We are incredibly excited to announce the release of “Beneath the Skin of Sorrow: Improvisations on Loss,” the profound and moving new book by our very own, the incomparable Nnenna Freelon. Published by Duke University Press, this book is not just a memoir; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art in the face of unimaginable grief.

In “Beneath the Skin of Sorrow,” Nnenna shares her deeply personal journey through a period of profound loss. Within six months, she experienced the passing of her beloved husband of nearly forty years, Phil Freelon, her sister Debbie, and even her family dog, Basie. In the wake of these compounding losses, Nnenna found herself adrift, losing the ability to read, sing, and improvise—the very essence of her being as a celebrated jazz vocalist and composer.

But as Nnenna beautifully illustrates, grief, like jazz, can be a canvas for improvisation. Drawing on the lifelong skills she honed in her illustrious forty-year career, she began to navigate her new reality by embracing small, daily engagements with the world. This lyrical and elegiac memoir, woven with essays, poems, lyrics, and explorations of jazz standards, reveals how Nnenna slowly reclaimed her musical sensibility and forged a new companionship between grief, art, and daily life. It’s a powerful message that grief isn’t something to be overcome, but rather something we can learn to coexist with creatively.

Critics are already hailing “Beneath the Skin of Sorrow” as a compelling and extraordinary work:

“Nnenna Freelon’s resonant and skilled voice sings through this genre-bending, profoundly performative text. As she explores with passion and sorrow the multifaceted spaces of grief—a subject that becomes more and more a part of our national discourse—she has crafted a compelling, elegant, and extraordinary book.” – Karla FC Holloway  

“This deeply learned, uniquely beautiful book is full of brilliant insights into the deep philosophical and spiritual dimensions of grief and its relationship to creativity by one of our foremost artists.” – Farah Jasmine Griffin

We are incredibly proud of Nnenna for her courage, her honesty, and her artistry in sharing such an intimate and inspiring story.

“Beneath the Skin of Sorrow” is available now! You can purchase the hardcover edition, or find it as an e-book on Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Google Play.

For those eager to connect with Nnenna and experience her wisdom and artistry firsthand, she is available for book signings in conjunction with her live concerts. This is a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the themes of her book and witness the improvisational spirit that defines her work.

Stay tuned to our channels for updates on Nnenna’s upcoming concert dates and book signing opportunities! Don’t miss the chance to read this extraordinary book and perhaps even meet the remarkable woman behind its powerful message.