The great Geoffrey Holder won two Tony Awards in 1978 for costume design and directing “The Wiz”has died today. Shown here in the October 1975 issue of Ebony, Geoffrey in all of his 6’6” splendor is appearing to vicariously tap into all of his creative power - gold cape, sketch pad and pen in hand bought back memories.

I so love this photo. It reminds me of the 1970"s cultural atmosphere in which I enjoyed. As a kid, away from the noise and violations, I enjoyed an imaginatively colorful childhood. One full of drag queens, the arts, social and political gatherings, airplanes, fashion and Garbage Pail Kids - Harlem and Manhattan. A rich poor kid exposed to entirely too much too fast.

My nanny was an emotional transgender woman by the name of Scarlet. Scarlet, although not a woman, was nurturing, affectionate and ferociously protective of me and my brother. She genuinely loved us as we could tell by the emotional outburst of tears whenever she thought that she had disappointed us. My brother, who was just as unaware of Scarlet’s man parts as I was, adored Scarlet and eagerly looked forward to her daily arrival.

Although Geoffrey Holder was in no way a transgender person his countenance and his nationality dearly resembled my Scarlet. Geoffrey Holden, as displayed through mainstream media, was graceful, tall, strong innovative, confident and his contribution to the arts as an Trinidadian actor, choreographer, director, dancer, painter, costume designer, singer and voice-over artist was incomparable to none other. Awe-inspiring and iconic just like my dear Scarlet. May they both rest in peace, love and journey.

Thanks to Vintage Black Glamour by Nichelle Gainer for reminding me of a great period in my life. To view original post visit http://vintageblackglamour.tumblr.com/

REST IN HEAVENLY DANCE, DRAMATIC THEATRICS, MET GALA WORTHY COSTUMES AND PERFECT PEACE AND LOVE! THANK YOU GEOFFREY HOLDEN FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO MY IMAGINATION.