We're celebrating the magic of knowing and honoring our roots today with this great story from the Sun-Times this week...
The members of the Wendell Phillips High School a cappella choir continue to keep the traditions of their director Mr. Andrew Duncan alive, years after he took them all over our state, the country and even to countries around the world to perform, right from the heart of Bronzeville.
The choir was a favorite of the elder Mayor Richard J. Daley, often performing at his request at official city events. The students also appeared to sing on Chicago radio and tv stations, recorded three albums and even went to an international choral competition.
All those singers are now grandparents but have never forgotten Mr. Duncan’s “gentle direction” of values since their high school years. They follow in the footsteps of other great singers from their alma mater like Nat ‘King’ Cole, Dinah Washington, Sam Cooke and Pops Staples. They still sing together in their alumni choir, which Mr. Duncan conducted for the final time in his backyard in 2022, just shy of his 90th birthday, when he told them, “I hope all of you have a wonderful rest of your lives.”
They all took to heart his plea, “Promise me you’ll stay together even after I’m gone.” Something we could all take to heart, no matter what we do.
Read more about this wonderful part of our Chicago musical history here and remember to always celebrate your magic! xo