FUN😎
Some relatives have various ideas of what is talent! However, it never keeps us from putting on a show if the opportunity arises. A couple of these photos were taken at the 1982 Harris Family Reunion in Chicago (Upper left: Carolyn, Lynnette, Alfred on guitar and Jeanette). Eldest brother Sam with nephew, Puncho is in the middle photo. (Lower right: Ellen in top hat with son, Darryl, Lynette, Pat and Chantelle sitting). Sam, Ellen, Jeanette and Darryl are no longer with us but their legacy shines bright in the following generations.
To all our family song birds: Laurie Castille, Lynnette Jefferson, Yolanda Harris, and others; musicians and instrumentalist of every age, i.e. Sarah Smith (violin); Arielle Harris, (audio technician) and many more who make us so very proud... Kudos!!
Your Family Griot,
Carolyn Harris Betts
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