Image Credit: Louis York
Multi-GRAMMY nominated duo Louis York (Chuck Harmony & Claude Kelly) has kicked off Black History Month with the release of their highly anticipated single “Theme for Black Bottom Saints.” The release of the powerful and mesmerizing theme song also coincides with the New York Times Bestselling Author Alice Randall’s Black Bottom Saints book tour, starting in Detroit.
This ditty highlights the legacy of global icons and local idols of the Black Bottom neighborhood in Detroit. Birthed by African Americans, ”Theme for Black Bottom Saints” pays homage to the 1920s music era that produced Jazz, the Blues, Ragtime and Swing and produced legends like Bessie Smith, Count Bassie, Nat King Cole, Ruth Brown and other notables. With the recent release of Netflix’s release of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and similar broadcast specials, the welcomed resurgence of such a cherished culture proves Theme for Black Bottom Saints contributes to a much-deserved conversation on African American culture and the world. Spotify has released a Black Bottom Playlist (click here) that features some of these big names to join in the celebration.
“The phrase ‘Black Bottom’ is more than just a name of a song,” states Louis York. “This was an era where Black people owned property, were marquee entertainers, sports figures, doctors and lawyers and supported each other. It represents a culture, a way of life that exemplifies Black excellence at its finest.”
Originally released in December 2020, Randall’s Black Bottom Saints is an enthralling literary tour-de-force that pays tribute to Detroit’s legendary neighborhood, a mecca for jazz, sports, and politics. Black Bottom Saints is a powerful blend of fact and imagination reminiscent of E.L. Doctorow’s classic novel Ragtime and Marlon James’ Man Booker Award-winning masterpiece, A Brief History of Seven Killings. The book has been named New York Times Best Historical Fiction of 2020, PBS Newshour best book of 2020 Pick, NPR Best Books of 2020, Michigan Notable Books 2021, and WSJ+ Book Club pick for December.
Image Credit: Louis York
We got a chance to speak with the duo about the release of the single, what the meaning of “Back Bottom Saints” is to them, artist they would like to work with, Goals for 2021 + much more. Get into the interview audio below.
Interview Highlights:
Releasing their new single “Theme For Black Bottom”
What The inspiration was behind creating the track.
Whats the meaning of the title.
Paying homage to the 1920’s music era.
Favorite Black Heroes.
One song that would have to be in their black history month February playlist.
Goals for 2021.
What RESPECT. Means to them.
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