Documentaries

In these award-winning musical biographies, Terrance McKnight explores the lives and soundscapes of some of America’s most iconic figures.

A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood:
A Musical Journey Into the Life of
Martin Luther King, Jr.

https://www.wqxr.org/story/11702-beautiful-symphony-brotherhood-musical-journey-life-martin-luther-king-jr/

“What a moving beautiful tribute. How marvelous to use music to tell the story of Martin Luther King's life and work. In listening to the arc of the story, I was reminded how long and hard is the struggle for civil rights, and how fragile are those rights. I wept at the end of the program.”

— David G. from Jersey City

“Of all the tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King, yours tonight was the one that to me truly captured his spirit and words of truth and the ferocity of the battle he fought.”

— Anne from NYC

“A wonderful perspective on the life of Martin Luther King. Terrance McKnight not only focuses upon the transcendent power of music surrounding King's legacy, but firms it up with appropriate historical and political subtext.”

— Michael S. from Forest Hills, NY

Still Swinging, Still Classic: A Musical Biography of Pioneering Pianist Hazel Scott

https://www.wqxr.org/story/112430-still-swinging-still-classic-a-musical-biography-of-pioneering-pianist-hazel-scott/

“Brilliant! This was one of the best documentaries I’ve ever experienced in any format.”

— Melinda G. from Englewood, NJ

“Was captivated by this program last night -- a magnificent playlist and Mr. McKnight, a voice I've come to love and wait for, you told Scott's story with such compassionate finesse. Alone in my room by the radio on a Saturday evening, I applauded.”

— Edith M. from Weehawken, NJ

“Thank you Terrance, for a wonderful program showcasing the life of a beautiful, talented musician whom I knew nothing about!”

— Lindsay from Osaka, Japan

I, Too, Sing America:
Music in the Life of Langston Hughes

https://www.wqxr.org/story/271251-i-too-sing-america-music-life-langston-hughes/

“Great job, Terrance. Fully enjoyed your story about this part of American history.”

— Lenny T. from Santa Fe, NM

“I am listening for the 2nd time...and just want to say what a beautifully done piece in every way. I learned a lot about him and enjoyed hearing his music, poetry and life story. Thank you Terrance and crew!”

— Michelle C. from Brooklyn, NY

“I was amazed as I learned about the life of Langston Hughes and admired the obstacles he overcame! I hope there will be a link to this available indefinitely so I can share it with several friends! Thank you, WQXR.... I feel better about contributing!”

— David M. from Oaxaca, Mexico

The Price of Admission: A Musical Biography of Florence Beatrice Price

https://www.wqxr.org/story/271521-musical-biography-florence-beatrice-price/

“What a wonderful program! Beautiful music, and Terrance's narrative is so enlightening. I feel richer for being introduced to Florence Beatrice Price, and of course richer for having Terrance McKnight at WQXR!”

— Avery from Kent, CT

“Utmost appreciation and sincerest gratitude to WQXR for presenting this glorious tribute to the legacy of Ms. Florence Beatrice Price and her impressive body of work left for us to behold, to listen, and to enjoy. By the same, I wholeheartedly commend, host, Mr. Terrance McKnight for his masterful presentation of this and the other lovely works featured during this Black History Month. His vast knowledge of classical music and it's dynamism in terms of the US Black experience is a welcome breath of fresh air to all, and in particular, to our black community as well.”

— Rupert D. from Manhattan, NY

No Boundaries: Music in the Life of
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson

https://www.wnyc.org/story/no-boundaries-music-life-coleridge-taylor-perkinson-wnyc/

“Terrance, this was a wonderful program of someone I knew nothing about. I was very moved and enjoyed what must have been a Labor of Love on your part.”

— Robert P. from New York, NY

“As a music journalist, I loved this excellently produced program, and as a musician, it is amazing to feel connected to such a towering legacy of African-American excellence. Thank you!”

— E.E.B. from Oakland, CA

“What a gorgeous, spectacular program! A thousand thanks to you, Terrance McKnight!
At a time when so many of us are, to borrow words from Leonard Bernstein, "sick at heart and overcome by despair," this program is a blessed balm.”

— Susan H. from PA

“A first-class seminar! Thanks "Prof." McKnight for delivering an insightful and enlightened lesson on the intersection between black and white musical creativity around the mid-point of the 20th century.”

— Bill W. from Westfield, NJ

“I loved your programme on Leonard Bernstein's Black America, as I do all your programmes on the contribution of African Americans to musical high culture. You are one of the most compelling personalities in classical radio.”

— Henry W. from Belfast, ME

Making Belafonte: An Appreciation with Terrance McKnight

https://www.wqxr.org/story/making-belafonte-conversation-terrance-mcknight/

“Loved this show! The history of Mr. Belafonte, both his musical work and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement is something everyone needs to know about. Exceptionally good production work as well, I loved the musical pieces and the way it all seamlessly flowed together. Superbly done.”

— Barrett M.

“The show was very informative and outstanding! Thank you for broadening my understanding of the artist and his impact on social issues.”

— Cynthia