SPIRITUALS A NATIONAL TREASURE
After years of performances dedicated to honoring America’s multi-cultural heritage, focusing on my own cultural perspective of our slave brothers and sisters and the original music they created on American soil, we call African American spirituals, I felt I wasn’t … Read More
America’s cultural heritage and musical arts are deeply rooted and connected to the black spirituals which were created in the cotton fields of the Old South by slaves. During slavery the spirituals helped the slaves secretly communicate routes on the … Read More
The spirituals have been part of my life as far back as I can remember. I always loved the way the spirituals made me feel. They gave me hope and comfort, they still do today. I remember when I was … Read More
In the spirit of history remembered, it is hard to believe that it was 50 years ago, that brave Americans of all races and religions marched in Selma, AL for the civil rights of all Americans. The marchers, the freedom … Read More
What I have learned as a storyteller/musician is the gift of music created from within the human soul can enhance, change and transform the life of the listener. Music heals, it creates a space for joy and fulfillment and has … Read More
Ralph Ellison suggests in his book the Invisible Man, that a black man considers himself socially invisible. He states “I was pulled this way and that for longer than I can remember. And my problem was that I always tried … Read More
Spirituals are multi faceted and have a fun side too! Sometimes all we need is a little laughter to get us going on Monday morning. So grab a great cup of coffee, put a smile on your face and laugh … Read More
What do we call the secret & sacred songs created by the slaves in America, and why have they been given so many names? Fact #1. There is no doubt it is an original music created on American soil by … Read More
In my SOS roots blog, I will be talking about the true essence of the black spirituals created by the slaves in America. The spirituals were born in the back fields, because that’s where the slaves worked. I’m tired of … Read More
No one likes to talk about or recall the horrific unjust events of human history that have taken place around the world. However painful the history, it is foolish to believe that silence regarding any history will not impact history … Read More