Authentic American Slave Songs

A collection of spirituals, plantation melodies and work songs from the memories of American ex-slaves. Work songs were rhythmic songs intended to increase productivity while reducing feelings of boredom, while the more traditional Negro Spirituals where an expression of religious faith. Spirituals are a musical form that is specific to the religious experience in the United States of Africans and their descendants. There are also recollections of the songs used by soldiers from the Civil War as well as children's songs from the period. Taken from interviews with former slaves carried out by the Federal Writers Project between 1936-38 this is an excellent resource of material for those interested in the lyrics and music from the era of American Slavery.