Description

Bernice Johnson Reagon – River Of Life – Vinyl Record

Bernice Johnson Reagon’s album River of Life: Harmony One is a significant work in the realm of African American folk music and civil rights activism. Released in 1983, this vinyl record showcases Reagon’s profound impact as a musician, scholar, and activist. As a founding member of the a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, Reagon has been a powerful voice in preserving and promoting African American spirituals, hymns, and freedom songs.

Reagon This is the first solo album by singer/composer/arranger Bernice Johnson Reagon, of Sweet Honey in Rock. River of Life is an album of gospel songs, freedom songs, and several of Reagon’s stirring originals.

The album is characterized by its a cappella arrangements, featuring powerful, unaccompanied vocal performances that highlight the raw emotion and spiritual depth of the songs. River of Life includes both traditional African American spirituals and original compositions by Reagon, showcasing her talent as a songwriter and her dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of African American music.

Many of the songs on the album reflect themes of struggle, resilience, and hope, echoing Reagon’s involvement in the civil rights movement. Her music often served as a tool for social change and empowerment.

The album is not just a collection of songs but a cultural document that captures the spirit and history of African American communities. It reflects Reagon’s extensive knowledge as a cultural historian and her ability to convey historical narratives through music.

River of Life: Harmony One is a testament to Bernice Johnson Reagon’s enduring influence as an artist and activist. The album not only provides a rich listening experience but also serves as an educational resource, preserving important aspects of African American musical heritage. Its release on vinyl adds to its authenticity and historical value, making it a cherished addition to any music collection.

For anyone interested in the intersections of music, history, and social justice, River of Life: Harmony One offers an insightful and inspiring journey through the power of song.

‘I dedicate this album to the singing tradition of the Black American Baptist Church, especially the Mt. Early Baptist Church, Worth County, Georgia where I was baptized. It was in Black congregations, voices raised in full song, that I was trained as a composer. My concept of harmony and what voices are supposed to do is based on what I learned growing up in one of the world’s richest choral traditions.’ –Bernice Johnson

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal with a jacket slit

Flying Fish Records FF 411

Track Listing
1 Come and Go With Me to That Land
2 We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder
3 Guide My Feet, While I Run This Race
4 Hallelu
5 Land on the Shore
6 Running
7 Easy Street
8 River of Life
9 Since I Laid My Burden Down
10 Buses are A-Coming Freedom Song
11 There is More Love Somewhere
12 I Am a Lady