We, Too, Sing America | Episode 1: Margaret Bonds

Born in Chicago, IL in 1913, Margaret Bonds was a composer, pianist, and teacher. Her music ranges from classical to popular, and she has often incorporated jazz influences into her work. Bonds made history when she became the first African American to perform as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933. Her life has been punctuated by close friendships with such notable individuals as Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, and renowned composer Florence Price.

We, Too, Sing America: African American Voices of Song, is a virtual series created by Aural Compass Projects during their 2020-2021 season. This project is a resource for musicians and music lovers interested in learning through its exploration of 16 African American composers and poets who have contributed to the art song genre. Featuring interviews with modern-day leading performers and scholars of spirituals and African American art song, each episode focuses on a specific composer or poet’s life, influence, and their important works. These episodes are intended to provide an introduction and the tools necessary to continue your own research on each artist.

Guest speakers include:
Susheel Bibbs, soprano, scholar, and filmmaker
Dr. Christine Jobson, soprano, and author
Dr. Louise Toppin, soprano, and scholar
Taylor-Alexis DuPont, mezzo-soprano
Raehann Bryce-Davis, mezzo-soprano
Dr. Marquese Carter, tenor, Murray State University, and President of The International Florence Price Festival
Dr. Darryl Taylor, countertenor, and founder of African American Art Song Alliance
Dr. Tsitsi Ella Jaji, poet, scholar, Duke University
Meroë Khalia Adeeb, soprano

Resources for further research:
Margaret Bonds Song Anthology | https://www.classicalvocalrep.com/pro...
African American Art Song Alliance | https://artsongalliance.org/
Afrocentric Voices | https://afrovoices.com/margaret-bonds...
African Diaspora Project | https://africandiasporamusicproject.o...
Classical Vocal Reprints | https://www.classicalvocalrep.com/
Videmus | https://videmus.org/index.php?fwa=abo...

Intro (00:00)
Early Life and Training (0:43)
Three Dream Portraits (5:07)
Langston Hughes and Other Friends (13:30)
Popular Music (20:37)
He's Got the Whole World in His Hand (22:30)
The Negro Speaks of Rivers (27:28)
Ending Credits (33:12)