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.

Oh, How I Love Jesus | 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...
Down by the Riverside | 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...
Say a Word for Me | 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...
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...
James Harbin Photos | Digital Traditions
James Harbin Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

James Harbin has been the president of the Anderson County Singing Convention for over thirty years. A native of the Green Pond section of Anderson County, he grew up in a family of active gospel...
Hallelujah Singers Photos | Digital Traditions
Hallelujah Singers Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Enslaved West Africans who were brought to the South Carolina and Georgia coasts came to an area where plantations were geographically isolated and owners were often absent. These conditions allowed...
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
Lena Davis Photos | Digital Traditions
Lena Davis Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Lena Davis, better known as Sister Lena to many, has put tireless effort into continuing her mission of bringing hymn singing back into the church. Since 1997 she has devoted herself to the tradition...