Rhythm and roots: The restorative power of Black holiday music

  • By Taylor Plantan, DJ Roach, James Treichler, Troy McDonald and Kennedy Vincent
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From traditional gospel to modern R&B, Black Christmas music has transcended over generations.

Hits like “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Vince Vance & the Valiants, later performed by Mariah Carey, have become timeless classics that kick off the season. 

This week, Dialogue host Kennedy Vincent explores the legacy of Black holiday music and sits down with a local church about its importance. 

GUESTS: 

Errol McCalla

  • Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer

Mark Anthony Neal

  • Author 
  • James B. Duke Professor of African & African American Studies at Duke University

Bethel AME Church Choir

Choir Director:

  • Polly Washington 

Sopranos:

  • Lucenda Barnes
  • Elaine Carter
  • Ronnie Turner-Winston

Altos:

  • Debrae Lomax
  • Kimberly Lomax-Cobb 
  • Katherine Pope

Tenors:

  • John Hendrix

Keyboardist:

  • Deborah K.  Banks

Drummer:

  • Kevin Hines

Songs Performed by Bethel AME Church Choir:

1) So Many Wonderful Things by Dr. Charles G. Hayes 

2) Emmanuel by Norman Hutchins 

3) Hallelujah, Salvation, and Glory by Jeffrey LaValley

https://www.bethelamechampaign.org/ 

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Penny Bradford

Patricia "Penny" Bradford is a senior majoring in journalism and minoring in public relations at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. She is a producer for Dialogue and a native of the Champaign-Urbana area.