The Gospel Truth about the Negro Spiritual: A Discussion

Randye Jones, Soprano & Researcher

Living Room Book and Pastry, Greensboro, N.C. Saturday, March 27, 2004

Welcome & Introduction

Negro Spirituals

Excerpts: “There is a Balm” (Fisk University Jubilee Singers) “Old Ship of Zion” (K Spencer/Hall Johnson Negro Choir) “Deep River” (Chanticleer) “Crucifixion” (Marian Anderson) “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” (Paul Robeson)

“Elijah Rock” (Moses Hogan Chorale) “Ride On, King Jesus” ( ) “Toccata,” from Cantata ( )

Gospel Music

Excerpts: “Precious Lord” (Lavern Baker/Prof. Alex Bradford) “In the Upper Room” (Mahalia Jackson) “Touch the Hem of His Garment” (Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers) “Oh Happy Day” (The Edwin Hawkins Singers) “Peace Be Still” (Rev. James Cleveland) “Optimistic” (Sounds of Blackness) “Shackles (Praise You)” (Mary Mary) “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep” (The Swan Silvertones) “Mary” (Take 6)

Conclusion

This program is one of the ongoing “The Art of the Negro Spiritual” series of lectures and recitals presented by Ms. Randye Jones. For more information about ANS, please visit www.artofthenegrospiritual.com.

Discography

Gospel: The Essential Album. Various artists. Compact disc MANTDCD216. Union Square Music, 2003.

Negro Spirituals: La Tradition de Concert/The Concert Tradition, 1909-1948. Various artists. Compact disc FA 168. Frémeaux & Associés, 1999.

Sam Cooke: The Man and His Music. Sam Cooke. Compact disc PCD1-7127. RCA Victor, 1986.

Songs of Free Men: A Paul Robeson Recital. Paul Robeson, Lawrence Brown, Columbia Concert Orchestra. Compact disc MHK 63223. Columbia Masterworks, 1997.

Take 6 Greatest Hits. Take 6. Compact disc 9 47375-2. Reprise, 1999. Where the Sun Will Never Go Down: Spirituals and Traditional Gospel Music. Chanticleer, Joseph Jennings. Compact disc 4509-90878-2. Teldec Classics, 1994.

Randye Jones received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina, and completed her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Florida State University, Tallahassee. She currently serves as a library manager at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. She is also currently conducting research for a book entitled, The Art of the Negro Spiritual, and has developed the much-cited Web site, Afrocentric Voices in Classical Music.