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Soundcheck

Wednesday, July 08, 2009
  • Marian Anderson

    The Legacy of Marian Anderson

    African American opera singer Marian Anderson made history 70 years ago when she sang on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Today: opera star Denyce Graves and author Raymond Arsenault join us for a look at the civil rights icon. Plus: live music from Venezuelan funk-rock band Los Amigos Invisibles.

Marian Anderson

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Marian Anderson's historic performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Today, we look at her legacy -- as a civil rights figure and as a singer -- with African American opera star Denyce Graves and Raymond Arsenault, author of the book The Sound of Freedom.

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Marian Anderson

The Sound of Freedom on Amazon.com
Denyce Graves site
WNYC News Blog: Listen to clips of Marian Anderson's 1939 performance
Video: Newsreel footage of Marian Anderson at Lincoln Memorial

Soundcheck's Picks of the Week

This week's picks feature Oregonian cello, the sounds of Cape Verde and "Radical Jewish Music." Read our full reviews here.

Portland Cello Project, The Thao and Justin Power Sessions (Kill Rock Stars)

Lura, Eclipse (Four Quarters)

Rashanim, The Gathering (Tzadik)

Soundcheck blog: more about this week's picks

Los Amigos Invisibles

Los Amigos Invisibles

The Venezuelan funk-rock band Los Amigos Invisibles was discovered by David Byrne in a Manhattan record shop. The group ended up with multiple Grammy nominations and its members are now based in New York. They join us to play live songs from their new album, Commercial.

Commercial on Amazon.com
Los Amigos Invisibles site

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

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Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

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