In Conversation With Titus Underwood

Titus Underwood is changing perceptions- perceptions of what it means to be black, what is expected of a classical musician, and even what is considered classical music.  The Emmy Award-winning artist is the principal oboist for the Nashville Symphony, he’s acted as acting principal for numerous orchestras, he’s a sought-after soloist and educator, and he recently won the Sphinx Excellence award!  His video, A Tale of Tails brings to light the dual identity that many successful African Americans feel in society and shows that you can have more than one identity.  Other great works include his production of Lift Every Voice, which was in response to the killing of George Floyd, as well as We Are Nashville, which earned him the Midsouth Regional Emmy.

His body of work as an artist transcends just being only a musician as he truly embodies the meaning of the word creative.  It was a pleasure to sit down and talk to him, and perhaps one day I’ll have the pleasure to even do some work with him!  I hope everyone will enjoy listening to this interview as much as I had speaking to this amazing artist.

For further details on Titus visit:

• Titusunderwood.com
• A Tale of Two Tails
• Instagram
• Facebook

Photo credit @plantainplantpants @YNOT_images

About Author

Darryl Yokley

Saxophonist Darryl Yokley came onto the New York scene in 2009 and has established himself as a unique voice with his playing and composing. Whether he is performing locally or internationally, he is always looking to communicate to audiences no matter what genre it is. Yokley has performed for music legend Quincy Jones as well playing with Motown legends The Four Tops, The Temptations, The O’ Jays and singer-songwriter Rhonda Ross. He performs as a classical soloist and chamber music and leads his own jazz quartet, Sound Reformation,
which is comprised of Zaccai Curtis on piano, Luques Curtis on bass, and Wayne Smith Jr. on drums.

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