Thinking about jazz

Presented by Rusty Hassan

Topic: Thinking About Jazz - Abbey Lincoln: Justice Champion

February 25, 2023, 1-3pm (via Zoom)

Born Anna Marie Wooldridge on August 6, 1930 in Chicago, she worked professionally as Abbey Lincoln. She was an innovative jazz vocalist and songwriter highly influenced by Billie Holiday. Early on she recorded with Riverside Records. In 1960 she was featured on Max Roach’s civil rights themed album, We Insist! and her music was tightly connected with the civil rights movement. She and Roach were married from 1962-1970. After a tour of Africa in the mid-1970’s she took the name Aminata Moseka. During the 1980’s her musical output was smaller but she became an actress appearing in several films such as The Girl Can’t Help It, Nothing But a Man, and For Love of Ivy. She also appeared in Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues in 1990. She also made numerous appearances on TV including Mission Impossible (1971), Marcus Welby, M.D.(1974) and All in the Family (1978). Abbey Lincoln made a career out of delivering deeply felt presentations of standards as well as writing and singing her own material. She explored more philosophical themes during the later years of her songwriting career and remained professionally active until well into her seventies. From the 1990’s and until her death, she completed a 10-record contract with Verve Records. Her lyrics often championed the cause of civil rights and she was very influential in inspiring devotion to that cause amongst her admirers. Her health deteriorated after open-heart surgery in 2007 and she died on August 14, 2010, days after her 80th birthday. Michael Bowie, who played with Abbey Lincoln and knew her well, will deliver this powerful presentation.

Zoom link will be distributed right before the event.  Call the Church office on 202-484-7700 or Rev. Brian 202-641-8220 for further information.