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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Gumbo Stew features different art forms and exposes people to new cultures. This interview took place on August 23, 1991.
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Gospel group that sang in the Sunday afternoon “Gospel Extravaganza” portion of the Williamsburg County Black Heritage Festival in Kingstree, SC.
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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.*
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Audio Transcripts for: Candlelight Gonna Move Across The River Im Tired Of Being Your Fool Kissing In The Backrow Little Drummer Boy Little St Nick Ol Man River Santa Claus Got The Blues She Felt Too...
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The importance of culture and its relationship to prejudice. This interview took place on August 23, 1991.
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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...
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Song excerpt from Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters Anthology
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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
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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).
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A meeting that went badly inspired Camp Baskervill to start a heritage festival to help different cultures appreciate each other. This interview took place on August 23, 1991.
