Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Cultural History
Sidney Poitier
private IL, United StatesSidney Poitier is, without question, one of the greatest actors in the history of American film. Additionally, Sidney Poitier is the man who broke the color barrier in Hollywood. Like Barack Obama or Jackie Robinson, he was more than just … Continue reading
1945
ZoomJoin me in our time capsule for this amazing look back at one of the most important years in the history of the world: 1945. In 1945 World War II finally came to an end. After the deaths of both … Continue reading
Dick Van Dyke Show: FREE PRESENTATION
ZoomThe Dick Van Dyke Show is well remembered as one of the wittiest situation comedies in the history of television. What is less well remembered is that Carl Reiner's creation was a tremendously influential, but deceptive innovator. The DIck Van … Continue reading
Mel Brooks
Private VenueMel Brooks wrote, directed and starred in some of the funniest movies of all time. He even wrote the music for them! As a TV writer, working for the great Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks contributed to perhaps the funniest TV … Continue reading
Best Of Recent Broadway – Part 1
ZoomWith Broadway shut down until next year, I want to share some of the best musicals to have played on 'The Great White Way' in the last five years. Today's session will feature the backstory, music and a critical review … Continue reading
Barbara Walters: First Superstar Women TV Reporter
ZoomBarbara Walters: First Superstar Women TV Reporter Barbara Walters was the first superstar woman television news reporter. Fighting against many barriers, she opened the door for women to be taken seriously as news anchors and news reporters on broadcast television. … Continue reading
Gracie Allen – Underappreciated Comic Genius
Private VenueGracie Allen is one of the funniest women ever to perform in American theater, radio, television and film. And yet if I asked you to name the greatest comedienne's of all time, you would probably mention names like Lucille Ball, … Continue reading
The Marx Brothers
Private VenueThe Marx Brothers were much, much better than you remember! Their humor uplifted American spirits during the Depression and established new standards for comedy. The Marx Brothers combination of odd and unique talents, including a harp playing mime, a Jewish … Continue reading
Cole Porter – Risque Master Of American Music (Part 1)
ZoomWe begin with a simple statement of absolute truth. Cole Porter is one of the greatest songwriters in American history. Porter's melodies were sublime. Equally unforgettable are his amazing lyrics- they were clever, witty, sophisticated, original and naughty. Surprisingly, although … Continue reading
Cole Porter – Risque Master Of American Music (Part 2)
ZoomWe begin with a simple statement of absolute truth. Cole Porter is one of the greatest songwriters in American history. Porter's melodies were sublime. Equally unforgettable are his amazing lyrics- they were clever, witty, sophisticated, original and naughty. Surprisingly, although … Continue reading