The Harlem Renaissance: The Black American Impact on Popular Song, Part 2: A Lecture-in-Song

The Harlem Renaissance: The Black American Impact on Popular Song, Part 2: A Lecture-in-Song

Thursday, March 31, 2016 The Harlem Renaissance: The Black American Impact on Popular Song, Part 2: A Lecture-in-Song

ABOUT THE EVENT

Presented by
Fred Miller, pianist/singer/lecturer
in the Community Education Room

For black slaves, singing was not a refined amusement but survival and life itself, however limited and painful that life might be. Not surprisingly, after slavery’s demise, the musical expression of the experience — Spirituals, Blues, Jazz — would become Black Americans´ most compelling weapon in their hard-fought battle for full assimilation into the mainstream. While many of the more “respectable” professions remained out of reach in those days, entertainment was immediately open to anyone with talent, and musical genius lay waiting in vast storehouses among the Black American community.

This program will spotlight glamorous singer/actress Lena Horne, troubled jazz pioneer Billie Holiday, crooning phenomenon and multimedia star Nat King Cole, and composer/piano personality Fats Waller.

This event is open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013, Ext. 132.