The Blues Project 2016: The SOul Of the Blues
This is the 10th anniversary of the Blues Project and this year, we're looking for the "Soul of the Blues." When artists like Ray Charles began to mix gospel and R&B in the early 1950's to pioneer a new form of music known as "Soul," they were drawing on a long tradition in the African American community of religious fervor, rhythm, and blues. We'll be examining the roots of African American Christianity, gospel music, Jim Crow, and the blues, and how it all came together in the 1950s to become the soul of American popular music. Throughout the civil rights movement, and on into the 1970s, soul music continued to provide the soundtrack for Black America, giving voice to the hopes, dreams, complaints, and faith of a people that were still trying to find a place of equality and respect in American society.
Saturday, March 12th, 2016
Valparaiso High School Auditorium
7:00pm (Doors open at 6)
$5/person, $20/family
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
Student Report Calendar
Student Report Assignment Sheet
Practice Calendar (for singers/musicians)
Congratulations to Kelsey Minko, winner of our 2016 poster contest!!!
Saturday, March 12th, 2016
Valparaiso High School Auditorium
7:00pm (Doors open at 6)
$5/person, $20/family
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
Student Report Calendar
Student Report Assignment Sheet
Practice Calendar (for singers/musicians)
Congratulations to Kelsey Minko, winner of our 2016 poster contest!!!
1. Do Lord Remember Me
Chords/Lyrics: Do Lord Remember Me
Audio: Do Lord mp3
Do Lord Remember Me mp3
Topic: Field Hollers & Spirituals
When African slaves were brought to this country, many were encouraged to convert to Christianity. These slaves found a lot to like about this new religion, and as more and more converted, it became a centerpiece of African-American culture. Some owners would grant their slaves a break from work to worship, and so, not surprisingly, slaves came to look forward to these times. While the singing styles were the product of their African roots, the songs themselves celebrated their new faith. These songs were sung in times of worship and times of work - at a “meeting” on Sunday or while toiling away in the fields. Later, during the Civil Rights Movement, organizers dusted off these old spirituals and made them relevant to their fight for equality. Tell me about these spirituals - what they sounded like, how they developed, and how they have been important to African-Americans throughout American history.
Audio: Do Lord mp3
Do Lord Remember Me mp3
Topic: Field Hollers & Spirituals
When African slaves were brought to this country, many were encouraged to convert to Christianity. These slaves found a lot to like about this new religion, and as more and more converted, it became a centerpiece of African-American culture. Some owners would grant their slaves a break from work to worship, and so, not surprisingly, slaves came to look forward to these times. While the singing styles were the product of their African roots, the songs themselves celebrated their new faith. These songs were sung in times of worship and times of work - at a “meeting” on Sunday or while toiling away in the fields. Later, during the Civil Rights Movement, organizers dusted off these old spirituals and made them relevant to their fight for equality. Tell me about these spirituals - what they sounded like, how they developed, and how they have been important to African-Americans throughout American history.
2. swing low, sweet chariot - Fisk Jubilee Singers
Chords/Lyrics: Swing Low Sweet Chariot - G
Audio: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot mp3
Topic: The Fisk Jubilee Singers
One year after the Civil War ended, Fisk University was established in Nashville, Tennessee to teach emancipated slaves the daily skills that would be necessary in order to live as free men and women in the United States. In order to raise money for the University, treasurer George White suggested organizing a school choir that would tour throughout the northern states and perform. The Fisk Jubilee Singers, as they were called, not only eventually succeeded in raising money for the school, but also helped spread traditional African-American songs and spirituals around the country and around the world. Tell me about the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the challenges and adventures they encountered in their travels, and why they are so important to the history of African American music.
Audio: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot mp3
Topic: The Fisk Jubilee Singers
One year after the Civil War ended, Fisk University was established in Nashville, Tennessee to teach emancipated slaves the daily skills that would be necessary in order to live as free men and women in the United States. In order to raise money for the University, treasurer George White suggested organizing a school choir that would tour throughout the northern states and perform. The Fisk Jubilee Singers, as they were called, not only eventually succeeded in raising money for the school, but also helped spread traditional African-American songs and spirituals around the country and around the world. Tell me about the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the challenges and adventures they encountered in their travels, and why they are so important to the history of African American music.
3. Soul of a man - Blind Willie johnson
Chords/Lyrics: The Soul of a Man
Audio: The Soul of a Man mp3
Topic: Jim Crow, Sharecropping and the Blues
Well after the end of the Civil War, southern blacks were treated as inferior citizens. Many toiled on plantations that they had worked on for generations for little pay under a system known as sharecropping. Sharecroppers were often economic slaves, forced to stay on the same plot of land until they earned enough to pay their debts - debts that never seemed to go away. In addition to limited economic opportunities, many southern states used the legal system to keep African- Americans down. At first, southern states passed laws known as the "Black Codes" to achieve this purpose. Later, "Jim Crow" laws took their place, separating whites and black in all aspects of life, and essentially making black Americans second-class citizens. Tell me about life for African Americans in the pre-WWII south - the sharecropping system, Jim Crow laws, and the racism and violence that was part of everyday life.
Audio: The Soul of a Man mp3
Topic: Jim Crow, Sharecropping and the Blues
Well after the end of the Civil War, southern blacks were treated as inferior citizens. Many toiled on plantations that they had worked on for generations for little pay under a system known as sharecropping. Sharecroppers were often economic slaves, forced to stay on the same plot of land until they earned enough to pay their debts - debts that never seemed to go away. In addition to limited economic opportunities, many southern states used the legal system to keep African- Americans down. At first, southern states passed laws known as the "Black Codes" to achieve this purpose. Later, "Jim Crow" laws took their place, separating whites and black in all aspects of life, and essentially making black Americans second-class citizens. Tell me about life for African Americans in the pre-WWII south - the sharecropping system, Jim Crow laws, and the racism and violence that was part of everyday life.
4. Precious Lord, Take My Hand - thomas a. dorsey
Chords/Lyrics: Precious Lord Take My Hand - G
Audio: Precious Lord Take My Hand mp3
Topic: Thomas A. Dorsey and Gospel Music
Thomas A. Dorsey would come to be referred to as the “Father of Gospel Music,” but for much of the early years of his life, no one would have ever guessed it. In fact in the 1920s, he was a well known blues pianist known as Georgia Tom, famous for singing and playing songs that were far from church appropriate. Tell me about Thomas Dorsey’s early career as Georgia Tom, the story of how he wrote his most famous song, “Take My Hand Precious Lord,” and why he is known as the “Father of Gospel Music.
Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RofuWfE6nUk
Audio: Precious Lord Take My Hand mp3
Topic: Thomas A. Dorsey and Gospel Music
Thomas A. Dorsey would come to be referred to as the “Father of Gospel Music,” but for much of the early years of his life, no one would have ever guessed it. In fact in the 1920s, he was a well known blues pianist known as Georgia Tom, famous for singing and playing songs that were far from church appropriate. Tell me about Thomas Dorsey’s early career as Georgia Tom, the story of how he wrote his most famous song, “Take My Hand Precious Lord,” and why he is known as the “Father of Gospel Music.
Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RofuWfE6nUk
5. Saturday Night Fish Fry - Louis Jordan
Chords/Lyrics: Saturday Night Fish Fry
Audio: Saturday Night Fish Fry mp3
Topic: The Great Migration and R&B
Between 1910-1960 millions of African-Americans abandoned the hard life and poor wages of the rural south, and traveled north to cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, attempting to make a better life. They had had enough of "Jim Crow," and instead of suffering more pain and hardship trying to change southern laws and attitudes, they simply left it behind and moved North. Tell me more about the Great Migration. Why did it happen? Why is it significant? Did these migrants find what they were looking for? How did it effect their music?
Audio: Saturday Night Fish Fry mp3
Topic: The Great Migration and R&B
Between 1910-1960 millions of African-Americans abandoned the hard life and poor wages of the rural south, and traveled north to cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, attempting to make a better life. They had had enough of "Jim Crow," and instead of suffering more pain and hardship trying to change southern laws and attitudes, they simply left it behind and moved North. Tell me more about the Great Migration. Why did it happen? Why is it significant? Did these migrants find what they were looking for? How did it effect their music?
6. I Got a Woman - Ray Charles
Chords/Lyrics: I Got a Woman - A
I Got a Woman - E
Audio: I Got a Woman mp3
Topic: The Birth of Soul & Ray Charles
Though Ray Charles had already been playing and recording music for a few years, in 1954, he recorded a new composition entitled “I Got A Woman.” This song blended the melody, energy, and “call and response” aspects of gospel music with the rhythms and lyrical content of R&B. The recording caused passionate reactions from some in religious community, and was banned in some areas in the country. Tell me about Ray Charles, his recording of “I Got A Woman,” and his contributions to American music.
I Got a Woman - E
Audio: I Got a Woman mp3
Topic: The Birth of Soul & Ray Charles
Though Ray Charles had already been playing and recording music for a few years, in 1954, he recorded a new composition entitled “I Got A Woman.” This song blended the melody, energy, and “call and response” aspects of gospel music with the rhythms and lyrical content of R&B. The recording caused passionate reactions from some in religious community, and was banned in some areas in the country. Tell me about Ray Charles, his recording of “I Got A Woman,” and his contributions to American music.
7. Higher and higher - jackie Wilson
Chords/Lyrics: Higher and Higher - D
Audio: Higher and Higher mp3
Topic: The Birth of Soul & Jackie Wilson
Jackie Wilson was known as “Mr. Excitement” and was a seminal figure in the transition of R&B to soul music. His impressive vocal range and sensational dance moves influenced future greats like James Brown, Michael Jackson, and countless others. Tell me about the life and career of Jackie Wilson and why he’s important to the development of soul music.
Audio: Higher and Higher mp3
Topic: The Birth of Soul & Jackie Wilson
Jackie Wilson was known as “Mr. Excitement” and was a seminal figure in the transition of R&B to soul music. His impressive vocal range and sensational dance moves influenced future greats like James Brown, Michael Jackson, and countless others. Tell me about the life and career of Jackie Wilson and why he’s important to the development of soul music.
8. Shout! - the isley brothers
Chords/Lyrics: Shout - F
Audio: Shout mp3
Topic: The Spread of Soul
In 1959, the Isley Brothers from Cincinnati, Ohio, would release a song that would become one of the most enduring and often covered songs in American Popular Music. Though the Isley’s recording fo “Shout!” only rose to #47 on the pop charts, other artists quickly picked up on the magic of the song and began recording cover versions of it. In fact, only a month after the Isley’s recording came out, a version by Jimmy O’Keefe hit #3 on the other side of the world - in Australia! Almost everyone has covered the song from The Beatles, to Bruce Springsteen, to Valparaiso’s own Crawpuppies. Tell me about the inspiration for the song, its gospel roots, and why it has become so popular with bands around the world.
Audio: Shout mp3
Topic: The Spread of Soul
In 1959, the Isley Brothers from Cincinnati, Ohio, would release a song that would become one of the most enduring and often covered songs in American Popular Music. Though the Isley’s recording fo “Shout!” only rose to #47 on the pop charts, other artists quickly picked up on the magic of the song and began recording cover versions of it. In fact, only a month after the Isley’s recording came out, a version by Jimmy O’Keefe hit #3 on the other side of the world - in Australia! Almost everyone has covered the song from The Beatles, to Bruce Springsteen, to Valparaiso’s own Crawpuppies. Tell me about the inspiration for the song, its gospel roots, and why it has become so popular with bands around the world.
9. Come see about me - the SUPREMEs
Chords/Lyrics: Come See About Me Chords - D
Audio: Come See About Me mp3
Topic: Motown Records
When Berry Gordy started Motown Records in 1959, he had no clue that his record company would eventually become the most successful African-American owned business in the country. Though Gordy was a musician, it was his business sense that set Motown apart. Motown developed an elaborate system that cranked out over 180 #1 records, and Americans couldn’t get enough of that unique flavor of soul music. Countless artists like the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, and more got their start at Detroit’s Motown Records, nicknamed “Hitsville, USA.” Tell me the story of Berry Gordy, Motown Records, how it operated, and what made it so important to black history and american popular music.
Audio: Come See About Me mp3
Topic: Motown Records
When Berry Gordy started Motown Records in 1959, he had no clue that his record company would eventually become the most successful African-American owned business in the country. Though Gordy was a musician, it was his business sense that set Motown apart. Motown developed an elaborate system that cranked out over 180 #1 records, and Americans couldn’t get enough of that unique flavor of soul music. Countless artists like the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, and more got their start at Detroit’s Motown Records, nicknamed “Hitsville, USA.” Tell me the story of Berry Gordy, Motown Records, how it operated, and what made it so important to black history and american popular music.
10. Dancing in the street - martha & the vandellas
11. i heard it through the grapevine - marvin gaye
12. in the midnight hour - wilson pickett
Chords/Lyrics: In the Midnight Hour - E
Audio: In the Midnight Hour mp3
Topic: Stax
Memphis’s Stax Records was the low down, dirty version of Detroit’s Motown. Although they were known for Soul music, certainly the blues heavily influenced everything that was recorded there. They even dabbled in recording some blues artists, such as Albert King, whose Stax album, “Born Under a Bad Sign” is recognized as being one of the top 100 albums in history. One of the most interesting facts is that the house band for Stax, Booker T and the MGs, was an integrated band (made up of blacks and whites) right in the middle of the turbulent 60’s civil rights movement. With chaos surrounding them, they quietly and professionally modeled how races should live and work together. Tell me about this revolutionary record company’s rise, its first era (1959-1967) of success, and about the sounds that made it famous.
Links: http://bittersoutherner.com/how-stax-records-set-an-example-for-america/#.VqXKEiorK1s
Audio: In the Midnight Hour mp3
Topic: Stax
Memphis’s Stax Records was the low down, dirty version of Detroit’s Motown. Although they were known for Soul music, certainly the blues heavily influenced everything that was recorded there. They even dabbled in recording some blues artists, such as Albert King, whose Stax album, “Born Under a Bad Sign” is recognized as being one of the top 100 albums in history. One of the most interesting facts is that the house band for Stax, Booker T and the MGs, was an integrated band (made up of blacks and whites) right in the middle of the turbulent 60’s civil rights movement. With chaos surrounding them, they quietly and professionally modeled how races should live and work together. Tell me about this revolutionary record company’s rise, its first era (1959-1967) of success, and about the sounds that made it famous.
Links: http://bittersoutherner.com/how-stax-records-set-an-example-for-america/#.VqXKEiorK1s
13. i've been loving you too long - otis redding
14. Soul man - sam & dave
15. people get ready - the impressions
Chords/Lyrics: People Get Ready chords - G
Audio: People Get Ready mp3
People Get Ready - G mp3
Topic: The Gospel of the Civil Rights Movement
During the Civil Rights movement, African Americans gathered together for marches, rallies, sit-ins, and other events during their struggle for equal rights. These folks found themselves side by side and hand in hand with strangers from across the country sharing street corners, jail cells, church pews, and bus seats. More often than not, these activists broke out in song. The songs were known as “Freedom Songs” and they often started as spirituals like “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “We Shall Overcome,” “The Welcome Table,” etc., but were slightly modified to fit their current fight for freedom. Tell me more about these Freedom Songs, what they sounded like, their spiritual roots, what purpose they served, and their importance to the Civil Rights movement.
Audio: People Get Ready mp3
People Get Ready - G mp3
Topic: The Gospel of the Civil Rights Movement
During the Civil Rights movement, African Americans gathered together for marches, rallies, sit-ins, and other events during their struggle for equal rights. These folks found themselves side by side and hand in hand with strangers from across the country sharing street corners, jail cells, church pews, and bus seats. More often than not, these activists broke out in song. The songs were known as “Freedom Songs” and they often started as spirituals like “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “We Shall Overcome,” “The Welcome Table,” etc., but were slightly modified to fit their current fight for freedom. Tell me more about these Freedom Songs, what they sounded like, their spiritual roots, what purpose they served, and their importance to the Civil Rights movement.
16. a change is gonna come - sam cooke
Chords/Lyrics: A Change is Gonna Come - C
Audio: Change is Gonna Come mp3
Change is Gonna Come - C mp3
Topic: Victories of the Civil Rights Movement
Persevering through hardships, violence, and persecution, The Civil Rights movement of the 1950s-60s made great strides in racial equality in the United States. Because of the tireless efforts of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, organizations like the SCLC and SNCC, as well the countless other “foot soldiers” in the civil rights movement, important legislation was passed which made America more fair and free for African Americans. Tell me about these laws that helped bring about racial equality in the United States, especially the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. What other victories could the Civil Rights Movement claim?
Audio: Change is Gonna Come mp3
Change is Gonna Come - C mp3
Topic: Victories of the Civil Rights Movement
Persevering through hardships, violence, and persecution, The Civil Rights movement of the 1950s-60s made great strides in racial equality in the United States. Because of the tireless efforts of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, organizations like the SCLC and SNCC, as well the countless other “foot soldiers” in the civil rights movement, important legislation was passed which made America more fair and free for African Americans. Tell me about these laws that helped bring about racial equality in the United States, especially the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. What other victories could the Civil Rights Movement claim?
17. respect - aretha franklin
Chords/Lyrics: Respect - C
Respect - A
Audio: Respect mp3
Respect - A
Topic: Respect and Aretha Franklin
Though many important strides had been made in the civil rights movement by 1967, when Aretha Franklin released “Respect,” racism was far from eradicated. Laws had been made to give blacks more access to public accommodations, voting booths, and opportunities, but we still hadn’t changed the hearts and minds of all Americans. When Aretha Franklin belted out her version of Otis Redding’s “Repsect” over america’s airwaves, the power and conviction in her voice demanded the respect of her listeners. Aretha had been raised in the church (her father C.L. Franklin was a famous minister), and her version of “Respect” was reminiscent of a baptist minister preaching “the word” before the congregation. Her song became not only an anthem for the black community but for women as well. Tell me about Aretha Franklin, why she was known as the “Queen of Soul,” and what her song “Respect” meant to Americans in the late 1960s.
Links: http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2011/10/r-e-s-p-e-c-t_the_inside_story.html
Respect - A
Audio: Respect mp3
Respect - A
Topic: Respect and Aretha Franklin
Though many important strides had been made in the civil rights movement by 1967, when Aretha Franklin released “Respect,” racism was far from eradicated. Laws had been made to give blacks more access to public accommodations, voting booths, and opportunities, but we still hadn’t changed the hearts and minds of all Americans. When Aretha Franklin belted out her version of Otis Redding’s “Repsect” over america’s airwaves, the power and conviction in her voice demanded the respect of her listeners. Aretha had been raised in the church (her father C.L. Franklin was a famous minister), and her version of “Respect” was reminiscent of a baptist minister preaching “the word” before the congregation. Her song became not only an anthem for the black community but for women as well. Tell me about Aretha Franklin, why she was known as the “Queen of Soul,” and what her song “Respect” meant to Americans in the late 1960s.
Links: http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2011/10/r-e-s-p-e-c-t_the_inside_story.html
18. say it loud (i'm black and i'm proud) - james brown
Chords/Lyrics: Say it Loud - Bb
Audio: Say it Loud mp3
Topic: Black Power and The Godfather of Soul
The Civil Rights movement was not an easy experience for anyone involved. Blacks and Whites who marched, demonstrated, and spoke out in the name of equality were humiliated, beaten, arrested, and sometimes even killed. While Martin Luther King Jr. preached nonviolence and passive resistance, others leaders rejected this approach, believing that black Americans needed to stand up for themselves. These leaders, like Stokley Carmichael, began the Black Power movement which advocated for African-Americans to embrace their African heritage, to take pride in their blackness and their communities, and to not take grief from anyone. James Brown’s anthem of black pride, “Say it Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)” became a theme song for the movement, and cemented his position as an important, if slightly different, voice in the black community. Tell me about James Brown, why they call him "The Godfather of Soul," and his message to the black community.
Audio: Say it Loud mp3
Topic: Black Power and The Godfather of Soul
The Civil Rights movement was not an easy experience for anyone involved. Blacks and Whites who marched, demonstrated, and spoke out in the name of equality were humiliated, beaten, arrested, and sometimes even killed. While Martin Luther King Jr. preached nonviolence and passive resistance, others leaders rejected this approach, believing that black Americans needed to stand up for themselves. These leaders, like Stokley Carmichael, began the Black Power movement which advocated for African-Americans to embrace their African heritage, to take pride in their blackness and their communities, and to not take grief from anyone. James Brown’s anthem of black pride, “Say it Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)” became a theme song for the movement, and cemented his position as an important, if slightly different, voice in the black community. Tell me about James Brown, why they call him "The Godfather of Soul," and his message to the black community.
19. Freddie's Dead - curtis mayfield
Chords/Lyrics: Freddie's Dead - C#
Audio: Freddie's Dead mp3
Topic: Blaxploitation and Curtis Mayfield
In the early 1970’s a new kind of film was hitting theaters across America. These films usually featured all-black casts, were set in black neighborhoods, used black slag, and were accompanied by soundtracks chock full of soul and funk. To some, these “Blaxploitation” films, as they were called, seemed empowering to the black community as they seemed to celebrate black culture. To others, however, they were seen as reinforcing black stereotypes and doing harm to race relations in the US. Though he wrote the soundtrack to the Blaxploitation movie, Superfly, which told the story of a cocaine dealer in New York City, Curtis Mayfield felt that it created a negative perception of African Americans. He used the soundtrack to make a moral statement about the life that was portrayed in the film, and included the song “Freddie’s Dead.” Released before the movie aired, “Freddie’s Dead” condemns the drug culture of the ghetto, making sure that this story should be viewed as a cautionary tale and not an inspirational story. Tell me about the life and music Curtis Mayfield, what made his sound so different, and how he tried to make a better world with his music.
Audio: Freddie's Dead mp3
Topic: Blaxploitation and Curtis Mayfield
In the early 1970’s a new kind of film was hitting theaters across America. These films usually featured all-black casts, were set in black neighborhoods, used black slag, and were accompanied by soundtracks chock full of soul and funk. To some, these “Blaxploitation” films, as they were called, seemed empowering to the black community as they seemed to celebrate black culture. To others, however, they were seen as reinforcing black stereotypes and doing harm to race relations in the US. Though he wrote the soundtrack to the Blaxploitation movie, Superfly, which told the story of a cocaine dealer in New York City, Curtis Mayfield felt that it created a negative perception of African Americans. He used the soundtrack to make a moral statement about the life that was portrayed in the film, and included the song “Freddie’s Dead.” Released before the movie aired, “Freddie’s Dead” condemns the drug culture of the ghetto, making sure that this story should be viewed as a cautionary tale and not an inspirational story. Tell me about the life and music Curtis Mayfield, what made his sound so different, and how he tried to make a better world with his music.
20. Living for the city - stevie wonder
Chords/Lyrics: Living For the City - F#
Living For the City full arrangement
Audio: Living For the City mp3
Living For the City (Jonny Lang) - E mp3
Topic: The Rise of the Urban Ghetto
After the great migration, black Americans congregated to large cities across the country like Detroit, Chicago, and New York. Often, these migrants were confined to certain neighborhoods in the city by housing covenants, threats of violence, and real estate practices called “red-lining.” Even as laws did away with some of these tools of segregation, blacks often found themselves stuck in these same neighborhoods, trying to fight out of a cycle of unemployment, poverty, poor education, and limited opportunities. In 1973 Stevie Wonder released an epic seven minute song that chronicled life in the ghetto and the broken dreams of black america, called “Living for the City.” Tell me about continued housing problems that urban blacks had to face, the rise of black urban ghettos, and Stevie Wonder’s song “Living For the City.”
Living For the City full arrangement
Audio: Living For the City mp3
Living For the City (Jonny Lang) - E mp3
Topic: The Rise of the Urban Ghetto
After the great migration, black Americans congregated to large cities across the country like Detroit, Chicago, and New York. Often, these migrants were confined to certain neighborhoods in the city by housing covenants, threats of violence, and real estate practices called “red-lining.” Even as laws did away with some of these tools of segregation, blacks often found themselves stuck in these same neighborhoods, trying to fight out of a cycle of unemployment, poverty, poor education, and limited opportunities. In 1973 Stevie Wonder released an epic seven minute song that chronicled life in the ghetto and the broken dreams of black america, called “Living for the City.” Tell me about continued housing problems that urban blacks had to face, the rise of black urban ghettos, and Stevie Wonder’s song “Living For the City.”
21. REspect yourself - the staple singers
Chords/Lyrics: Respect Yourself - D
Audio: Respect Yourself mp3
Topic: WattStax
Back in 1965, bad economic conditions and police racism boiled over in the black neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles. Riots lasted a week and resulted in 34 deaths and $40 million in damages. 7 years later, the Watts neighborhood was still in a spiral of poverty and decay. Al Bell and Stax records had become increasingly socially conscious and wanted to use their music to bring black pride, an economic boost, and awareness to impoverished neighborhoods like Watts. Even though Stax was based out of Memphis, Al Bell wanted to expand the reach and power of soul music from coast to coast and stage a benefit concert for the Watts neighborhood . Selling tickets for $1 a seat and booking top notch talent like Isaac Hayes and the Staple Singers, Stax filled the LA Coliseum and showed the world what Soul Music can do in a feature film that documented the event. Tell me more about Al Bell, the WattStax festival, and the social power of soul music.
Audio: Respect Yourself mp3
Topic: WattStax
Back in 1965, bad economic conditions and police racism boiled over in the black neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles. Riots lasted a week and resulted in 34 deaths and $40 million in damages. 7 years later, the Watts neighborhood was still in a spiral of poverty and decay. Al Bell and Stax records had become increasingly socially conscious and wanted to use their music to bring black pride, an economic boost, and awareness to impoverished neighborhoods like Watts. Even though Stax was based out of Memphis, Al Bell wanted to expand the reach and power of soul music from coast to coast and stage a benefit concert for the Watts neighborhood . Selling tickets for $1 a seat and booking top notch talent like Isaac Hayes and the Staple Singers, Stax filled the LA Coliseum and showed the world what Soul Music can do in a feature film that documented the event. Tell me more about Al Bell, the WattStax festival, and the social power of soul music.
22. Love train - the o'jays
Chords/Lyrics: Love Train- C
Love Train full arrangement
Audio: Love Train mp3
Topic: Philly Soul
In the 1970s, a unique sound emerged from Philadelphia that quickly became a nation-wide sensation. Producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff started Philadelphia International Records in 1971, and its success would propel the company to the second largest black business in America, right behind Motown. The sound of Philly Soul was instantly recognizable with danceable grooves, lush string arrangements and smooth harmonies, and led to the Disco and Smooth R&B sounds of the 1970s and 1980s. Tell me about the Gamble and Huff partnership, PIR, and the artists and characteristics of Philly Soul.
Love Train full arrangement
Audio: Love Train mp3
Topic: Philly Soul
In the 1970s, a unique sound emerged from Philadelphia that quickly became a nation-wide sensation. Producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff started Philadelphia International Records in 1971, and its success would propel the company to the second largest black business in America, right behind Motown. The sound of Philly Soul was instantly recognizable with danceable grooves, lush string arrangements and smooth harmonies, and led to the Disco and Smooth R&B sounds of the 1970s and 1980s. Tell me about the Gamble and Huff partnership, PIR, and the artists and characteristics of Philly Soul.
23. Glory - John Legend & Common
Chords/Lyrics: Glory - C
Audio: Glory mp3
Topic: 50 Years after Selma; Civil Rights Today
Just over a year ago we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the historic march to Selma, Alabama for African American voting rights. The anniversary has coincided with new civil unrest across the country. From Ferguson, MO to Chicago, IL to Valparaiso, IN, African-Americans have been speaking out, protesting, and even rioting across the country. What issues are behind some of the recent unrest in the African-Americans community? Do you see any similarities to problems they have faced in the past? How should we move forward as a nation to achieve Martin Luther King’s dream?
Audio: Glory mp3
Topic: 50 Years after Selma; Civil Rights Today
Just over a year ago we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the historic march to Selma, Alabama for African American voting rights. The anniversary has coincided with new civil unrest across the country. From Ferguson, MO to Chicago, IL to Valparaiso, IN, African-Americans have been speaking out, protesting, and even rioting across the country. What issues are behind some of the recent unrest in the African-Americans community? Do you see any similarities to problems they have faced in the past? How should we move forward as a nation to achieve Martin Luther King’s dream?