Lift Every Voice and Sing, for solo harp. Intermediate to advanced, pedal harp only.

When James Weldon Johnson was asked to speak for the commemorative birthday celebration of former President Abraham Lincoln, instead of delivering one of his characteristic inspirational speeches, he chose to present Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing. The song was performed by a chorus of 500 schoolchildren on February 12th, 1900 in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the next 20 years, these same 500 children shared the song with others and it began to spread throughout the South and gained rapid attention.

By 1920, the song became so popular that is was christened as the official song of the NAACP and is still widely known as the Black National Anthem or Hymn. After history was made more than 115 years ago, this song continues to inspire hope and encouragement to people of all generations and cultures. My hope is that you enjoy this arrangement and continue to be inspired. ~Brandee Younger

Audio can be purchased here.