Sips from the Sipp

Episode Archive

Episode Archive

40 episodes of Sips from the Sipp since the first episode, which aired on November 2nd, 2023.

  • Episode 39: Season 2: Gospel Music in the Black Church Tradition - Debra Mays-Jackson

    April 15th, 2026  |  Season 2  |  40 mins 57 secs

    In the Season Two premiere, host Jean Greene welcomes former Utica Vice President Dr. Deborah Mays-Jackson, whose family legacy at Utica runs deep. She shares how the mentorship of Dr. Cooper redirected her path from accounting to music, shaping not just her artistry but her character. The conversation also explores gospel music as a living language of the Black community — rooted in the spirituals, carried through the church, and resilient enough to carry its message into the future.

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    Episode 40: Season 2: Gospel Music in the Black Church Tradition - Frank McGriggs

    April 22nd, 2026  |  Season 2  |  36 mins 58 secs

    Mr. Frank McGriggs, founder of the Voices of Reason quartet, traces his musical journey from childhood rehearsals in Utica to forming a gospel group on the battlefields of Iraq — and ultimately back home, where music and ministry led him into a career in education. The conversation explores how gospel quartet music has served as a lifeline of hope for a community that has weathered significant economic and institutional loss. Mr. McGriggs closes with a commitment to mentoring the next generation of singers and musicians, ensuring the rich gospel tradition of Utica continues for the ages.