The Voices of East Harlem was an African American vocal ensemble that originated in an inner-city action project in East Harlem, New York City. The song Right On, Be Free enjoys continued exposure as the last movement of Alvin Ailey‘s masterwork Cry.
The group size fluctuated to up to 20 singers, aged between 12 and 21. Founded as a community initiative in 1969, the group performed with renowned soul and R&B musicians and recorded four albums in the early and mid-1970s. Charles “Chuck” Griffin, founder of the East Harlem Federation Youth Association (EHFYA), and his wife Anna Quick Griffin, set up the ensemble, initially to perform in colleges and at local benefits.
The Voices of East Harlem – Right On Be Free (8/18/1970)
Cry will be performed on December 28 on the Ailey Classics evening. If you haven’t seen the company this season go! for tickets and more information visit https://ailey.org/new-york
