Scene to Song Episode 71: Black Women in Musical Theater History

In this episode, composer/lyricist, playwright, voice teacher, and performance scholar Masi Asare discusses black women in musical theater history, focusing on their vocal performance from the turn of the century to present day. We also talk about the late Micki Grant and her song "Cleanin' Women" from the 1978 musical Working.

You can write to scenetosong@gmail.com with a comment or question about an episode or about musical theater, or if you’d like to be a podcast guest. Follow on Instagram at @ScenetoSong, on Twitter at @SceneSong, and on Facebook at “Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Podcast.” And be sure to sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter at scenetosong.substack.com The theme music is by Julia Meinwald.

Music played in this episode:
Ma Rainey singing "Don’t Fish in my Sea"
Ethel Waters singing "St. Louis Blues"
Diahann Carroll singing "A Sleepin' Bee" from House of Flowers
Leslie Uggams singing "Being Good" from Hallelujah Baby 
Pat Suzuki singing "From This Moment On" on The Frank Sinatra Show
"I Hate the Bus" from Caroline, or Change
"Dottie and Caroline" from Caroline, or Change
"Cleanin' Women" from Working