We live in a world so divided. While there are many of us who are trying to make this world a better place, some days it feels like evil is winning out.

That is why I am so grateful for Actor and Singer Elmore James who has been bringing people of all backgrounds together while performing in the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene's Soul to Soul concerts since its inception.

Soul to Soul explores the intersections between Yiddish and African-American musical folk traditions. What makes this year's concert so special is that it is taking place in the very synagogue where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his The Future of Integration speech in 1957.

In this interview, Elmore answered my call to share:

• How he originally became part of Soul to Soul
• What audiences can expect to hear
• How he feels the concert has expanded throughout the years
• What song he is most excited to perform
• So much more

Soul to Soul 2025 will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 7pm EST at the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in NYC! Click here for tickets!

The featured vocalists are Elmore James, Magda Fishman, Lisa Fishman and Sam McKelton. Making special appearances will be Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres and social activist Peter A. Geffen who worked for Dr. King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the summers of ‘65 and ‘66.

Elmore James, Photo Courtesy of Elmore James

1. Who or what inspired you to become a performer? Before I was old enough to go to school, I used to watch reruns of I Love Lucy on television and became captivated by her comedic genius ability. I became inspired to become a comedic actor, as well. That idea became a desire later to become an actor.

2. This January you will be starring in the cross-cultural concert Soul to Soul which explores the intersections between Yiddish and African-American musical folk traditions. Before we get to this year's show, let's go back to the beginning for a moment because you have been starring in this concert series since its inception. How did you come to be part of it? When I wanted to learn a Yiddish song that I heard Paul Robeson sing on a recording, I was sent to Zalmen Mlotek, the artistic director of the National Yiddish Theatre, who was so happy that I wanted to learn to sing in Yiddish. The idea was his originally, and I was thrilled to do it.  

3. How do you feel the Soul to Soul concerts have evolved over the years? We originally started with three singers and later added a fourth, as the repertoire was expanded. The more we perform these songs, the deeper and more profound our connection becomes to the spirit of the music.

4. For audiences who have never been to this concert, what can they expect to hear? Beautiful, plaintive and spirited melodies that pay tribute to a time when the alliance between Blacks and Jews was at its height in the last half of the twentieth century.

5. What are you looking forward to most about 2025's concert? I’ve been looking forward to performing this show for more of my family and friends who have never been impacted by its message.

6. Soul to Soul 2025 concert is taking place at the very synagogue where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his "The Future of Integration" speech. What does it mean to you to be performing this concert in such a historic building? I am proud to have an opportunity to perform there.

L to R: Tony Perry, Magda Fishman, Elmore James
Soul to Soul 2016, Photo Courtesy National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene

7. What are some similarities you see between Yiddish and African-American music? All you have to do is listen to the music of someone like Cab Calloway or listen to jazzy sounds of klezmer music and you’ll immediately get the connection.

8. What song(s) are you looking forward to performing the most? All of them.

9. Why are you excited to sing this particular song(s)? The song Es Brent really captures what both Jews and Blacks share when it comes to being persecuted by violent and hateful groups.

10. What is something we didn't get to discuss in this interview that you'd like my audience to know about you? Jewish people played a tremendous role in launching my performing career and one of the biggest reasons that I do these concerts is to give back to the people who helped me so much.

Elmore James

More on Elmore James:

Elmore James has spent a lifetime in the theater as an actor, Broadway musical performer, international opera singer, and director. He has performed at all the major musical venues in New York City, including the Metropolitan Opera House and Carnegie Hall, as well as in the opera houses of Europe.