Sweet Honey in the Rock

A Personal Statement
from Sweet Honey In The Rock

Who could have imagined in 1973, that after thirty-one years Sweet Honey In The Rock would still be standing proud and strong as a voice for change? In the early days, whether performing at a political rally, a church, festival, concert hall, or college campus, we sang our beliefs, our passions, and our stories - grateful for each opportunity to do so. We understood that being socially conscious, politically involved, and fearlessly vocal women might not land us a lucrative recording contract or a chart-topping hit. What mattered were the messages in our music, which remain deeply rooted in African American vocal traditions. Nitanju Bolade Casel’s rap history of Sweet Honey In The Rock, TRIBUTE, lays it out:

“Great Black music is what we sing—a cappella style with a political ring. Using work songs, spirituals, gospel and blues, the styles of African, jazz and love songs too; there is no limit to the sounds that we produce in a social commentary to express our views. Rock the rock in the rock, honey in the rock, Sweet Honey In The Rock.”

As our founder Bernice Johnson Reagon retired from performing with the ensemble in January 2004, we moved into a new era as a sextet, welcoming founding member Louise Robinson, and Arnaé, who had worked with us as a substitute since 1994. As always, we are delighted to be joined on stage by Shirley Childress Saxton, American Sign Language interpreter. Sweet Honey In The Rock’s vision for the future continues to grow and expand.

With grateful hearts we offer these songs as a healing light, a Balm in Gilead for Trying Times. May your hearts be touched and your resolve strengthened.

In Song and Spirit,

Sweet Honey In The Rock