The Fisk Jubilee Singers are a choral group dating back to 1871. Representing Fisk University, the Jubilee Singers were formed to help raise money for the newly established school. In part, African American slave songs became popularly recognized around the world thanks to this group. The group traveled around the United States for most of the next two years, eventually singing in the White House by 1872. As one of the first African American musical groups to be known worldwide, they encountered prejudice and aggression, all while disrupting the early, crude stereotypes created by the Blackface minstrel troupes. Sure enough, they became recognized for their artistry and the spiritual songs have been granted remembrance in history as, arguably, the first truly American music. The group continues today, having created several recordings and anthologies of music.
Learn more about the Fisk Jubilee Singers on their site.
Follow the Fisk Jubilee Singers on Spotify and enjoy the playlist below from Spotify.
There is also a list of published scores sung by the Fisk Jubilee Singers.