Music Collection

Explore musical genres, their history and origins including African, Blues, Classical/Orchestral, Country/Bluegrass, Cuban/Latin/Salsa, Gospel, Hymns and Spirituals, Gullah Music: Evolution of African Music, Hip-Hop/Rap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Opera, Pop and Soul, Rhythm and Blues, and Rock and Roll. Be sure to view the individual assets that stand alone, just below the Topics, and have not been included in a specific topic or genre.

Also explore our Musical Instruments and Musicians and Music History sections. We also have a section on Holiday Music.

Freedom Comin’: A Gullah Kinfolk Wish
Episode 2

Video

There is talk of war in December, 1860. The southern states threaten to secede if Abraham Lincoln is elected President. Lincoln’s election results in the formation of the southern Confederate States...
Freedom Comin’: A Gullah Kinfolk Wish
Episode 1

Video

Host Aunt Pearlie Sue has a story to tell: Christmas Eve of December 1860 also happens to be the eve of the American Civil War. The life of slavery weighs heavily on the hearts of those who work on...
Gullah Roots
Episode 8

Video

A circular dance called the "Ring Shout" was a part of Gullah-Geechee Christian worship services for many years.
Gullah Roots
Episode 7

Video

Scholars have located a song linking a family from Georgia to the village of Senehun Ngola in Sierra Leone. Linguist Lorenzo Dow Turner traveled to Georgia in 1931 to hear people speaking and singing...