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.
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Sam Porcher is a resident of Awendaw, SC (Charleston County) resident who likes to sing old gospel songs and do recitations of passages. The World War I speech Porcher recites from memory.
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The Old Morrisville Brass Band of Andrews, under the leadership of the late Isaac Davis, has kept the African-American community tradition of brass bands alive. In many rural African-American...
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For the last century, African-American churches in McCormick, Greenwood and Edgefield counties have maintained a fellowship of song through the Springfield Baptist Singing Convention. Led for 25 years...
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The Moving Star Hall Singers of Johns Island, Charleston County, are nationally recognized for their important contributions to African-American musical heritage. They are a multi-generational family...
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The Malloy Family Singers, of Chesterfield in Chesterfield County, have been performing gospel music together for over twenty years. Their repertoire encompasses traditional and contemporary music of...
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Lorenzo Conyers and his three young sons perform original gospel arrangements during the Sunday afternoon “Gospel Extravaganza” portion of the Williamsburg County Black Heritage Festival in Kingstree...
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Lorenzo Conyers and his three young sons perform original gospel arrangements during the Sunday afternoon “Gospel Extravaganza” portion of the Williamsburg County Black Heritage Festival in Kingstree...
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Lorenzo Conyers and his three young sons perform original gospel arrangements during the Sunday afternoon “Gospel Extravaganza” portion of the Williamsburg County Black Heritage Festival in Kingstree...
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The Jerusalem Baptist Church Young Adult Choir 18th Anniversary Celebration was held in Cumming, SC (Hampton County) on June 19, 1988.
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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).
