Originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008, repeated on BBC Radio 4 Extra this week and available on BBC Sounds for the next 29 days

Freedom Song

"When celebrated African-American contralto Marian Anderson was refused permission to sing at Washington's Constitution Hall in 1939, the result was a free concert at the Lincoln memorial.

75,000 people gathered to hear Anderson's solo recital.

Tony Phillips tells the story of a remarkable event where the worlds of high art and civil rights were brought together.

Produced at BBC Manchester by Ekene Akalawu.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008."