Wherever and whenever I sing, if there is only one spiritual on a program, people will talk about two things afterward, and one of them will be the spiritual. What I bring to this is the best of my classical training - not all of it. I apply what is appropriate. Kathleen Battle afterwardapplybring share on social
From the spiritual came the blues, gospel, and rhythm-and-blues. I heard all of that music growing up, and that has influenced how I approached classical music. I'm sure of it. Kathleen Battle approachblueclassical Change image and share on social
I bring my classical training - some of it, but not all of it - and also my background and culture, to spirituals. And I try to leave room for that unpredictable factor, where the feeling of the song is allowed to come through. The same ethos can be applied to singing Mozart, or Schubert, or Bach. It's not just about what's on the page. Kathleen Battle allowapplybach share on social
I can't imagine life without singing. Kathleen Battle imaginelifesing Change image and share on social
In spirituals, the talk of heaven and deliverance was code for a better life. 'Crossing the River Jordan' was code, of course, for escaping to freedom. Kathleen Battle codecrossdeliverance Change image and share on social
Wynton and Christopher were really great experiences for me because they are both very gifted artists. Kathleen Battle artistchristopherexperience Change image and share on social
I hear music that comes out of need, out of grief, sorrow, suffering and out of overcoming these things, as well. That journey to freedom still goes on today. It's an incremental change, the culmination of many events in your own life and the lives of your children and grandchildren. Kathleen Battle changechildculmination share on social