Tambourines to Glory

Written by Langston Hughes

Narrated by Myra Lucretia Taylor

Poet, author and playwright Langston Hughes was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance in the late 1950s. His writings capture the spirit of black culture as it struggled for recognition and acceptance. Tambourines to Glory is a morality fable illustrating the perpetual fight between good and evil. Angelic Essie Belle Johnson and devilish Laura Reed both agree that they need to do something to spice up their lives-and earn more money. So, they start their own church on the street in front of their Harlem apartment. With Laura's gift for performing and Essie's melodious voice, the two quickly become a hit and must move their services into a renovated theatre. But as their congregation grows, a host of misfits enter the scene-some honest, and others who just want a piece of the pie. Featuring a stunning performance by Myra Lucretia Taylor, Tambourines to Glory is a classic of American literature and a must listen for anyone interested in the history of African-American culture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 11, 2008
• ISBN: 9781440799648

Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes (1902-67) was born in Joplin, Missouri, was educated at Lincoln University, and lived for most of his life in New York City. He is best known as a poet, but he also wrote novels, biography, history, plays, and children's books. Among his works are two volumes of memoirs, The Big Sea and I Wonder as I Wander, and two collections of Simple stories, The Best of Simple and The Return of Simple.

Reviews for Tambourines to Glory

[Angela Hicks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an enjoyable book to listen to. That Laura was nothing but bad news.

[catarina1_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The author was part of the Harlem Renassiance. A poet and playwright, but wrote some novels and short stories. This one was published in 1958, is about two friends, Essie Belle Johnston and Laura Reed who, after reflecting on their poverty, decide to set up a church on the street corner, 126th and Lenox to be exact, to raise people up from the gutter but also to make some money in the process. Essie is a good singer, Laura is a good hustler. And they find that passing the tambourine is a good source of money. They become the Reed Sisters.They first invest in a Bible, then a rented space, then a bigger rented space and finally take over an old theatre that becomes the Tambourine Temple. Laura enjoys the wealth, buying fur coats, cars. Essie continues to look down on this but still enjoys the comforts, finally having a home where she can bring her daughter to. She doesn't quite "turn a blind eye" to Laura's avarice but she tolerates it.In the end it is a morality tale but I wondered about the characters that Hughes create. None are truly sympathetic but Essie does redeem herself in the end.