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.

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.*
Brother Moses Smote the Water | Digital Traditions

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...
Charles Booker, Jr Audio Transcript
Charles Booker, Jr Audio Transcript

Document

Audio transcript for: "Just To Be Like Jesus" "Laying On Hands" "On The Right Road" "Praise The Lord" "Shout Hallelujah" "There Is Nothing" "Use Me" "We Need A Way" A Reading From Isaiah All People