• Track Listing

"Bill Harley has the uncanny ability to reaffirm life for listeners, be they five or fifty. Humor, empathy, intelligence and reality all radiate from his work and from him." - Penguin Books A Grammy award winning artist, Bill uses song and story paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR's All Things Considered and featured on PBS. Harley joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and tours nationwide as an author and performing artist. Praise for I'm Gonna Let It Shine: A Gathering of Voices for Freedom In a featured review, Entertainment Weekly said: "53 minutes of transcendent a cappella music... If Shine where merely the sum of it's good intentions, it would be worth buying. But it's more. Listening to these powerful songs of oppression and rebellion, you'll be reminded that throughout history, freedom has been the exception, not the rule...a splendid collection." We Like Kids, KTOO-FM, Juneau, Alaska says "WOW! I'm Gonna Let It Shine is more than a collection of songs...it's a chance to re-experience the feelings and emotions of the struggle for freedom. Incredible and full-sound. If you're not singing along by the first tune, you will be by the second!" Noted folk-musician, Pete Seeger, says "...some of the best songs for the singingest movement this country has ever had...this is a great new recording showing how young and old, black and white can carry on the tradition." The Arizona Daily Star calls it "...a lively tape...a great sing-a-long, and hand clapper..." While Sing Out Magazine says "...musically joyful, ...affirming our common humanity...recommended to all parents (great for long car rides) and to schools everywhere." KPBS in San Diego, California notes "...a powerful reminder of the struggle for equality in America, these songs are a monument to the energy, ingenuity and courage of those who engaged in that struggle and who engage in it still."