Music
Discography
Temptation of St. Anthony (2 CD Set)
This Robert Wilson production, for which Bernice Johnson Reagon created the libretto and music, premeired at the Rhur Trienalle Festival in Germany. Inspired by the 19th century Gustav Flaubert, Reagan’s score drew upon her intimate and long term study and performance of 18th and 20th century African American music. The show has completed two European tours (including a run at the Paris Opera House de Garnier with the first African American cast since the 19th century!) and one United States tour so far.
River of Life: Harmony One
The founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock displays her wide vocal range and power on this solo album. Described by Dr. Reagon as “taking the voices I hear in my head when I’m writing songs and recording them on top of each other one at a time,” the album leans towards the spiritual side of Sweet Honey’s music. Highlights include “Guide My Feet While I Run This Race,” the title track and “Since I Lay My Burden Down.”
Give Your Hands to Struggle
Originally released in 1975, this solo album by Bernice Johnson Reagon was reissued on disc in 1997. Since the early days of her participation in the Civil Rights Movement, she has been on asong journey in search of freedom, justice and equality. This album documents those early years and features Reagon’s vocal power in stunning, multi-tracked harmony with itself. Includes an essay and annotations by Reagon, song lyrics and a bibliography.
Find Sweet Honey in the Rock’s recordings on Goldenrod Music.
Songtalk Publishing Organized 1978
Management of the Music and Works of Bernice Johnson Reagon
Music licensing: contact Kathy Ostien
Booking: Jodi F. Solomon Speakers Bureau
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