Roberta Martin and the Roberta Martin Singers 1981 Smithsonian Program

This 1981 program highlights a special presentation celebrating the music and legacy of Roberta Martin and the iconic The Roberta Martin Singers. The event, held February 6–8, 1981 at the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., was sponsored by the Smithsonian Performing Arts Program in American Culture and focused on preserving and honoring the group’s musical contributions.

The program reflects a curated experience centered on gospel music history, featuring performances and discussions that examine the cultural and spiritual impact of their sound. Roberta Martin is recognized as one of the foundational architects of modern gospel music. A pianist, composer, arranger, and choir leader, she helped shape the transition of gospel from traditional spirituals into a more structured, harmonically rich form that influenced generations of artists.

This printed piece serves as a meaningful archival artifact for collectors of gospel music history, Smithsonian cultural programming, and African American performing arts heritage.