Michael Dión Samples Maya Angelou For A Unifying Message On “Soldier”

Michael Dión enlists the help of late legends and civil rights leaders, Maya Angelou and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his latest, uplifting single “Soldier” featuring Maya Angelou. 

“Soldier” is an upbeat, feel-good Pop/R&B record with an inspirational and unifying message – the perfect soundtrack for a barbeque, musical festival, sporting event … or who knows maybe even an election rally or celebration. During a time of polarization and divisiveness, a song about unification and overcoming is just what the country needs. “Soldier” follows up Dión’s latest single, “This is For Ya” feat. Yung Cash Kapre.

“Soldier” opens with a moving excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr’s “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution” speech, originally delivered on March 31, 1968 at the National Catherdral just 5 days before his death – more commonly known as MLK’s “We Shall Overcome” speech. 

The record closes with a powerful and fitting recording of Maya Angelou delivering her famous ‘On the Pulse of Morning’ poem – appearing courtesy of The Maya Angelou Estate / The White House. This poem is significant because it was delivered at the presidential inauguration in 1993, and is what propelled Maya Angelou onto the national stage. In the excerpt, Angelou advocates for inclusivity and shared experiences – listing many different marginalized ‘groups’ and closing with “They all hear The speaking of the Tree. They hear the first and last of every tree speak to humankind. Come to me, here beside the river.”

Michael Dión is a seasoned, multi-talented creative and is ready to take his turn in the spotlight. A singer, songwriter, producer, model, and actor – Dión has spent years working and contributing behind the scenes as a songwriter for big names like Britney Spears, Jamie Foxx, and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, as well as working on big projects like Netflix’s Fuller House.

“Soldier” is the lead single off Dión’s upcoming and long-awaited pre-album, ‘The Appetizers’ – set to drop later this month on November 21st. 

Check out the video for “Soldier” feat. Maya Angelou below. Be on the lookout for ‘The Appetizers’ later this month… and stay tuned for the main course coming soon.