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

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

Long awaited, the 20 arrangements contained herein are a joyous testimony to the significance of this African-American female ensemble. Compiled and edited by Ysaye M Barnwell, whose bass register and poignant compositions are an integral component of the Sweet Honey character, the songbook also includes performance notes, a discography and several essays. The voice ranges vary, depending upon the arrangement, but are typically five part, and reach down into the bass clef, notated as SATB plus lead. Their songs are living and breathing entities, and the texture of their sound requires flexibility. As said of Sweet Honey in the foreword, by Harry Belafonte, "their melodies make the soul sing!"

Songlist: Breaths, Would You Harbor Me?, We Are..., Cum Ba Yah, Young and Positive, Inner Voices, Run, Denko, Fulani Chant, Dream Songs Of Love, Wodaabe Nights, Alunde, Stay, Prayer To The One, Goin' To See My Baby, Motherless Child, Ella's Song, Sometime, I Remember, I Believe, No More Auction Block

Most known for her singing with and musical compositions performed and recorded by Sweet Honey In The Rock, Dr. Barnwell has composed and arranged music appearing on 10 recordings on the Rounder, Flying Fish, Earthbeat!/Warner and Music For Little People Labels and has been a commissioned composer on numerous and varied dance, choral, film, and video.

Songlist: Prayer, We Are..., In Unity, No Mirrors in My House

Ysaye Barnwell Barnwell is most known for her singing with and musical compositions performed and recorded by Sweet Honey In The Rock.

Songlist: Hope, Would You Harbor Me?, Wanna Die Easy, When I Die

Most known for her singing with and musical compositions performed and recorded by Sweet Honey In The Rock, Dr. Barnwell has composed and arranged music appearing on 10 recordings on the Rounder, Flying Fish, Earthbeat!/Warner and Music For Little People Labels and has been a commissioned composer on numerous and varied dance, choral, film, and video.

Songlist: Wanting Memories, Breaths, Spiritual

Most known for her singing with and musical compositions performed and recorded by Sweet Honey In The Rock, Dr. Barnwell has composed and arranged music appearing on 10 recordings on the Rounder, Flying Fish, Earthbeat!/Warner and Music For Little People Labels and has been a commissioned composer on numerous and varied dance, choral, film, and video.

Songlist: Sound-Bite from Beijing, On Children, More Than a Paycheck, There Is A Balm in Gilead

Breaths combines two albums originally released on vinyl. Good News was a live recording while We All...Everyone Of Us was created in the studio. They were issued in l981 and 1983 respectively. The singers at this time were Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Evelyn Maria Harris, Aisha Kahlil, Bernice Johnson Reagon and Yasmeen Bheti Williams. On it you will find the original recording of "Breaths" which is one of the most often covered Sweet Honey arrangements ever. Another memorable song is "Oughta Be A Woman" which has a story. Bernice Johnson Reagon talked about her mama to the great poet, June Jordan. Sometime later June sent her the poetry which are the lyrics of the song. Bernice notes, "I think she just about got it right." This disc compiles sixty seven minutes of music and is a grand introduction to the group, for it captures the breadth and depth of the Sweet Honey spirit in 19 songs.

Songlist: Breaths, Ella's Song, Oughts Be a Woman, Echo, Biko, Good News, We All Everyone of Us, More Than a Paycheck, How Long?, Alla That's All Right, But, Sometime, On Children, Listen to the Rhythm, I'm Goin' Stand, Battle for My Life, Study War No More, Chile Your Waters Run Red Through Soweto, If You Had Lived, Azanian Freedom Song

"Feel Something Drawing Me On," the albums title song, comes from one of America's most distinguished Baptist preachers and songwriters, Reverend W. Herbert Brewster, whose gospel music was sung by Clara Ward and Mahalia Jackson. The entire recording is composed of gospel and spiritual music. Sweet Honey are exemplars of the African-American habit of modifying the staid hymns of European tradition with improvisation, which gives renewed life to songs that so often have had it squeezed out of them by mere repetitious formality. As you might suspect Sweet Honey find spiritual songs not only in formal church settings but in the lyrics of Woody Guthrie, in a funeral song from West Africa or wherever the human heart is coincident with song.

Songlist: We'll Understand It Better Bye and Bye, Father I Stretch My Hands to Thee, Hush Li'l Baby, I've Got to Know, When I Die Tomorrow, Meyango, Waters of Babylon (Rivers of Babylon), Feel Something Drawing on Me, Try Jesus, Leaning and Depending on the Lord, In the Upper Room

An exciting collaboration between "Titanic" composer James Horner and the powerful and enigmatic Sweet Honey, with one track written and co-produced by Carol King! Soundtrack recordings sometimes can strange bedfellows make (and not always the most consistent results), but "Freedom Song" is tailor made for the socially conscious Sweet Honey. The production lets the energy and conviction dominate, without dousing the material with slick gimmickry. We dare you to sit still for the inspiring "Oh Freedom," or remain stoic through "Po Pilgrim of Sorrow."

Songlist: Born Angry, Woke Up This Morning With Mind Stayed On Freedom, Eyes On The Prize, "Welcome to SNCC", This Little Light of Mine, Making Progress is Rough...and Slow, Ain' Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round, Hungry For Courage, The Movement Grows, Jonah's Last Day, Road of Memories, We'll Never Turn Back, I'm On My Way To Freedom Land, Po' Pilgrim Of Sorrow, The Students Of Quinlan, This May Be The Last Time, Oh Freedom, ...From One Generation To The Next, Song Of Freedom

This is a great recording for children to be introduced to music of African cultures, gospel, both traditional and original African-American children's songs and supportive songs for growing youngsters. "I Got Shoes" could well be considered for very young children. A series of five "African Numbers" has vocal backgrounds of African texture on top of which are counted numbers in English (1-20), Japanese (1-12), Swahili (1-8), French (1-10) and Spanish (1-16). There is a rap song featuring a refrain by the Sweet Honey In The Rock Children's Chorus which deals with ethics on a young persons level. It is entitled "Young and Positive" and tells kids that they are the future and how to keep their sights set high. There is the archetypical Sweet Honey message in "Freedom Train." The whole recording is like a composition that ends with one of the most beautiful songs they have ever sung, "Spirit Lullaby." Sweet Honey is extraordinary!

Songlist: I Got Shoes, African Numbers 20, Tama Tama Tamali, Little David, Play On Your Harp, African Numbers 12, Freedom Now, Run Molly Run, Young and Positive, African Numbers 8, Deep Blue Sea, Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me, African Numbers 10, Somagwaza, Freedom Train, African Numbers 16, Down the Road I Be Going, Look! Look! The Sun Woke Up!, Spirit Lullaby

We can just see it now. Dissertations will be entitled, The Polyphony of Sweet Honey In The Rock, as presented in the year 1992. You would be better to enjoy this wonderful recording before the someone realizes that the creative spirit moving the women who have been the tributaries to the Sweet Honey institution has created something worthy of scholastic endeavor. No kidding. When five voices can sing different melodies and with them weave an overall tapestry of melody, something special is going on. For some reason this phenomena is particularly pronounced in this recording. Whether building to a belt it out crescendo as in the title track, delicately weaving an almost ethereal beauty as "Patchwork Quilt," or in the piece inspired by the Fulani people of Africa with its exotic feel, the interplay of voices is the real story of this magnificent music.

Songlist: In This Land, Patchwork Quilt, This Is A Mean World, When I Die, Babethandaza, Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah, Fulani Chant, Trying Times, Now That The Buffalo Are Gone, I Be Your Water, Give Your Hands To Struggle, See See Rider, Colours, (Women Should Be) A Priority

Now in it's fourth decade, the renowned female African-American a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock shows off a new four-voice line-up that continues it's ongoing evolution. Their first first studio recording in nine years, #LoveInEvolution's breathtaking layers of voices often carry a strong sense of social and ecological urgency on original songs such as "Second Line Blues," which challenges the current eruption of racial violence, and "Oh, Sankofa," an angry summation of the last century of historical injustice against blacks. But there are also uplifting songs of life's positives ("This Place Inside Where I Can Rest," "A Prayer for the World: Song 23," and the delightful single "IDK, But I'm LOL") and rearranged traditional and cover songs relevant to the CD's theme of improving individual and global existence while enduring the strains of daily life. Now in their 42nd year, Sweet Honey in the Rock has toured from Australia to Zimbabwe, performed in the White House at the request of President and First Lady Obama, accrued numerous honors, and established itself as an inspiring, empowering musical force worldwide.

Songlist: Somebody Prayed for Me, The Living Waters, I Don't Want No Trouble at the River (Featuring 'When Great Trees Fall'), A Prayer for the World: Song 23, This Place Inside Where I Can Rest, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Oh, Sankofa, Second Line Blues, Wholy Holy, Same Ol, Same Ol Love, IDK, But I'm Lol!, Operator/Jesus on the Mainline/I Don't Know What You Come to Do, Sweet Sweet Honey!, We Have Come This Far By Faith

The songs from "Raise Your Voice!" come from two live benefit concerts from 2003. Acclaimed filmmaker and Emmy winner Stanley Nelson documented Sweet Honey's activities in this, Sweet Honey's 30th anniversary year, and this CD is the soundtrack to that film. It features 22 favorites such as "I Remember, I Believe," "Joan Little," "In The Upper Room with Jesus," "In the Morning When I Rise," "Denko," "The Women Gather," "Run," "Come Unto Me," "Old Ship of Zion" and "Movin' On." "Ballad of the Broken Word/Give the People Their Right to Vote!" features SH's collaboration with Toshi Reagon (daughter of founder Bernice Johnson Reagon) and her band Big Lovely. All other songs are a cappella, with occasional tamborine and light percussion. "Raise Your Voice!" puts us in the audience to experience this inspirational, soulful, powerful music from these a cappella legends!

Songlist: I Remember, I Believe, Chant, Joan Little, In The Upper Room With Jesus, In The Morning When I Rise, Fulani Chant, Ballad of Harry T. Moore, Denko, Ballad Of The Broken Word / Give The People Their Right To Vote!, Prayer To The One, The Women Gather, Nature Song, Run, Come Unto Me, Old Ship Of Zion, Movin' On

In the spring of 1975 Sweet Honey was performing at a folk festival in Chicago when they were approached by a man who asked if they wanted to make a record. They did. A year later Bruce Kaplan of Flying Fish Records did indeed release the first Sweet Honey record. For a dozen years and eight records Flying Fish recorded and produced the music of Sweet Honey In The Rock. Bruce died in 1992. This set is dedicated to his memory and legacy. Bernice Johnson Reagon compiled and produced a two disc collection from the Flying Fish years. Seventeen tracks on each of the discs and a fine historical booklet make this the item to obtain if you don't have those eight albums and wish a definitive overview of those years which now are being considered 'the early years.'

Songlist: Disc 1, Ella's Song, Wade In The Water, Denko, On Children, Echo, Joan Little, Beatitudes, Peace, Sitting On Top Of The World, More Than A Paycheck, Crying For Freedom In South Africa, They Are All Falling Around Me, Mae Frances, I'm Gon' Stand!!!, Feel Something Drawing Me On, In The Upper Room, Seven Principles, Disc 2, Testimony, Oughta Be A Woman, Fannie Lou Hamer, Meyango, Run Mourner Run, As Long As I Have Breath In My Body, No Images, Sometime, The Gift Of Love, Biko, My Way, and more

It is 1993. Sweet Honey celebrate twenty years of passionate existence, yet it is just a beginning. Bernice Johnson Reagon says, "this group is a part of my living - not spare time, not what I do for a living, not a job, not a hobby - but the way I breathe, the how I make my way through my life and the life of my times." In light of this, the first song, "Spiritual," comes into startling clarity when we hear the oft repeated line, "Can't no one know at sunrise - How this day is going to end." A grand rap tribute to the history of the group celebrates the twenty years and twenty-one women who have been participants on the journey of struggle and joy which is Sweet Honey In The Rock. More than ever before, the rhythm and rhyme of this maturing institution is richly presented. Just listen to Wodaabe Nights and hear a great musical transposition from Africa to America.

Songlist: Spiritual, Ballad of the Broken Word, A Tribute, Come by Here, Wanting Memories, No Mirrors in My Nana's House, In the Morning When I Rise, Long Journey Home, I'm Going to Get My Baby Out of Jail, Sojourner's Battle Hymn, Rest for the Weary, Run on for a Long Time, Stay, Wodaabe Nights

Though directed to children, "Still The Same Me" is a delight at any age. The celebratory mood begins with the calls of "Tuwe Tuwe," a children's clapping song, arranged by Ysaye Maria Barnwell. Aisha Kahlil's own "Nature Song," a 3/4 tempo revelry for the earth that speeds up faster and faster at the end, Carole Maillard's infectious "I Love To Laugh," Nitanju Bolade Casel's "Oh My Goodness, Look At This Mess!" are among the 17 tracks that will inspire kids with joyful rhythms and melodies. Ever positive and encouraging, the liner notes include interviews with each of the six women of Sweet Honey, describing their own experiences as children and answering questions such as "What was your earliest music memory" and "do you remember a favorite song/poem/speech." Sweet Honey's "Still The Same Me" is a testimonial to the relentless power of "Yes! I can do it," and the difference we can all make in the world.

Songlist: Tuwe Tuwe, Nature Song, I Love To Laugh, Oh My Goodness, Look at This Mess, We're Almost Home, We Shall Not Be Moved, Way Down Deep, Still The Same Me, Still Gotta Get Up In The Morning, Time, Goodnight

This is the first album by this incredible a cappella group who sing original and traditional songs of the Black experience. The five women utilize an exciting range of vocal styles with occasional accompaniment. Their unique harmonic blends and vocal textures produce an earthy, solid and refreshing sound. Selections include, "The Sun Will Never Go Down," "Joanne Little" and "Traveling Sounds."

Songlist: Sweet Honey in the Rock, The Sun Will Never Go Down, Dream Variations, Let Us All Come Together, Joanne Little, Jesus Is My Only Friend, Are there Any Rights I'm Entitled To?, Going to See My Baby, You Make My Day Pretty, Hey Mann, Doing Things Together, Traveling Shoes

An African inspired improvisation, rich with ululations and glottal stops, opens 'The Other Side,' and immediately communicates a message that the music you are about to hear is rooted in another cultural evolution. We are presented with songs of rootlessness, the exploitation of the displaced, a hope to become a community, the difficult path of the stranger, revolution and finally emerge into love. At the end of our journey through this spirit of struggle we are exhorted to go back to the foundation of our existence in the service of the Lord. In the final song, "Tomorrow," the summary of a life journey through this veil of tears is presented with a hopeful melancholy.

Songlist: Mandiacapella, Step By Step, Deportees, Moving On, Stranger Blues, Venceremos, The Other Side, No Images, Gift Of Love, Mae Frances, Let Us Go Back To The Old Landmark, Tomorrow

The shimmer of the water can be heard as the choir opens this piece. The beautiful melody rises above to tell the tender story of this love song. Listen to the piece come alive in the recording created by the high school choir that commissioned this piece.