Happy 2026 ... WITH A TWIST!
I wish you and yours the happiest of new years!
We all remember exactly where we were and what we were doing at certain moments in history. It’s a weird hodgepodge …
For me, there is the moment I learned of Dr. King’s assassination, watching his funeral, watching Robert F. Kennedy’s funeral train and ceremony in Washington DC, the Kent State shooting, the Chris Chambliss Playoff-ending home run, the Bucky Dent home run, the Lorenzo Charles NCAA-winning shot, Nelson Mandela’s release, Mandela’s City Hall visit, the first World Trade Center terrorist attack, the 9/11 terrorist attack, Barack Obama accepting the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination, Obama’s General Election Victory, the Clinton loss to Trump, the Biden victory over Trump, the January 6th Insurrection (which must never be forgotten), the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack, the Harris loss to Trump, and too many moments since Inauguration Day 2025 – culminating in the outrageous and ongoing Venezuela debacle.
So, this year, in addition to wanting Trumpocracy gone and a better future for my sons, I am reminded daily of why I write songs: history and people. How do you view the arc of history? How does history influence your life? Do you want to tell stories? Write songs!!! 😊
What makes this New Year different from all other new years?
I have released a 58-minute album of music I am proud of – music that only scratches the surface of the creative turmoil within my soul. I am already using this collection of 11 works as a tool of relaxation and remembrance – and as a tool to recapture and refocus “joy” as an act of resistance!
The music of Preacher Man – Vol. 1 may not have the same impact on anyone else, but I can face 2026 with new strength because I can hum, sing and dance to my own anthems – and I want to share them. Join me! You can read my lyrics and get background details about every song on this page.
From the few “stats” we are collecting, it appears that people are beginning to pay attention to the album and its songs! If you access music through streaming services, please search for Chris Oledude and listen to a song today! 😊 [ SPOTIFY; APPLE/iTUNES; SOUNDCLOUD; YOUTUBE ]
For January, we released RAINBOW SOUL to celebrate the new energy needed in this new year, and to stand up to Trumpocracy by celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy! Remember, “there’s a rainbow in our souls” and that is our light and strength in this battle against evil! (What song should we highlight in February?)
If you have already obtained a copy of the full album (digital or CD) or singles, please accept my heartfelt thanks! If you want a copy, then please CLICK HERE to make your selection. (All the songs remain “on sale.” You can’t find better prices for new music anywhere.) If you want to read more about me and the music, then CLICK HERE for music reviews and CLICK HERE for interviews that have been collected so far.
It looks like I may be giving a short performance this February in Harlem. Stay tuned for the details!
The Peoples’ Voice Cafe has several great performances coming up this month, including the annual celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy that includes my son, Elijah!
CLICK HERE to review the schedule and get tickets.
I have become very involved again with the People’s Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle.
I first joined in 1984, believe it or not. This organization is an important cultural and political resource for me, the musical artists I know, and for you as well.
From January 23rd through January 25th, a wonderful Winter Gathering of the People’s Music Network will take place here in New York City!
I encourage you to attend all or part of this inspirational event. Join us!!! There will be great workshops, a great concert, great energy and great company! If you are an artist yourself, know that you are encouraged and welcome to make yourself known to us and share your work with new audiences, starting with this Gathering. We have two Gatherings every year plus numerous on-line song-sharing and performance opportunities.
By the way, I am co-leading a hybrid workshop (in-person and virtual) at this Gathering The topic? MAKING AN ALBUM! My co-host, California-based Eric Law, has recorded several albums.
Your registration fee covers the food you will eat on-site at the Central Park East II school in East Harlem (1st Ave & E. 101st St). Please note that we don’t want cost to prevent your attendance, so contact us if you need some financial assistance to attend. (If you are traveling to NYC for the Gathering, we might be able to provide a “home stay” so you don’t have to incur hotel costs, and we might also be able to help with travel. Please contact us ASAP.)
I really hope that you will consider participating in the Gathering, whether in-person, virtual or both.
