We can’t wait for you to hear Ledisi on Dec. 5 at the Apollo for The Root 100 awards show. Tickets are still on sale. If you’ve never heard her powerful voice, which is hard to believe, we wanted to give you a taste of her greatness with our analysis of one of the most iconic performances of all times. Just know we warned you. Now sit back, read, listen and enjoy!
When you get four singers like Ledisi, Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius and Jill Scott together, you know you’re going to get something special. When these artists came together for a powerful performance of Nina Simone’s “Four Women” at the 2010 Black Girls Rock Awards, it wasn’t just special it was iconic.
It’s not just that they’re four of the best singers in the world, it’s the way they use their voices. They’re artists who are telling an intricately crafted story through their impeccable vocals. Frankly, our words can’t do them justice, but we’re going to attempt to analyze their spectacular talent anyway, because it’s so damn good, we can’t contain ourselves.
Price begins the song with rich, deep enunciation on “My skin is Black / My arms are long.” She’s providing the foundation of the performance. If this song is a skyscraper, she’s the base for everyone else’s work. And there’s no question that her vocals are strong enough to support what’s coming.
Ambrosius’ unique vocals draw us into the story of the song. She uses her signature vibrato to indicate the emotional depth of the lyrics. The former Floetry singer does things with her voice that can’t be duplicated. She’s a storyteller on stage and the way she extends the line on “Saffronia” is like a “To be continued” into Scott’s segment. We haven’t reached the crescendo yet, but she lets us know it’s definitely coming and it’s going to blow us away.
The way Jill Scott flawlessly controls her voice, the ebbs and flows of how she captivates the audience are magical. Listening to her is like being led down a river. It’s so beautiful, it’s easy to get lost in how it envelops you. However, the minute you forget how powerful it is, a wave crashes in to remind you. Scott is also brilliant at letting a song breathe. Yes, she takes us to great heights, but she never rushes the trip. She allows the song to lead the way.
As if she just couldn’t wait to get her shit off, Ledisi kicks in the door with “My skin is brown.” She proceeds to manhandle the song with a gorgeous confidence that cannot be ignored or denied. She’s basically putting her foot on the track’s neck.
After each woman takes the opportunity to shine—simultaneously weaving together a complete arc and making their individual segments uniquely theirs—we get the breathtaking collaboration we’ve been waiting for. It feels like the power of every Black woman is held in the strength of their chorus. Then, each woman gets one more chance in the spotlight, before Ledisi delivers her final note knockout blow.
This performance is just a straight up vocal masterclass. From control, to technique, to stage presence, to storytelling, it’s pure perfection. It’s an immaculate display of talent that can’t be duplicated. It’s a comfort clip guaranteed to make you smile anytime you watch it.