"Every Voice"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"
February 15, 2007
Jeff Skibbe
(417) 625-9678

 

 

JOPLIN, MO (SNS) - Michelle Norris , award-winning journalist and host on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, hosts and narrates a five-part series for Black History Month entitled “EVERY VOICE AND SING!” The series features the choral music legacy of the historic black colleges and universities.

 

The five-part series will air weeknights from 5-6 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Feb. 21, with a repeat of the first show a week later, Feb. 28, on 88.7KXMS/Fine Arts Radio International®, a cultural resource of Missouri Southern State University. For more information, visit our Web site at www.mssu.edu/kxms/kxmshome.htm.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 21 & 28 : Episode One - “Every Voice: The Early Legends.”

This episode explores the founding and growth of the Black Colleges, and the birth and development of their Choirs, e.g., Fisk, Hampton, Morehouse and Wilberforce. We look at how those early Directors and their Touring Choirs built a loyal following with a repertoire of Spirituals, Jubilees, and Classical music, and see what vital roles they played in the survival of many of those Colleges.

 

Thursday, Feb. 22: Episode Two - “The Legend Grows.”

In this episode we explore the lives, work and accomplishments of some of the College Choir Directors and Composers-such individuals as William Levi Dawson at Tuskegee Institute, and R. Nathaniel Dett, first at Hampton Institute, then later at Bennett College. We profile a number of other College Choirs, e.g. Lincoln (PA), Spelman, and Talladega.

 

Friday, Feb. 23: Episode Three - “And Sing!”

This episode explores the rising arc and initial changes in Black Choral Music by looking at the Benedict and Kentucky State College Choirs, as well as the early Professional Choirs. We examine the work and influence of Composers and Directors like John Work-the-Third, Eva Jessye, Hall Johnson, and Harry T. Burleigh. We also look at how an artist like Paul Robeson and venues such as Radio City Music Hall and Hollywood Movies spurred the music to national and international acclaim.

 

Monday, Feb. 26: Episode Four - “A Different Drummer.”

In this episode we first look at the origins and rise of Gospel Music, primarily through the life of Thomas A. Dorsey. We then trace its struggle for acceptance in the Black Churches and Colleges from the 1930s onwards. We conclude with an examination of its various forms today-from the traditional Gospel Blues of Thomas Dorsey, to Shirley Caesar, Cissy Houston, Richard Smallwood and Take-6. Included is a brief preview of the hip-hop Gospel explorations of Kurtis Blow and Hell's Most Wanted.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 27: Episode Five - “A Joyful Noise!”

Explores the careers/influence of such Choral Directors as Frederick Hall and S. Carver Davenport at Dillard, U., Drs. Nathan and Roland Carter, James W. Norris, William Henry Caldwell, Moses Hogan, and some new-generation Directors like Eric Conway and Damon Dandridge; how they, and others, have come to terms with the power and reach of Gospel Music (even Kurtis Blow and Hip-Hop Gospel); how Rhythm & Blues/Pop Artists like Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, and Ray Charles, as well as the Jazz-based style of Take 6, and the World-Music sound of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, all connect to this Black Choral Tradition. What it all means to the future of the music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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