Jon Batiste pushes the boundaries of classical music

Carlos Simon is a Grammy-nominated composer and an activist for Black and brown representation in classical music. His latest work, ‘Good News Mass,’ is unlike anything he’s done before. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Meet Vernon Neal, the host of the podcast ‘Rhapsody in Black,’ where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music.

Founded in 1995 by Everett McCorvey, the American Spiritual Ensemble teaches about the history and traditions of enslaved people in America through the power of music. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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.

Right after Jon Batiste won the Grammy for album of the year in 2022, he spent three weeks sleeping on a hospital couch as his wife, Suleika Jaouad, received a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. Now, the couple recounts the ups and downs of their recent years through the Netflix documentary ‘American Symphony.’ Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Mary Lou Williams’ artistic vision and her ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive and unique composition are perfect for concert halls and jazz clubs. Find out more on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Before the turkey and pies, Black households across America would start their holiday in church. Hymns like “Come Ye Thankful People, Come” were sung with spirituals like “Give Me Jesus.” That choral tradition became the soil from which soul music grew. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

The players of the Imani Winds have had faith in commissioning new works that uplift the profile of BIPOC composers and performers. They have been doing so for more than 25 years. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

When William Dawson was 12, he ran away from home to study music at the Tuskeegee Institute. In 1930, he returned to his roots as director of the Tuskeegee School of Music, a post he held for 25 years. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Pianist Hazel Scott was billed as ‘The Darling of Café Society’ due to her ability to sell out shows with her masterful improvisations. But her music was heavily intertwined with politics as she spoke up continually against segregation. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.