(First aired on WUTC 5/11/24)

Ninth Street was a thriving African American community boasting a legendary music and entertainment scene rivaling Beale Street in Memphis and New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. The best musicians in the city played in the clubs that lined this historic street, and it was home, at least for a time, to music greats like Bessie Smith, Clyde Stubblefield, Jimmy Blanton, The Impressions’ Fred Cash and Sam Gooden, Valaida Snow and others.

With The Impressions: From the Big 9 to the World Stage, Songbirds showcases one of the world’s most influential soul groups from their start in Chattanooga to becoming the soundtrack of America’s Civil Rights Movement. Ninth Street played a significant role in inspiring Sam Gooden and Fred Cash, as well as fellow Chattanoogans Richard and Arthur Brooks to form The Roosters, which would eventually become The Impressions with Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler.

“The Impressions were an important part of America’s Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s— their music inspired people to keep fighting for equality,” says Mr. Caldwell. “Fred, Sam and Curtis were pioneers, and they took a risk singing those songs. We can never do enough to honor this group and celebrate their message of hope and togetherness. I hope this exhibit can help people understand the importance of this band and their music.”

The Impressions Tracklist:

Ridin' High

Fool For You

I'm The One Who Loves You

People Get Ready

Amen

Choice of Colors

We're A Winner

It's All Right

Other Artists Tracklist:

The Moonglows - "When I'm With You"

The Moonglows - "Love is A River"

Hank Ballard and the Midnighters - "Finger Poppin' Time"

James Brown - "Say it Loud I'm Black and I'm Proud"

Mavis Staples - "Security"

Curtis Mayfield - "Freddie's Dead"

The Songbirds Radio Hour is made possible through grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Riverview Foundation.

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