Classical 105.9 FM WQXR’s Terrance McKnight on 'Music and Life of Groundbreaking Singer/Activist Hazel Scott'

[Terrance McKnight]

AfriClassical has written of classical music radio host Terrance McKnight, who is at WQXR in New York City. Jennifer Houlihan writes to us about Terrance McKnight's Celebration of Black History Month with Special Programming:

“Of particular note is his 2 hour musical biography of the underappreciated HAZEL SCOTT – who was admitted to Julliard at just 8 years old and performed on some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls. It all kicks off tomorrow, on ALL EARS WITH TERRANCE MCKNIGHT, which airs Saturdays at 10pm ET. It’s available all around the country at http://www.wqxr.org Thanks for your consideration, and thanks for supporting African Americans in the classical world! All best wishes, Jennifer

Classical 105.9 FM WQXR’s Terrance McKnight

Celebrates Black History Month with Special Programming

Including the Music and Life of Groundbreaking Singer/Activist

HAZEL SCOTT and Tributes to BILL T. JONES,

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., and DR. BILLY TAYLOR

In honor of Black History Month, ALL EARS WITH TERRANCE MCKNIGHT, the Classical 105.9 FM WQXR show hosted by the pianist and former Morehouse professor Terrance McKnight, will present a suite of programs celebrating the musical influences of key African American cultural figures.

All Ears, a ‘classical’ music program that surprises and delights its listeners with cross-genre juxtapositions and unexpected connections, kicks off a stellar line-up with a two-hour musical journey with renowned choreographer and dancer BILL T. JONES (February 5). Other specials include a tribute to DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. through the music of his time (February 12), and a warm farewell to LENA HORNE, DR. BILLY TAYLOR and others we lost in 2010 (February 19).

On Feburary 26, All Ears presents Still Swinging, Still Classic: A Musical Biography of Pioneering Pianist Hazel Scott, a two-hour musical portrait of the wife of late Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Julliard-trained pianist who performed in the most prestigious concert halls in the world. Known as the “darling of Café Society,” HAZEL SCOTT became a trailblazer in Hollywood; an outspoken civil rights activist which made her a political target; and ultimately, an outcast, ostracized by the Church community because of her music.

“Though Hazel’s amazing story grabbed me immediately, I was astounded to find she is overlooked and under-appreciated, despite activism and trailblazing positions in the entertainment industry that rivaled Paul Robeson,” said McKNIGHT. “She was so gifted that she was admitted to Julliard as an eight-year-old; she was touring with established female bands and was being mentored by Billie Holiday, Fats Waller and Art Tatum by 14. And before Oprah, there was Hazel – the first African American to host her own television show. It’s my deep hope that this special will shine a light on her astounding accomplishments.”