Rhapsody in Black

Composer Scott Joplin is best known for his ragtime piano compositions that include ‘The Maple Leaf Rag’ and ‘The Entertainer.’ Like many other Black artists, he composed so much more than that! Find out more about Joplin’s other compositions in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Conductor André J. Thomas has spent more than three decades as a director of choral activities and professor of singing. To this day he refuses to slow down. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Jazz vocalist Bobby McFerrin is a musical multi-tasker like no other. Not afraid to break tradition, McFerrin has opened up the world of music to embrace all different kinds of sounds. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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.