BY: Denver Sean
Published 10 years ago
Beyoncé released an incredible behind-the-scenes video of her preparation for her Grammy performance of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” during the show’s ‘Selma’ tribute.
Bey explains,
“My grandparents marched with Dr. King. My grandfather was a part of the first generation that attended the all-white school. My father has grown up with a alot of trauma from those experiences. I feel like now I can sing for his pain, I can sing for my grandparents pain. I can sing for some of the families that have lost their sons.”
In the clip, the African-American men chosen to sing behind her during the performance each take turns sharing their personal experiences in dealing with racism, what the song means to them, and much more.
In related news, Ledisi is speaking out in response to the controversy caused by Beyoncé’s performance. If you didn’t know, Ledisi played gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the movie ‘Selma’ and her rendition of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” was highlighted in the film.
When it was announced that there would be a ‘Selma’ tribute featuring John Legend & Common at the Grammys, many thought Ledisi would get the honor of singing the song as she did in the film — but instead that honor went to Beyoncé and many felt it was a major snub.
If you know the Beyhive, there’s been an onslaught of chatter, shade, and defense over the last few days — but Ledisi says she’s not bothered by the fact Bey was chosen to sing the song.
She tells Entertainment Tonight:
“I don’t have a clue [why I’m not singing it.] But I will say, and what I’m excited about, is that I had the pleasure of playing an iconic figure in Selma, and the song, ‘Take My Hand, Precious Lord,’ it’s been going on forever – starting with the queen Mahalia [Jackson], the queen of soul Aretha Franklin, then, I was able to portray and sing my version of the song, and now we have Beyonce. Her generation will now know the song, so I’m a part of history. I’d rather look at it like that instead of looking at it as a negative. To me it’s a great honor to be part of a great song by Thomas Dorsey.”
According to John Legend, Beyoncé asked to sing the song herself — and you just don’t say no to Beyoncé.
Watch Ledisi on it below. Also, if you missed Bey’s performance you can watch it as well.