(AURN News) – American Urban Radio Networks’ national correspondent, Jamie Jackson, is the host of an engaging new national PBS special celebrating the enduring legacy and remarkable career of acclaimed jazz composer Terence Blanchard. Titled “Terence Blanchard in Dallas,” the special is captivating audiences across the nation, now airing on 280 PBS stations and the PBS streaming app Passport.
Blanchard, renowned for his influential collaborations with filmmaker Spike Lee spanning over three decades, is the focus of the national special, shedding light on his life, latest projects, and showcasing performances from two concerts held in Dallas. The concerts feature his band, E-Collective, accompanied by the Turtle Island String Quartet, as well as excerpts from his opera “Fire Shut Up in my Bones,” performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Notably, this opera, based on the memoir of author and columnist Charles M. Blow, marked a historic milestone as the first by a Black composer staged by the Metropolitan Opera of New York.
Having been nominated for two Academy Awards and securing seven Grammy wins, Terence Blanchard’s influence on the world of music and film is undeniable. The PBS special promises an intimate look into his journey and contributions to the arts.
Jackson has served AURN News since 2015, previously covering the White House as a pool reporter and correspondent. The special, produced by public media station KERA, showcases Jackson’s conversations with Blanchard that explore the depth of his artistry.
“I am so grateful to KERA for this opportunity and I was honored when they asked me to do this earlier this year. To have an opportunity to honor Black excellence through Blanchard’s work and the performances that are seen is one of the highlights of my career. This national PBS special is a must-see and shows why we need more programs highlighting Black excellence and Black trailblazers like Terence Blanchard on television. KERA and its leadership should be commended for this project and their commitment to allowing Black voices to be heard,” Jackson said.
“Terence Blanchard in Dallas” is not just a tribute to a musical icon; it is a testament to the power of representation and the importance of recognizing Black excellence in the arts.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
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