Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music focuses on the profound and resilient musical expressions of African American Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul musicians through the lens of photography. The title "Never Turn Back" comes from the Negro Spiritual “I’ll Never Turn Back No More” by Mahalia Jackson. It embodies the spirit of these artists who used their music and lives to forge ahead of the challenges and determination they faced as African Americans. The exhibition seeks to capture their Soulful narratives, musical innovations, and the cultural impact that resonates through time.
The exhibition will start with the foundation of Gospel music and the origins of Blues in the Mississippi Delta, highlighting the resilience and storytelling of early African American musical genres. It will feature evocative photographs capturing the raw emotions and hardships faced by artists and showcase iconic moments from the lives and careers of African American musicians who left an indelible mark on the American music scene. The exhibition's graphic design blends vibrant visuals, era-specific typography, and immersive lighting, with each section reflecting the genre’s cultural essence through music, fashion, stage aesthetics, collaborations, and historic music spaces. Together, the photographs and ephemera will provide a visual narrative of the vibrant music scenes. Additional select artifacts, like instruments and costumes, will create a holistic story of the historic moments that continue to influence modern American music.
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