This presentation traces the development of African American music in the United States through narrative, visuals, and compelling performances. From its origins during the colonial period, African American music became a powerful societal and commercial force in the world. Conceived of and written by award-winning music historian, pianist, Guthrie Ramsey, “We Been Fly” tells this story through narrative, video, and live musical examples from several genres, we’ll learn about the many meanings embedded in African American music and how it continues to shape American life.

Among other stories, this multi-media performance piece considers the lives and musical activities of three remarkable Black Philadelphians from the past: Rev. Richard Allen (1760-1831), Francis Johnson (1792-1844), Charlotte Forten Grimké (1837-1914). We also touch on figures like Gladys Bentley, Bobby Timmons, Will Smith, and Frankie Beverly.

Because of mass mediation, the contiguous nature of culture sharing among American ethnic groups, a fast moving, sophisticated global market system, technological advances, and music’s ability to absorb the different meanings ascribed to it, people of all backgrounds have shaped, contributed to, and excelled in this fluid yet distinct body of music making. The story of African American music is, indeed, a quintessentially American one that shows us much about the character of our society.