In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Bernice Johnson Reagon

Born: 1942. Died: 2024. Lived in: United States
For more than a half-century Bernice Johnson Reagon was a major cultural voice for freedom and justice. An African American woman's voice, a child of Southwest Georgia, a voice raised in song, born in the struggle against racism in America during the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s and 60s, she is a composer, songleader, scholar and producer.

Perhaps no individual today better illustrates the transformative power and instruction of traditional African American music and cultural history than Bernice Johnson Reagon, who has excelled equally in the realms of scholarship, composition, teaching and performance.

A woman of significant accomplishment, she has served as Distinguished Professor of History at American University, curator emerita at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History and as the founder and long-time artistic director of Sweet Honey In The Rock, a world-renowned a cappella ensemble of African-American women. Success in any one of these fields would be noteworthy, but she has combined music, a commitment to social justice and academic excellence, and has earned esteem in all three.

Member of: Sweet Honey in the Rock - Founder

Media Articles
Obituary, New York Times, Bernice Johnson Reagon, a Musical Voice for Civil Rights, Is Dead at 81

Arrangements | Recordings

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-2 of 2 items.

Bernice Johnson Reagon : A Cappella Arrangements

Founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon, Sweet Honey in the Rock has been a vital and innovative presence in the music culture with songs and performances that nourish the soul and give courage to singers and listeners. The setting of Matthew 11:28-30"Come Unto Me" is a comforting solace for the weary, with layered vocal phrases and soothing harmonies. "I Remember, I Believe" combines elements of gospel, blues and spirituals into a rich vocal tapestry that reflects on the Hebrew tradition of "remembering" as the basis of faith. Mesmerizing and powerful! "Seven Principles" celebrates the traditions of Kwanzaa in a steady, purposeful style with optional percussion and adaptable vocal parts for any combination of voices.

Songlist: Come Unto Me, Seven Principles, I Remember, I Believe

Bernice Johnson Reagon : A Cappella Arrangements Vol 2

Dedicated to Civil Rights pioneer Ella Baker, "Ella's Song" by Sweet Honey in the Rock founder Bernice Johnson Reagon is a powerful song of courage and struggle. "we who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes" Also from Bernice Johnson Reagon and Sweet Honey in the Rock, "We Are the Ones We Been Waiting For" written in tribute to the women of South Africa is a powerful and uplifting call for leadership and inner strength. It is especially appropriate as an audience participation number and recessional. "Greed" - From Bernice Johnson Reagon's sermon in music, we are confronted by the sin of greed in each of us. Recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this song offers a humorous but astute assessment of our culture and institutions.

Songlist: We Are the Ones We Been Waiting For, Ella's Song, Greed

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-6 of 6 items.

Bernice Johnson Reagon : Come Unto Me

Performed By: Sweet Honey In The Rock

Bernice Johnson Reagon : Ella's Song

Dedicated to Civil Rights pioneer Ella Baker, this song by Sweet Honey in the Rock founder Bernice Johnson Reagon is a powerful song of courage and struggle. "we who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes"

Performed By: Sweet Honey In The Rock Country: United States

Bernice Johnson Reagon : Greed

From Bernice Johnson Reagon's sermon in music, we are confronted by the sin of greed in each of us. Recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this song offers a humorous but astute assessment of our culture and institutions.

Performed By: Sweet Honey in the Rock

Bernice Johnson Reagon : I Remember, I Believe

This song by Bernice Johnson Reagon, recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, combines elements of gospel, blues and spirituals into a rich vocal tapestry that reflects on the Hebrew tradition of "remembering" as the basis of faith. Mesmerizing and powerful!

Performed By: Sweet Honey In The Rock

Bernice Johnson Reagon : Seven Principles

For over four decades Bernice Johnson Reagon has been a major cultural voice for freedom and justice. This song celebrates the traditions of Kwanzaa in a steady, purposeful style with optional percussion and adaptable vocal parts for any combination of voices.

Performed By: Sweet Honey In The Rock

Bernice Johnson Reagon : We Are the Ones We Been Waiting For

From Bernice Johnson Reagon and Sweet Honey in the Rock, this song written in tribute to the women of South Africa is a powerful and uplifting call for leadership and inner strength. It is especially appropriate as an audience participation number and recessional.

Performed By: Sweet Honey in the Rock