The group originated in an inner city action project in East Harlem, New York City, in 1969. Charles "Chuck" Griffin, founder of the East Harlem Federation Youth Association (EHFYA), and his wife Anna Quick Griffin, set up the ensemble, initially to perform in colleges and at local benefits. Their first major performance was at a benefit for Mayor John Lindsay, after which they attracted music director Bernice Cole (5 November 1921–19 November 2006), who had been a member of the Angelic Gospel Singers, to which she later returned. They also gained a manager, Jerry Brandt, who had previously worked with Sam Cooke and who persuaded the ensemble to update their material and style.
In January 1970, they performed at the "Winter Festival for Peace" at Madison Square Garden on a bill with Harry Belafonte, Richie Havens, Judy Collins, Dave Brubeck, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Rascals, Jimi Hendrix (who abandoned his performance after two numbers), and the cast of Hair. They made regular TV appearances, and recorded an album for Elektra Records, Right On Be Free, issued in 1970. The album focused on ensemble singing in a traditional black gospel style, but with secular lyrics emphasising "the power of the people", and a "soulful feel". Several of the tracks, including the title track "Right On, Be Free", were written by Chuck Griffin. Lead vocals on Right On Be Free were by Cole, Anna Griffin, Gerri Griffin, and Cynthia Sessions. The backing musicians included Richard Tee, Cornell Dupree, Chuck Rainey, and Ralph MacDonald, and the album was produced by David Rubinson. The group received a standing ovation at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival in the UK, appeared at the Apollo Theater, and performed in Ghana in February 1971 at the Soul To Soul concert."
5 comments:
http://www.embedupload.com/?d=9HKBEJGHKR
I've heard this before, but totally forgot about it. Nice find and post, and looking forward to reacquainting my brain cells with this.
No comments? I love this album; it's a great snapshot of the times, both musically & politically. If you're debating, don't hesitate to d/l this. Thanks for the share KC.
-peacenik
This one is really special. How you manage to own, or find, and post such high quality music on a regular basis is beyond me and would be still even if I were not a confirmed Luddite. There is magic, not to mention a spirituality that exceeds the limitations of language and is not inherently religious, in this blog and I can only assume that they both are the natural result of the combination of you and New Orleans As always, thanks, le Roi.
By the way, today I watched the president address the tenth anniversary of Katrina. It is really difficult to believe that so much time has passed since that horrific man-made disaster. wreaked great havoc and calamity on the city and its people All of my very best to the residents of New Orleans, those who remained and those who returned. I am grateful that our only Caribbean city survived and is recovering and, too, that folks like you and P-Mac remain there to live, work, and, of course, soak in the musical history and culture. Although its scope exceeds the city limits of New Orleans, I consider this blog to be a great tribute to both. I missed my chance to travel there during my ten-year exile in Texas and hope to do so while I am still in my "youthful and vibrant" prime, and am able to enjoy and benefit from the trip. Any major city that serves as the unofficial capital of a region whose motto is "'laissez les bons temps rouler" is a must visit when more funds become available chez Ó Broin. I can almost smell and taste the beignets just thinking about it.
Brings up memories.
Thank you, KC!
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