James Featherstone oral history interview

2022-06-17

Featherstone, James (interviewee); Annabelle Smith (interviewer)

James Featherstone was interviewed for the Joseph "Tex" Gathings oral history recordings in 2022. 

In this oral history, James Featherstone talks about how he knew Joseph "Tex" Gathings.  Mr. Featherstone was a student in Gathings' class at University of District of Columbia in 1977 where he attended school after serving in the Navy.  This led Mr. Featherstone to Los Angeles, California where he first worked in the film and television industry as a lighting technician.  He then went on to be a firefighter and emergency manager in Los Angeles.  Regarding the DC television show "Teenarama," Mr. Featherstone said it was easier for him to identify with as a Black person rather than "American Bandstand".  He talked to Mr. Gathings before starting the program at UDC, and was impressed by his advice that there is a need to dream and conceptualize in the field or radio and television. He feels that Mr. Gathings gave him a sense of purpose and work ethic that he called on throughout his career in the film industry and beyond.

History Associates, Inc.

oral histories

Broadcasting, Communications

Commercial Broadcasting

Special Collections and University Archives

English

Recording: 00:15:30 (mp3); Transcript: 8 pages (pdf)

Joseph "Tex" Gathings oral history recordings

An interview transcript is available.