Creator

Fieldworker/Collector

Subject

Geographic Term

Music Tracks

Description

Five audiotape reels. In addition to the Cooper revision of The Sacred Harp, particpants at the convention also sing from The Colored Sacred Harp, a 1934 collection of original shape note compositions by black singers compiled by Judge Jackson (1883-1958). His son, Japheth Jackson of Ozark, Ala., leads "Service of the Lord," "Farewell to All" and "Florida Storm" (at the request of folklorist Dyen). Williams, an NEA National Heritage Fellowship recipient from Dale County, Ala., leads "Exhilaration" and "Ninety-Fifth Psalm." Williams's daughter, Bernice Harvey, leads "Return Again." Pauline Griggs leads "The Old Ship of Zion," and Tommie Spurlock of Ozark leads "We Will Sing With the Angels There." 

Two selections from these recordings, "The Old Ship of Zion" and "Florida Storm," appeared on Drop on Down in Florida, a collection of African American music in Florida released in 1981. "Service of the Lord," "Sweet Morning," "Alas! And Did My Saviour Bleed," "Pisgah," and "Parting Hand" were included on the 2012 reissue of the album.

"Promised Land," "That Sweet Home," and the second performance of "The Morning Trumpet" cut off due to the tape running out. "Fallen by the Way" begins part way through the performance.