Rhapsody in Black

YourClassical
  • 5.0 (22)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

  1. 1D AGO

    Roberta Flack was the shepherd of a new R&B sound

    Pop artist Roberta Flack grew up classically trained and continued to love the music even when revolutionizing the R&B scene. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min

  2. FEB 19

    Melanie DeMore uses her voice as a 'weapon of mass connection'

    Community leader and musician Melanie DeMore uses the power of her voice to bring people together and create meaningful connections in her community and beyond. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min

  3. FEB 12

    Awadagin Pratt is opening doors for young Black classical artists

    Awadagin Pratt is a professor of piano at the University of Cincinnati and the recipient of multiple awards. He’s never shied away from talking about his experiences as a Black man in classical music, and he’s working to make it a more welcoming space. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min

  4. FEB 5

    Gil Scott-Heron's message for the 1970s — and today

    Gil Scott-Heron was a self-described “bluesologist,” and a bold voice of social activism in music in the 1970s and 80s. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

    5 min

  5. JAN 29

    Moses Hogan created community through worship

    Choir director Moses Hogan, who died at 45 in 2003, built community through worship and song. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min

  6. JAN 22

    Paul Robeson was a brilliant star who was almost erased

    Columbia University graduate and polyglot Paul Robeson was a bass-baritone who advocated for the performance of African American spirituals in classical spaces. Considered a ‘darling of the entertainment industry,’ he was almost erased from history for his outspoken activism. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min

  7. JAN 15

    Paul Freeman meets MLK

    Find out how a chance meeting with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. helped give composer and conductor Paul Freeman the resolve to make classical music more inclusive and diverse on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast. Listen now.

    5 min

  8. JAN 8

    Margaret Bonds and the words of Langston Hughes

    Margaret Bonds dealt with racism as she broke barriers for future generations of Black women composers. Find out how the words and friendship of renowned Black novelist Langston Hughes helped her with that struggle in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min
See All (30)

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Information

  • Creator
    YourClassical
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Minnesota Public Radio
  • Show Website
    Rhapsody in Black

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