Fresh Air: Remembering Athel Fugard, Jerry Butler, and Roy Haynes

Released on March 13, 2025, NPR’s "Fresh Air" pays tribute to three influential figures in the realms of theater, soul music, and jazz drumming. Hosted by Terry Gross, the episode features an insightful retrospective on Athel Fugard, followed by commemorations of soul singer Jerry Butler and jazz drummer Roy Haynes.

Remembering Athel Fugard: Defying Apartheid Through Theater

In a poignant revisit to an interview recorded in 1986, Terry Gross engages with the late Athel Fugard, a playwright, actor, and director who courageously challenged South Africa's apartheid regime. Fugard, who passed away at the age of 92, was a white South African whose work delved deep into the emotional and psychological ramifications of the country’s white supremacist system.

Breaking Barriers on Stage

Athel Fugard's commitment to racial integration was groundbreaking. In 1961, he co-starred in The Blood Knot with black actor Zakes Mukai, marking the first time black and white actors shared a stage in South African history. This bold move was emblematic of Fugard's dedication to using theater as a platform for social change.

Fugard (01:36): "I have on occasions in the past described myself as a regional writer... my region is South Africa."

Forming the Serpent Players

Shortly after their collaboration, Fugard and Mukai were approached by a group of black actors seeking to start an integrated company. Together, they founded the Serpent Players, a theater group that frequently faced harassment from authorities. The government's suppression of such integrated artistic endeavors highlighted the oppressive nature of apartheid.

Fugard (04:34): "Apparently art can be as profoundly effective as that in terms of people."

Censorship and Personal Sacrifice

Fugard's defiance did not come without personal cost. In 1967, the South African government revoked his passport, restricting his ability to perform internationally. It wasn't reinstated until four years later, underscoring the dangers faced by artists who opposed the regime.

Fugard (02:55): "There is a terrible danger of a terrible sort of snobbery along those lines... you haven't actually earned your credentials."

The Power of Theater in Social Change

Fugard firmly believed in the transformative power of art. His works, including over 30 plays like Master Harold...and the Boys and Bozeman and Lena, not only critiqued apartheid but also sought to inspire change. His collaborative efforts with black South African actors enriched his narratives, bringing authenticity and depth to his portrayals of systemic injustice.

Fugard (03:29): "It's very important. You really are touching on one of the most major factors in the psychology of the white South African..."

Personal Reflections on Guilt and Complicity

The interview delves into Fugard's personal struggles with guilt over his upbringing in an oppressive system. A particularly traumatic memory for him was an incident from his childhood where he spat in the face of Sam, a black friend and the family's waiter. This moment of shame fueled his desire to promote equality and dismantle apartheid through his art.

Fugard (08:41): "I spat in Sam's face. And the moment I had done it, I knew what I had done... a moment of certainty."

Navigating a Complicated Existence

Despite his opposition to apartheid, Fugard remained in South Africa, believing that his presence and work contributed to societal change. He grappled with the compromises required to live under an unjust system while striving to maintain his integrity and artistic mission.

Fugard (14:39): "There is no way of avoiding it other than to get out... I still contribute more by being inside and doing my thing than I would by going into exile."

Honoring Jerry Butler: A Soul Music Legend

Following Fugard's segment, "Fresh Air" honors the legacy of soul singer Jerry Butler, who died at 85. The program revisits a 2000 interview, celebrating Butler’s profound impact on music and his role in the civil rights movement.

From Gospel Roots to Soul Stardom

Jerry Butler began his musical journey with the Northern Jubilee Singers, alongside Curtis Mayfield. Transitioning from gospel to rhythm and blues, Butler co-founded the group The Impressions, achieving fame with hits like "Your Precious Love." Despite group tensions over solo recognition, Butler's voice became synonymous with the era's soul music.

Butler (21:45): "My mama had some great advice. So I thought I'd put it in the words of this song."

Creating Timeless Hits

"Only the Strong Survive" stands out as Butler's first legitimate gold record. The song resonated deeply during the civil rights era, becoming an anthem for resilience among African American youth and Vietnam War soldiers.

Butler (23:46): "Only the Strong Survive was really created out of that conversation."

Navigating Group Dynamics and Solo Success

Butler's decision to take lead billing with The Impressions led to internal conflicts. Record company decisions to highlight Butler's star power strained relationships within the group, ultimately prompting his departure and solo career.

Butler (33:27): "Here we were. Five young guys walked into a recording studio as the Impressions walked out as Jerry Butler and the Impressions."

Legacy and Influence

Butler's music transcended personal experiences, offering solace and strength to listeners facing their own struggles. His collaborations with Curtis Mayfield and contributions to soul music have left an indelible mark on the genre.

Butler (35:48): "He uses all the great quotations... Only the Strong Survive was helpful in seeing them through some very trying times."

Celebrating Roy Haynes: A Centenarian Jazz Drummer

The episode also commemorates jazz drummer Roy Haynes, born a century ago and remembered for his virtuosity and influence on generations of jazz musicians. Jazz historian Kevin Whitehead provides an appreciation of Haynes' illustrious career.

A Pillar of Jazz Rhythm

Roy Haynes was renowned for his dynamic drumming style, seamlessly blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with straight jazz time. His adaptability made him a sought-after collaborator, working with legends like Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and later with modern virtuosos such as Pat Metheny.

Whitehead (37:55): "Roy Haynes was a powerhouse who liked to prod his fellow players."

Innovative Techniques and Style

Haynes' fluid beat and intelligent drumming propelled numerous jazz recordings. His ability to listen and respond in real-time fostered creative synergy with soloists, enhancing the overall musical experience.

Whitehead (40:59): "He was a quick and highly interactive listener who knew when to support a soloist and when to provoke them."

Enduring Legacy

Throughout his 65-year career, Haynes remained a respected elder in the jazz community, continuously collaborating with both established and emerging artists. His contribution to jazz is celebrated through recordings and live performances that continue to inspire.

Whitehead (44:29): "Roy Haynes was a heavy hitter whose limber beak could lift a bandstand."

Conclusion

This episode of "Fresh Air" serves as a heartfelt homage to Athel Fugard, Jerry Butler, and Roy Haynes, highlighting their profound contributions to their respective fields and their enduring legacies. Through intimate interviews and expert perspectives, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs these icons experienced in their pursuit of artistic and social excellence.

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