Music—jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop in Harlem—has been a crucial vehicle of African American cultural expression, but the contributions to classical music by people of African descent is rarely given its due.
This year, The Grio recognized the contributions of WQXR host and Harlem resident Terrance McKnight to this effort by naming him as one of The Grio’s 100 in the arts category. As a pianist, a former professor at Morehouse, and now as a host at WQXR, the most listened-to classical music station in the country, McKnight is committed to making classical music accessible to everyone. Likewise, he champions jazz and gospel as “American classical music.”
In celebration of Black History Month, WQXR will air McKnight’s one-hour specials that explore music in the life of prominent African Americans, including Harlemites Langston Hughes, Hazel Scott, and Florence Price.
In addition WQXR has created a quiz and informative timeline about African Americans in classical music.
Broadcast Schedule: (On-air schedule below)
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February 5 at 10PM & February 9 at 11PM
The Price of Admission: A Musical Biography of Florence Beatrice Price - February 12 at 10PM & February 16 at 11PM
I, Too, Sing America: Music in the Life of Langston Hughes -
February 19 at 10PM & February 23 at 11PM
Still Swinging, Still Classic: A Musical Biography of Pioneering Pianist Hazel Scott
All specials can be heard on demand or streamed live at WQXR.org.
Thanks to our friends from WQXR. Photo credit: Marco Antonio.
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