Released on December 30, 2025, “Rainbow Soul (Single Mix)” marks a powerful new chapter for Chris Oledude, delivering a timely and deeply resonant song rooted in inclusivity, humanity, and social justice. The single stands as both a musical statement and a moral reminder, calling for compassion and dignity within policy, politics, and everyday life.
Inspired by progressive movements of the past, “Rainbow Soul” weaves together themes of unity, love, and collective responsibility. Musically, the track shifts toward a more funk-infused sound, pairing groove and rhythm with lyrical intention. The result is a song that feels hopeful and uplifting while remaining grounded in real-world urgency. It speaks to listeners across generations, reminding them that the values of solidarity and justice remain as relevant now as ever.
Chris Oledude, born Christopher R. Owens, is a Puerto Rican–born artist with a lifelong dedication to truth-telling through music. Raised in a creative household, he grew up harmonizing with his two brothers in an environment filled with classical, folk, pop, funk, and protest music. His mother, the late Ethel Werfel Owens, was his first music teacher, while his father, the late Major R. Owens, was a librarian who later became an elected official. These influences shaped both his artistic voice and his commitment to social awareness.
In the 1980s, Chris performed on the streets of New York City, played in dance bands, and worked alongside his brother Geoffrey Owens. His cassette-only album Anyone’s Revolution (1984) expressed frustration with the Reagan era and caught the attention of folk icon Pete Seeger, who encouraged him to continue writing songs for peace and justice and to collaborate with like-minded artists. During this time, Chris became involved with the People’s Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle.
For the next 35 years, however, Chris focused more on civic and political activism than on music. The death of his father led him to form a band with his brothers and return to performing. Later, the loss of his wife, Sandra Dixon, prompted a deeper re-examination of his life and a renewed connection to music. In 2020, reborn as Chris Oledude, he re-emerged in the digital era with a clear mission: to blend “old-school” genres, especially pop, funk, and R&B, with the urgency of modern times.
Since then, Oledude has released a series of socially conscious works. His song-video tribute “George Floyd: Say Their Names” (directed by Alyssa Dann) earned more than 150 film festival accolades worldwide. Other notable releases include “Orange Blues 24,” a blistering blues track accompanied by an award-winning stop-motion video created from over 2,000 photographs, and “No Crowns For Clowns” (2025), a sharp critique of the political environment.
“Rainbow Soul” has deep historical roots. The song traces its inspiration back to the Rainbow Coalition movement that emerged during Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, which followed the groundbreaking candidacy of Shirley Chisholm. Those campaigns challenged exclusion within the Democratic Party and pushed for broader representation, civil rights, and progressive policies—ideals that echo strongly throughout the song’s message.
The single appears alongside a growing catalog of modern-era releases, including My Tower (2020), Turning Tables (2025), and We Will Get Through This (2025), leading up to Oledude’s debut album PREACHER MAN – VOL. 1 (2025). That album takes listeners on a journey from social unrest to enduring hope, blending rhythm, roots, and righteous storytelling across decades of songwriting.
“Rainbow Soul (Single Mix)” is supported by a strong creative team. Production and mastering were handled by Mark Dann at Mark Dann Studio in Woodstock, NY, with additional recording by Kat Lewis at Sheriff Bob Studio in NYC. The track features lead vocals by Chris Oledude, background vocals from Kiena Williams and a large ensemble of collaborators, drums by Beau Brady, lead guitar by Greg DiBenedetto, and instrument programming by Oledude himself.
With “Rainbow Soul,” Chris Oledude once again proves that music can be both deeply personal and broadly political. His work stands as a testament to the power of song to inspire reflection, connection, and change. For listeners seeking music that speaks honestly to these times, “Rainbow Soul” offers groove, history, and hope in equal measure.
Listen Here: open.spotify.com/album/2bczZg4F
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