Muddy Magnolias sing out
Their “Ballad to Mike Brown” gives us chills
There’s never been a better time to discover the dynamic musical group, Muddy Magnolias. In these difficult political times, out of the despondent dust rises this glorious, gospel, almost holy music that truly soothes the savage breast. Comprised of Jessy Wilson and Kallie North, two women who have no business even knowing each other, the group was born in Nashville, and we’re better for it!
Brooklyn native Wilson moved to Music City to create her own sound, after years of singing backup for her mentor John Legend. North, who hails from Texas, started as a photographer before turning to her true calling, music. Wilson saw one of North’s photographs, tracked her down and it was talent at first sight. Soon they were making beautiful music together. Their debut album, Broken People, came out last year and the duo is currently touring the US.
In their new black and white video for the song, “Ballad of Mike Brown,” the band sings an ode to the black teenager killed in Ferguson, Utah, three years ago, on August 9th, 2014. A folksy protest song, reminiscent of Bob Dylan‘s early anti-war themes and Billie Holiday‘s haunting song about the lynching of young black men, “Strange Fruit,” it tells the tale of Mike Brown’s demise at the hands of a police officer. The chant, “hands up, don’t shoot,” resonates throughout the song.
After the final shout of “Don’t shoot,” the crowd in Nashville’s Slim & Husky’s Pizza joint, stands with their hands in the air, silent. It’s a powerful moment, and one, in light of recent events in our country, that has never rung louder.
In the words of Jessy and Kallie on the making of the video: “In East Nashville, friends gathered to express their passion for social justice and to honor the life of a young black man. By lifting our voices in harmony, we hope to elevate awareness in our community and beyond. This song is for Mike Brown and all those we’ve lost in the struggle. Say their names.”