Lyrics and Legends; Negro Religious Music

WHYY (Radio station : Philadelphia, Pa.) · 1963

Dr. Coffin explains how slaves in the South were exposed to early white revival singing and the musical heritage the Negro brought with him from Africa is shown in a film that recreates colonial times. Dr. Willis James sketches the synthesis of the two traditions. The practice of "lining out" songs is shown in a photographic essay by Kentucky photographer George Pickow; Dr. Coffin discusses "shape note" singing; and Mr. Pickow introduces a film clip of Negro rhythms in colonial Williamsburg. Katie Bell Nubin (mother of well-known spiritual singer Sister Rosetta Thorp) sings "Ain't No Grave Can Keep My Body Down," and we hear songs by the Newberry Gospel Singers and the Christian Tabernacle Gospel Choir of Philadelphia. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche) The intimate history of the life and thought of a people is found in its folks songs. Particularly fascinating are the folk songs of the United State, for these gathered from all corners of the world, reflect a variety of traditions yet remain close to the life and work of the new land. The fifteen half-hour episodes of LYRICS AND LEGENDS deal with the major sources and areas of folk material in this country. Ethnic, occupational, and regional songs and stories all receive attention. For some episodes, camera crews journey to areas where certain songs are sung. For other episodes, outstanding scholars and performers come into the studio to illustrate their specialties. Permanent host for the series is Dr. Tristram P. Coffin, who introduces guests and provides some of the authoritative historical background for the performers. LYRICS AND LEGENDS was produced in 1963 by WHYY-TV, Philadelphia, in association with the University of Pennsylvania and the American Folklore Society. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)