In the late 1950s and early 1960s, such songs as "We Shall Overcome," "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize," and "Do What the Spirit Says Do" were sung at virtually every mass meeting, demonstration, and planning session of Civil Rights activists. They were sung on the Freedom Rides, during the marches, and in jail cells of the South. Movement activists have commented frequently and eloquently on the ways that singing and songs gave them strength and a sense of self. This study offers a close analysis of the lyrics of the songs most central to the Civil Rights Movement, with an eye to understanding the songs as self-persuasion. In the songs, the activists defined themselves and their world, and reinforced a plan of action for their participation in the Movement. This analysis of the freedom songs is set in the context of Movement history and supported with commentary from activists and background information on Movement activities. In addition, this study offers readers insights into the moving and inspiring power of the freedom songs.

Sing along with Big Baby Jenkins, Pop Charlie, Great Nana, and a crew of farm animals as they shout for joy to this rendition of an African American spiritual! “A whole barnyard makes noise ‘in the spirit of joy’ throughout this raucous picture book, a sweetly heartwarming sing-along.”—Publishers Weekly From the author and illustrator team that brought you This Train Is Bound for Glory comes another riveting interpretation of a beloved African American spiritual, "I'm Goin' a Sing When the Spirit Says Sing," featuring farm animals. With illustrations that pop off the page, rhythmic text, and onomatopoeia for the youngest reader, I Gotta Sing! delivers a lively story that will quickly become a family favorite. Hezekiah Big Baby Jenkins runs from the breakfast table to the farmyard begging Pop Charlie to sing. As he plucks his diddley bow, Pop Charlie smiles and invites the animals and Big Baby to join in the music. I gotta sing when the Spirit says sing. I gotta sing when the Spirit says sing. I gotta sing when the Spirit says sing. and shout in the Spirit of joy! Before long, the rowdy crew are singing, mooing, oinking, and clapping along to the toe-tapping tune. But when Great Nana calls that it’s bath time because “warm water and bubbles won’t last all day,” will the party end? Or will Pop Charlie snap snap snap the tempo back to life? The lyrics of "I’m Goin’ a Sing When the Spirit Says Sing” have evolved across the ages. At the end of the book readers will find an invitation to write a version of the song for a new generation.

Music, particularly in America, has often been a vehicle for protest. For some Americans, the protest began in Africa hundreds of years ago, as free persons were captured, torn from homes and families, shackled and put on ships headed for the West Indies and then the United States. They had few things to call their own, and little in common with each other beyond their situation. But they did have song. The songs they sang would ultimately help to topple a system of slavery and abuse that reigned too long in a country that called itself "free". This book describes a few of the most important people in this great struggle, and how song contributed to their lives and their cause.

This popular collection of 280 musical pieces from both the African American and Gospel traditions has been compiled under the supervision of the Office of Black Ministries of the Episcopal Church. It includes service music and several psalm settings in addition to the Negro spirituals, Gospel songs, and hymns.

"Horace Clarence Boyer ... served ... as general editor"--P. x.

This popular collection of 280 musical pieces from both the African American and gospel traditions has been compiled under the supervision of the Office of Black Ministries of the Episcopal Church. It includes service music and several psalm settings in addition to the Negro spirituals, gospel songs, and hymns.

Shake, clap, jump, and wiggle your way through this classic Raffi sing-along book! Join a group of happy campers on a fun moonlit night in this beloved Raffi Song to Read. The rhythm, rhyme, and repetition of singing support and encourage speech and listening skills, laying the foundations for later reading.