Arts & Culture Lawrence Brownlee Carries On the Legacy of Blacks in Classical Music
June 08, 2023
By Keith L. Underwood
Classical tenor Lawrence Brownlee’s new musical odyssey is called “Rising.” It was created to amplify the works of Black composers and a collection of writings from the Harlem Renaissance.
“What I wanted to do as a leader of the classical genre was introduce some incredible and gifted Black composers of today to the larger world,” said Brownlee.
Brownlee’s partners on “Rising” include, Jasmine Barnes, Shawn E. Okpebholo, Joel Thompson, Kevin J. Miller, and Damien Sneed.
Their musical stylings are paired with the poetic offerings of literary greats like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and James Baldwin.
“They have huge contributions to make to the world of vocal music, and that’s why I wanted to join the writers of the Harlem renaissance with these new composers to create these new pieces,” exclaimed Brownlee.
“I also wanted to let White people and other people know music composed by African Americans is not only for African Americans!”
Brownlee believes these composers have so much to offer to the world of music.
Lawrence Brownlee is originally from Youngstown, Ohio, and is one of six children. His father worked for General Motors and his mother was a full-time stay-at-home mom. Brownlee says they were a very close-knit, church-going family.
His father directed a choir, and his mother was the lead soloist for the church.
“Music was around me all the time,” stated Brownlee. “It was as much of a part of my upbringing as my elementary education. I was playing instruments before singing, but I was always surrounded by music.”
High school was where Brownlee discovered his talent for classical singing. Brownlee remembers a musical teacher at the institution was seeking students who sang from the church tradition.
“The first day I got on campus, he said, ‘You’re going to be a part of my choir,’ and I didn’t have a choice,” stated Brownlee.
He recalls the musical teacher hearing a classical sound to his voice, and the instructor gave Brownlee the opportunity to develop it.
Today, Brownlee is well-known for his work on spiritual albums like “Spiritual Sketches.” He calls it an embracing of what Black people have gone through and continue to go through.
Brownlee is also appreciated by audiences for his contributions to early 17th century Italian bel canto music. Bel canto literally translates to “beautiful singing.”
“I’ve made an impact and my career has been largely in that, and it is probably some of my most marketable work,” said Brownlee.
He says he now strives to use classical music as a platform to advocate for Black people. “Being in church and being one of six kids, you stick up for your family, you stick up for your people,” articulated Brownlee.
He harkens back to a time when musical critics implied or flat out said he was not supposed to be singing classical music. It is not intended for people of African descent.
Leontyne Price, George Shirley, Simon Estres, along with Brownlee have all had thriving careers as classical vocalist.
“There were so many people who came before me, and they are important to classical music,” held Brownlee. “Some of the greatest singers of classical music are Black.”
Brownlee imparts he will continue to fight for young singers through his activism, and he will continue to make a place for young composers who are intentionally doing Black centric work.
“We have a place, we have a right to do it, and I want to make sure people understand, we are here because we should be,” concluded Brownlee.
For more information on classical tenor Lawrence Brownlee and his latest album “Rising” visit https://www.lawrencebrownlee.com.
Keith L. Underwood is the host of the KBLA Talk 1580 entertainment radio show, "Black In The Green Room." A former entertainment publicist, he currently develops platforms for performers, creatives and Hollywood execs to shine and inspire. IG: @umaworldwide