The House I Live in: Josh White’s America

Born right here in Greenville, Josh White grew up leading blind street musicians through the Upstate before rising to national fame in the 1930s and ’40s. He became the first Black artist to sell a million records, shared stages with Billie Holiday, Woody Guthrie, and Duke Ellington at legendary New York venues like Café Society (the nation’s first integrated nightclub) and became a pioneer of the civil rights movement before the House Un-American Activities Committee tried to silence him.

Now, his story is coming home in our first “full production”, complete with costumes, scenery, lighting, and choreography. If you’ve loved our music-stand readings, you’ll go crazy for our World Premiere production in the FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED Cristal Palace!

Three Years. One Community. A Story Only Greenville Could Tell.

SCNPF commissioned award-winning playwright Donnetta Lavinia Grays and spent three years facilitating original research and interviews with Josh White’s family members, local historians, and Greenville community leaders to create a work rooted in the real voices of the people who knew him and the city that shaped him.

Directed by Tamilla Woodard · Musical Direction by Wesley Hix

Josh White’s Guitar Returns to Sigal Music Museum!

From July 10 through August 10, Josh White’s 1943 Martin 00-21 guitar will be on display on the second floor of the museum. Come take advantage of this rare opportunity to see the guitar Josh White played for most of his career!