That's what we say here at Soulsville USA, here in Memphis, TN. Yes, that's right folks. I'm in Memphis, TN where the legendary STAX Records resides in all it's glory of what it has become. I am walking the halls and streets where great artists like Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Issac Hayes, Sam and Dave, Kirk Whalum and many others have trailed. I am also in the very city where Martin Luther King, Jr. preached towards the end of his life and it feels good to be a part of that history.
I am honored to have taken on the role of Artist in Residence at Stax Music Academy, www.staxmusicacademy.org, but the blessing doesn't stop there. I am also the Artist in Residence at the famous HBCU (Historic Black College/Univerisity), LeMoyne Owen College. www.loc.edu. It has been a pleasure growing and learning here. I see so much talent in the students at both sites and I'm glad to spend my time being a mentor to them. It's a wonderful experience making connections here.
AND Speaking of connections, the Lady of the Hour is also making strides in the opera scene. Both LeMoyne Owen and Stax have made it possible for me to help bridge the gap in opera and classical music. I'm happy to say that I am also working with Opera Memphis this season. For February, I will be honoring Mrs. Florence Cole Talbert McCleave, in the Black Roots of Opera segment. Mrs. McCleave was the American soprano, believed to be the first black artist to sing the title role in a fully staged Aida in Europe in 1927. Ms. McCleave made her home in Memphis. As a singer and educator, she paved the way for future generations of black artists.
Here's to new beginnings, making a difference in other people's lives, making and appreciating history, and being the opportunist. Stay tuned for more....
