Interview with Greg Hull, November 24, 2015

Partial Transcript: One of the reasons why...

Segment Synopsis: Greg Hull talks about the musical influences of his upbringing as his mother sang in Hill Chapel Baptist Church. Greg recalls one of his earliest experiences in a band while in elementary school. Hull talks about the people who were inspirational to him as a child growing up in a gospel church.

Keywords: Athens, Georgia; Gene Soule; Hill Chapel Baptist Church

Partial Transcript: What instruments do you play...

Segment Synopsis: Hull describes music's role as therapy in his life, and talks about his experience taking lessons as a child and young adult. Hull recalls eventually learning to read music while studying at the University of Georgia.

Keywords: University of Georgia; instruments; performing

Partial Transcript: Was it hard at first to...

Segment Synopsis: Hull describes how his music classes at the University of Georgia (UGA) reflected the knowledge he had obtained from years of listening by ear outside of formal education. Hull talks about how he applied the knowledge he obtained from UGA to his work as a choir director. He explains that the classical approach to music at UGA pushed him away from the program as he felt that the gospel music genre was not accepted in the UGA curriculum.

Keywords: Gospel Music; University of Georgia (UGA); choir

Partial Transcript: One summer I was doing...

Segment Synopsis: Hull describes his decision to stop working as a choir teacher. Hull explains that his experience as a teaching assistant inspired him to major in early childhood education and eventually earn a position as the Clarke County School System pre-kindergarten coordinator.

Keywords: Clarke County School System; Pre-K; teaching

Partial Transcript: For the most part, now...

Segment Synopsis: Hull describes his current relationship with music as work. Hull explains his musical experiences at Hill Chapel Baptist Church, becoming the director of music at the age of 19. Hull talks about his current role at Hill Chapel Baptist Church.

Keywords: Hill Chapel Baptist Church; director of music; music selection

Partial Transcript: What part does the Christian faith play in your life?

Segment Synopsis: Hull talks about the influences of Christianity in his life, and his approach to living a Christian life. Hull explains that music is what initially attracted him to the church community and message.

Keywords: Christianity; faith; ministry

Partial Transcript: Growing up in the church ...

Segment Synopsis: Hull talks about his personal views of the difference between ministry and performance.Hull describes how he addresses self-disappointment as a musician for the choir at Hill Chapel Baptist Church.

Keywords: Hill Chapel Baptist Church; National Baptist Convention; ministry; performance

Partial Transcript: But what's the relationship between...

Segment Synopsis: Hull talks about the relationship and interactions between Baptist churches in Athens, as some churches organize programs at other churches. Hull talks about the stress that came with events such as these, and the factors that eventually led Hill Chapel Baptist members to halt cross-over events.

Keywords: Baptist churches; Hill Chapel Baptist Church

Partial Transcript: Is there a Black music scene...

Segment Synopsis: Hull describes the Black music scene of Athens as being closely tied to religion. Hull compares the black and white religious scene of Athens. Hull talks about the Christmas celebrations held at Hill Chapel Baptist Church.

Keywords: Athens, Georgia; Christmas concert; nativity scene

Partial Transcript: So then, where do

Segment Synopsis: Hull describes the lack of artistic outlets for male Black youths in Athens. Hull explains some of the opportunities that are available for this in the Hill Chapel Church community.

Keywords: Hill Chapel Baptist Church; Morton Theater; black youth

Partial Transcript: Who, are what band...

Segment Synopsis: Hull explains his favorite styles and artists in gospel music, and talks about his favorite songs by Richard Smallwood. Hull shares how he implements musical styles into singing.

Keywords: Richard Smallwood; Total Praise by Richard Smallwood

Partial Transcript: So favorite artist...

Segment Synopsis: Hull shares his favorite songs by the artists Gladys Knight and Whitney Houston. Hull talks about the disappearance of Black business districts after integration. Hull talks about how he became interested in the Black history of Black spirituals.

Keywords: Gladys Knight; Hot Corner Festival; Whitney Houston

Partial Transcript: With that experience at UGA...

Segment Synopsis: Hull talks about the process by which he came to research the origins of Black spirituals around his community, and his experience in learning about Black secular music of Athens.

Keywords: Athens, Georgia; Black music; Hill Chapel Baptist Church

Partial Transcript: So who's your target audience...

Segment Synopsis: Hull talks about his experience sharing Black musical history through presentations in Athens. Hull talks about the performances that are held by his family, and discusses his musical mentor, Bennett Johnson. Hull lists other Black musicians that he knows around Athens.

Keywords: Bennett Johnson; Hill Chapel Baptist Church; mentor; music

Partial Transcript: For choral music maybe James...

Segment Synopsis: Hull talks about the civil rights movements of Athens, and likens the integration process of South Africa to that of America. Hull shares the way in which the talented musicians of Athens have contributed to American music culture. Hull describes what he likes about the artist John Legend.

Keywords: Alicia Keys; James Smith; John Legend; integration

Segment Synopsis: Hull continues listing his favorite contemporary artists. Hull talks about the most recent song he directed at the Hill Chapel Baptist Church.

Keywords: Created to Worship by Fred Hammond; Hill Chapel Baptist Church; Luther Vandross