Eva Jessye: First Internationally Acclaimed Black Choral Director
The inspiring story of African American choral director Eva Jessye, born in Coffeyville, KS, who brought Black gospel to Broadway and gave the famed opera "Porgy and Bess" the authenticity George Gershwin needed to make it a success. She later directed the choirs at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. From the critically acclaimed documentary: "I'm So Glad: Kansas City And the Roots of Black Gospel Music, The Untold Story," narrated by Isaac S. Cates.
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Eva Jessye’s all-Black choir formed the backbone of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Dr. King called upon Jessye’s choir to be the official chorus of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The choir also supported other musicians, such as the Freedom Singers.  #musicsky #MLKDay #CivilRights
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