The gospel-influenced and classically-trained pianist and composer is in renaissance of interest and celebration thanks to the establishment of Billy Strayhorn Songs in 1997. The family-owned company's efforts include marking the centennial of his birth in 2015. The Bill Strayhorn Foundation, Inc's is committed to deepening appreciation for jazz music in general, starting with Strayhorn. Now longtime fans and new discoverers can enjoy Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life, a fine biographical coffee table book available from Bolden Books/Agate Publishing in Chicago.
Category: Music
Toni Morrison and Boy George Cover Billie Holiday
Morrison has proved to be the most thorough documentarian of African-American female existence in all its forms: in the womb, baby, child, girl, woman, senior, from the afterlife. The mantra of "God bless the child..." is actually her most consistent answer to black women. Enjoy Holiday's original version, as well as a neat cover by Boy George and Micah Paris.
Must-Hear Phyllis Hyman Interview
This 1988 oral history, recorded at the height of her popularity and fame, covers Phyllis Hyman's intense discipline and commitment to development as an artist.
What Billie and Phyllis Sang About
Read my story "What Billie and Phyllis Sang About", about an abandoned black woman left to survive alone in Harlem, in the new issue of Atticus Review. My favorite Billie Holiday and Phyllis Hyman music is on the story's companion soundtrack Here. #BillieandPhyllis
Saxophonist David Boykin talks “Genius of Jazz and Hip-Hop”
If are in Chicago this Thursday Night at 8 p.m., see the David Boykin Expanse Jazz Quartet at The Promontory in Hyde Park, Chicago, 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue. Tickets are $10.
This Week in Black Women…
Black women have begun 2015 with some big bangs...
Violinist Chelsey Green Live in D.C. Area This Week!
This is one bad sister...If you are in the DC-Bethesda-Baltimore areas, Chelsey Green and The Green Project will be live at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore on July 17th and the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club on July 19th. More information on purchasing tickets may be found Here. About Chelsey Green: Classically … Continue reading Violinist Chelsey Green Live in D.C. Area This Week!
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