http://www.chicagotribune...4400.story

Farrakhan says a musical album in the works

CHICAGO

Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan is again embracing his musical roots.

The 77-year-old leader best known for fiery speeches that last hours says he's working on a violin album that may include tracks or portions of work by the late Motown singer Teena Marie.

Farrakhan spoke Thursday on Chicago radio station WVON-AM.

Farrakhan learned to the play the violin as a boy. A Nation of Islam biography says as a young teen he earned appearances with the Boston College Orchestra and Boston Civic Symphony.

Farrakhan went on to become a popular performer in the 1950s known as "The Charmer" and worked as a vocalist, calypso singer, dancer and violinist. He stopped performing after joining the Nation of Islam.

The Nation of Islam is based in Chicago.

For real?

Interesting.

Probably won't be my cup of tea, but Farrakhan is actually not a bad violinist.

Here's Farrakhan performing Felix Mendelssohn in '93...

Lammastide said:

Here's Farrakhan performing Felix Mendelssohn in '93...

I agree with you ... there is restraint, but also an emotional resonance coming through in his playing. I can't really see this happening, and I really can't pick a Teena Marie song that he would play. Irons In The Fire?