The Freedom Singers originated as a quartet (Rutha Mae Harris (soprano), Bernice Johnson Reagon (alto), Cordell Reagon (tenor), and Charles Neblett (bass)) formed in 1962 at Albany State College in Albany, Georgia. After folk singer Pete Seeger witnessed the power of their congregational-style of singing, which fused black Baptist a cappella church singing with popular music at the time, as well as protest songs and chants. Churches were considered to be safe spaces, acting as a shelter from the racism of the outside world. As a result, churches paved the way for the creation of the freedom song.
Links to Peel[]
There is currently no evidence of Peel playing tracks of the Freedom Singers on his own radio programmes, but in the radio documentary, Rebel Yell, which he narrated, a track called 'Governor Wallace', was played by the group.
Shows Played[]
- Rebel Yell: Governor Wallace