The writer, singer and producer of the classic “I Can See Clearly Now” has died. Johnny Nash’s son says his father died Tuesday at his home in Houston of natural causes at 80. Nash was a Houston-born artist who rose from pop crooner to early reggae star to chart-topping status with “I Can See Clearly Now.” Released in 1972, the tune was covered by artists ranging from Ray Charles and Donny Osmond to Soul Asylum and Jimmy Cliff, whose version was featured in the 1993 movie “Cool Runnings.” It also turned up in the film “Thelma and Louise,” and a Windex commercial.
By HILLEL ITALIE
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Charles Webb, author of ‘The Graduate,’ dies in England
Charles Webb, a lifelong non-conformist whose debut novel “The Graduate” was a deadpan satire of his college education and wealthy background later adapted into the classic 1967 film of the same name, has died. He was 81. Webb was only 24 when his most famous book was published, in 1963. The sparely written narrative was based closely on his privileged California childhood, his studies in history and literature at Williams College in Massachusetts and his disorienting return home. Webb’s book went on to sell more than a 1 million copies, but he hardly benefited from the film, for which he received just $20,000.
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Most board members resign from thriller writers association
Eight of 10 board members and the executive director have resigned from International Thriller Writers, a professional association which has faced widespread criticism for its responses to the Black Lives Matters protests and to an author’s allegations she was harassed during a writers conference. The ITW implosion mirrors upheavals this year at the Romance Writers of America, the Poetry Foundation and the National Book Critics Circle, all of which have had predominantly white leadership and have promised to diversify their organizations. More than 100 ITW members had signed an online petition calling for the entire board to step down.
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Amid mass departures, book critics board seeks to diversify
The National Book Critics Circle is seeking to reinvent itself 46 years after its founding. Fifteen of its 24 board members, including the president, have resigned over a dispute arising from its attempt to draft a statement in support of Black Lives Matter. On Thursday, those remaining on the board announced several changes, notably efforts to diversify leadership that long has been predominantly white. The board has named an interim president, Jane Ciabattari, and announced that several of the awards it presents annually will be postponed or canceled until it makes “satisfactory progress” in diversity.
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Top officials at Poetry Foundation resign amid criticisms
Two top officials at one of the country’s leading poetry organizations have stepped down amid criticism over its response to the protests against police violence and racism. The Poetry Foundation announced Wednesday that its president, Henry Bienen, and board chairman Willard Bunn III, had resigned, effectively immediately. The foundation did not announce any plans for succession or refer specifically to recent events. More than 1,000 poets and foundation supporters issued an open letter last weekend calling for Bienen and Bunn to leave and be replaced by someone with a greater commitment to diversity and anti-racism.
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Publishing employees organize ‘day of action’ against racism
As nationwide rallies against police violence and racism continue, employees in the book publishing industry are holding a “day of action” to support protesters and call attention to the industry’s lack of diversity. Suggested actions include donating a day’s pay to anti-racism organizations, joining marches and promoting works by black authors. Organizers say more than 1,300 workers have expressed support. An estimated 75 percent of industry employees are white.
