James Earl Jones — whose thunderous voice brought many iconic characters to life such as Mufasa in the 1994 movie The Lion King and Darth Vader in the 1977 movie Star Wars: A New Hope — died Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

Many who have attended or still attend Morgan State University  remember him for his memorable 1993 performance with the Morgan State University Choir at Camden Yards.

Charnita Edwards-Jones is a Harford County, Maryland, native and was a member of the Morgan State University Choir in 1993.

“We knew that it was historic in that moment. It was momentous. It was awesome to be a part of such a melodious sound. Him walking out on the field, and his voice was so stern but vibrant and distinct, as it always has been,” said Edwards-Jones. “It was such an awesome experience to be able to say, ‘there I was, standing right there with Dr. Nathan Mitchell Carter.’ The sound was so different. He was speaking the national anthem while we were oohing. It was phenomenal.”

Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in rural Mississippi. He was a man who once struggled with stuttering as a child but went on to have a career that spanned more than 70 years, with a voice singular in its sound and a deft instrument when attached to his person.

Jones built his legacy in entertainment by acting in many significant roles. He portrayed Dr. Jim Frazier on Guiding Light and Dr. Jerry Turner on As the World Turns in 1966. In 1970, Jones played the boxing champion Jack Jefferson in the Broadway show The Great White Hope, which was later adapted into a film. He also played King Jaffe Joffer in the iconic 1988 film Coming to America. 

“It was just an awesome experience to share that platform and to note that he’s left such an incredible mark,” said Edwards-Jones. “His voice, the stadium, the sound, the instruction, the visual. It’s just the environment we were in and that it was historic. We were part of history.” 

Through his contributions to the big screen,. Jones became a two-time Tony Award winner, an Honorary Academy Award winner and a Kennedy Center honoree.

Janice Short, a Maryland, native and Morgan’s coordinator of the Theatre Arts Program, said she both recognized and appreciated Jones’ contribution as an African-American actor through several pivotal times in American history.

“I believe that James Earl Jones represents possibility for African-American actors, meaning that his range of roles, including voice roles, helped open doors. He was versatile, starring on stage and screen,” said Short. “He also played roles originally cast with white actors. James Earl Jones was and will remain legendary — from 1969, when he recited the alphabet on Sesame Street, to the role of Roop, the garbage man in the film Claudine, to his role on stage in The Gin Game. He was the king of stage and screen.”

Jones’ career excelled even in the latter parts of his career. In 1990, he became the voice of CNN and later he played Mr. Mertle in the 1993 film The Sandlot.

“His ability to overcome impediments was as inspiring as his vast career. His physical presence will keep him in the memory of many, and his voice will keep him immortal to the masses,” said Short.

Jones’ final on-screen performance was in 2021 release Coming 2 America. Over the span of his decades-long career, Jones received 21 awards.

Jones passed away at 93 year old. He is survived by his son Flynn and his brother Matthew.