In 1940,
the Golden Gate Quartet
and
Josh White
performed a historical concert at the Library of Congress celebrating the 75th anniversary of the 13th amendment, but it wasn't just any regular concert: alongside
Sterling A. Brown
Alan Lomax
,
Alain Locke
spoke of the history behind the songs, all of which is contained here. The historical significance of
Freedom
is huge; it is an aural document of efforts (much written about) to reach out, communicate, and educate across racial boundaries via entertainment -- arguably the most successful route to blur the lines. It's a remarkable document and a wonderful performance by both
. Interestingly,
was recorded the same year Congress passed the Alien Registration Act, the law which directly led to the McCarthyism which devoured
White
's successful career in 1950 because of his involvement with
Paul Robeson
in similar engagements such as this. ~ Gregory McIntosh