The song “We Shall Overcome” has helped countless individuals push through various challenges for multiple generations – it’s a tune just about everyone knows, right? But what do you know about this song’s origin? That’s what I’d like to explore with you today. Greetings – I’m Loki Karuna, and for this edition of Noteworthy I’m shining a light on Mr. Charles Albert Tindley.
Charles was born in 1851, well before the institution of slavery had ended in the United States. Despite a lack of a formal education as a child, he managed not only to become a Doctor of Divinity, but also a talented songwriter. His unique skills allowed him to write a number of hymns for his congregations, including one called “I’ll Overcome Some Day”. The piece slowly spread beyond churches and into activist circles, becoming the work we all know today, as performed here by the O’Neill Brothers.
Today, there are many stories and histories associated with “We Shall Overcome”, but it all started with one man who overcame, inspiring perseverance among countless others. Long live Charles Albert Tindley, one of history’s most noteworthy.
Noteworthy is a production of WDAV classical public radio.