Former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, visited the Tom Joyner Morning Show recently to talk about the new CD, “Medicine: Live At The Black Academy of Arts & Letters” (MCG Records). Studdard sings the CD title song, “Medicine (For Someone Else).”
The project benefits youth arts programs at the non-profit Black Academy of Arts & Letters, a national institution based in Dallas, Texas.
“In a bad economy the first thing that gets cut is arts funding,” says Curtis King, founder of the 250,000 square foot complex adjacent to Dallas City Hall. “However, it’s the plays, concerts, poetry readings and other inspiring programming we offer that helps people get through rough times like these. So, we’re thrilled that these artists came together to make a CD that will raise money to help keep these programs going for our youth.”
The stars King refers to include American Idol champ Ruben Studdard who sings the title song “Medicine (For Someone Else)” that is climbing up the gospel radio charts. The majority of the songs on the13-track CD were written or co-written by Sam “Shake” Anderson – a bassist who has toured with the likes of Ray Charles, Curtis Mayfield and Bruce Hornsby. It was recorded live before an ecstatic, diverse and capacity-crowd at The Black Academy. Backed by the 80-voice Black Academy Choir, the album also features performances by Ann Nesby, actress Jasmine Guy, Tommye Young West and Yarbrough & Peoples, among others. Visit http://www.tbaal.org for more information.
