Page 11 - Distinguished Daughters Special Edition
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Julie Gold (June 1974) is an students all around the world to learn
accomplished English.
composer and
performer of Carole Yvonne Johnson (June 1958)
popular music. had a dazzling career as a dancer that
She is best known
for her musical began in this
composition "From country and then
a Distance" for took her around
which she earned a the world to
Grammy Award in Australia, where
1991. The song she became an
was first recorded inspiring leader of
national dance.
by singer Nanci Griffith, who later She entered the
performed other Gold hits, including Juilliard School of
“Heaven," "Southbound Train," "Good Music in 1960 and
Night New York," and "Mountain of danced her way to
Sorrow". Other artists who have had great her Bachelor’s degree in 1963. As she
success with Julie’s songs are Patti took the first steps in building her career
LaBelle, Patti LuPone, Salonga, and as a professional dancer, she also began
Andrea Marcovicci. Julie’s song "Thanks to her life as an activist for black performers
You" was featured in the 1993 film Andre of dance because back then their career
and her song "Dream Loud" was heard in opportunities were sharply limited. At the
the film Unfaithful in 2002. (The Girl same time, she worked to make her art
Scouts love Dream Loud and Julie more accessible to black audiences. The
laughingly says she was paid for it with Harlem Cultural Council began a project to
Girl Scout Cookies.) It was the Bette meet these goals and Carole was a
Midler recording of the song "From a founding artist and a faithful performer for
Distance" that earned a Grammy Award some years. The Council sent out a fleet
for Julie. This song has since been aired of jazz mobiles and dance mobiles.
on some four million broadcasts. It was Concerts and dance programs were
read into the Congressional Record by performed out on the streets on flatbed
Senator Barbara Boxer. It was recorded trucks before amazed and delighted
internationally and translated into many audiences! Carole was a founder of the
languages, and has been published as a Modern Organization for Dance
children’s book with illustrations. Evolvement, Inc. (MODE, Inc.) at that
Additionally, it was recorded for mass- time. Among the goals of the organization
produced music boxes, has been quoted were to serve black dancers as a
vastly in books and on calendars and clearinghouse of information, to defend
greeting cards. The song was used as the their rights, and to help them to advance
morning wake-up call for astronauts on professionally. Carole produced and
the Mir Space Station on the first occasion edited Feet Magazine for MODE for several
that Americans and Russians worked years. This periodical was designed to
together in space. A wide range of vocal help carry out the policies of MODE.
artists has recorded it, Carole’ s international career began when
including Jewel, Elaine Paige, Cliff Richard, her talents won her a place in the Dance
the African Children's Choir, Judy Company of Elio Pomare, a black dancer
Collins, the Byrds, Fairport from Panama. He achieved great fame as
Convention, and Donna Summer. Julie a performer and then founded his own
has served on the Board of the National dance company. Carole Johnson joined
Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. the Pomare Dance Company in 1966 and
She writes songs for Oxford University soon became principal dancer. The
Press that help elementary school Pomare Dance Company went on tour in
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