In Honor of Joyce Bryant

Have you heard of The Joyce Bryant?

She was an icon that became an Ancestor at the age of 95 in November.

Let me tell you about this gorgeous and talented singer known as the Bronze Blonde Bombshell who was also a civil rights activist. This icon was the first dark-skinned woman to be celebrated as a sex symbol.

Bryant was known to tint her hair silver and wear curve hugging, low cut dresses designed by African American designer Zelda Wynn for her performances. (Zelda Wynn created the prototype for the iconic Playboy bunny costume). She was the “IT” girl of her day because she captivated Black and White audiences. One of her songs was banned from radio for being too sexy!

In her later years she trained to become a classical vocalist and later a vocal coach. Bryant trained some of the greats: Phyllis Hyman and Jennifer Holiday.She lived an extraordinary life. I hope one day there is a movie made about her life and all she was able to accomplish.

My self-portrait is in honor of her legacy.