A little bit of everything.
It’s Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter’s birthday. Griot and muse who was, is, and always will be the essence of what we know to be the Blues, Folk, and Rock. Folklorist in his own right. Music so strong he enchanted his way out of prison twice. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyCwri1BYvmQlQ32hPHg-G-Aa-HSDCcBr
Big Maybelle, Ann Cole, Hannah Dean, Blanche Thomas, and Annie Laurie were five singers of note in that golden musical moment when Blues, Rhythm & Blues, and early Rock n’ Roll were harmoniously intertwined. Here are five of their classics: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyCwri1BYvmRNN1KnCS4rMVRavhSZ_ch1
“To be truly visionary we have to root our imagination in our concrete reality while simultaneously imagining possibilities beyond that reality.” -bell hooks, “Feminism is For Everybody: Passionate Politics.” Are you an early-career writer from a community that’s underrepresented in publishing? The PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship is accepting applications through January 31, 2023. The… Continue reading Links For The Voracious
Ella Baker’s genius as an organizer and strategist for justice and civil rights transformed the lives of millions of people around the world. https://youtu.be/McneFCdHUn0 “Oppressed people, whatever their level of formal education, have the ability to understand and interpret the world around them, to see the world for what it is, and move to transform… Continue reading Happy Birthday, Ella Baker!
Over on Twitter, Eric Alper (@ThatEricAlper) asked this question on Thanksgiving morning. Perfect timing for music nerds, musicaholics, and other armchair music hounds with a love for lists and time on their hands. There were some great classic answers in the replies including Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Bob Dylan. Naturally. Aretha Franklin immediately came… Continue reading What is the greatest 3-album run of all time?
the lesson of the falling leaves the leaves believe such letting go is lovesuch love is faithsuch faith is grace such grace is godi agree with the leaves -Lucille Clifton
Under a fig tee. The moon coming through at dusk. Debris of changing seasons. City living. A timely read.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The visionary, the innovator, and the original guitar god who gave the world Rock music.
If you’re not invited to the party, throw your own.”-Diahann Carroll Wallpaper. London. “Big Mama Thornton with The Muddy Waters Band-1966” is on my list of albums for required listening. According to Smithsonian Folkways Recording, “. . . the session was recorded without the benefit of a rehearsal. . .” You can hear the through… Continue reading 5 Songs For The End of The Week
At a literary talk, moderator Juan Williams asked Toni Morrison and Frank McCourt this question: “How do you survive whole in a world where we are all victims of something?” Morrison’s answer offers an approach to living that can be shaped by hopefulness and imagination. She said, “Sometimes you don’t survive whole, you just survive… Continue reading “But the grandeur of life is that attempt:” Toni Morrison on what survival can look like
Voracious DPC 