

Rosamond Johnson Historical Note Often referred to as the African American National Anthem or Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing features words by James Weldon Johnson (18711938) set to music by his brother J. after his release from a South African prison in 1990. Watson performed this song for Nelson Mandela when he toured the U.S. Grammy-winning gospel sister duo Mary Mary will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” ahead of the 2022 Super Bowl on Sunday. Lift Every Voice and Sing, 1900 Lyric by James Weldon Johnson Music by J. ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ has survived the test of time, said Lawrence Watson, a vocalist and professor of ensemble, voice and liberal arts at The Berklee College of Music in Boston.
