{"id":6444,"date":"2015-02-13T12:32:42","date_gmt":"2015-02-13T17:32:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thewei.com\/kimi\/?p=6444"},"modified":"2015-02-16T16:16:17","modified_gmt":"2015-02-16T21:16:17","slug":"are-grammys-trying-to-set-value-for-black-musicians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewei.com\/kimi\/are-grammys-trying-to-set-value-for-black-musicians\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Grammys trying to set value for black musicians?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Ledisi\"<\/a>
\nHuffPost reviewer Kim Lute hated Beyonce’s grammy performance<\/a> of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” so much I had to see for myself what the hullabaloo was all about. She writes:<\/p>\n

\u2026Beyonc\u00e9 (as well as her much talked about cast of put-upon black men) fumble(d) and falter(ed) her way through Mahalia Jackson’s classic, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

@KimLute<\/a>‘s criticism of Beyonc\u00e9’s performance is a bit extreme, but it’s completely clear that Beyonc\u00e9 is no gospel singer<\/a>. She lacks both range and the vocal ability to extend a note. In light of recent observations about racism permeating the Grammys<\/a>, Lute’s next comment seems spot-on:<\/p>\n

That the song is so closely associated with a film that captured man’s inhumanity to man, the misguided belief that what’s black is decidedly less than, and what is lighter is inherently better, worthier of praise and advancement, was given to a lighter singer over a darker one shows just how pervasive racial idolization remains in American culture.<\/p>\n

The decision not to invite Selma soundtrack’s performer Ledisi<\/a> to share her moving gospel version of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” replete with soaring and crystal clear notes at this year’s Grammys, was very likely motivated by simple racism. “Ledisi, with a crown of enviable braids and beautiful dark skin,” doesn’t fit the image Grammy Awards’ management wishes to portray as the face of today’s music business. <\/p>\n