Writing Sounds of Blackness: Don’t tell me, don’t tell me I know that song!

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Black women have voiced and penned some of the most popular songs in American music history. From Gertrude “Ma” Rainey to Lizzo, Respect Her Crank!: Writing Sounds of Blackness examines the delicate craft of songwriting through influential Black women singer-songwriters. Renowned singer-songwriter Amber Mimz facilitates multiple songwriting workshops designed to comprehensively teach elements of quality songwriting in various genres of music.

It is well known that music sampling is a key element in hip-hop. However, did you know that RnB singers also use samples? Analyze the work of Erykah Badu, Lil’ Kim, and Ari Lennox to explore how RnB singers sample vocal melodies and lyrics of the past. Then, create your own vocal sample using Sample-Stitch and Audiobridge

ASL translation will be provided for this program. If you have any questions about accessibility for this program, please email hirshhornexperience@si.edu.

This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative