Finding Beauty and Resilience: Nnenna Freelon’s Journey Through Grief and Self-Revelation
Nnenna Freelon, a celebrated jazz vocalist, architect, and advocate, has spent a lifetime creating beauty in the world. From her impactful design work – including contributions to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture – to her decades-long music career, Freelon’s influence is undeniable. However, recent years brought profound personal loss, sparking a journey of self-discovery that culminated in her deeply moving new book and album, Beneath the Skin.
This isn’t just another artistic project; it’s a testament to resilience, self-love, and the power of embracing your authentic self, even – and especially – in the face of unimaginable grief.
Navigating Loss and Redefining Identity
Freelon experienced a cascade of heartbreaking losses. Her husband,architect Phil Freelon,passed away in 2019. Just six months later, she lost her sister, debbie, to lung cancer, and shortly after, her beloved dog, Basie, also died.
These events forced Freelon to confront a fundamental question: who is she without the people who defined so much of her adult life? She recalls a pivotal moment during the COVID-19 lockdown, looking in the mirror and wondering, “Is this what a widow looks like?”
This introspection revealed a powerful truth. Grief isn’t separate from our sense of self and beauty; it’s inextricably linked. Freelon emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-love, notably when navigating life as someone who has experienced significant loss.
“we are not less beautiful,” she asserts, “but we have to learn to love ourselves by ourselves.”
Beneath the skin: A Multifaceted Exploration of Healing
Beneath the Skin is a unique offering – both a book and an album born from the same creative impulse. Freelon describes the projects as arriving “almost at the same time,” the result of three years of dedicated work. She also hosted the podcast Great Grief during this period, further exploring the complexities of loss.
The work isn’t meant to be consumed in one sitting. Instead,it’s designed to be savored,offering a variety of entry points:
* Meditations: Moments for quiet reflection.
* Poems: Expressive explorations of emotion.
* Recipes: Nourishment for the body and soul.
* Improvisations: Embracing spontaneity and freedom.
* Essays: Personal narratives and insights.
Within these diverse elements lies a “rainbow of emotions,” a testament to the multifaceted nature of grief and healing. Importantly, the process reignited Freelon’s passion for singing.
Celebrating Black Beauty with “Dark and Lovely”
Beneath the Skin encourages us to look beyond superficiality.The album features a stunning collection of songs, but one track stands out as particularly poignant: ”Dark and lovely.”
Freelon wrote the song as an ode to her three granddaughters, recognizing a lack of depiction of Black girls and women in the jazz world. She wanted to celebrate their “sun-stained” beauty and instill in them a sense of self-worth.
“You’ve got to get them when thay’re young, before they decide that they’re not enough,” Freelon explains. “Dark and Lovely” is a powerful affirmation: “You are dark skinned, gorgeous, and beautiful, just as you are.”
Embracing Fullness and Authenticity
Despite the pain that fueled its creation, Freelon initially doubted she would ever sing again. Though, the act of recording Beneath the Skin proved liberating.
She relished the possibility to write her own stories, to explore themes of life, family, aging, and change after a career largely focused on interpreting standards. This record, she hopes, is a portrait of a woman in her fullness – unapologetic, content, and grateful for the journey, bumps and all.
Freelon’s story is a powerful reminder that beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity, resilience, and the courage to embrace your whole self, even in the midst of profound loss. It’s a message that resonates deeply,offering hope and
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