Tomorrow we will bring back the Voices of Ascension. But today, again in solidarity with those protesting racial violence and inequality, we feature our dear friend, the incredible bass-baritone, Kevin Deas. Kevin has been a close and beloved friend of mine since we were undergraduate students at Juilliard in the early 1970’s! Over the years, he has probably sung with Voices more than any other soloist. Many of you will recognize him immediately in the video. Today we feature his glorious artistry in one of the most famous of all African American songs, Precious Lord, composed by “the father of gospel music,” Thomas A. Dorsey. This beautiful piece has been sung by countless famous singers ever since it was composed in 1931.

– Dennis Keene

THOMAS DORSEY Precious Lord

Kevin Deas, Bass-baritone
Keenan Boswell, Pianist

Lyric Fest concert "Journey Toward Freedom", March 3, 2013.