By complete coincidence, just a few days ago Mitchell and I had a lengthy conversation about Harry Belafonte’s wonderful performance in Robert Altman’s Kansas City. I can’t even remember how or why it came up. But we dug into it, the performance’s surprising qualities, the hardness, the edge he brought, plus his gorgeousness (in looks and attire), and the star power he brought to that ensemble film (not as well known as it should be). Again, I don’t remember how it came up, but we spent a good half an hour talking about him in Kansas City, and why that casting was so eerily right, how glad we was it happened.
When the news broke, Mitchell and I had similar initial reactions: “We were just talking about him!” Not that it’s all about us. But the timing … The exact same thing happened with Lena Horne, incidentally. Mitchell and I had this spontaneous discussion about her, where we looked up YouTube clips, pulled up audio tracks, Mitchell read excerpts from the recent biography – this is how Mitchell and I spend time together. We fell asleep and woke up the next morning to the news that Lena Horne had died. We felt like we had sent her off with a tribute, without even knowing she was passing.
Maybe we sensed something. Or maybe our random decision to discuss Harry Belafonte for half an hour is just a reminder that it’s always good to take a little time out of your life to talk about Harry Belafonte. And pay tribute to people, appreciate them, while they are here.
You two should have a long discussion about Vladimir Putin next.
lol
(I regretted that immediately upon send. Delete if you must.)
Aside from his songs, the first thing I thought of when I heard the news was your “what movie is your heart” stenography post — I was compelled to go back and read it all again to make sure I wasn’t imagining that he was mentioned with the Muppets by one of your friends. (I don’t think I ever commented on that post, but what a beautiful conversation!)
You have such an amazing memory.