Tag: Blackshear High School

Book Signing Event With Author Charles H Norman III Honoring the Vocal Group “The Velvets”

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Odessa, Texas/January 13, 2023-Author, Charles H. Norman III held a book signing event at the Odessa Chamber of Commerce of his new book “Road To Reconciliation…And Beyond”. The book is in honor of the internationally known 60s musical Do Wop group “The Velvets.” The vocal group was formed by a teacher and several students at Blackshear High School, now known as Blackshear Magnet Elementary School located at East Murphy and South Dixie Blvd. In South Odessa. 

(Charles H. Norman, Author-” Road To Reconciliation…And Beyond”) 

In late June of 2022 a celebration of “The Velvets” called “The Velvets Endeavor” was held on the original Blackshear High School stage in conjunction with the Juneteenth parade and fair.  

(Charles H. Norman, Author-” Road To Reconciliation…And Beyond”) 

Gilbert Vazquez, Former Educator at Ector County Independent School District was a young teen living in Odessa when her first heard the music of “The Velvets.” 

(Gilbert Vasquez, Former Educator-Ector County ISD-Odessa, Texas) 

Get your copy of “Road To Reconciliation…And Beyond” in paperback or hardcover at Amazon.com, Barns and Noble or at Jan-Carol Publishing.com. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera 

DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS(062022)-ODESSA, TX HONORS THE DOO-WOP GROUP “THE VELVETS”

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Odessa, Texas/June 20, 2022-On Saturday, June 18th a special event was held at the Blackshear Auditorium located at 501 South Dixie called “Remembering the Velvets” Odessa’s own 1960’s Doo-Wop recording artists. 

(Charles Norman III, Producer-The Velvets Endeavor-Event) 

The group was comprised of young Blackshear High School students: Mark Prince, William Solomon, Clarence Rigsby and Robert Thursby, and were led by Blackshear High School English Teacher, Virgil Johnson. 

(Charles Norman III, Producer-The Velvets Endeavor-Event)  

In 1960, Roy Orbison heard The Velvets and signed them to Monument Records. The groups big hit song was titled “TONIGHT (COULD BE THE NIGHT) 

A special video was shown during the event of the history of The Velvets. 

(Robert Thursby, Last Remaining Member of “The Velvets”) 

Odessa Mayor, Javier Joven and Odessa City Councilman, Mark Matta read a special proclamation recognizing Odessa’s own “The Velvets” 

(Javier Joven, Mayor-City of Odessa, Texas) 

(Chris E. Walker, President/CEO-Black Chamber of Commerce Permian Basin) 

A reception was held with Blackshear High School and Blackshear Jr. High alumni along with invited guests, city and Ector County ISD representatives and community in honor of “The Velvets” followed by a special presentation of a Texas Historical Marker outside of the Blackshear Auditorium. 

(Song: “Living Blackshear”) 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News