FANS to Host ‘Red, White, Black & Blues’ Marathon, Chronicling “A 20-Hour Journey Through Black American Music” on Saturday
On July 25, FANS will offer ‘Red White Black & Blues,’ a 20-hour broadcast of recorded sets by influential black performers such as Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Chance The Rapper, Etta James, H.E.R., Fats Domino, Outkast, George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Herbie Hancock, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Meters, Tupac and many more.
Explains promoter Peter Shapiro, “The best way to show something is to show it. We thought the best way to showcase the unmatched influence that Black performers have on music that defines America and the American identity was to actually show it. So, we edited 20 hours of video together, featuring the most amazing live performances by Black American artists over the past 90 years. It’s a very powerful thing to watch, and it becomes quite clear quickly that the story of popular music in America is driven by the story of Black music.”
Steve Jordan, is also at the helm of this project. He notes, “Jazz, Blues & Gospel are African American art forms. They are the basis of Rock & Roll. They are also the bedrock of American Pop Culture. American Pop culture has turned out to be our greatest export. The universal language of music is undeniable, unmistakable, and unstoppable…”
Jordan serves as artistic director of Jazz Foundation of America alongside his wife, Meegan Voss. In late August, Jay-Vee Records—the label Jordan founded with Voss—will release Beat Odyssey 2020, an album of improvised turntable and drum soundscapes he created with Mix Master Mike. That same day, Verve will issue Blackbirds, the second consecutive album Jordan’s produced for Bettye LaVette. Jordan also worked with Robert Cray on this year’s That’s What I Heard. The Verbs new record is slated for early 2021.
And while Red White Black & Blues will be streamed for free, organizers hope viewers will donate to the NYC non-profit which is dedicated to keeping black artforms like blues, jazz and R&B alive.
If you miss the show, FANS will offer a rebroadcast the next day, – July 26 – starting at 9 a.m. ET.
For more information, and to tune in, visit FANS.com.
