The Museum of Pop Culture recently announced a new exhibition dedicated to highlighting the impact of gospel, blues, jazz and soul on American history.
Set to make its debut on May 17, the exhibit, titled “Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music,” celebrates the work of legendary musicians such as Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Through rare photographs and archival footage, the exhibit explores their music’s impact on political movements, the music industry and creative expression.
The behind-the-scenes and on-stage imagery will be supplemented with listening stations playing the music the exhibit references. A vinyl record wall and original recordings will also be included to map out the auditory story of pivotal moments in history for Black Americans, such as the Civil Rights Movement. An immersive film will also be played to highlight both the personal stories of the artists and their overall impact.
“This exhibition is a tribute to the artistry and resilience of Black musicians who shaped the cultural heartbeat of this country,” said Michele Y. Smith, CEO of MOPOP, in a statement. Their music is not only a reflection of our shared history.”
The musicians featured in the exhibit helped soundtrack some of the most critical moments in history.
Mahalia Jackson, known as the “Queen of Gospel,” helped break multiple barriers. In 1952 and 1958, she became the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival. She became renowned for her singing and activism.
Considered a close friend of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, her music soundtracked many of the events he led, including the March on Washington, where she sang “I’ve Been ‘Buked, and I’ve Been Scorned.”
Aretha Franklin also helped support the Civil Rights Movement with several of her hits, including “Respect,” becoming official anthems for the movement. The Queen of Soul vocally endorsed the movement, performing at various protests and at Rev. Dr.King Jr’s funeral, where she sang “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” The High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone, meanwhile, became involved with the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960s after taking part in the 1961 American Society of African Culture conference in Lagos, Nigeria. The pianist and singer helped soundtrack several benefit concerts for the Congress of Racial Equality and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee while drawing attention to their cause through several protest songs, including “Mississippi Goddam.” She famously performed the track on April 7, 1968, at a benefit concert following the assassination of Rev. Dr. King Jr.
“It is a living, breathing force that continues to inspire and mobilize,” said Smith in the press release. “With Never Turn Back, we are proud to honor their enduring legacy and bring these stories to life for new generations.”
