In Which Janiece Speaks for the Masses

Friday, July 11, 2008
I listen to a lot of NPR, and recently I sent an e:mail to "Tell Me More" about the story of Rene Marie, the jazz singer who sang the "Black National Anthem" at the Colorado State of the State meeting.
Well, I guess my comment was indicative of how a lot of people felt, because I was invited to record it for the show. You can find the segment here if you want to listen.
It only took me four tries before I got it all out without stammering like a dumb-ass who has never spoken in public before.

16 comments:

Nathan said...

That was terrific! I think your comment was right on target.

And who knew Janiece has such a lovely speaking voice? (Well a few of you did, I guess.)

Jeri said...

Nicely done! :) And I agree with your comment as well.

There are better venues for civil rights protest - she had a contract that she should have fulfilled.

The Mechanicky Gal said...

Damn I can't see/hear your comment. More about that FlashPlayer than I care to deal with. Can you paraphrase? But then I guess that from Jeri's comments that you disagreed with her rendition? I have never heard of the Black National Anthem (but then again, I'm white) but is a person an American or are they not? Yes, we are not color-blind in this country, but doesn't this just add to the grief? I do not advocate a "be quiet and make no noise" type of life at all, but there is a better venue for this kind of protest.

Cindi in CO said...

Wow, you're famous!

When I listened at work, my fellows wanted to know why my voice was coming out of my computer speakers.

Heh.

Janiece said...

Amy, the text of my e:mail was:

"I don’t consider Rene Marie to be a bad person or citizen, nor do I doubt her patriotism. But I don’t think she has very good manners. The folks that contracted her to sing at this event did so in good faith, and she betrayed their trust.

She chose the wrong venue for her 'statement.'"

The Mechanicky Gal said...

Brava! I agree.

Anne C. said...

Yay Janiece! Good job reading. :)

Tania said...

Nice comment, good job. And thank you! You have made me look even cooler to my summer intern, who is a fellow NPR geek. I had to share, told her you're the one that picked up the transmission for me.

Nathan, her speaking voice isn't the only lovely thing about Janiece. :)

Janiece said...

You guys are going to make me blush!

Hee!

Random Michelle K said...

Radio Star!
Radio Star!
Janiece Murphy is a
Radio Star!vojs

mom in northern said...

Just for the record.
There is no "Black National Anthem" That is just a figment of Rene's imagination.

"Black" is not a country.

PS..good job Poo'd. Only a Mom would notice the nervousness in your voice... :-)

vince said...

Now you have to add a link on the hairball to NPR.

I agree, you have a very nice speaking voice. Since you like audiobooks and have a good dpeaking voice, maybe you should try and be an audiobook voice. No, I'm not being snarky. I think you'd be great.

Janiece said...

Vince if I have to add one more link to the hairball, my head will explode.

So I'm thinking, "NO."

vince said...

Coward!

kimby said...

I finally got the link to work...and I agree...Your voice is WONDERFUL..and I completely agree with what you said. As someone who used to be paid to sing in public, I would NEVER think to "change it up" if I had been hired to sing something specific.

Anonymous said...

Nicely done, Janiece! Great voice!

I admit, I have mixed feelings about this sort of thing. I do agree with you that there was a contract to be fulfilled, but I'm also all for polite protest in unexpected places. Then again, I've participated in my fair share of protest marches/vigils, so my view may be skewed.