MLK Meets Inauguration Day Concert

By Roger Paradiso

On January 18, the Peoples Voice Café and producer Chris Owens presented a concert honoring Martin Luther King at the Judson Memorial Church. Chris premiered his newest musical work, Difficult Days, two days before King’s birthday and the inauguration of President Trump.

“PVC marks the MLK holiday every year,” he explained, “but every year there is a different flavor as we ask what Dr. King would say about where we are today and how his legacy could or will impact the choices that each of us makes going forward.”

“In 2024, I presented a concert built around my own compositions – complete with a musical ensemble and small choir. This year is different. As we grapple with the reality and implications of last November’s national election, I felt it was important for many voices to define how we celebrate this important holiday. Our society and the world at large is confused, fearful and fractured. This combination leads to social infections.”

“I went with the very diversity so many people attack. It is hard work to bring people together and heal, but we must do it … and let it begin with music and Dr. King’s legacy.”

Most of his songs reflect his interest in social justice. Titles include If A Woman Had Made The World, Man O’War and Save The Children. During the 1980s, Chris pursued a music career without commercial success.

In 1990, he married Sandra Dixon and they had two sons. Over the years, music became a casual hobby. The family’s lives changed forever when cancer took Sandra’s life in 2019. Months later, COVID disrupted the world and especially independent artists.

“I turned to music to cope with my feelings, Chris said. “I wrote My Tower, George Floyd and Orange Blues in 2020 and released them commercially using the stage name “Chris Oledude.”

In 2021, Chris retired from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office and rearranged his priorities to take care of his sons and his music career. But the world and the music business had changed. Despite increasing access to material for consumers, music streaming had decimated revenue for songwriters and performers.

Like many other indie artists Chris had trouble cutting through the noise created by marketing and promotional mega dollars for major stars and companies. “Streaming is a disaster for all creatives,” he said. “If the economics are going to improve, folks in each industry need to take more collective action to change the marketplace. Artists like Taylor Swift have the star power to dictate music business terms. Most of us do not!”

Chris reflected further. “I admit I am labeled as an independent artist who is aging out and social-media-challenged. But I continue creating because, at this point in my life, it’s really about getting good music with important messages out in the world. You don’t get rich on social justice songs.”

“I am now enjoying critical success as an award-winning music video producer, and I have plans to release two albums by the summer.”

For more information on Chris “Oledude” Owens, go to https://oledudesongs.com/