Songs That Made America
Genie Deez is a PhD candidate, musician, and award-winning content creator. His research focuses on American Black Spirituality and its roots in 18th and 19th folk traditions. Join Genie as he traces the roots of the music that helped shape American values and American protest. From Negro spirituals, to funk, and everything in between, these stories will connect you to the past while inspiring change for the future. The story of Black music is a story of liberation.
WE SHALL OVERCOME:
The Longest Surviving Song of Black America
“We Shall Overcome” became the anthem of the Civil Rights movement, but the roots of the song date back to 18th century slavery in America.
Tracing this song back in time reveals how American ideas and folk traditions go through a process that involves borrowing from other traditions and creative reinterpretation.
And Black creative reinterpretation, historically, has contributed to the rich, and often neglected, tapestry of American culture.
AMERICAN SOUL
James, Funk & Civil Rights
This digital series explores the history and impact of Funk music on Black American culture.
Only 2-3min each, the series is a brief but comprehensive demonstration of the birth of James Brown funk. The full version is posted beneath the 4-part series.
James Brown is a major figure of 20th century music, dance, and culture. But in order to better understand James Brown, the origins of Funk, and why it’s important today, we have to look at things in context. Without context, music means nothing at all.
Join Genie Deez as he explores the complicated development of James Brown funk, and how it parallels the fight for Civil Rights. Soul Power!
