In Their Own Words

This groundbreaking study of slavery and spirituals is the first to place the unique voices of an enslaved people squarely within the context of their daily lives. A succinct history is woven into an examination of the role of singing and religion in slave life and directly correlates slave testimonies - in their own words - to the themes of spirituals. Includes a survey of the musical styles, performance practices, and melodic and rhythmic characteristics of spirituals.