What are American Spirituals?
American spirituals are worship songs, hymns, and music written to honor and praise God. Many of these pieces of music are historical and cherished today for not only their message but also their musical brilliance.
Most Popular American Spirituals
Here’s a list of some of the most well-known American Spirituals and songs through history.
- Ain’ Go’n’ to Study War No Mo’
- Don’t Be Weary, Traveller
- Heave Away
- Go Down Moses
- God’s a-gwine ter move all de troubles away [1918]
- Great Day
- Lord, Remember Me [1867]
- Poor Rosy [1867]
- Rise, Shine, for Thy Light is A-Comin’
- Roll Jordan Roll [1867]
- Some of These Mornings [1892]
- Steal Away to Jesus
- Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Sacred Harp Music
The Sacred Harp is a book written by Benjamin Franklin White in 1844 that lists some of the most important hymns and songs of worship throughout history. This 572 page book has been revised several times, but is still a wealth of knowledge on the subject of worship music and spirituals.
Here’s a list of several songs from The Sacred Harp.
| Song Title | Songwriter: Words | Songwriter: Music | Year Written |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose of Sharon | William Billings | William Billings | 1778 |
| Easter Anthem | Edward Young | William Billings | 1787 |
| Green Fields | John Newton | The Missouri Hymnal | 1808 |
| Wondrous Love | Mead's General Selection | James Christopher | 1840 |
| The Prodigal Son | John Newton | John Newton | 1844 |
| Happy Land | Andrew Young | L. P. Breedlove | 1850 |
