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Category: African American History

Image of Leslie Odom Jr. posed in a dark turtleneck

This Week at Library: From Broadway to Leipzig

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

While every week at the Library offers something exciting for visitors, researchers and staff, there are certain occasions (like this week) when there is a confluence of musical activity that should perk up everyone's ears. Three major events will grace the Coolidge Auditorium stage, featuring a Broadway and film star, a stellar vocal group that features graduates of the Thomanerchor in Leipzig (that's the chorus that J.S. Bach led at Thomaskirche) and a blockbuster evening of chamber music with the Belcea and Ébène Quartets. Attendees of each event will have a unique chance to see items from the Music Division's collections.

Military officers posed for unit photo in front of a building and American flag.

General Pershing’s Musicians: Will Vodery, the U.S. Army Bandmaster School, and the Conservatoire Américain de Fontainebleau

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

In commemoration of Veterans Day, Senior Music Specialist Loras John Schissel presents a sketch of an important American arranger, composer, and conductor who broke the color barrier in the U.S. armed forces in 1918. This man was Bandmaster William “Will” Henry Bennet Vodery. Vodery's service in the military and his work as a musician is documented in collections available for researchers in the Performing Arts Reading Room.

Musicians in air force uniforms performing with a conductor. Pianist in a yellow top seated at Steinway piano in front of the orchestra.

Now Streaming: Rhapsody in Blue, Jeremy Denk and Jazz Interviews

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The 2023-2024 season of Concerts from the Library of Congress came to a rousing conclusion on June 20 with a performance by New Orleans-based band Cha Wa. As final preparations are made for the 2024-2025 season announcement, the Music Division is pleased to share a multitude of concert and event videos that have been released …

Whoopi Goldberg’s Visit to the Library

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The following is a guest blog by Music Reference Specialist Morgan Davis.  Actress, comedian, author and media personality Whoopi Goldberg visited the Library of Congress on Friday, May 10 to discuss her new autobiography, “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me.” Prior to her public conversation with Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, …

Multi-colored stained glass windows on the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN

On Linda Martell and Country Music

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The following is a guest post by Morgan Davis, Music Reference Specialist. As music lovers finally exhale after the highly anticipated release of Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” we are once again reminded of the music mogul’s ability to remind us of cultural histories long overlooked and buried. Like many American pastimes, country music found itself dominated …

Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin performing on an alto saxophone in the Coolidge Auditorium. Wearing a gold jacket and white top.

Now Streaming: January 2024 Edition

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The Library of Congress is proud to offer free digital programming from its collections for the enjoyment of audiences that are not able to attend our live events in Washington, D.C. The Music Division works with colleagues throughout the Library to ensure that past events in the Concerts from the Library of Congress series, educational …