The Emancipation of Slaves through Music

Written by Mathew Knowles

Narrated by Mathew Knowles and Jacqueline Burgess

In The Emancipation of Slaves Through Music, music mogul Dr. Mathew Knowles presents a keen examination of the liberating effects of music on an oppressed people. By taking readers on the journey of its secret use during slavery up through its eventual commercialization in the industry, he exposes the art form's true power. Between its informative pages, the book explores the uprooting of Africans via the transatlantic slave trade and the evolving effect on the people and their music. We follow the boats where communication went from a loud moan to chants that stirred rebellion, on into acts of escape where a song might just signal a time to flee.The music of those stolen people became a tool and a medicinal balm that usually carried a message of hope through struggle. Chapters delve into songs behind rebellions and 'sorrow songs,' that lead us to deeper understandings about modern rap and even dancehall 'chanting.' Here, the reader takes a ride on the melodic voices and rhythms seeking freedom for more than physical bodies from chains. The survival of an enslaved people's music through many tumultuous eras has allowed it to re-root into a musical culture like no other in history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Music World Publishing
• Release date: Jun 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781662250415

Mathew Knowles

Mathew Knowles has often been referred to as one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our generation in the music and entertainment industry. He was responsible for nurturing and building one of the most successful music groups of all time, Destiny’s Child, and the career of his megastar daughter Beyoncé. In addition, Mathew Knowles has continued to impact the lives of many through his global platforms, which include successful business ventures, record-label ventures, management services for recording artists and producers, artist-development services, endorsement and partnership deals, a master catalog series, film and television ventures, licensed merchandise products, and philanthropic work. Currently a professor at Texas Southern University, Mathew has also presented master classes at Berklee College of Music, Fisk University, the University of Southern California, and Rice University. He graduated from Fisk University in Tennessee in 1974 with a dual degree in economics and business administration, and in 2008, he was granted the honor of Doctor of Humane Letters from his alma mater. Knowles also holds an MBA from Cornerstone Christian Bible College. Knowles’s passion is to educate and motivate in the areas of entrepreneurship and entertainment. He holds countless workshops, seminars, and online education around the globe.