For over 200 years in African-American churches throughout the country, gospel and spiritual music have offered solace and been a source of celebration, leaving a mark not only on the Christian world, but on popular music as well. Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit contains the lyrics and music of 101 of the most widely known and cherished of these pieces, ranging from heartring spirituals sung during slave times (Steal Away; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot) to songs of unity from the civil rights movement and contemporary times (We Shall Overcome, I'll Fly Away). The book also presents a biography of each composer and the history of the evolution of each song, examining the role it played in enabling African-Americans to develop the strength to carry on in the face of adversity. An important historical document as well as an inspirational gift, the book captures the rich connections between song and experience as no other volume does.
Gwendolin Sims Warren has performed with the Metropolitan Opera and throughout Europe. She is minister of music at the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Queens, New York, where she lives. For over two centuries, in African-American churches throughout the country, gospel and spiritual music have offered much solace, hope, and guidance while also serving as a great well-spring of shared celebration; these hymns and songs have left a mark not only on the Christian world, but on much of popular music. "Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit" contains the lyrics and music of 101 of the most widely known and cherished of these pieces, ranging from heartrending spirituals sung during slave times ("Steal Away"; "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot") to songs of unity from the civil rights movement and contemporary times ("We Shall Overcome"; "I'll Fly Away"). This authoritative and accessible book also offers a biography for each composer listed herein along with a history of the development of each song, examining the role that every work has played in enabling African-Americans to find strength, share values, express love or joy, and carry on. An important historical document as well as an inspirational and far-reaching study, this volume captures the many rich connections between song and experience, between music and history. " This book] provides the fascinating, and often emotional, history behind the songs from Sunday church services and the civil rights movement."--Victoria Valentine, "Emerge" "An intriguing analysis and a joyous celebration of four genres of religious music: Negro spirituals, gospel songs, Euro-American hymns, and contemporary gospel."--Al Bromley, "Dallas Morning News"
