Songs_for_Soul_and_Inspiration
By: AARP
It was a memorable evening, as the divine voices of gospel, soul, r& b and pop rocked the Philips Arena with songs that inspired an enthusiastic crowd at AARP’s Songs of Soul and Inspiration. From the moment this musical event opened-----with Maya Angelou’s poem It’s Sacred: Church --- the audience was transfixed and moved to sing along, dance and clap their hands as one-by-one, each of the artists made their appearance on stage and sang the songs that had the greatest meaning to them.
The event featured a wide range of musical genres and vocal styles. On display was the intimate jazz of Patti Austin, the silky pop of Dionne Warwick, the funk ’n’soul of Chaka Khan, the jazz and pop of Queen Latifah, the traditional gospel of Shirley Caesar and the contemporary gospel of Yolanda Adams and CeCe Winans. The songs in the program were wide ranging as well, all with messages of hope and inspiration.
The concert honored the musical legacy of the African American church. These artists, who as young women, took their powerful and poignant calling out to a world, had over the years made their way to recording studios, stages and concert halls, their voices bending, twisting and stretching to new heights. Over time, each woman became a star, building an ever-widening audience, eager to hear both her hit records and her unwavering messages of hope and inspiration. All were united in a celebration of song and an expression of hope as witnessed through the beautiful voices of the singers and the amazing performances that the dancers displayed on stage.
"I am very excited to help AARP celebrate its 50th Anniversary,” said Patti Austin. “Through ‘Songs of Soul & Inspiration,’ we play a part in inspiring all generations to make their voices heard."
The mega-event was directed by Golden Globes, Emmy and Tony award-winning producer and choreographer, Debbie Allen, who, along with producer Tena Clark joined the and dancers on stage at the end of the concert.
Most inspiring was the grand finale, when all artists appeared on stage to sing a rousing rendition of Tena Clark’s Stand Up for Yourself, AARP’s theme song and rallying cry to engage Americans to get involved and be heard on the issues important to them.
Join AARP Today or Renew Your Membership
The event featured a wide range of musical genres and vocal styles. On display was the intimate jazz of Patti Austin, the silky pop of Dionne Warwick, the funk ’n’soul of Chaka Khan, the jazz and pop of Queen Latifah, the traditional gospel of Shirley Caesar and the contemporary gospel of Yolanda Adams and CeCe Winans. The songs in the program were wide ranging as well, all with messages of hope and inspiration.
The concert honored the musical legacy of the African American church. These artists, who as young women, took their powerful and poignant calling out to a world, had over the years made their way to recording studios, stages and concert halls, their voices bending, twisting and stretching to new heights. Over time, each woman became a star, building an ever-widening audience, eager to hear both her hit records and her unwavering messages of hope and inspiration. All were united in a celebration of song and an expression of hope as witnessed through the beautiful voices of the singers and the amazing performances that the dancers displayed on stage.
"I am very excited to help AARP celebrate its 50th Anniversary,” said Patti Austin. “Through ‘Songs of Soul & Inspiration,’ we play a part in inspiring all generations to make their voices heard."
The mega-event was directed by Golden Globes, Emmy and Tony award-winning producer and choreographer, Debbie Allen, who, along with producer Tena Clark joined the and dancers on stage at the end of the concert.
Most inspiring was the grand finale, when all artists appeared on stage to sing a rousing rendition of Tena Clark’s Stand Up for Yourself, AARP’s theme song and rallying cry to engage Americans to get involved and be heard on the issues important to them.
Join AARP Today or Renew Your Membership
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