Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 87 Ben Kingsley, Trombone Shorty

On season 7 episode 87 of Tavis Smiley, the renowned television host sits down with two very different yet equally talented guests: actor Sir Ben Kingsley and musician Trombone Shorty.

Kingsley, who has won multiple awards for his acting including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA, discusses his latest work in the biopic film "Learning to Drive" where he plays a Sikh driving instructor in New York City. Smiley and Kingsley delve into the complexities of portraying a character from a vastly different culture than oneself and the importance of representation in Hollywood. They also touch on Kingsley's past roles, including his iconic portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in "Gandhi" which won him his Academy Award.

The second guest, Troy Andrews aka Trombone Shorty, is a Grammy-nominated New Orleans musician known for his fusion of jazz, funk, and hip hop. He talks to Smiley about his upbringing in Treme, New Orleans and the influence of the city's rich musical heritage on his sound. Trombone Shorty also discusses his charity work with his foundation Trombone Shorty Foundation which focuses on providing access to music education for underprivileged children.

Throughout the episode, there are musical interludes featuring Trombone Shorty and his talented band, who perform upbeat, lively numbers that showcase their unique sound. The show ends with Smiley thanking his guests and reminding viewers to tune in for future episodes.

Overall, this episode of Tavis Smiley provides an insightful look into the careers of two artists from different fields who have both achieved great success through their passion and dedication to their craft.