This episode of the Houston Jazz Spotlight is dedicated to Juneteenth which will be celebrated this Friday, June 19, 2020. Juneteenth is the day for descendants of enslaved blacks to acknowledge their ancestors who survived the brutal institution of slavery in Texas and the country. It is also the opportunity to honor and mourn those ancestors who suffered and died throughout the diaspora during the 400 years of slavery.These very powerful words sung by 12 year old Keedron Bryant could have been sung at anytime during our ancestors past in this country. The struggle for human rights and full citizenship for African Americans and people of color continues.

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In this installment of the Houston Jazz Spotlight we will swing a little and explore the music of Black love and introduce you to a vocalists that has connections with two Houston musicians. Robert Glasper's latest projects title can not be said on the radio but I can tell you here that it is called, 'Fuck Yo Feelings' and features some serious artists including Herbie Hancock.

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In this episode of the Houston Jazz Spotlight, we prepared a special show, a musical meditation on police brutality and it's victims, with special focus on Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Houston's own George Floyd. As a kid growing up in Mobile, Alabama it was the radio DJ who had the ability to help me through trying times and challenge me to ponder societal issues with the music they played. I hope today’s show will do the same for you.

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It’s my pleasure each week to hip you to your music heritage in Jazz Afro Classical music produced by musicians, past and present, from the bayou city. Today is the birthday of pianist, Ramsey Lewis, born in 1935. He has a few connection with Houston, on this recording from the 1977 album, 'Tequila Mocking Bird' the saxophone soloist is Houston's own Ronnie Laws.

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The live radio shows at KPFT have been on hold because of the Covid 19 virus so programmers are prerecording their shows from home. This is our first new show created with the help of our new producer, Jehn Malone. Today we are celebrating the Houston connection with the great Duke Ellington. We also pay homage to the great master drummer and teacher, Bubbha Thomas.

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