Fisk University Jubilee Singers
ITS ORIGINS
The Fisk University Jubilee Singers Choir was created in response to the school’s lack of funding, specifically for the purpose of raising $20,000. Beginning in 1871, the quartet was created by music professor and Fisk treasurer George W. White and was originally composed of nine members. At its inception, Jubilee Quartets were only known for their “minstrel fashion,” which was a cultural shock for the predominantly white audiences they performed for.
THE JUBILEE SINGERS VS. SOCIETY
Although they faced initial resistance for their unconventional singing in the face of audiences who only expected them to succumb to the racist notions of society, they quickly grew in popularity. Just one year after the ensemble was created, they were invited to sing at the World Peace Festival as well as to perform for the 18th president Ulysses S. Grant at the White House. Moreover, for their first tour to Europe in 1873, the ensemble grew to eleven members.
WHERE IT IS NOW
Because of the work of the quartet, Fisk University is known for their illustrious music program, housed in the school’s first building, Jubilee Hall. Through their work, they have successfully preserved the sanctity of African American Spirituals as well as have impressed its importance to the history of African Americans to larger audiences. A spiritual is a religious type of music, reserved for sacred events. The origins of the sub-genre is rooted in slavery. This type of music is integral to the development of other types of music, such as gospel music and continues to evoke strong emotions to this day.
One Response
I enjoyed how you highlighted the Jubilee Singers and their profound impact on society and music. Their journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of art. As you mentioned, despite initial resistance, the ensemble not only gained popularity but also played a crucial role in changing perceptions about African American music and culture.