A Tribute To Greatness: Dr. Dwight E. Woods

 Dr. Dwight E. Woods

May 16, 1948 - January 24, 2013

I received word Thursday morning, informing me that yet another precious jewel has transitioned, who made an extremely huge impact on my life, initially starting in the 1980s.  

My emotions have deeply fluctuated since finding out, and filled with sadness, knowing that a glowing beacon is physically gone, but continues to shine brightly in our hearts.  

Dr. Dwight E. Woods, was quite instrumental in providing outstanding significance, blessed with incredible foresight,  recognizing esteemed potential.  Opening the doors to countless youth, supplying a "safe haven" in the midst of what could have become a troubled existence, while spotlighting true perspective in the theater arena, introducing the stage.    

A versatile composer and producer of musicals and music, Dr. Woods' compositions and theatrical productions are designed to be both entertaining and inspirational.  He has written for both musical productions and gospel albums.

This individual helped awaken a revival of fond appreciation for the performing arts in me.  I personally recall him being one of the few to give me moving encouragement, when many others would ignore my passionate flair, as it came to artistic expression, lined up with a gospel message.  He even allowed me the opportunity to perform in one of his gospel musicals, as well as going into the recording studio with him. 

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, the tenth of eleven children, t0 a Baptist minister and a homemaker, Dr. Woods learned from his parents that hard work and educational excellence are the keys to success. His parents instilled in all their children the importance of giving something back to their communities.  As a teenager, he was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, which he continued throughout his life.  

After graduating from high school, he attended and received a B.A. Degree from Miles College in Birmingham, where he also created their first contemporary gospel choir on campus.  After enlisting and doing a 2-year tour in the United States Army, Dr. Woods moved to Chicago and collaborated on the production of an original musical, entitled "Metamorphosis."  The path was revealed in the direction to Greenville, SC, where he continued to provide inspiration, entertainment and thought-provoking elements in surrounding cities of the state.  

In 1983, Dr. Woods initiated summer workshops at the Phillis Wheatley Community Center. Two years later, he successfully created the development of all-encompassing  musical theater program, identifying and nurturing the talents of aspiring young actors and musicians.  The wonderful thing about the venture is that it is the only youth repertory company in South Carolina to perform statewide and nationally, appearing before audiences from New York to Alabama.  Some of the original musical productions which Woods had developed and directed with the repertory theater are "Til Victory Is Won," "Mary Had A Baby," and "A Night of Stars and Dreams."

Among his most highly acclaimed musicals is "Don't Give Up On Your Dream," a two act anti-drug musical, which has played to packed houses in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and New York.  The musical and a documentary based on it have been adapted and telecast in South Carolina by SC-ETV.   Audiences have marveled at productions such as "Have We Lost The Feeling'," which played in upstate South Carolina for two years, "Where Everybody Is Somebody," developed by Woods for the 1984 James Cleveland National Music Workshop of America at Atlanta's Fox Theater, and "Let The People Rejoice," which was performed by the nationally known Florida Mass Choir.

Dr. Woods performed, and conducted musicals and theatrical workshops, in several upstate South Carolina school districts: Clemson University, Furman University, University of South Carolina, University of Colorado, The Highlander Research Center in Tennessee, among many others.  

"If I can help somebody as I travel along,

If I can help somebody with a word or a song;

If I can help somebody from doing wrong,

Then my living shall not be in vain! 

My living shall not be in vain, my living shall not be in vain,

If I can help somebody as I'm singing this song

Then my living shall not be in vain!"

His tireless work efforts did not stop at the stage, but Dr. Woods also sought out to devise areas of humanitarian causes, including his organization, "Second Chance," showing with financial and moral support to prison inmates in SC, assisting them positively for life change.  Being an extended father figure to hundreds, his compassionate heart superseded financial gain.  

One of my dear friends, and Dr. Woods' son/prodige', Phillip Boykin, continues to soar magnificently in the theater world, even becoming a 2012 Tony Award nominee for captivating his performance in the Broadway musical revival, "The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess," portraying Crown.  

Below is a performance featuring Dr. Woods and Mr. Boykin, beautifully singing Marvin Hamlisch's "What I Did For Love:"

Dr. Woods' Board Memberships, Affiliations, and Award Recognition, to name a few:

• Minority Arts Advisory Board, SC Arts Commission
• Fine Arts Center Advisory Board, Greenville County Schools
• 1988 Recipient of WYFF Television Jefferson Award
• 1990 Recipient of SCEA Walker E. Solomon Certificate Award
• Winner of 1991 SC Black Male Showcase USA Top Achiever and Talent Award

An adored legend, who is considered a "National Treasure," among his peers, the envisioning of Dr. Dwight E Woods, along with God's purpose in mind, continue to resonate through thousands upon thousands of young people, their parents, upcoming blossomed seeds, who will be mindful of their capability, tenacity, and success, knowing that with God's help ALL things are possible.  Just like his empowering song, or anthem, tells us, "Don't Give Up On Your Dreams!"  

We will always love and miss you, Dr. Woods.  Rest easy now...