Woke Up this Mornin'

Description

Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Piano — In 1961, a diverse group of student activists organized a movement called “Freedom Riders” to challenge racial segregation in Southern states. Their strategy was to ride busses into cities with segregation laws and deliberately break them. For instance, white students would use “colored only” restrooms, while black students would sit at “white only” food counters. The hope was that, when confronted by police, the federal government would be forced to step in and defend the students' constitutional rights. On many occasions, these demonstrations were met with violent behavior from locals, including beatings and a firebombing. Ultimately, these “Freedom Riders” helped lead to the abolishment of segregation by bringing national attention to the injustices of segregation.While touring, the Freedom Riders would collectively perform songs with messages about freedom and justice. One participant, African -American preacher Rev. Robert Wesby, reimagined the lyrics of the hymn “Woke Up this Mornin’” by replacing the name “Jesus” with “freedom” in each refrain. This version of the hymn went on to become a powerful symbol of the American civil rights movement. A powerful symbol of the American civil rights movement and made popular by the Freedom Riders in 1961, Rev. Robert Wesby, reimagined the lyrics of the hymn “Woke Up this Mornin’”replacing the name “Jesus” with “freedom” in the refrain. Audiences will thrill to the sound of tenor-bass choirs singing this wonderfully rich spiritual arrangement by Austin Hunt. With solo opportunities, the piano accompaniment is laden with gospel riffs adding a richly diverse layer to this TBB setting, sure to be a hit at any concert!

Preview Pages