Category: In Memorium

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Remembering Rosco Robinson

Roscoe Robinson, born May 22, 1928 passed on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Robinson continued to sing and record even at 92. Born in Dermott, Arkansas to a musical family, Robinson’s father was a minister and his mother sang spirituals and he had sisters, one of whom taught music, and thus began a long and ongoing career in the gospel field joined in the 1960’s with a parallel career in RnB. Roscoe was 90 when he spoke with The Birmingham Black Radio Museum, the oral history recorded in his home in Birmingham. With his words, he painted a vivid picture of his time in many cities and with many gospel quartets as well as offering insights into the recording industry of his time.

Obituary on al.com

Read and listen to Roscoe Robinson’s Oral History at The Birmingham Black Radio Museum.

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Remembering Ms. Lee Bell Johnson, “Our Mahalia”

Birmingham Black Radio Museum Director Bob Friedman and Ms. Lee Bell Johnson in 2011

An extraordinary thing happened to me Monday January 27th.  I, along with many others in a small Bessemer community, attended the going home ceremony at Macedonia Baptist Church in Bessemer for Ms. Lee Bell Johnson, known very affectionately locally as “Our Mahalia,” referring to her singing and the extraordinary gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.

Ms. Lee Bell passed at the age of 91, and back in 2011, graced the microphones of the Birmingham Black Radio Museum (BBRM) with her oral history and some wonderful singing.

As we sat through the service, the time for “messages” arrived but before anyone rose to speak…on the Macedonia Baptist Church screen above the pulpit, a video began with my voice and a title, Bob Friedman, Birmingham Black Radio Museum. I was stunned. And there followed part of my conversation with Lee Bell, how she grew up, and how she loved singing. It was very moving. The congregation loved it.

I was able to meet many of her family from here in Bessemer and Detroit.  The images and voice on the “message” were captured online at our web site (thebbrm.org/item/101) by a member of the church and produced for the service.

That experience brought home what we have been talking about at the BBRM for years… the value to the community when the archival/history work of an individual or a region is community-based…useful…a tool for bringing folks together. Lee Bell is missed, but also, just a click away. 

– Bob Friedman, Director

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Two Courageous Fighters for Civil and Human Rights Pass On

Remembering Civil Rights icon Rev. C. T. Vivian by 11Alive

The staff, Director and Board of the Birmingham Black Radio Museum share our profound sadness at the passing of two great Americans, Rev. C. T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis. It is hoped that our community will continue to gain strength and insight from their courage.

Sincerely,

Emily Bibb, Ennis Bragg, Bob Friedman, Willamena Richardson, Min. Gwendolyn Cook Webb