Simpson University Hosts Free Lecture-Recital for Black History Month

For Immediate Release

02.10.2014

REDDING, Calif. - A Simpson University music professor will lead a free lecture-recital on American jazz singer Johnny Hartman in honor of Black History Month.

The presentation by Dr. Cyril Myers Jr. will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in LaBaume-Rudat Hall, room 204, on the university campus, 2211 College View Drive. The event is sponsored by the university’s History Department.

The lecture-recital, which includes discussion and singing by Dr. Myers, is titled “Johnny Hartman: Perspectives on ‘The Voice’.” Hartman, who had nearly 350 recorded charts and was described in popular publications as having "the best voice in the industry," sang during the 1940s to 1960s, part of the legacy of jazz balladeers/crooners that includes Hines, Gillespie, Coltrane, Strayhorn and others.

So why wasn't "the voice of gold" more famous during his lifetime? Dr. Myers will discuss this and other questions about Hartman's life, his missed opportunities, and his music. The presentation will include excerpts of some of Hartman's famous charts as well as Dr. Myers' rendition of three ballads Hartman recorded.

Dr. Myers joined Simpson University’s faculty in fall 2013 as a choral professor, overseeing the Simpson Chorale and Trinity Repertory Singers. He holds a doctorate in choral conducting from Michigan State University and has been a choral director at Walla Walla University, Indiana University-Purdue University Ft. Wayne, and Southwest Michigan College. Dr. Myers is also an alumnus of three professional ensembles: Oregon Bach Festival; Gaechinger Kantorei - Stuttgart, Germany; and Male Ensemble Northwest.

For more information about Simpson University’s History Department, visit simpsonu.edu/history. Learn more about the Music Department at simpsonu.edu/music.

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Simpson University is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. Simpson’s newest programs include bachelor's degrees in Spanish and nursing, and master’s degrees in counseling psychology and organizational leadership. Learn about our new Science & Nursing Building at simpsonu.edu/snbuilding. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.

 

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