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.
Video
The Moving Star Hall Singers performing in 1992 at the "Heritage of Song" concert hosted by McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina. Co-produced by South Carolina Educational Television.
Document
Audio transcripts for: "Feel Him Moving" "I Love To Call My Savior's Name"
Audio
From one of the group's first recordings "Give God a Chance."
Audio
From the recording "God is Always Standing By."
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.
Audio
One of the services of a week-long tent revival in 1988 in McCormick, SC (McCormick County). The evangelist is Charles Booker Jr. of Johnston, SC (Edgefield County)
Photo
The All Male Chorus of Blacksburg is recognized as a group with deep roots in African-American a cappella gospel traditions. One day in 1974, Howard Thompson visited Harold Gaffney and they discussed...
Audio
One of the services of a week-long tent revival in 1988 in McCormick, SC (McCormick County). The evangelist is Charles Booker Jr. of Johnston, SC (Edgefield County)
Audio
This recording consists of songs predominately created, nurtured, and encouraged by Black Americans. "Negro" spirituals are musical derivations of Africanic arts coupled with the love, power, and...
