Bernice Johnson Reagon, A Founder Of The Freedom Singers And Sweet Honey In The Rock, Has Died

Date:

The music world is mourning the loss of a trailblazing artist, activist, and educator, Bernice Johnson Reagon, co-founder of the iconic harmony groups The Freedom Singers and Sweet Honey in the Rock. Reagon, a Grammy-winning singer, musicians, and composer, passed away on March 2, 2022, at the age of 78.

Born in 1942 in Albany, Georgia, Reagon grew up singing gospel music in her church choir. She went on to become a driving force in the American folk music movement of the 1960s, blending gospel, blues, and folk to create a unique sound that resonated with audiences across the country. In 1961, she founded The Freedom Singers, an ensemble of African American singers who performed at civil rights protests, benefit concerts, and educational events. The group’s powerful harmonies and message of equality helped to galvanize the Civil Rights Movement.

Reagon’s work with The Freedom Singers led to the formation of Sweet Honey in the Rock, a 12-piece harmony group that blended traditional African American music with contemporary styles. The group’s 1979 album “Sweet Songs” won a Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording, and they went on to perform at numerous festivals, concerts, and television appearances, including the Grammy Awards.

Reagon’s impact extended beyond music, as she was also a teacher and educator. She taught at the University of California, Berkeley, and later founded the African American Musical Heritage Project, which aimed to preserve and promote African American music and culture. Her commitment to social justice and education led to collaborations with organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

Throughout her career, Reagon received numerous awards and honors, including a Grammy Award, a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, and the National Medal of Arts. Her music and legacy have inspired countless artists, including singer-songwriter Mavis Staples, who praised Reagon’s “incredible talent and generosity.”

Reagon’s passing is mourned by the music community, her colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives were touched by her music, education, and activism. Her legacy will continue to reverberate through the power of her music, inspiring future generations to use their voices as a force for social change.

215 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe

spot_imgspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

Blake Griffin in Talks With Amazon, NBC for Charles Barkley–Esque Role

Former NBA star Blake Griffin is reportedly eyeing a...

Face-conforming LED mask showing 340% improved efficacy in deep skin elasticity

The quest for youthful, radiant skin has led to...

How to Generate Text, Images, and Insights with Apple Intelligence’s Built-in ChatGPT Integration

While not officially confirmed, whispers of an upcoming Apple...

DfE to stop grading English schools based on proportion of Russell Group students

The Department for Education (DfE) is set to abolish...