Poster Composer Margaret Bonds
Pianist and composer Margaret Bonds paved the way for many Black women artists today.
Carl Van Vechten/Library of Congress
Rhapsody in Black

Margaret Bonds and the words of Langston Hughes

Rhapsody in Black - Margaret Bonds
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Composer Margaret Bonds grew up and thrived in the city of Chicago, breaking barriers for the future generations of Black women composers. Like many artist before her, racism was a consistent part of her life, but the words of renown Black novelist Langston Hughes helped her with that struggle. Later forming a friendship with the writer, Bonds composed many pieces inspired by his text.

Credits

Host: Vernon Neal

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher

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About Rhapsody in Black

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

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