Celebrating ‘gays in gospel music’ this Pride Month

Little Richard, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Chicago’s own Reverend James Cleveland are a few of the musicians being celebrated this Pride Month at an event called at “Shout OUT: A Tribute to Gays in Gospel Music!”

“This show is an opportunity to let people know about the totality of their work,” said singer and event creator Lucy Smith, who will perform along with the Lucy Smith Quintet. “I think where they were in their comfortability infused and informed their music.”

Chicago journalist and media personality Cheryl Corley is the event’s narrator, sharing stories and context about these musicians' lives.

In today’s episode, The Rundown podcast host Erin Allen talks with Smith and Corley about a few of the queer people in gospel music, how those artists navigated being both queer and Black in the 20th century and the importance of sharing their stories.

“Shout OUT: A Tribute to Gays in Gospel Music!” is Sunday, June 9th at 3 p.m. at the Beverly Arts Center.

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