Nov 15, 2022 - Politics

The late Rep. John Lewis gets a song credit

Cover art for NOW song by Juan Winans and Lalah Hathaway

Photo: Courtesy of Juan Winans

The late Atlanta Congressman John Lewis — who died of cancer in 2020 — had many titles: civil rights icon, activist, a three-decade veteran legislator and author.

  • Now he's listed as an artist on a song that features his voice.

Driving the news: Musicians Juan Winans and Lalah Hathaway secured permission from Lewis' estate to include clips of his speech at the 1963 March on Washington in their new song: "NOW."

What they're saying: "There are many great songs but 'NOW' is a great AND important song, because it incorporates and reminds us of the Congressman's timeless message of love and equality," Winans said in a statement.

Of note: Winans' family — known as the 'First Family of Gospel' — has close ties to Lewis'. His uncles, BeBe and Marvin Winans performed an original song inspired by the congressman at Lewis' funeral two years ago.

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