Poster Lizzo
Lizzo was the host and musical guest on 'Saturday Night Live' on April 16, 2022.
NBC
Rhapsody in Black

Singer, rapper and flutist Lizzo continues to shatter classical music stereotypes

Rhapsody in Black - Lizzo
DOWNLOAD

Singer, rapper and flutist Lizzo was introduced to music from an early age through church and marching band. Her love that the community marching band gave to her while growing up continually influences her music. Lizzo’s flute, Sasha Flute, is a mainstay in her image now, but she wasn’t always confident about it.

"The flute is the way," Lizzo says. “I was so nervous that people would call me a nerd or think I wasn't cool. But as soon as I showed the world all of me, that's when they started to fall in love with me.”

Musical selections from Lizzo

“Good as Hell”

In the official video for "Good as Hell”, Lizzo leads Southern University’s marching band in a fantastic show. This video pays tribute to her marching band roots, which she has often cited as a major musical influence.

The Legend of Lizzo

Taking a page from Ron Burgundy’s musicianship in the movie Anchorman, Lizzo re-creates the jazz flute scene from the movie to profess her love for the instrument.

Lizzo’s flute & twerk lesson

In Season 2 of 2 Dope Queens, Lizzo teaches the queens how to play flute while twerking at the same time. This move has become a staple in her music videos and performances, as well as a crowd favorite.

Credits

Host: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

Tenor Lawrence Brownlee uplifts African American music and youth
5:00
Meet Vernon Neal, the host of 'Rhapsody in Black'
Florence Price meets Frederick Stock

Florence Price meets Frederick Stock

Composer Florence Price dealt with many systemic barriers in her pursuit of musical greatness. Find out how her hard work paid off after she won a composition competition and formed a partnership with Chicago Symphony Orchestra conductor Frederick Stock.

5:00
Grammy-nominated cellist Seth Parker Woods pushes boundaries of classical music
5:00
Julius Eastman composed music that challenged oppressive stereotypes

Julius Eastman composed music that challenged oppressive stereotypes

Composer and pianist Julius Eastman’s personal philosophy was ‘to be what I am to the fullest.’ A graduate of the Curtis Institute, his music was highly acclaimed and challenged racist and homophobic stereotypes. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Miles Davis reinvented the jazz scene

Miles Davis reinvented the jazz scene

Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis redefined the genre in subtle and caustic ways. While he had great success he was always restless for innovation. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

5:00
Composer Jessie Montgomery uses music to connect with the world
5:00
Paul Robeson brought spirituals and Black history to the main stage
5:00
Duke Ellington's 'Black, Brown and Beige' fuses jazz with classical orchestration

Duke Ellington's 'Black, Brown and Beige' fuses jazz with classical orchestration

Duke Ellington once said, “All arrangements of historic American Negro music have been made by conservatory-trained musicians who inevitably handle it with a European technique. It’s time a big piece of music was written from the inside.” That piece of music was ‘Black, Brown and Beige.’ Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

5:00
Pianist Michelle Cann inspires next generation as a noted music teacher
5:00
VIEW ALL EPISODES

About Rhapsody in Black

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Subscribe to the podcast:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicTuneInRSS Feed

About Rhapsody in Black
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00