MELVIN VAN PEEBLES

They both carved out sterling reputations as military and political leaders over years of public service.

Melvin Van Peebles spent long periods outside America, and it is not coincidental that some of his best works were written abroad.

Hhe was best known for "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song," one of the most influential movies of its time.

The independent film director was best known for Watermelon Man and Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.

Melvin Van Peebles, the groundbreaking filmmaker known for writing, co-producing, scoring, editing and starring in the 1971 film “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song,” died Tuesday night at his home in Manhattan. He was 89.

Melvin Van Peebles, a Broadway playwright, musician and movie director whose work ushered in the “blaxploitation” films of the 1970s, has died.