When SportsJam with Doug Doyle started as a podcast and radio program on WBGO in 2008, I had a variety of guests from various entertainment worlds.
One of my favorites was Judith Jamison. It was show I'll never forget.
The internationally-known dancer and then the Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater died on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the age of 81.
As you will hear in this special edition of SportsJam, Judith and I had so much fun with each other. The superstar would annually visit the WBGO studio to talk about the upcoming Ailey performances at NJPAC on Mother's Day weekend.
Tall and expressive, she became one of the company’s most famous performers and a muse for Ailey. Jamison had star turns in two of Ailey’s signature dances, “Revelations” and “Cry.” She danced with the Ailey company for 15 years before leaving to perform on Broadway and as a guest artist with other ballet companies.
Jamison grew up in Philadelphia and trained in ballet from a young age. At a time when Black dancers were rare in ballet, she began with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965.
Jamison later returned to the Ailey company as its artistic director for two decades. She is widely credited with helping to make it one of the most successful dance companies in the U.S.
Judith honored me the following year (2009) with a "50th Anniversary Alvin Ailey" Barbie doll that is one of my most treasured gifts in my office.
Judith Jamison really had all the qualities of a star on and off the performance stage. She was brilliant, super-talented, powerful, funny and kind. The legendary dancer taught me so much about ballet and performance. I will miss her very much.
