Higher Ground is a genuine re-creation of the golden years of radio where conversation, music, drama and poetry were regular features. Add to this mix the warm and engaging personality of Jonathan Overby - not to mention his wonderful singing voice - and you've got the perfect recipe for great radio for the whole family.
As Jonathan says, "It's a weekly gathering of old and new friends, where we illumine the rich ethnic and cultural texture of Wisconsin, the nation, and the world."
About Jonathan Overby
Jonathan Overby is the creator, executive producer and host of Wisconsin Public Radio's popular variety show, "Higher Ground with Jonathan Overby," now in its 13th year.
Through music, poetry, drama and history, Higher Ground is dedicated to celebrating the rich ethnic and cultural traditions of Wisconsin, the nation and the world.
A lyric baritone originally from Milwaukee, Overby is best known for his powerful and stirring rendition of the National Anthem, which he performs throughout the United States.
Overby was music director for Madison Campus Ministry on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus from 1987 to 1994, and was Artist-in-Residence in the Music Department of Edgewood College in Madison from 1988 to 1992, where he conducted both the College Chorale and the Community Choir. From 1991 to 2003, Overby served on the Wisconsin Arts Board with two terms as the Board’s Vice Chair.
Overby's endeavors include both stage and concert productions that spotlight the African-American experience. His concert work spans more than 25 years of vocal performance in the U.S., Japan, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, and Poland. His forthcoming CD of spirituals and American folk ballads will be titled, "Here I Stand".
Today, Overby produces Wisconsin's annual Tribute & Ceremony honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., now in its 26th year. He also produces Wade In The Water, an annual outdoor gospel music festival, conducts the 20-voice Lighthouse Singers Choral Ensemble and the Highway To Heaven Gospel Project big band.
Overby has enjoyed radio ever since his days as a student play-by-play sports announcer at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee. In addition, he holds an undergraduate degree in vocal performance with an emphasis on choral conducting, and a degree in Arts Administration. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis on African-American Sacred Music.
Overby is president and founder of Africasong Communications, a nonprofit arts agency dedicated to the illumination of Wisconsin's varied cultures through performance art, publications and education.
In 2004, Overby was a featured soloist at the 20th Annual Chicago International Gospel Music Festival, which also showcased the legendary Canton Spirituals, Yolanda Adams, Bishop Edwin Hawkins, Chicago Mass Choir and Smokey Robinson.
Later that summer, Overby was one of nine international scholars from Africa, Caribbean, Canada and the U.S. invited to participate at the Afro-Christian Worship and Social Transformation Seminar at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In September of 2004, Overby joined Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and a "Goodwill Delegation" of Wisconsin-based artists for a week-long performance tour of Japan.