The real beauty of Black Gospel lies in its sense of dignity, and a purity of faith that is unwavering.

The early history of the genre makes this perfectly clear. This episode covers the end of the slave era, certainly the most heinous time in all of American History. What stands out even more than the sudden sense of (and celebration for) freedom is the strength of faith that made it possible for the former slaves to survive not only with dignity but with a firm belief in a fair God.

Featured tracks include:

Deep River – The Howard University Chamber Choir

Go Down Moses – The Fisk Jubilee Singers

Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho – The Fisk Jubilee Singers

Steal Away to Jesus - ? – Attributed to Nat Turner

Rock My Soul – The Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet

Rock My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham – Louis Armstrong

Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child – Paul Robeson

Nobody Know the Trouble I’ve Seen – Paul Robeson

No More Auction - Paul Robeson

 Down on the Old Camp Ground – Dinwiddie Colored Quartet

Steal Away – Dinwiddie Colored Quartet