Step by Step, the Ruby Bridges Suite

Step by Step, the Ruby Bridges Suite

April 28, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Darrel Grant's composition inspired by Ruby Bridges' historic integration of New Orleans public schools.

Sometimes when someone makes a suggestion to you, it kind of sticks with you. That’s what happened to jazz artist Darrel Grant. He decided to act on this suggestion from a friend by composing Step by Step, the Ruby Bridges Suite. It is a piece about the 6-year-old girl who was the first African American student to integrate the New Orleans public schools in 1960. It was not without protests, or strong resistance and a teacher who ignored the noise and taught the little girl in a classroom void of any other students.

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Second Street Dreams Audio Network podcast page.