Introduction:

In the early days of slavery, the spiritual or work song was one of the most effective means of maintaining a feeling of camaraderie, hope, and faith between slaves. In a time when instruments and freedom of expression were forbidden, slaves used the only tools they had –their voices–to build the rhythmic “call and response” songs that would sustain them spiritually. Singing talent was not as necessary as true passion for the song and its message.

The origins of the work song could be traced to the African heritage and
religions slaves were forced to leave behind. Throughout time, they began to contain messages that went beyond religion to everyday struggles, hope for freedom, thoughts of escape and even secret messages to each other, as in “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” which some believe made reference to the Underground Railroad. Spirituals also became a way of preserving the oral traditions of a culture that seemed lost under the oppression of slavery. These simple songs of strength would become the foundation of generations of music to come.

Music:

Gospel

Blues

Ragtime

Jazz

Rhythm & Blues

Rock

Rap/Hip Hop