As we continue to respect, reflect on and honor the role of Black Americans in the history of The United States during Black History Month, the impact of music by Black Americans will forever play a significant role in history and in our everyday lives. We venerate the ingenuity of black music makers and applaud their artistry and legacy. From spirituals to ragtime, and from the blues to hip hop, black music is to be celebrated!
Black History Month brings about a time to reminisce on the spirituals that were sung by slaves in expression of spiritual devotion and also sung as a means of communicating amongst each other. It is also a special time to educate the next generation of the anguish and torment, as well as the victories and achievements that Black Americans have experienced. A musical tribute that has become an anthem to Black Americans is “Lift Every Voice And Sing”.
Written by James Weldon Johnson, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was performed by school children as a poem for Abraham Lincoln in celebration of his birthday in 1900. It was later set to music by Johnson’s brother in 1905 and by 1920 the NAACP adopted the song as “The Negro National Anthem”. The song has become a psalm of encouragement to black people of America, a sacred praise melody and harmonious message to continue forward towards equality.
The Wardlaw Brothers humbly pay tribute to Black History Month with their vocally stunning and dynamically orchestrated rendition of “Lift Every Voice And Sing”.
Biography:
TWB consists of four lead singers, and one dynamic bass man. The eldest brother, Carl Anthony “Tony” has the traditional, soulful voice. Martin Luther “Tlyrics” is the lead vocalist with a voice that speaks to the spirit. He is also the primary songwriter, musician and producer. “Jamie” Cornelius is the melodious bass man that defines TWB’s distinctive sound while Carl III “Carlo” melds in the urban/hip hop flavor. Lastly, Rodney Allen “Baby Boy”, contributes the smooth, serene voice of the five.
GOD’S BEEN THERE is TWB’s new project produced by Grammy™ Award winning producer Cedric Thompson, Dove Award winning producer Antonio Neal and TWB’s own Martin Luther Wardlaw. GOD’S BEEN THERE released nationally February 5 via New Day Christian Distributors.
The group’s first radio single “Somewhere Listening” is a beautifully crafted urban contemporary ballad derived from an old spiritual. Showcasing their versatility on their current radio single, TWB offer a traditional gospel quartet track **“Right Now Lord” which is a high-energy, harmonizing song that absolutely ignites automatic foot stomping and spontaneous hand clapping. Then, the gentlemen toss in the a cappella song “Thank You” and skillfully execute an intricately constructed vocal arrangement. GOD’S BEEN THERE also features a special tribute to the military – “Welcome Home Soldier”. This inspirational music video has become widely popular on Youtube and features compelling clips and images of our nation’s military.
TWB has shared their ministry on key national television programs including a full one hour special on TCT TV’s *”Sessions” Show and “I’m Just Sayin w/Pastor Dan Willis Show; BET’s *Bobby Jones Gospel Show; Atlanta Live, Babbies House TV and The Word Network’s “Rejoice In The Word”.
Written By: Benita Bellamy
