Quincy Jones - as depicted by artist Stephen B. Whatley in Memoirs of Mamie Van Doren. 2024.
The American music producer Quincy Jones (1933-2024) sadly passed on November 3rd.
In May of this year, artist Stephen B. Whatley got to pay tribute to the music genius as part of a major commission of his cartoon illustrations for the forthcoming memoirs of 1950s & 1960s film star, Mamie Van Doren (1931-).
In undertaking this commission of chapter illustrations over several months the artist has been privileged to absorb the many profound and exciting twists and turns in the extraordinary life of the beautiful blonde film actress, who shone on screen in such films as The All American (1953), with Tony Curtis; Teacher’s Pet (1958), with Clark Gable and Doris Day ; and High School Confidential (1958) with Russ Tamblyn.
Not only did Whatley absorb details of her stories but sought to capture visually the feeling and atmosphere of her memories - such as this scene when Mamie enjoyed a performance of Quincy Jones early in his career. Always a talented singer, Mamie had aspirations towards being a jazz singer at the time, loving such singers as Lena Horne and Dinah Washington.
Quincy was lead trumpet player and music arranger, performing here with Lionel Hampton & his orchestra at a jazz club, Club Oasis in East Los Angeles - and spotting Mamie ultimately led to a friendship and love affair.
Mamie Van Doren’s memoirs are entitled ‘Secrets of The Goddess’ due for publication in 2025….watch this space for further updates.
Quincy Jones - as depicted by artist Stephen B. Whatley in Memoirs of Mamie Van Doren. 2024.
The American music producer Quincy Jones (1933-2024) sadly passed on November 3rd.
In May of this year, artist Stephen B. Whatley got to pay tribute to the music genius as part of a major commission of his cartoon illustrations for the forthcoming memoirs of 1950s & 1960s film star, Mamie Van Doren (1931-).
In undertaking this commission of chapter illustrations over several months the artist has been privileged to absorb the many profound and exciting twists and turns in the extraordinary life of the beautiful blonde film actress, who shone on screen in such films as The All American (1953), with Tony Curtis; Teacher’s Pet (1958), with Clark Gable and Doris Day ; and High School Confidential (1958) with Russ Tamblyn.
Not only did Whatley absorb details of her stories but sought to capture visually the feeling and atmosphere of her memories - such as this scene when Mamie enjoyed a performance of Quincy Jones early in his career. Always a talented singer, Mamie had aspirations towards being a jazz singer at the time, loving such singers as Lena Horne and Dinah Washington.
Quincy was lead trumpet player and music arranger, performing here with Lionel Hampton & his orchestra at a jazz club, Club Oasis in East Los Angeles - and spotting Mamie ultimately led to a friendship and love affair.
Mamie Van Doren’s memoirs are entitled ‘Secrets of The Goddess’ due for publication in 2025….watch this space for further updates.