Gospel/Spirituals | Digital Traditions

Music that explores themes of Christian belief and biblical history, and is popular among black and whites alike. Their renditions may differ significantly, in keeping with the cultural/stylistic traits of blues and old-time coun¬try/bluegrass, respectively. Early African American spirituals, church hymnody, and blues formed the basis for the rise of gospel music in the 1930s. Sacred music has many stylistic variations – 3 and 4 part harmony, shape-note, common meter hymn choir, call-and-response, and praise house are all a part of gospel’s foundation.

Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.

For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.

Digital Traditions - Artists
Digital Traditions - Artists

Document

Ahrens, Pat All Male Chorus of Blacksburg Arnold, Mac Ayers, Sara Basket, Nancy Baylor, Amos Bellow, Roger Bennett, Mary Jane Benson, JD Blackwell, Richard Boggs, Horatio Manning Bollack, James Booker...
Beulah Land | Digital Traditions
Beulah Land | Digital Traditions

Audio

The songs were recorded live, with no microphones in order to enhance a listener’s transportation by the old-style, traditional slave spirituals praising God even though times were dark.*
I Heard The Voice | Digital Traditions
I Heard The Voice | Digital Traditions

Audio

The songs were recorded live, with no microphones in order to enhance a listener’s transportation by the old-style, traditional slave spirituals praising God even though times were dark.
I'm A Soldier | Digital Traditions
I'm A Soldier | Digital Traditions

Audio

The songs were recorded live, with no microphones in order to enhance a listener’s transportation by the old-style, traditional slave spirituals praising God even though times were dark.
He's Right On Time | Digital Traditions
He's Right On Time | Digital Traditions

Audio

The songs were recorded live, with no microphones in order to enhance a listener’s transportation by the old-style, traditional slave spirituals praising God even though times were dark.