On Monday, February 12, Dr. François S. Clemmons, a tenor with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Carnegie Mellon, came to CFA's Kresge Theater to perform as part of Carnegie Mellon's Black History Month celebration. His performance was an hour-long voyage into the musical world of gospel, each song a glimpse into a culture, a window to history. Drawing heavily from his experiences and memories as a child in Alabama and Ohio, he graced the audience with a voice of purity and power.

Clemmons moved to Youngstown, Ohio, five years after he was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on April 23, 1945. His talent was recognized at an early age, and he began singing at church and other venues. His mother inspired his initial interest in spirituals of pre-Civil War America, but he later branched out to experiment across different styles, leading him at one point to become the lead singer of a rock'n'roll group called the Jokers. His career path led him to earn the honorary degree of Doctor of Arts from Middlebury College in Vermont, become the winner of the regional Metropolitan Opera Auditions in Pittsburgh, and sing with numerous companies and orchestras. Just a few years ago in 2004, Clemmons received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Carnegie Mellon. He also won a Grammy Award in 1973 with the Cleveland Orchestra and founded the well-renowned Harlem Spiritual Ensemble.

His humble demeanor does not reflect his international repertoire of achievements. Clemmons recounted his achievements off-handedly, drawing great attention instead to his accompanying pianist, George Matthew, "a real jewel" who he had worked with for over ten years, and the tour's hosts all over America, Europe, and Asia. Upon his return to Carnegie Mellon's campus since his graduation in 1969, he was "glad to see that everyone is still so welcoming" while sightseeing the campus.

Stepping onto the stage in a sky blue ceremonial robe, he bowed before the anxious audience and began. The red seats and wooden walls of the auditorium disappeared, enveloped by the first song. Clemmons' voice swayed between a gentle swelling and a tumultuous wave of emotions and history. His program included pieces such as "Ah, Wanna Be Ready To Walk In Jerusalem Jus' Like John" (a song he arranged himself), "Sustah Mary Had-A-But-One Chil'," and "Joshua Fit Duh Battle of Jericho," a traditional piece. At the beginning, only some audience members could be seen swaying back and forth to Clemmons' voice, or quietly tapping a finger or toe. However, by the last song, everyone clapped to the beat while Clemmons himself rocked with the rhythm.

While singing, Clemmons remained engaged and in character, his eyes closed and hands clasped when he sang about "stealing away to Jesus," his arms upraised and pointing when "on the clouds." When he sang about "laying down [his] heavy load," he smiled with such passion that it was contagious.

When not singing, Clemmons' amiable personality shone clearly. Without hesitation, he dedicated the night's performance to Roland Hayes, a close colleague of his who arranged a few pieces for the night's program.

Taking off his hat and robe, he joked about how he had bought the set in New York.
"It gets so hot in here! You guys won't mind, right?" Clemmons asked the audience. "The guy I bought it from told me to always wear it together. Don't tell on me now!" His silver hair was the only clue of his age; his personality and sense of humor proved to be just as youthful as the undergraduates that walked along outside the auditorium.

After a song that drove the crowd to clap along, he and Matthews gave a bow and grin.

"That's it," said Clemmons. "Sometimes you just get the spirit, and it feels so good, doesn't it? You just have to enjoy yourself sometimes, even when it's cold outside."

Clemmons concluded his performance with "Balm in Gilead," his signature piece of performance from Middlebury. The vibrato generated by his voice carried across the auditorium and bounced off the walls as he sang:

For more information about upcoming Black History Month events, visit the Student Affairs website.

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