Born in Torrington, his truth is marching on…
A community art project celebrating John Brown’s passion for equality
Updates, musings, and probably a lot of videos from the John Brown Project.
An Award-Winning Documentary Film Project
The John Brown Project was recognized as one of the Connecticut League of History Organizations’ 2023 Awards of Merit for the film and supporting explainer videos .
His Truth Is Marching On was publicly unveiled to a resounding standing ovation at The Five Points Arts Center, Oct 22, 2022
The 30-minute musical documentary covers the twists, turns, and evolutionary phases of American music from 1619 to hip-hop, as told through the popular civil war song, ”John Brown’s Body.”
Jacque Williams (left) and Dan Morrison (right) address the audience at the premiere screening on His Truth is Marching On.
The Story Behind The Community Art Project
Culture 4 A Cause spearheaded an initiative to produce a song, music video, and documentary short film for “John Brown’s Body,” the song that became “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Torrington is the birthplace of John Brown, an important American abolitionist who inspired the song, which was popular among Union soldiers.
John Brown was a relentless antagonist to the institution of slavery—an institution that continues to shape our nation—and his views were formed right here in Torrington.
In the video, Dan Morrison explains the thinking behind the project: what, how, and why we did it.
MUSIC VIDEOS
Two excerpts of the musical documentary short film, His Truth Is Marching On
A film excerpt showing where the blues came from and how it sounds.
A film excerpt showing where rock came from and how it sounds.
His Truth Is Marching On Film and Music credits
Musicians, in order of appearance:
Clifton Matias (Kichwa/Taino) (Flute)
Rev Angaza Mwando (djembe)
Enzo (vocals, Chorus Angelicus)
Guy Wolff (banjo)
Barbara McGavern (vocals)
Torrington High School Marching Band
Chorus Angelcus’ Gaudeamus
(bass/tenor quintet)
Charles Bickford (guitar)
Ysanne Marshal (vocals)
Johnny Davis (piano)
Mick Connolly (bass and drums)
Chorus Angelicus (full choir)
Darlene Battle (vocals)
Keith Leak & New Mercies (vocals)
Lucinda Rowe (vocals)
Mick Connolly (vocals, guitar, bass, and drums)
Jacque Williams (vocals, rap)
Peter Pobuda (rap)
Enzo (vocals, Chorus Angelicus)
Partial funding provided by:
The Connecticut Office of the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts
City of Torrington
Torrington Savings Bank
Toth Insurance Agency
Individual Financial Contributors:
Nora Sullivan
Mary Leblanc
Rachel Harrel
Thompzin Tilley
Jennine Lupo
Daniel Yanok
Anonymous (x8)
Tinsley Morrison
Chris Weydeveld
Annelieke Schauer
Nancy McMillan
Mary Parker
Margaret Capen
Nancy Weitz
Stephanie Barksdale
Daniel Morrison
