Freedom Sings is a critically acclaimed multi-media experience
featuring an all-star cast of musicians and an “only-in-America” story line.
The presentation tells the story of almost three centuries of banned or
censored music in America and invites audiences to take a fresh look at the
First Amendment.
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| The Freedom Sings band in
concert. |
This entertaining, irreverent and inspiring program is packed with live
music, video and graphics. It features hit songwriters and Grammy Award winners
devoted to sharing the power, passion and poetry of music.
In 2006, Freedom Sings appeared in Iowa, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, New
York, Kentucky, New Jersey, Georgia, South Dakota and California.
The 2005 performances included events in Kentucky, Minnesota, Florida,
Virginia and North Carolina.
The First Amendment Center works to preserve and protect First Amendment
freedoms through information and education, and does not lobby or litigate.
Freedom Sings recognizes the full spectrum of political views, an approach
praised by journalists including nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas, who
wrote in his column that the program is “fun … scrupulously well-balanced” and
appealing to “all political perspectives.”
"Without question, 'Freedom Sings' was the most meaningful, memorable and
educational keynote event I've ever seen," said Chris Carroll of College Media
Advisers.
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| Audience members applaud
Freedom Sings performance. |
Freedom Sings was created and written by Ken Paulson, former First
Amendment Center executive director. Paulson was named editor of USA
TODAY in April 2004.
Freedom Sings band members vary from show to show, but performers
include:
Craig
Krampf, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and legendary rock drummer
behind songs such as “Eye of the Tiger” and “Bette Davis Eyes.”
Jonell Mosser, soulful
singer whose work can be heard in such films as “Hope Floats” and “Boys on the
Side,” and who has performed with such talents as Ringo Starr and B.B. King.
Don Henry, Grammy Award-winning
songwriter whose work has been recorded by Ray Charles, Kathy Mattea and many
others.
Bill Lloyd, former member
of the top country duo Foster and Lloyd, whose work has been recorded by Hootie
and the Blowfish and other top acts.
Shonka Dukureh, actress and singer who recently starred in Marcus
Hummon's “American Duet.”
Ashley Cleveland, a
gritty, powerful singer and the only woman to win two Grammy Awards for best
rock gospel album.
Joseph Wooten, a singer and songwriter, and keyboard player for the
Steve Miller Band.
Freedom Sings production:
Executive producer/narrator: Gene Policinski, executive
director, First Amendment Center
Additional narrators: Robbie Morganfield,
Sonya Gavankar, Ken Paulson
Producer: Chris Amacher, First
Amendment Center