Rock My Soul: The Black Legacy of Rock and Roll
The Carr Center commissioned 10 Detroit-based artists to create work that tells the story of the 9 eras of black influence and legacy on Rock and Roll
By The Carr Center
Organized by The Carr Center and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Rock My Soul: The Black Legacy of Rock and Roll includes works of art created by 10 black artists, each inspired by and representing black music -- beginning with music from West Africa to Jazz and the Blues, all the way to present day Hip-Hop.
Each one of these eras and genres is represented by works of art that convey the essence of the music, the spirit of the people who created it, and that celebrate the rhythm of interfaces and syntheses that connect white and black culture - the rich tapestry that is as American as rock and roll.
Three Drums Djembe by Geoffrey GillepsieThe Carr Center
Out of Africa
In the beginning was the beat.
And the beat was the rhythm of God.
And the rhythm of God is the harmony of humanity.
And where there is harmony there is peace."
- Lyrics to 'The Drum' by Sounds of Blackness which inspired this art.
Three Drums Djembe by Geoffrey GillepsieThe Carr Center
"The three drums have a rhythm, drawn together on a long sheet of paper. Each drum stands in support of the other. I prayed to be open to the possibilities" - Artist Geoffrey Gillespie.
Three Drums Djembe by Geoffrey GillepsieThe Carr Center
"There is without a doubt no people on the earth more naturally affected to the sound of music that these people" - Sea Captain Richard Jobson, in the earliest English language report on the exploration of Africa
Long Journey Home by Yvonne P. Lamar-RogersThe Carr Center
Antebellum
Antebellum (latin - ante - before + bellum - war) -- existing before a war, especially before the American Civil War.
Long Journey Home by Yvonne P. Lamar-RogersThe Carr Center
Long Journey Home is a mixed media series that reflects some of the music of the Antebellum period in our history, or as some of our elders call it, "Slavery Times." - Artist Yvonne P. Lamar- Rogers
Long Journey Home by Yvonne P. Lamar-RogersThe Carr Center
The song that first inspired this work is "Steal Away". This song is one of many that were instructional to those that chose to escape the harshness of life as a slave.
Making a Joyful Noise by Jason PhillipsThe Carr Center
Gospel
Imagining gospel music as the grand means of expression, Making A Joyful Noise by Jason Phillips vibrantly illustrates praise and prayer. It visually conveys a reverence, a calling for spiritual freedom, a longing for an end of oppression and deliverance into something better.
Juke Joint by Ivan Stewart Jr.The Carr Center
The Blues
A song, originating with African-Americans, that is marked by the frequent occurrence of blue or flattened notes.
Movin On' by Ivan Stewart Jr.The Carr Center
For painter Ivan Stewart, Jr. the beauty in his art is the opportunity to record events that have been left out of history books. Many of his works focus on the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry Regiments - better known as the Buffalo Soldiers.
Big City Blues by Ivan Stewart Jr.The Carr Center
"You could say that we did blues to turn people on (to blues), but why they should be turned on by us in unbelievably stupid. I mean, what's the point in listening to us doing 'I'm a King Bee' when you can listen to Slim Harpo doing it?" - Mick Jagger, 1968
The Jazz Club by Gigi BoldonThe Carr Center
Jazz
The Jazz Club by Gigi Bolden captures the essence of the movement. "The essence is what I'm striving for. Every day I confront my incapacities. Sometimes art results."
After Hours by Barbara Brown KingThe Carr Center
Rhythm & Blues
In the words of artist Barbara Brown King, "Rhythm & Blues will continue to inspire and motivate me to relate my art to this art of music, especially 'After Hours'."
Pieces of the Soul by LaVern HomanThe Carr Center
Soul
Artist LaVern Homan speaks of her piece 'Pieces of Soul'; "I've attempted to capture the essence of the era by depicting some of the political and social movements, but most important, some of the artists that were pivotal in shaping what came to be known as 'Soul Music'."
James Brown by Jasmine MurrellThe Carr Center
Funk
A type of popular music combining elements of jazz, blues and soul and characterized by syncopated rhythm and a heavy repetitive bass line.
George Clinton by Jasmine MurrellThe Carr Center
Funk
"I chose James 'Hey, Hey I Feel Alright' Brown and George 'P-Funk' Clinton as the subjects for my paintings. The energy that emanates from their music and performances made them my unquestionable choice." - Artist Jasmine Murrell.
Interfacing the Marauders by Senghor ReidThe Carr Center
Hip Hop
The popular street culture of inner city youth, characterized by graffiti art, break dancing, and rap music.
Interfacing the Marauders by Senghor ReidThe Carr Center
"Hip hop music is but a conduit through which emotions can be felt, dreams realized and truth can be told. The artwork that I have created represents in part over twenty years of research and listening. They were inspired by true American culture." - Artist Senghor Reid
Interfacing the Marauders by Senghor ReidThe Carr Center
"Rap is teaching white kids what it means to be black, and that causes a problem for the infrastructure." - Chuck D of Public Enemy
Interfacing the Marauders by Senghor ReidThe Carr Center
The essence of rap is to interpret the consciousness of the people" - KRS One of Boogie Down Productions
Interfacing the Marauders by Senghor ReidThe Carr Center
Soul of Rock by Jason SpearmanThe Carr Center
Rock & Roll
"This work is intended to represent the influence of African-American music on today's rock and roll. It is a visual journey from Africa through several eras of influential characters and entertainers." - Artist James Spearman on this work titled Soul of Rock.
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