History of Negro Spirituals
The Negro Spiritual genre consists of sounds rooted in African-American heritage. Spirituals were most common in the years preceding the abolishment of slavery and they often had religious elements implemented in them. From what I understand, these spirituals were a way of unifying African-Americans as they endured tough times throughout history.
Popular Songs
“Swing low, sweet chariot”
“Jesus Leads Me All the Way”
“Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child”
“Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen”
“Steal Away”
Categories of Spirituals
- Call and Response
- Slow and Melodic
- Fast and Rhythmic
Fisk Jubilee Singers
A group of students from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee were a large contributor to the spread of negro spirituals nation wide. The group started in 1871 with a continued legacy until today.
Conclusion
As the legacy of negro spirituals carries on, it is important to remember the historical beginnings. We as African Americans have a way of turning traumatic things or struggles into something beautiful and that is shown through negro spirituals.
