Kevin Johnson conducts the Spelman College Glee Club in a powerful performance of James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson's 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' arranged by Roland Carter (recorded live Feb. 22, 2019).
The congregation of New Hope Presbyterian Church in La Feria, Texas thanks everyone at Spelman who supports this Glee Club - and all the women who sang so beautifully in this video. This is such a moving version of the hymn -- all who were worshiping with us on Zoom yesterday loved it. Prayers for all who help to bring your music to the world - praise God for your voices! and prayers for everyone's safety in this time of pandemic.
Disappointed to see so many negative comments on this masterful performance. The young ladies of Spelman have beautiful voices and their choir master has utilized those voices to present a powerful version of Roland Carter's arrangement.
WOW, these young people showed such skill and grace in performing this rendition of our Black Anthem. Kudo's to the director and hats off to all of the voices!!!! Bravo!!!!
Ok, this is impressively difficult. Dynamics, rhythm, and key changes all on such a well known piece with a lot of internal song knowledge to overcome. BRAVO!!!
Highest improvisation... :) but at this level improvisation the choir just created a new song with the lyrics of the song "lift every voice and sing"... and credit melody.. :) jada holiday sing this song in orisinality.. so i think that's the reason the melody become a song "lift every voice and sing" the melody and it's orisinality the reason you want to song the lyrics "lift every voice and sing"...
Hi! Are there any additional steps to take for playing this video for a small virtual gathering honoring a past president of Spelman? I've noticed in the comments below individuals have requested permission.
I'm inquiring on behalf of my church (First Congregational Church of Granby, CT) if we could have permission to use this video in our worship livestream for Jan. 17. We are a part of a townwide celebration of MLK and mobilization for racial justice. Thank you!
I really enjoyed this. They seemed really sincere and it was a really effective performance. I'm not sure it's healthy for women to sing that low though.
I chuckled. Very innocent comment. As a music major at Spelman College, who graduated years ago, with my B.A. in piano performance and composition... And a former SCGC member all my years there and proud Alto 2 member.....I assure you, it is a gift and perfectly fine. Thank you for this. It took me back to the moments of awe, when people realized we were all female and could reach notes in the 3 and high 2 range :)
Will just 1 Black man, woman or child sing this song at the FUNERAL of any of the 8,000 BLACK men, women or children who were murdered by another BLACK person each year? Nope, Not a peep.
Obviously you don’t know. This is the Roland Carter (a black composer) Arrangement of Lift Every Voice and Sing one of the most known and world renowned choral arrangements of Lift Every Voice and Sing out there. I don’t understand your comment. What’s the problem?
