Applause to KB Solomon for his recent outstanding performance in Anniston during the Freedom Riders Park Groundbreaking Ceremony. Kevin Bell (whose stage name is KB Solomon) lived in Anniston from the age of 2 until his last year of high school. His mother and brother were present as he masterfully performed parts of “Speak of Me as I Am,” his tribute to Paul Robeson.

Solomon performed principal roles with opera companies in America and Europe for 20 years and composes music and writes lyrics. An avid listener of classic music while growing up in Anniston, one of his favorite singers was Robeson, the son of a former slave, a graduate of Columbia Law School, an NFL player, actor, singer and civil rights activist. Solomon wrote and performs his one-man tribute to Robeson and states, “It’s an impossible story to tell without singing.” 

Solomon, basso profondo, sang “Old Man River” and “Deep River,” among other songs. The audience was moved as the Freedom Riders who were present and Janie Forsyth, who as a 12-year-old gave them water as they escaped the burning bus in Anniston 51 years ago, were invited to the stage and honored by Solomon as he sang “The Impossible Dream” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The audience had the great pleasure of joining him in singing “The Star Spangled Banner” and “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder.”

Multi-award winning, he sings in English, Italian, German, French and Spanish. His comprehensive repertoire includes R&B, pop, jazz, blues, broadway, classical and gospel music.

Penny J. Nielsen
Weaver