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Category: African American History

Dr. I. Augustus Durham delivers his lecture "Marvin Gaye: Melancholy and Genius in Black Culture and Media" in the Whittall Pavilion.

Marvin Gaye: Melancholy and Genius in Black Culture and Media

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Music Reference Specialist Morgan Davis recaps a lecture delivered by Dr. I Augustus Durham at the Library on June 5, 2025. His lecture, entitled “Marvin Gaye: Melancholy and Genius in Black Culture and Media,” explored the influence of creators such as George and Ira Gershwin, Marian Anderson and Mahalia Jackson, on music from the crime thriller “Trouble Man” scored by Marvin Gaye. This blog includes the video of the lecture.

Posted in: African American History, American history, Concerts and Events, Musical Theater, Musicians

Image of actors onstage for Porgy and Bess.

Catfish Row Comes to New York: The Genesis of “Porgy and Bess”

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Curator of the George and Ira Gershwin Collection Ray White discusses the origins of the Gershwins' "Porgy and Bess" in commemoration of the work's 90th anniversary. The Library and Washington National Opera present a concert and panel discussion to celebrate the anniversary on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium.

Posted in: African American History, American history, Composers, Concerts and Events, Curators, Musical Theater, Special Collections, Staff