Rhapsody in Black

American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger and activist Nina Simone found her calling in jazz after a career as a classical pianist was halted before her eyes. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s life often focuses on his pivotal moments such as his "I Have a Dream" speech. But music filled and inspired his most intimate moments that made him the leader he is remembered as today. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Soprano Leontyne Price has many firsts in the opera world and among those accolades came fame. She put that fame to good use fighting racism her way. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Jessie Montgomery is in a constant state of creation. Not only does she actively perform violin and teach, she does so while composing award-winning pieces. Find out more about her amazing achievements in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Rosephanye Powell has created a wealth of wonderful new compositions and has had a distinguished career as a teacher and singer. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Soprano Nicole Cabell will be the first to tell you that a great career doesn’t happen overnight. It is a combination of all your successes and failures. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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.