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Frankie Staton on the Impact and Successes of the Black Opry
Black Voices
Frankie Staton on the Impact and Successes of the Black Opry(Editor's Note: To kick off our Artist of the Month coverage for June, we asked legendary musician, songwriter, and co-founder of the Black Country Music Association, Frankie Staton, to discuss and explore the vital work of the Black Opry. Scroll to find our Essential Black Opry Playlist below.) Holly G wanted…
Frankie Staton on the Impact and Successes of the Black Opry
Black VoicesApr 20, 2023

A small, enthusiastic audience of first arrivals chat in excited, hushed tones as they listen to Hubby Jenkins soundcheck into a pair of Ear Trumpet Labs microphones in the ballroom at Fort Worth, Texas’s Southside Preservation Hall. It’s an unseasonably cool Saturday afternoon in March, with crystal blue skies and wispy clouds backgrounding the historic…

Frankie Staton on the Impact and Successes of the Black Opry
Black VoicesApr 14, 2023

Vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Dom Flemons has excelled for years at celebrating the versatility and heritage of American popular music and Black culture. But he has broken fresh ground on his exceptional new album Traveling Wildfire, released at the end of March. "With this album I wanted to look forward for a change, do more…

Frankie Staton on the Impact and Successes of the Black Opry
Black VoicesApr 13, 2023

This week, we feature a talk with genre-leaping singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian who is back with a remarkable new LP, Love You Anyway. Shapeshifting between danceable southern soul, hip-hop, silky R&B, and AM gold rock 'n' roll, the record isn’t afraid to confront the thorny politics of voting rights and wrongful incarceration while still celebrating a…

Frankie Staton on the Impact and Successes of the Black Opry
Black VoicesApr 6, 2023

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, librettist, teacher, and dog lady Kimaya Diggs grew up surrounded by music. In her family, music was a tool for connection. Kimaya’s 2018 debut album, Breastfed, puts together the story of her upbringing through dreamy soul-folk jams. Even though she had been a musician all her life, she experienced a steep learning curve…

Frankie Staton on the Impact and Successes of the Black Opry
Black VoicesApr 3, 2023

Artist: Vance Gilbert Hometown: Arlington, Massachusetts Song: "Black Rochelle" Album: The Mother of Trouble Release Date: May 5, 2023 In Their Words: "It's a true story. The cruelest kids are often the kids who have been treated most cruelly. One of the easiest and hardest songs ever to write. I am proud that I heard…