ECNETNews, September 12, 2024: Renowned rocker Lenny Kravitz, 60, celebrated his Caribbean roots last night, dedicating his Best Rock award win at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards to his late mother, Roxie Roker.
Kravitz received the honor for his song “Human” and paid tribute to Roker, who lost her battle with cancer in 1995. “Wow. This is incredible. I am so grateful. Thirty-one years ago, my mother was with me at an award show, at the VMAs, so I dedicate this to her,” he remarked in a pre-show interview.
Roker, famed for her role as Helen Willis on The Jeffersons, shared a special moment with her son at the 1993 MTV VMAs. Her heritage traced back to the Bahamas, where Kravitz also maintains a residence.
Kravitz, who has a deep connection with his mother, often reflects on their bond. “Having my beautiful mother by my side at my first #VMAs 31 years ago is a moment I will always cherish,” he noted in a recent social media post.
As he prepares for his upcoming Las Vegas residency in October, Kravitz is riding high from the recent release of his latest album, Blue Electric Light. He describes his creative process as akin to painting and draws inspiration from legends like Stevie Wonder and Prince.
The 2024 MTV VMAs were broadcast live from UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 11, where Kravitz also took the stage alongside his collaborator Quavo.
About Roxie Roker
Roxie Roker hailed from Miami, Florida, born to Bessie Roker, a domestic worker, and Albert Roker, a porter from the Bahamas. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York.
A graduate of Howard University, Roker studied drama under esteemed instructors and was a member of the Howard Players theater troupe. Notably, she toured Norway in 1949 through a U.S. Department of State initiative.
Launching her career with the Negro Ensemble Company, Roker became a celebrated stage actress, winning an Obie Award in 1974 and earning a Tony nomination for her performance in The River Niger. In the 1970s, she served as a reporter for WNEW-TV and hosted a public affairs program, Inside Bed-Stuy.
Roker broke new ground with her portrayal of Helen Willis on The Jeffersons, famously featuring in the first interracial couple depicted as regulars on prime-time television. Her extensive television appearances also included roles in Punky Brewster, A Different World, Murder, She Wrote, and Fantasy Island, alongside notable performances in Roots and the film Claudine. She was also recognized for her contributions to community work in Los Angeles.
In 1962, Roker married television producer Sy Kravitz, mirroring her on-screen relationship on The Jeffersons. They had one son, Lenny Kravitz, before divorcing in 1985. Roker was also connected to weatherman Al Roker as a second cousin, once removed.
