David Kreinces, 12/22/23
In 2023, we have all been praying for the health and wellness of beloved artist Jamie Foxx so it was very nice to see him looking great last night at Finney’s in Westlake Village, CA. Just like picking Tesla early in 2013, and Nvidia in 2015, I instantly knew that Jamie was a mega-star when I first saw him in ‘Booty Call‘ (1997). However, it was his Oscar-winning portrayal of legendary musician Ray Charles, in ‘Ray’ (2004), that proved his limitless artistic talent.
As a huge Jamie Foxx fan, I was a bit starstruck, so I could hardly speak in full sentences when meeting him. I mumbled something about loving all his work, and that his ‘Collateral’ (2004) movie with Tom Cruise “weirded me out,” probably because it was intense and I just watched it recently. I should have told him that his depiction of Ray Charles is one of my favorite movies of all time.
Gratitude
Jamie is far more than a triple-threat artist and it’s no surprise. The comedian, Academy Award-winning actor, and Grammy-winning singer radiates incredible gratitude, coolness, and spiritual awareness. His immense thankfulness is always evident in his demeanor, and I now learn that it extends deep into his childhood.
Jamie was raised in a religious household by his grandmother, who gave him piano lessons when he was five. By age 13, he was the musical director of his church and then went on to earn a music scholarship to study classical music and composition at the U.S. International University in San Diego. After performing at a comedy open mic night, Foxx decided to become a comedian although he was known as Eric Bishop at that time.
The budding comedian changed his name to Jamie Foxx as a tribute to the great comedian and civil rights activist, Redd Foxx, from ‘Sanford and Son.’ Jamie also thought a gender-neutral or female name could help him get called to the stage faster. Today, we all know there was nothing that could keep Jamie from the stage as his prolific catalog of sensational art is greatly appreciated by all.
Holiday Spirit
So, thank you, Jamie, you are awesome. Happy belated 56th birthday, and congratulations on your daughter’s wedding engagement. I wish you and your family an incredibly happy, healthy, and prosperous new year in 2024. And an extra thank you for your phenomenal Christmas light decorations as we marvel at them every chance we get!
G-d bless you, Jamie Foxx. Light it up brotha!
Merry Christmas!
