When African natives were brought to America in chains, long hours of burdensome toil and cruel subjugation were the order of the day. Either from fear of a revolt, or as a means of gaining total control over their bodies and minds, slave masters banned the practice of all native traditions, including the singing of their native songs.

Strangely, it was this cruel suppression that gave birth to some of the world’s best-known spiritual songs - most of which were vehicles for expressing the hope of a better future and a heavenward plea for freedom from bondage.

Such is the depth and spiritual intensity of these songs that they have become the best-known form of music - heard not only in churches, but in concert halls and in schools as well. Despite their popularity, though, the origins of Gospels remain obscure.

By the middle of the 20th century, blacks had spread throughout the northern states, carrying with them the joyful tradition of Gospel singing, which was readily embraced by the Whites and by people across the globe.

This 2- CD set contains a collection of Gospel songs presented at the Fort Valley State College Folk Festival.

This CD features 44 harmonious Gospel songs presented by various artists at the Fort Valley State College Folk Festival, and includes glorious examples of songs that were popular in the 40s.

Listen to Samples:

To hear a song sample, click on the " Listen ."

  CD - 1

TRACK	RUNNING TIME
1. Old Ship of Zion	00:03:18	Listen
2. Daniel Saw the Stone	00:02:10	Listen
3. Little David	00:01:40
4. Samson	00:02:05
5. Rock my soul	00:02:14
6. I know my time	00:01:09
7. If I had my way	00:02:50
8. I know I got the religion	00:02:00
9. Sit down	00:01:37
10. My soul couldn’t Rest	00:01:23
11. Am on the battle field	00:02:35
12. I got my ticket	00:01:21
13. Where my Lord was born	00:02:53
14. John the Revelator - I	00:02:53
15. John the Revelator - II	00:03:05
16. If I had my way - I	00:02:58
17. If I had my way - II	00:02:57
18. Got on my travellin shoes	00:02:12
19. Rock of ages	00:00:52
20. Holy Babe	00:03:15
21. If I had my way - III	00:01:19
22. Over in zion	00:01:31
CD - 2
1. My footsteps	00:02:37
2. Aint but me	00:01:48
3. Twenty-fifth of December	00:02:30
4. Lead me to the Rock	00:02:37
5. Am a pilgrim	00:04:36
6. Lord, I walked	00:02:35
7. Jesus touched me	00:01:18
8. I'll be singing	00:02:50
9. De Lawd says	00:01:20
10. Death come a-knockin	00:01:17
11. I'll fly away	00:01:31
12. Children, I'll go away	00:01:11
13. Oh Jonah - I	00:02:59
14. My Lord is writing	00:02:29
15. We are Americans - I	00:01:18
16. We are Americans - II	00:02:18
17. I know I got my Religion	00:02:22
18. Oh Jonah- II	00:00:36
19. Death is an awful thing	00:01:38
20. When Jesus was born?	00:02:16
21. I have a home	00:02:53
22. I got a long white robe	00:00:59

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EDITORIAL REVIEW:

One form of music that has gained worldwide popularity is the Gospel - also called Negro Spirituals and Anthems. This endearing style of singing has found its way into the world’s best-known concert halls, homes and schools. It has also influenced other forms of music. Its impact on Jazz and the blues is pretty evident.

Often used by slaves as a means of expressing their desire to gain freedom from the rigors of bondage and deprivation, Gospels carry an element of hope and reassurance. Although Negro Spirituals are in a way reminiscent of native African music, they have established an undeniably unique identity for themselves. So widespread is the acceptance of Gospels today, that they no longer remain a prerogative of Black Americans.

Yet we owe a debt of gratitude to the plantation workers who gave the world this spiritually uplifting and vibrant form of expression. This set of CDs is a great example of how we could do this - by preserving these vintage musical masterpieces for the benefit of humanity.

This is surely a treasure house of classical gospels and I am certain that all music lovers- regardless of their style preferences - will adore the music that a2zcds.com has done so well to preserve on CDs.

CUSTOMER'S REVIEWS:

"Cheer up if you happen to be a music lover and adore Negro Spirituals the way I do! Although the gospels on these CDs were recorded using devises that were rudimentary by today’s standards, the audio quality is admirably clear and well preserved. This is a great addition to my vintage collection and I look forward to many a happy hour listening to the harmonious melodies on this set of CDs."

Customer's Name: Bruce McCray (Oakland, California)