Gospel/Spirituals

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.

Use Me | Digital Traditions

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).
We Need a Way | Digital Traditions

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)
What a Happy Time | Digital Traditions

Audio

Lead by Thomas S. Latimer. From the recording "I'll Sing His Praise." A vast majority of the audio is unintelligible due to the quality of the recording
When the Spirit Came | Digital Traditions

Audio

Produced by the Jackson Brothers and digitally mastered by Eric Rogers for Blackbyrd Records. The Jackson Brothers are Leroy Gilliard, Elliot Goodlett, Walter Thompson, Sr., Roosevelt Baker, Oscar...
Who Built the Ark | 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.