Rhapsody in Black

YourClassical
  • 5.0 (22)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Rhapsody in Black

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

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Billie Holiday and 'Strange Fruit'

    Jazz singer Billie Holiday discovered “Strange Fruit,” Abel Meropol’s protest song against lynching In 1939. It became her closing number at all of her performances at Café Society and the best selling record of her career. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

    5 min

  2. FEB 13

    Paul Robeson brought spirituals and Black history to the main stage

    Paul Robeson was a star of stage and screen, but his passion was sharing spirituals. His goal was to elevate them to the same level as other musical forms. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

    5 min

  3. FEB 6

    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

  4. JAN 30

    Violist Eliesha Nelson honors the music and memory of composer George Walker

    Violist Eliesha Nelson had the pleasure of meeting Pulitzer Prize winning composer George Walker a few times during her career. She developed a passion for his music and eventually performed it with the Cleveland Orchestra. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

    5 min

  5. JAN 23

    Hazel Scott 'jazzed up the classics' and stood up against segregation

    Pianist Hazel Scott was billed as “The Darling of Café Society” due to the her ability to sell out shows with her masterful improvisations. But her music was heavily intertwined with politics as she spoke up time and time again against segregation. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min

  6. JAN 16

    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

  7. JAN 9

    Clarinetist Anthony McGill promotes connection, equality and justice

    Clarinetist Anthony McGill is the principal clarinetist with the New York Philharmonic, the first Black musician to hold a principal chair in the orchestra’s 178 year history. During his time there, he has wowed audiences and impressed critics with his technique and silky tone, but he has also used the platform to promote social justice issues, specifically racial equity in classical music. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

    5 min

  8. JAN 2

    Carlos Simon's 'Good News Mass'

    Carlos Simon is a Grammy-nominated composer and an activist for Black and brown representation in classical music. His latest work, ‘Good News Mass,’ is unlike anything he’s done before. Find out more 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Minnesota Public Radio
  • Show Website
    Rhapsody in Black

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