BBC program Witness History presents the story of Emerante de Pradines (1918-2018): “the first Haitian singer to sign a record deal, she championed Vodou music and folklore.” Emma Forde interviews her son Richard Morse about her life, research work, and artistic performances. It is fascinating to hear about her dance studies with iconic dancer and choreographer Katherine Dunham, and later with Martha Graham. After her studies in New York she went on to teach at various universities, including the University ,of Puerto Rico. To listen to the 10-minute program, visit BBC UK Programmes.
Emerante de Pradines was a Haitian singer, dancer and folklorist who became the first person from her country to sign a record deal. She was dedicated to de-demonising vodou music and folklore and went on to teach dance at some of America’s most prestigious universities. Her son Richard Morse speaks to Emma Forde about his mother’s life and her legacy.
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. [. . .]
To listen to the 10-minute program on Emerante de Pradines, visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct744p
[Photo of Emerante De Pradines by Leah Gordon.]
BBC program Witness History presents the story of Emerante de Pradines (1918-2018): “the first Haitian singer to sign a record deal, she championed Vodou music and folklore.” Emma Forde interviews her son Richard Morse about her life, research work, and artistic performances. It is fascinating to hear about her dance studies with iconic dancer and
