Performance by Former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London

Title

Performance by Former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London

Performer

Former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Londo

Date Uploaded

Jan 25, 2010

Rights

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London

Narrative

From the 1979 album, Symphonic Spirituals, Columbia; conducted by Dr. Paul Freeman, narrated by Barbara Jordan, soloist William Brown, tenor (information from Album cover). Jordan includes a preamble to the dramatic recitation of the song, in which she intones, “These are our songs of joy and sadness. They were given life by slaves who toiled in the fields of America. Sweat on their brows, hope in their hearts.These are our songs of happiness and sorrow. The sould of blackfolk, coupled with religious fervor and vigorous rhythms that hint of their African heritage. These are our songs of hope.” The video features various still images of Jordan. She performs the first and second verses, and changes some of the words and adds her own “prayer” to the performance.