Rhapsody in Black

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.

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.

Jimi Hendrix, who set London’s club scene ablaze and literally set his guitar ablaze while performing at Woodstock, also had a burning desire to study classical music. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Guitarist Tosin Abasi uses the influences of punk, funk, jazz and classical to forge a voice that doesn’t fit into any single category. He’s one of the most innovative guitarists alive today. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Michelle Cann is a trailblazing African American concert pianist and teacher who is inspiring the next generation of musicians at the Manhattan School of Music and the Curtis Institute. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson was a skilled pianist and conductor who composed and performed in the classical, television, theater, jazz and film industries, while also advocating for the Black community in the performing arts. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

In 1965, saxophonist John Coltrane released his iconic album ‘A Love Supreme.’ Explore the spiritual journey captured in this jazz opus, its unique composition and its enduring influence on musicians worldwide. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Flutist, composer and producer Allison Loggins-Hull is often described as someone whose work ‘defies classification.’ Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Anthony McGill is the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, the first Black musician to hold a principal chair in the orchestra’s history. He has used the platform to promote racial equity in classical music. Find out more on the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.