Discovering the Essence of Jimi Hendrix through 'The Boy Who Kissed the Sky'

A Conversation with Divinity Roxx and Eugene H. Russell IV

Mar 28, 2023

Greetings all, on this very special episode we explore the production of "The Boy Who Kissed the Sky” with musical composers, Eugene H. Russell IV and Grammy-nominee, Divinity Roxx. While the play is not a biography of Jimi Hendrix, it is inspired by his early life, influences and music.

During the episode, we discuss how important Rock & Roll is to Black culture and can allow young artists to be more creatively free and unconstrained by the R&B label given to Black musicians.

ENJOY!!

About this episode

The musical essence of Jimi Hendrix inspired the music for the play "The Boy Who Kissed the Sky." The play is being produced by the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA from April 1st - 15th. The legacy of Jimi Hendrix is one of the most iconic in all of music history. Music composers Divinity Roxx and Eugene H. Russell IV sat down with Queue Points to discuss the inspiration behind the music in the play, the Black origins of Rock & Roll, Black rock musicians and why "The Boy Who Kissed the Sky" will inspire imagination in both children and adults.

Purchase tickets to "The Boy Who Kissed the Sky" at https://alliancetheatre.org/boywhokissedthesky

About The Boy Who Kissed The Sky

Set in the heart of Seattle to the rhythms that shaped a generation, “The Boy Who Kissed The Sky” is inspired by the early life and influences of musical icon Jimi Hendrix. In the early era of rock n roll music, we see a young Black boy conjure his creativity as a budding guitarist. Guided by the spirit of music itself, the Boy learns to find harmony inside the challenging noises of his life. Although more mythology than biography, “The Boy Who Kissed The Sky” is a celebration of our muses and the forces that pull us to be who we are. Told with vibrant music and daring imagination, this new family musical inspires us to dream big when it matters most. Commissioned by Seattle Children’s Theatre in partnership with Alliance Theatre, this highly theatrical play by Idris Goodwin celebrates all the young artists who follow their muse.

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Divinity Roxx Biography

Divinity Roxx (Composer) is a Grammy-nominated American recording artist, composer, and musician, with four solo albums (Ain’t No Other Way, 2003, The Roxx Boxx Experience, 2012, ImPossible, 2016, Ready Set Go!, 2021). In addition to her own work, she is well known for touring and performing with Beyoncé Knowles (2006–2011) as her bassist and Musical Director.

Eugene H. Russell IV Biography

Eugene H. Russell IV (Composer / Music Director) is an Atlanta native, Tennessee State University alumnus, and proud Girl Dad. An accomplished musician/composer whose single “What If” can be found on all streaming platforms, Eugene IV wrote the music for the Alliance Theatre’s animated films Sit-In and Curious Cardinal as well as their stage production of Beautiful Blackbird. He recently composed the music for Turn-Up, a play cowritten with his wife for St. Louis Black Rep. As both a vocalist and saxophonist for countless bands, Eugene has opened for the likes of George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, & Boyz II Men.