Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Soul Sustenance: Great Grief with Nnenna Freelon

Renowned jazz recording artist, composer and playwright Nnenna Freelon‘s recently GRAMMY nominated “Time Traveler” is a musical love letter to her husband of forty years, Phil Freelon (chief architect of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American Culture and History), who passed away in 2019 of ALS, followed by the loss of her sister the following year. In addition to recording that album of appreciation, the podcast “Great Grief with Nnenna Freelon” was born on NPR (WUNC).

Now in its second season, the podcast, which focuses on finding the greatness within instead of seeing only the grief without, has been lauded by the public and critics alike. The first season’s podcast has received numerous recognitions this year including the Gracie Award celebrating women in media, nominations by the Podcast Academy for Ambie Awards including Best Original Score and Music Supervision as well as Best Personal Growth/Spirituality Podcast. Another major award will be announced in June.

Nnenna is a sought-after public speaker on “The Big G (Living with Grief)” and with her fellow GRAMMY nominee (Best Children’s Album), son Pierce Freelon, on “Bloom Where You’re Planted,” both inspirational and aspirational talks.

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee (2022) continues to tour as a solo artist and stars with Clint Holmes, Take 6 and Kirk Whalum, in “Georgia On My Mind” a tribute to Ray Charles.


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