‘The Folk Box’ sought to trace the roots and branches of American music, and document the forging – and constant reinvention – of the national identity.
Articles on Spirituals
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Clergy demonstrating against ICE in Minneapolis have turned to classic ‘freedom songs’ – the music associated with protests ever since the Civil Rights Movement.
Despite opposition from the early church, dance was an integral part of Christian devotion for many centuries before falling out of favor.
Spirituals were created out of the experience of enslaved people in the US. They weren’t songs of anger – but of an abiding belief in the victory of good over evil.
For the enslaved Africans, music – rhythm in particular – became a tool of communication about their conditions. Later, it laid the foundation for spirituals and gospel songs.
Top contributors
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Professor of World Music, University of Connecticut
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Professor of Music, University of Dayton
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Visiting Scholar, School of Religion, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
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Professor of Religious Studies, Michigan State University
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Professor of Appalachian Studies and Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Studies, East Tennessee State University