“An Evening of Soul —Roots, Rhymes & Righteous Tones,” sponsored by The University of Memphis College of Communications and Fine Arts, will be held Friday and Saturday at the Michael D. Rose Theatre and Lecture Hall.
The event, which will be co-hosted by entertainer Isaac Hayes, will mark the 30th anniversary of “An Evening of Soul” and launch the Erma L. Clanton Communication and Fine Arts Fund. Clanton, the first U of M African-American professor in the Communications Department, taught at The U of M from 1970 to 1991. The new fund will provide scholarships for African-American students.
The annual event was born in 1971 when Clanton assigned students to research popular song lyrics. The assignment provided African-American students with an opportunity to express their feelings through blues, protest and gospel songs. Clanton said the first “Evening of Soul” performance provided an understanding of the black experience to both black and white audience members.
“In 1971 the racial tension was tense and extremely high,” Clanton said. “The show was able to and has been able to ease tension on the campus between different races. The show has given young people a chance to express their feelings through blues and gospel songs.”
Friday’s performance will be at 8 p.m. while Saturday’s begins at 7:15 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling 525-1515. Donations to the Erma Clanton Fund may be made by calling 678-4372.
