Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1474185
The amazing music roots of Pleasant Hill FROM LEONTINE FIELDS ESPY TO LITTLE RICHARD, PUT YOUR EAR TO THE GROUND AND HEAR TAMBOURINES, FOOT STOMPS AND THE SHOUTS THAT LAUNCHED LEGENDS BY GEORGE FADIL MUHAMMAD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DSTO MOORE T he Pleasant Hill Neighborhood is one of Macon's traditional reservoirs of dark matter for creating stars of musical greatness. The brilliance and far-reaching influence of Little Richard Penniman is like the above water portion of an iceberg that extends unseen deep into the ocean or the body of a tall tree with roots equal or even greater in depth extending down into the earth. The rich African roots of formerly enslaved people settled in that area has embodied a spiritual and life survival music culture that has nurtured the emotion and expression of its people. RICH ROOTS For over a century, Pleasant Hill has spawned and magnetized artistic activity, notably music, far and wide. A phenomenal community blending a culture of innate creativity with the advent of many notable educational institutions emerging within its mile-by-a-mile dimensions, the neighborhood has been progressive, traditionally. According to Washington Library Archivist Muriel Jackson, Mamie Clemons Music Conservatory cultivated the talents of youth in the area during the 1930s and 40s. "It had two locations and trained many in piano and violin," Jackson said. "Many of the pianists who played at the various churches throughout Pleasant Hill studied there." Outstanding musicians like the prominent and widely respected bandleader Gladys Williams performed at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, and Little Richard played at many churches as well. ABOVE: YOUNG "BUDDY" BARRON, A 70-YEAR RESIDENT OF PLEASANT HILL, SANG IN THE NEW HOPE GOSPEL SINGERS IN THE 1940S. MACON MUSIC PROJECT PHOTO. 78 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2022