Fisk Jubilee Singers - "When I Was Sinkin' Down"

[MaestroGeo]

John W. Work III, a true American "lost" treasure. Composer, Director, Ethno-Musicologist, Fiskite!!!! Professor Work is one of Amerca's greatest musicians. This arrangment was done by the group of Jubilee Singers he directed and composed for in the late 40's through the 50's. There is a recording of that group availible entitled Fisk Jubilee Singers Gold and Blue released Jan 1 1955 on Folkways Records. That album has a recording of "When I Was Sinking Down". Its Magnificent!!!

[coolcalmtom]

Great song but, this is NOT gospel. The Fisk Jubilee Sigers only sing spiritual songs and there is a huge difference...Sprituals date from about 1867...gospel circa 1930. The spirituals sung by slaves were just about ALL related to the slave condition or escape from slavery. The tradition of singing these songs as originally performed by slaves, without the hoopla of gospel (no disrespect meant), is paramount in preserving the spiritual. It's always correctly sung with no sheet music..

[BlackSheep978654]

@coolcalmtom In context this IS gospel music. The distinction between spirituals and Gospel music was not made until the early twentieth century. These songs were sung in slave quarters in private when they had religious meetings, leading to the establishment of the black church in America. Therefore, this was THEIR gospel music.

[bryantworldwide]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

[HowlinWilf13]

Wow! Beautiful!

[DaSourcespr06]

YES YES YES! Lord what wondrous love is this!? The love of Christ i say!?!?!

[headzaintreddy]

wonderful! even more wonderful that when i was sinking down He laid aside His crown!!!