CNR : Late American star Harry Belafonte’s name placed on iconic Sankofa Wall in Ghana (by Reagan Mends) →

On August 26, 2024, the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) commemorated the late American singer, actor, and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte by inscribing his name onto the iconic Sankofa Wall.The iconic Sankofa Wall, a symbol of Ghana’s rich history and the Diaspora’s connection to the motherland was further adorned with the name of the legendary American figure. The mountain ceremony, held at the DAF Embassy in Cantonment, Accra, was attended by dignitaries including the daughter of the beloved icon Gina Belafonte and the convening Founder and Head of Mission of the Diaspora African Forum (DAF), H. E. AMB Dr. Erieka Bennett.

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The New York Times : Some Final Notes From the ‘Voice of God’ (by Jack Nikas) →

“Milton + Esperanza,” a warm, almost dreamlike collaboration between Milton "Bituca" Nascimento and the American jazz musician Esperanza Spalding after 15 years of friendship between the two. Spalding arranged and produced the album and plays bass throughout, and the pair sing together on nearly every track. [...] “He has a special essence, and it comes out in the music,” said Spalding [...] “It’s a mystery,” she added, “and it’s beautiful.”

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The Newton Bee : Ben’s Lighthouse To Benefit From November Evening Of Music & Song With Cash, Leventhal & Henry →

A large part of Ben’s Lighthouse’s fundraising efforts for the last near-decade have been via benefit concerts and evenings of music, many of which have also taken place at Edmond Town Hall. On November 15, Cash, Leventhal and Henry will all be lending their immense talent to an evening dedicated to recognizing and honoring social justice, activism, and change, all of which align with their personal ethos. [...] “To have artists at the level of commitment and stature of Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal and Joe Henry join us in our attempt to foster love and understanding in our community is a bit of a dream come true; David and I are so grateful that they’ve brought their vision and passion alongside ours. That’s a community I want to be a part of and that’s why this benefit is so special as we celebrate life, love, and music together.” Roseanne Cash says it is “an honor to support Ben’s Lighthouse along with my partner John Leventhal, and my dear friend Joe Henry.

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Supertalk Mississippi : Rosanne Cash to receive Grammy Museum’s Crossroads of American Music Award (by J.T. Mitchell) →

GRAMMY Museum Mississippi has announced Rosanne Cash as this year’s recipient of the Crossroads of American Music Awards, which goes out annually to an artist who has made significant musical contributions inspired by not only Mississippi but the region as a whole. [...] “As one of the most profound singer-songwriters of her generation, and a best-selling author, Rosanne Cash has had an immeasurable impact on the history of American music,” Grammy Museum Mississippi executive director Emily Havens said. “We can’t wait to honor her incredible achievements with the sixth annual Crossroads of American Music Award at this year’s gala.” [...] “I’m extremely honored and humbled,” Cash said. “I feel that so much of what I am, what I am drawn to, what I love, what I write about, and what is in my very bloodstream comes from the Delta.

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American Songwriter : The Time Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash United for “One of the Most Phenomenal Duets Ever” (by Em Casalena) →

Just last year, country legends Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash (daughter of famed country singer Johnny Cash) performed a stunning duet on CBS in celebration of Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday concert. The two singers complimented each other beautifully as they performed “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)”. Even though the song was originally a Kristofferson classic, the added vocals from Rosanne Cash completely changed the emotional quality of the song. She’s a respectable country singer in her own right, but the emotional connection between herself and Kristofferson is likely what makes it such a good duet.

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The Guardian : Milton Nascimento and Esperanza Spalding: Milton + Esperanza review – Brazilian giant finds a new groove(by Amar Kalia) →

Now 81, Nascimento’s voice has developed into a beautifully rich and vibrato-laden baritone that is the focus of a lively collaboration with bassist and composer Esperanza Spalding, Milton + Esperanza. Across 16 tracks, the pair reimagine compositions from Nascimento’s catalogue, such as 1969’s Outubro and 1972’s Cais, as well as featuring new works with the likes of Paul Simon and Lianne La Havas. [...] Fresh from Iphigenia, her jazz opera with the late Wayne Shorter, Spalding cements her status as a collaborator capable of extracting mighty performances from her elders. Her imaginative musical settings showcase Nascimento’s mature range, producing a late-career masterpiece that highlights the beautiful changes wrought by age.

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Virgin Radio Uk : Virgin Radio to celebrate 40 years of Band Aid with new documentary - details →

The two-part documentary will be an account of the story behind the recording of Do They Know It’s Christmas from those who were there in 1984, and will look at the legacy of the song and how it continues to save African lives four decades later. Reflecting on Band Aid’s cultural impact, Band Aid at 40 will feature never-aired-before footage and access from those who masterminded the landmark single, from the high profile singers to those behind the scenes, who were the beating heart behind the landmark track. It will feature brand new interviews with, among others, Bob Geldof.

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WECT News : Riverdance to bring three 30th anniversary shows to the Wilson Center →

Riverdance is set to perform three times at Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center as part of its 30th anniversary tour, according to CFCC. Per the college, Riverdance will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, and at 1:30 and 7:00 p.m. Feb. 16. “Since Riverdance first emerged on the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide,” the announcement states. “The Grammy® Award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances have left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.

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Rolling Stone Joan Baez Performs ‘America the Beautiful’ to Get Out the Vote (by Althea Legaspi) →

Joan Baez took to Instagram on Sunday to share a video of her performing “America the Beautiful” and encourage folks to get out and vote in the 2024 presidential election. Sitting in a kitchen, she launched the clip with a sweet laugh before singing the patriotic song while playing an acoustic guitar. [...] “Times are a-changin’ — Let’s crown thy good with sisterhood,” she captioned the clip. “Register to vote at vote.org or headcount.org and VOTE BLUE!”The folk legend and activist made a surprise appearance during Hozier’s set at Newport Folk Festival on Friday, where she joined him along with Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff, Madison Cunningham, Allison Russell, and other artists to perform a rendition of The Band’s “The Weight.”

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Jam Base : Warren Haynes Reunites With Musical Brother On New Studio Album (by Scott Bernstein) →

As reported, guitarist Warren Haynes will release a new Warren Haynes Band album entitled Million Voices Whisper this fall. While Haynes hasn’t announced details of the first WHB LP since 2011, the Gov’t Mule frontman revealed a particularly special guest contributed to the record. Warren’s longtime The Allman Brothers Band mate Derek Trucks will be featured on Million Voices Whisper. “We also brought Derek Trucks into the studio for three songs,” Haynes told Cleveland.com after reeling off the names of the WHB’s members. “That was the first time that we collaborated since the Allman Brothers stopped playing.”

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