Black Music History primer

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Spoiler

 

[get these nets]

Episode 4 of a 10-part TV series made by Dr. Maya Angelou for KQED in 1968 called Blacks, Blues, Black!, which examines the influence of African American culture on modern American society. Includes scenes of Dr. Angelou in the studio discussing the function of music in Africa (used to communicate, entertain and instruct) and how slavery influenced the evolution of African American spiritual music, as an expression of faith. She also considers the inception of blues style music and the development of jazz, singing herself and with performances by the Ken Bonsieh Quartet, gospel singers, The Heavenly Tones and the Jimmy Ed Trio. Note that at 30mins 30secs into this clip, Dr. Angelou explains the significance of the series title 'Blacks, Blues, Black!'.

full series is up here

Dr. Maya Angelou's Blacks, Blues, Black! - Bay Area Television Archive