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Musicians pay tribute to 'Fathers of Black Folk'

Courtesy of www.joshwhitejr.com

Legendary African American folk-singer Josh White’s entrance into the world of music happened at age 7, when he took a job leading blind musicians across the states. Eventually Josh became an accomplished musician himself. He is credited with bringing gospel, blues and black folk music to the masses. In 1941, he was even the first African American musician to give a performance at the White House.

Beyond his accomplishments in music, Josh was also an advocate for international human rights. Josh passed his passion for music and his desire for equality onto his son, Josh White Jr., who started performing with his father at age 4 and continues to share his father’s music and legacy today.

Josh White Jr. along with American Roots champion Rev. Robert Jones will honor Josh White Sr. and "King of the 12-string Guitar" Lead Belly in a performance tonight at the East Lansing Public Library.

Josh White Jr. says his father taught him to always believe what you're singing, and that he believes in songs that show we are all one.

 

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