Dear Music friends,

In my own back yard, while cooking, and doing laundry, I listened in to the band “Sol Driven Train” recording various parts of their album at Awendaw Green Studios, where I live. I am a big fan, so having them out here really rocked my world.

Joel (songwriter of Sol Driven Train) asked me to sing on a tune called “Orangeburg” that he wrote and I was FLOORED.
The song “Orangeburg” is about a very important and tragic event in our state’s history. The music and lyrics are world class amazing. Click this link below- Listen to “Orangeburg”, read the article below when you get back to me, and as you read click again become a “Sol Driven Train” fan by going to their site. Explore their site. Sol Driven Train are the real deal, diversified and of true genius talent. They are from our state! I will see you at a Sol Driven train show. All light, DMFH

“Orangeburg” by Sol Driven Train.

Sol Driven Train tell the story of 1968 Orangeburg SC Massacre; free download to commemorate Black History Month

The group Sol Driven Train from Charleston SC has never shirked its responsibilities to enlighten as well as entertain. Known for their raucous and spirited live shows at venues, the band also performs for children at festivals and events. The wordsmiths in the band maintain a spirit of songwriting that encompasses the gravity of life events as well as a commitment to raise awareness of social and environmental issues.

More than 3 years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Orangeburg SC’s only bowling alley was still “whites only.” On the night of February 8, 1968, after 3 nights of protests by SC State University students and others, a crowd of young people gathered on the campus. Police opened fire, killing 3 students (Samuel Hammond Jr., 18, Delano Herman Middleton, 17, and Henry Ezekial Smith, 19) and injuring 27 others, most of whom were shot in the back as they fled the barrage of gunfire. The nine police officers who fired into the crowd were all acquitted of excessive force charges. The only person convicted of wrongdoing was SNCC activist Cleveland Sellers, imprisoned for 7 months for “inciting to riot,” and pardoned 25 years later. The first incident of its kind, The Orangeburg Massacre predated the shootings at Kent State and Jackson State, and received little media coverage.

Songwriter Joel Timmons, of the band Sol Driven Train, is using the visceral power of rock ‘n roll to re-tell the story of the Orangeburg Massacre. In commemoration of Black History Month, “Orangeburg” will be available as a free download through the month of February at the band’s website www.soldriventrain.com. The song was recorded at Hillcreek Studios in Candler, NC and at Awendaw Green in Awendaw, SC, and was mixed by Jeff Hodges at Charleston Sound. Two guest artists lent their talents to the track: Jim Peterman (Steve Miller Band) added some spooky Hammond B-3 organ and SC songwriter Danielle Howle belted out some powerfully mournful backup vocals. The song will be included in the band’s upcoming album “Believe,” due for release this spring.

Sol Driven Train will be appearing live February 20 in Mt. Pleasant, SC as part of the Oysters on the Point concert series at Patriot’s Point.