Interview with Aja Graydon

Object Details

Creator
Anacostia Community Museum
Scope and Contents
Singer Aja Graydon from 'Kindred The Family Soul' talks about her earliest memories singing and performing, including her participation in a DC youth theater program called CUE (Children Urban Ensemble). Early in her life, she thought she would pursue theater arts and then Broadway; she did not realize she would be a R & B singer. She talks about the creativity generated when she played outside in her neighborhood growing up. Graydon states 'Kindred The Family Soul,' created with husband Fatin Dantzler, brings together the styles of Philadelphia and DC music. She describes the duos music, which is about family and togetherness. She talks about coming up with the title for 'Kindred The Family Soul.' Graydon describes her musical style and creative process, and what creativity means to her. As a mother of six, Graydon explains how she balances motherhood and the creation of music, and gives advice for other creative mothers who say they do not have time to pursue their creativity. She talks about how she fosters individual creativity in her family and provides the opportunity for her children to learn and discover on their own. Graydon also states she is a person who craves interaction of all kinds, talks about her musical inspirations, and sings one of her songs.
Interview. Dated 20110510.
Date
2011
Extent
1 Video recording (MiniDV)
Type
Archival materials
Video recordings
Interviews
Topic
African Americans
African American musicians
Musicians
Civic leaders
Communities
Place
Anacostia (Washington, D.C.)
Washington (D.C.)
United States
Collection Rights
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Citation
Interview with Aja Graydon, Anacostia Community Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution.
Identifier
ACMA.01-007.16, Item ACMA AV005213
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