I started graduate school in 1971, I started working at the Smithsonian in the festival in 1972. I went full-time at the Smithsonian in 1974. And I got my doctorate in 1975.

and Beatrice Johnson Bernice was born and raised in southwest Georgia where music was an integral part of life. C. Early life and education
The daughter of Baptist minister J.

Bernice Johnson Reagon (born October 4 1942) is a singer composer scholar and social activist who founded the a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock in 1973.