Rhapsody in Black

Song leader, composer, scholar and social activist Bernice Johnson Reagon understands firsthand the power and function music has to unite people. Her life through music exemplifies that notion. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Joel Thompson continues the history of challenging society with his music, like so many artists that came before him. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

In the 1970s, pianist and composer Eubie Blake was one of the only survivors of the early ragtime era, which began in the late 1800s, and he was still going strong. In fact, the highly skilled pianist’s rags were so challenging that they had to be simplified before being published. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Pop superstar Prince was far more than the chart-topping musician everyone loved. He was a modern-day composer who explored and was an expert in many styles of music. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize in music for his album ‘DAMN.’ Many people were excited and happy about such a change in the awarding of the prize, while others loathed it. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Sydney Guillaume came to the United States at 11 from Haiti. While he calls America home, his compositions pay homage to his ancestors and their fight for independence. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Guitar virtuoso Jimi Hendrix has many similarities to violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini. Both were charismatic, had international success and both had a love for classical music. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Haitian composer and educator Jean-Paul Coffy has always seen the importance of music in early childhood development. It has been the center of his work in the community and compositions. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Valerie Coleman does a little bit of everything. She is a flute virtuoso, a famous composer, a model for Black musicians worldwide and a mentor to her students. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Haitian composer and pianist Ludovic Lamothe was known by the problematic nickname ‘The Black Chopin’ during his life. Now he is receiving the recognition he deserves. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.