ABOUT SPARKY AND RHONDA RUCKER: Sparky and Rhonda's music includes a variety of old-time blues, Appalachian music, slave songs, and spirituals as well as originals, and they accompany themselves with fingerstyle picking and bottleneck blues guitar, blues harmonica, old-time banjo, piano, spoons, and bones. The Ruckers also weave American history, traditional storytelling, and humor into their concerts, and they have been featured tellers at the International Storytelling Center and Festival. Over forty years of performing, Sparky and Rhonda have performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival as well as NPR's On Point, Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, and Morning Edition. Their recording, Treasures & Tears, was nominated for a W.C. Handy Award, and their music is also included on the Grammy-nominated anthology, Singing Through the Hard Times. LET FREEDOM RING - What People Are Saying... Let Freedom Ring, the latest effort from the remarkable Sparky and Rhonda Rucker, is a collection of familiar freedom songs, union and traditional tunes, as well as two of Rhonda's originals woven in. And it all works, because Sparky and Rhonda believe - and live - this music. From the Civil Rights movement and anti-Vietnam-war days of the 1960s to the present, Sparky Rucker has been singing songs for change. When Rhonda joined him, they embarked on a journey that is documented through many of these songs. The theme of freedom flows through every tune, whether freedom to find love, to register to vote, to join a union, or to get along with one's neighbor. However, what makes this CD even more special is the exquisite way in which Sparky and Rhonda present them on this recording. The songs are tender when they should be, driving when appropriate, and always inspiring. The cover drawing pictures Sparky and Rhonda looking out on the Washington Mall, with the point of view that Martin Luther King had in August 1963 when he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Sparky was a student at the University of Tennessee in 1968 when Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis. When I listened to Let Freedom Ring, I thought of that April night so many years ago and how proud Dr. King might have been to hear the way Sparky and Rhonda lovingly crafted this collection of freedom songs for those who did not necessarily live through those times. And also for those of us who did. ~ Wanda Fischer, Host of "The Hudson River Sampler" WAMC-FM, Albany, NY Sparky and Rhonda's new CD, "Let Freedom Ring", contains mostly solid older songs, with an emphasis on freedom and love. Included, are two lovely original songs written by Rhonda. The music is presented in a straightforward way, using spirited supporting singers. The songs come across with an engaging and inviting freshness. It's a most enjoyable album! ~ Ray Baumler, WRUR, Rochester, NY If the body of America is its land, then its soul is the long struggle to extend freedom to more of its people. Let Freedom Ring is a celebration of America's soul. These beautiful songs are a mixture of old and new. They include songs of abolition, Civil War, and suffrage days (Wade in the Water, Marching Through Georgia, Uncle Sam's Daughter), statements of confrontation (Which Side Are You On?, We Shall Not Be Moved); classics about labor (Sylvie), love (Corrina, Corrina) and hope (Midnight Special); two lovely new songs (Living River, Circle of Love); familiar movement songs (Oh Freedom, Hold On, We Shall Overcome); and a seldom heard but wonderfully pointed song about how the dogs of warring neighbors just want to have fun together (Dog, Dog). Sparky and Rhonda Rucker are deeply rooted in America's freedom struggles. Sparky's civil rights work goes back to 'the day' – Tennessee in the 1960's. Their mentors, Guy and Candy Carawan of the Highlander Folk School, are legends in the music of the movement, and neighbors even today. Sparky's guitar has a free-wheeling but relaxed authority. Rhonda's harmonica, banjo and keyboard work has the same feeling, and they complement each other perfectly. Sit back, listen, and enjoy these songs of our soul. ~ Charles Collyer, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, University of Rhode Island Co-founder, Zepp Center for Nonviolence and Peace Education, Westminster, MD From the first cut of “We Shall Not Be Moved,” Sparky and Rhonda Rucker sing and play the songs that resonate in my heart and reverberate in my soul. As we speed past the 50th anniversary of The March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the songs of this album are a clarion reminder that music strengthens our resolves to realize our dreams of peace, equality and justice. From the traditional to their own, the songs showcase their social consciousness…. They deliver the songs of social action in a manner that brings back the marching days, whether the days of the Civil War or the days of the Civil Rights Movement…. Several of the cuts provide wonderful opportunities for singing along…. Goosebumps is a mild description of what “We Shall Overcome” gives when they gather friends and family, delivering strength and solidarity. Along with the good old songs, Rhonda’s song writing shines in some beautiful songs, including the soothing “Living River, ” the suffragette “Uncle Sam’s Daughter,” and the sensitive ”Circle of Love.” These are songs that will be sung by many in the years to come…. This is the most significant new album on my music player. Others may be entertaining, but nothing beats Let Freedom Ring for inspiration and motivation, as well as entertainment! ~ David Winship, Appalachian Peace and Education Center, VA