Stars dot Ebony Power 150 list

Arts and Culture

Stars dot Ebony Power 150 list

Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Tyler Perry and Tiger Woods are some of the notable names on the Ebony Power 150 list.

Every year, Ebony magazine picks its Power 150, a list of the most influential black Americans. We take a look at some of the notable names in the arts, entertainment and media category, beginning with Oprah Winfrey. She has used her talk show as a springboard to other things, notably starting her own production company, Harpo, and creating the charitable Angel Network.

Atlanta's Tyler Perry is a modern Renaissance man who acts, writes, directs and produces for movies and TV.

Former Atlantan Antonio (L.A.) Reid is a legendary producer who now serves as chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group, home to stars such as Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson.

Tyra Banks used her experience as a supermodel to educate herself on other aspects of the entertainment world. She now is the host of "America's Next Top Model" and "The Tyra Banks Show," owned by her company Bankable Productions.

Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington has directed and produced films such as "Antwone Fisher" that tell stories of blacks who have succeeded despite their obstacles.

In 1961, Quincy Jones became the first high-level executive of a major record company. Since then, he has won Grammy Awards and an Emmy, has been nominated for Academy Awards, and has started several companies.

Timbaland not only is a successful rapper in his own right, but his reach as a producer and songwriter is widespread.

Halle Berry is an Academy Award-winning actress who has added TV producer to her list of achievements. Films she has produced are "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," which she also starred in, and "Lackawanna Blues."

Wynton Marsalis comes from a family of famous musicians, but the trumpeter has branched out by composing and working as artistic director for Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Spike Lee has never been afraid of controvery, writing, directing and producing films such as "Do the Right Thing" and "Jungle Fever." His company 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks has produced his fictional works as well as documentaries, including "When the Levees Broke" and "4 Little Girls."

Tom Joyner is the host of a nationally syndicated radio show. He founded the Tom Joyner Foundation, which helps students continue their education at black colleges.

Queen Latifah (whose real name is Dana Owens) broke into show business as a rapper, but since then she has shined as an actress, philanthropist and Cover Girl.

Steve Harvey began his career as a comedian, and while he still does stand-up, his day job is as a nationally syndicated radio host. He serves as director of the Steve Harvey Foundation, which strives to improve public school education in urban areas.

Will Smith has become a top box office draw, starring in multiple blockbusters, while maintaining his musical roots. He also has produced more than a dozen films.

Atlantan Jermaine Dupri's resume is long and distinguished. The rapper can list music executive, producer, songwriter, author and entrepreneur among his achievements.

Tavis Smiley has written a half dozen books and currently hosts his own show on PBS. In 1999, he founded the Tavis Smiley Foundation, which funds programs that develop young leaders in the black community.

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Every year, Ebony magazine picks its Power 150, a list of the most influential black Americans. We take a look at some of the notable names in the arts, entertainment and media category, beginning with Oprah Winfrey. She has used her talk show as a springboard to other things, notably starting her own production company, Harpo, and creating the charitable Angel Network.

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