The music once sung by enslaved Africans is foundational to modern Christian and Gospel music. The music that was once used to give hope is preserved in various places throughout the country, including right here in Detroit. 

On the evening of October 29, 1978 in Detroit, the first Classical Roots Concert happened on the eastside. The concert included the best musicians in the area, local leaders and spiritual leaders.

This year marks 48 years of Classical Roots Concerts. It also marks 25 years of the Dr. Arthur L. Johnson- Honorable Damon Jerome Keith Classical Roots Gala Experience. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will mark these anniversaries with a multi-year exhibition, celebrating the history, people, music, impact and future of Classical Roots. 

Dr. Daniel Washington is a bass-baritone and tenured Professor of Music - Voice at the University of Michigan. Dr. Washington is also a board member for the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) and president of the Detroit Musicians Association.

LaToya Cross is the Communications and Advancement Content Specialist at DSO. Both join Tia Graham on The Metro to talk more about the exhibition and the importance of diversity within classical music.