Customer Reviews

Voices Reflections on an American Icon Through Words and Song

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For many too young to remember him, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is, unfortunately, seen simply a figure from "ancient" history for whom we have a day off from work or school. And for many who did live through the Civil Rights Era, Dr. King is frozen in time in 1963, roaring "I have a dream!" to 200,000 people in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Dr. King deserves much more than either of these views.

As the 40th anniversary of Dr. King's death approaches, this handsome book-and-CD boxed set provide a highly-readable and highly-listenable history lesson for some - and a bittersweet reminder for others - as to how his life changed our lives. It helps to explain why Dr. King is (as New York Times editor Howell Raines puts it in the book) "a fully credentialed member of the American pantheon that starts with the Founding Fathers."

As the title discloses, this is largely a collection of "reflections ... through words and song" on Dr. King's life and work. Placed in context by brief, well-written narratives and references to key events in the history of the Civil Rights Movement, the collection includes personal remembrances and moving observations not only from legends and luminaries (such as Dr. Dorothy Height, Rep. John Lewis, Marian Wright Edelman, Julian Bond, Rosa Parks, Harris Wofford, Norman Scribner, Roy Wilkins, Bobby Kennedy, Archbishop Desmond Tutu) but also equally eloquent words from less extraordinary people and even schoolchildren. These reflections are organized into five musically-themed sections: "Discord" (1954-59), "Crescendo" (1960-63), "Harmony" (1964-67), "Elegy" (1968-69), and "Symphony of Brotherhood" (1970-present). Each section includes wonderfully evocative photos of Dr. King and his world.

My favorite section, "Crescendo," builds to the triumphant August 1963 March on Washington. Among other entries, poet Nikki Giovanni recalls Mahalia Jackson urging Dr. King to abandon his prepared speech and just preach spontaneously: "Tell them about the dream!" she says. The chapter ends, chillingly, with the deaths of four young girls less than three weeks later in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama. (For a much more comprehensive, but fully readable, account of the era, I highly recommend Diane McWhorter's Pulitzer-winning "Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution," available from Amazon.)

As a Birmingham native who witnessed part of this history, I eagerly read "Voices" while listening to the accompanying 75-minute CD that well complements the book's words and photos. The 17 songs - each recorded live at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during 19 years of annual MLK Choral Tribute concerts - are performed by the Grammy®-winning Choral Arts Society of Washington, as well as by various church choirs that each year comprise the MLK Tribute Choir, and talented youth ensembles. The CD appropriately begins with "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (often called "The Negro National Anthem") and ends with Thomas Dorsey's "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" - one of Dr. King's favorite hymns which, just moments before he was killed, he requested be played at an event he was to attend that evening. Between those two are 15 selections that include spirituals, classical choral pieces, hymns, and a solid dose of foot-stomping gospel. The live recordings of this diverse "symphony of brotherhood" are moving - sometimes exuberant, sometimes mournful -- and often make the listener want to join the audiences' cheers.

Recalling Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech, Atlanta Constitution editor Gene Patterson observes in the book: "He might as well have been singing." It's an apt metaphor, given the powerful role that music played in the Civil Rights Movement. Indeed, the book's introduction quotes Dr. King as saying, "The freedom songs are playing a strong and vital role in our struggle. They give people new courage and a sense of unity. I think they keep alive a faith, a radiant hope in the future, particularly in our most trying times." In our own "trying times" of today - when peace eludes us and genuine heroes seem especially difficult to come by - this book and CD "sing" of just such a hero's ideals of non-violence, faith, dignity, basic humanity, righteous struggle for a righteous cause, brotherhood and sisterhood among all peoples, and peace.

The release of this book and CD comes at a particularly good time to help keep Dr. King's legacy and ideals alive in the public consciousness. For an affordable 16 bucks, the book and full-length CD offer a great choice for those who would like to give inspiring, meaningful gifts to family and friends - whether for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, or even MLK Day - to genuinely celebrate and promote peace on earth and goodwill to all.

Full disclosure here -- I was the editing and mastering engineer on the album that is included with the excellent text. When listening to this album there is never an occasion that the hair on the back of my neck doesn't stand up and my throat chokes up because of the exceptionally enthusiastic performances. "Guide My Feet" is my favorite track. From the subtle rythmic stomping of feet to the final cry by one lone tenor -- this is as good as it gets ! The audience response and reprise only add to the joy. It is a good thing that the roof of the Kennedy Center was properly nailed down because these folks did everything they could to blow it off ! The packaging is beyond elegant and the entire production is a fabulous tribute to a great man. Highly recommended ! Robert

The songs in this musical tribute are fantastic but the recording quality is not. Some of the songs are recorded too low.

Rarely does a man have an impact on society like Martin Luther King Jr. As an acknowledgment of his achievements, the Choral Arts Society of Washington has orchestrated a collection of hymns that were loved by Dr. King, and that represent the ideals he stood for.

In addition to the music CD, this boxed set includes a book of memorable quotes that describe him and his actions. Several of his most important marches and speeches are shared by those who witnessed them and supported him in his efforts.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s tragic death cut short his mission before it was completed, but his vision continued to carry others forward in working for equality. He and his dream should never be forgotten, and Voices presents a moving tribute to a truly great American.

Reviewer: Alice Berger, Bergers Book Reviews

Costco originally featured this cd set with book in their monthly booklet...I searched for it at 3 different stores...they finally told me it was probably only in the southern states...so dumb...but good old Amazon came through once again...I ordered 2 sets...awesome purchase! Thanks!