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Prized since ancient times, the sapphire has been called the "gem of the heavens".
(Spoken as he shakes his head and watches her walk away) "Umph...Umph...
there is no phire like sapphire..."
~James M.K. Spriggs 1992 Audio Recording Gig - Barring
Springs, MI
This saying rings true with song stylists such as Etta James, Billie Holiday,
Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Lena Horne, Bessie Smith, Sarah Vaughan, ...the list is endless!
From the early 1900s until the present day, an incredible group of women
jazz vocalists emerged from the ashes of disadvantage. Many beginnings came from singing in the church choir, as the
church was then and is now, a refuge in the Black community. The fact that jazz grew out of the tradition of spirituals
which evolved from recollections of the Mother country and African rhythms explains why there is an abundance of
jazz singers that have been African-American.
A mellow mixture of voices as smooth as silk and as mighty as
thunder, have flung open doors for the likes of Aretha, Melba, Dione, Jill Scott, india.arie, Whitney,
and hundreds more...
The African-American female vocalists, some of whom are unknown to
many, represented in "There's No Phire Like Sapphire" are forerunners in every sense of the
word. They pursued their art during an era when skin color caused many doors to be slammed in their faces.
This production reinvests and honors the contributions of the women
who sang from their spirits, and lent America the fare to take a free ride filled with sultry, sizzling, low-down, romantic,
and all-inspiring song.
The performance artists/vocalist in this one hour staged production, in
no way claim to possess the ability to sing like these greats. What we do offer is our genuine radiation, from intense
study, research, and rehearsals. Being vocalist within our own rights, we commemorate our ancestors, both living
and passed on. We extend with great humility the contribution of our God-given talents, and lovingkindness. This
production is surely one that all will enjoy!
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and more...
Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog Jr.
Them that’s got shall get
Them that’s not shall lose
So the Bible said and it still is
news
Mama may have, papa may have
But God bless the child that’s got his own
That’s got his own
Yes,
the strong gets more
While the weak ones fade
Empty pockets don’t ever make the grade
Mama may have, papa may
have
But God bless the child that’s got his own
That’s got his own...
Our 2010 "Sapphire" Tour is dedicated to the memory of
James M.K. Spriggs.
He gave us the name of this show. Thank you brother/friend.
Take Wings and
FLY!
| Billie Holiday Commerative Stamp |
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