Black History Month is celebrated every February in the United States. The precursor, Negro History Week, was created in 1926 when the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History chose the second week of February. This coincided with the birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, celebrated together in the Black community since the 19th century. President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976. Our theme music for this week’s program is “Thelonious” by Thelonious Monk. We’ll continue with Eric Bibb, Tarika, Blind Blake, Kaia Kater, Rhiannon Giddens, and explore many other voices, too. Part One of our celebration of Black music … this week on The Sing Out! Radio Magazine.

LISTEN:

Artist/”Song”/CD/Label

Pete Seeger / “If I Had A Hammer” (excerpt) / Songs of Hope and Struggle / Smithsonian
              Folkways
Thelonious Monk / “Thelonious” / Underground / CBS
Eric Bibb / Refugee Man” / Migration Blues / Stony Plain
Tarika / “Aloka” / The Rough Guide to the Music of Madagascar / Rough Guide
Rhiannon Giddens / “Better Get it Right the First Time” / Freedom Highway / Nonesuch
Blind Blake / “Brown Skin Gal-Mary Ann” / Legends of Calypso / Arc

Issa Bagayogo / “Saye Mogo Bana” / African Groove / Putumayo
Kaia Kater / “Nine Pin” / Nine Pin / Kingswood
Thelonious Monk / “Thelonious (take 3)” / Underground / CBS

Various / “Chohun and Gymamadudu” / Africa-Ancient Ceremonies: Dance Music & Songs of Ghana /
              Nonesuch-Explorer
Paul Simon-Bakithi Kumolo / “Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes (Alternate)” / Graceland / Sony Legacy
Kotoja / “Swale” / The Super Sawale Collection / Putumayo
Mandinka and Fulani Music of Gambia / “Dangoma” / Ancient Heart / Axiom
Sweet Honey in the Rock / “This Place Inside Where I Can Rest” / #LoveinEvolution / Appleseed
Pete Seeger / “If I Had A Hammer” (excerpt) / Songs of Hope and Struggle / Smithsonian
              Folkways