The Culture

TELEVISION

Small-Screen Queen

Queen Latifah is both star and executive producer of Bessie, a film about the life of blues singer Bessie Smith, airing May 16 on HBO. It’s easy to see why the story of one of the 1920s’ greatest musical stars appealed to Latifah, who has released two albums of jazz standards. And Smith’s songs have compelling, biopic-ready roots: the singer grew up in dire poverty and had a rocky marriage and affairs with both men and women. Michael Kenneth Williams, best known for his role in The Wire, plays Smith’s husband, while Mo’Nique, largely absent from movies since her Oscar win for Precious in 2010, dominates scenes as Smith’s fellow blues icon Ma Rainey.

BOOKS

Sweet Child

Toni Morrison’s last work came out a scant three years ago, but a new novel from the Nobel laureate is always an event. God Help the Child, out now, tells the provocative story of unloved, dark-skinned protagonist Bride, who grows up to become a cosmetics mogul.

TELEVISION

Night’s Tale

Director M. Night Shyamalan comes to TV as an executive producer of Wayward Pines, which stars Matt Dillon as a Secret Service agent on assignment in a mysterious small town. The 10-episode run begins May 14 on Fox.

MUSIC

Bush Dynasty

Snoop Dogg’s new album, Bush, out May 12, is heavier on melody than rap. The LP features an all-star cast of contributors, including producer Pharrell Williams and guest vocalists Stevie Wonder and Gwen Stefani.

THIS MUSEUM ISN’T A MARBLE TEMPLE. IT’S A MACHINE FOR SHOWING ART.

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THE WEEK

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