"Turning Tables" was first conceived by psychologist Dr. Lora-Ellen McKinney in 2022 as she was preparing a multi-media exhibition titled "P3: The Painting & Poetry Project" in Seattle, Washington.  The exhibition was a collaboration between Dr. McKinney's writings and graphic, physical or musical art by various creators to complement the writings.  Her poem "Set The Captives Free" inspired long-time friend Chris Oledude to write the song "White Lie:Carolyn's Story" and prepare an accompanying video.

Dr. McKinney, also an award-winning dancer and author, is the eldest daughter of the late Louise Jones, an accomplished business leader, and the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Samuel McKinney, long-time pastor of Seattle's Mount Zion Baptist Church and close ally of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Her personal perspective on social justice is infused with the lessons by and from both of her parents.

After preparing the 2022 show, Dr. McKinney and Oledude talked about McKinney's "Turning Tables" lyric ideas.  During 2023, Oledude was moved to write the music and, after performing the song in New York with an ad hoc group of musicians at a celebration of Dr. King's birthday holiday in 2024, Oledude committed himself to making a definitive recording -- which took another 18 months to complete.

As one can tell from the title, the song's message for today's audiences is rooted in the work of the prophet Jesus in confronting the rich and powerful individuals and institutions of his time.  It is the poorer people in each society who can truly say that the more things change, the more they remain the same.  And so the struggle must continue...

"Turning Tables" was arranged and produced by Chris Oledude for CESO Enterprises, Inc.  Primary production work and mixing was done at the Mark Dann Studio in Woodstock, NY, with Mark as the engineer.  Mark also played rhythm guitar on the track.  Live lead and background vocals were recorded primarily at the Sheriff Bob Studio in New York City, with Kat Lewis engineering.  Lead guitar work was performed by Greg DiBenedetto in New York.  Drums were by Beau Brady and recorded at Chip Fabrizi's studio in Lower Manhattan.

Lead vocalists are Chris Oledude and Lindsey Wilson.  Background vocalists, featuring Kiena Williams, included a collection of Oldedude friends and family: Kelly Berman, Liz Dreyer, Judy Gorman, Pam Hamilton, Amy Kessler, Yanitza Lee, Nyasha Liang, Naomi Nissen, Ellen Mendlow, Elijah Dixon Owens, Debbie Quinn, and M. Vern Woodhead.  

"Turning Tables" is the third single released from Chris Oledude's debut album, PREACHER MAN - VOL. 1.  It has been released through Tunecore and can be found on most streaming services.