Films for the Humanities and Sciences - The Songs Are Free: Bernice Johnson Reagon and African-American Music

The Songs Are Free: Bernice Johnson Reagon and African-American Music

In this program, Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of the musical group Sweet Honey in the Rock, and curator of the Community Life Division of the Smithsonian Institution, discusses with Bill Moyers how black music has shaped the African-American experience and identity. Reagon traces the role of early spirituals rooted in the black church to their inspirational use in the early Civil Rights movement. Live musical performances, educational workshops, and archival footage of Reagon and noted Civil Rights leaders are included. Reagon’s work with Sweet Honey in the Rock is shown as continuing the tradition of black music as a source of resistance, courage, and pride, as well as determination and faith. (58 minutes)

Tell a Friend!

Your Name:
Your Email:
Your Friend's Email:
Your Message:
We respect your privacy and will not use your friend's address without permission.

Item#: BVL6774
Copyright date: ©1991
VHS ISBN 978-1-4213-5247-3
DVD ISBN 978-1-4213-5248-0


VHS	$99.95
DVD	$99.95
DVD + 3-Year Streaming	$149.93
3-Year Streaming	$99.95

For additional digital leasing and purchase options
contact a media consultant at 800-257-5126 ext 3502 or sales@films.com.

Prices include public performance rights.
Only available in the US and Canada.

Related Titles

Amazing Grace: The Story of a Song That Makes a Difference

The enduring power of a single song across continents and time-and the ironic story of how that song was written by a man who traded in slaves-is examined in this program with Bill Moyers. One of the most popular and enduring hymns in the English lan...(more details)

VHS	$99.95
DVD (Chaptered)	$99.95
DVD + 3-Year Streaming	$149.93
3-Year Streaming	$99.95

Too Close to Heaven: The History of Gospel Music

Deeply rooted in African rhythms, the first gospel music, as sung on southern plantations, expressed the collective sorrow of American slaves, and the history of their diaspora. Using narration and thrilling performance footage, these programs trace ...(more details)

VHS	$349.95
DVD	$349.95
DVD + 3-Year Streaming	$524.93
3-Year Streaming	$349.95

The Music of the 20th Century: Leaving Home

Performances led by Britain's renowned conductor Sir Simon Rattle have won their share of critical acclaim and international awards. Now, go with Rattle-dedicated champion of modern music-and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on an exhilarati...(more details)

VHS	$1,189.65
DVD	$1,189.65

Listening to the Silence: African Cross Rhythms

"Africans listen to the silence and use it as a dimension in which they can improvise," observes John Collins, an English musician and host of this program. Taking off from the peace of nature, the singing cicadas, and the simple routines of the work...(more details)

VHS	$99.95
DVD	$99.95
DVD + 3-Year Streaming	$149.93
3-Year Streaming	$99.95

Rap: Looking for the Perfect Beat

Rap music has articulated a black aesthetic that is influencing pop culture around the world. But does it also promote violence, misogyny, and crime? This program featuring rap-master Melle Mel describes the history of rap and hip-hop from its roots ...(more details)

VHS	$99.95
DVD	$99.95
DVD + 3-Year Streaming	$149.93
3-Year Streaming	$99.95

See additional titles in Music History | World Music