Record: Non-Secure Connection (album) .. 2020
Bright Star Cast features: Bruce Hornsby (Wurlitzer, piano, vocals); Jamila Woods (vocals); Vernon Reid (guitar); John Mailander violin), Gibb Droll (rhythm guitar); Esther Noh (violin); Stephanie Matthews (violin); Erin Wright (viola); Karen Ouzounian (cello); Jeremy Ylvisaker (guitar); Mike Lewis (bass); J.V. Collier (bass); J.T. Bates (drums)
“Bright Star Cast” was inspired by the poem “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”, written by James Weldon Johnson and put to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson (performed here by the Winston-Salem State University Choir).
From Bruce Hornsby on Apple Music:
“It’s an attempt at a civil rights anthem. I’ve tried several times in my career, or I’ve written several songs over the years inspired by the problem of race in America. This is yet another attempt. The track was for a Spike movie called [2014’s] Da Sweet Blood of Jesus. That’s why Vernon Reid is on it, the great guitarist from the band Living Colour. Spike said, ‘Hey, let’s call Vernon,’ when we were recording for the film.”
“So we got him on there, and we used him again. I called him up and said, ‘Hey, Vernon, you remember when you did that? Well, it’s now on the next record of mine.’ He enjoyed that, and we had a great visit. I wanted to do a duet here too, so a friend of ours, Eric Deines at Jagjaguwar, hooked us up with one of their artists, Jamila Woods from Chicago, a poet/singer-songwriter. She emailed me and said, ‘My dad was playing me Bruce Hornsby records when I was young, and I’m in.’”
Bright Star Cast meaning
Bruce Hornsby describes “Bright Star Cast” as an attempt at a civil rights anthem, reflecting his ongoing engagement with the issues of race in America. This perspective enriches the song’s meaning and highlights its relevance in contemporary discussions surrounding social justice.
Bruce Hornsby’s song “Bright Star Cast” explores themes of resilience, self-expression, and the collective journey of individuals, particularly in the context of the historical and cultural narratives surrounding identity and freedom. The song draws inspiration from The New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project, which examines the legacy of slavery and the ongoing impact of racism in America.
The 1619 Project reframes the history of the United States by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the center of the national narrative. In this context, “Bright Star Cast” reflects a sense of awakening and acknowledgment of the past, emphasizing the importance of recognizing struggles while striving for a brighter future.
Context
Hornsby’s acknowledgment of his efforts to address racial issues through music positions “Bright Star Cast” within a broader historical narrative. The civil rights movement sought to dismantle systemic racism and promote equality, and Hornsby’s work contributes to this discourse by emphasizing the need for awareness and action.
Civil Rights
The lyrics’ themes of resilience and collective struggle resonate with the ideals of the civil rights movement. Phrases like “we are all wanderers” and “songs louder than bombs” can be seen as calls to unity and empowerment, reflecting the spirit of activism that characterized the fight for civil rights. The determination to create “our own names, own songs, own style” embodies the essence of self-identification and reclamation of agency.
Race in America
By explicitly addressing the problem of race in America, the song contributes to a crucial dialogue about the historical and ongoing impact of racism. His desire to write songs inspired by this topic indicates a commitment to using music as a medium for social commentary. “Bright Star Cast” serves not only as a reflection of personal experiences but also as a broader commentary on the journey towards equality and justice.
Empowerment through music
Hornsby’s description of the song as an anthem suggests a call to action. Music has historically played a significant role in movements for social change, providing a voice to the voiceless and fostering a sense of community among those advocating for justice. “Bright Star Cast” aims to inspire listeners to reflect on their roles in the ongoing struggle for equality and to join in the collective efforts to address racial injustices.
In summary, “Bright Star Cast” is an earnest attempt at crafting a civil rights anthem that resonates with the ongoing struggle against racism. By drawing from historical context and personal experiences, Hornsby reinforces the importance of using art to advocate for social justice and to inspire future generations to continue the fight for equality.