Sad Farewell To Diahann Carroll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Of course, the first thing anyone of my age and generation thinks of when they hear her name, is "Julia," where she became the first Afro American to star in their own TV show.  It also introduced me to Lloyd Nolan, who played her doctor/boss, and who, as I eventually explored my interest in film, I discovered to be a fine character actor.

                               And who could forget her as Dominique Deveraux on "Dynasty?" Her cat fights with Joan Collins as Alexis were the stuff of camp heaven, and you just knew the two of them were having a grand old time!

                                 Though Miss Carroll was less known for what I am about to report, she should be lauded by Theater Queens.  She introduced the song "The Sweetest Sounds" by Richard Rodgers, who wrote both words and music, for his 1962 musical, "No Strings!" She won a TONY Award for her work here.

                                    Now, BARBRA always took the credit for defining the song "A Sleeping Bee," with music by Harold Arlen, and lyrics by Truman Capote--yes!!!!!!!!--for their 1954 musical, "House Of Flowers."  Darlings, you have GOT to hear Diahann's rendering; it puts BARBRA to shame!  Yes, I am not kidding!  And it was SHE who originated it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Why, with that gorgeous voice, she did not keep up a musical career remains unanswered.  But she did movies, and picked up an Oscar nod for "Claudine," in 1974, so she was no slouch as a dramatic actress. Like all good performers, she went where the work was, and this is the direction hers took.

                                        She leaves a durable legacy behind.  I, personally, could not believe she was 84.  She always looked so young and fresh.  No wonder her passing, on October 4, took me by surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         So, Rest In Peace, Miss Carroll!  Your legacy will be treasured for generations to come. And you will be remembered as a trail blazing performer within the mass media!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Sad Farewell, Diahann!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!