My great-grandmother and her siblings sang sacred harp growing up in 1910s and 1920s Alabama. If any of you are from Alabama, she remembers going down for a competition near modern-day Tallassee and witnessed the construction of Lake Martin being built.

This kind of singing is done (not 'performed') by groups all over the US, where people come together for a day or a weekend devoted to Sacred Harp singing exclusively. In a day, we often sing 70 or 80 songs in succession, with time out for 'dinner on the grounds' potluck. And yes, we do keep time by moving our hands - not always in 'strange rigid ways' though. Some of us even stamp our feet or tap our toes, would you believe ;)

Think about what this represented to poor Southern folks back in the depression, and earlier. Their lives were local, monotonous, hard work 16 hours a day. They had no TV or books or plays to distract them, no enjoyment other than the daily minutes they had together with family while eating, before i was off to bed to get up at dawn and start again in the hot sun. But then on Sunday, the Sabbath, they could take a day off, and come and immerse themselves in something like this....if it seems thrilling to us, imagine what it must be like as part of a dreary life of hard labor in the fields? Must have been incredibly fulfilling for them, even more so than it is for someone like me. No wonder the South is home to the more "exuberant" forms of worship...they weren't willing to sell their morality, but they needed SOME break from their reality, whether black or white. Thus they created exalting forms of worship like Sacred Harp and Gospel, etc. I am proud to be a Vermont (aka "real") Yankee, but I do so love so many things about the South. I would love to travel there someday, visit the Civil War battlefields, see the Deep South and the Mississippi.

@janehafker

9 жыл бұрын

justforever96 I do believe this music came from the Protestant "Scotch-Irish" Americans who settled the Appalachians and the South--, of whom my DNA is quite filled-- and I believe they were escaping both the cruel British and the crazy Irish Catholic/Pope thing. (I sometimes feel like I'm channeling Lady Jane, bless her heart). Ergo, I believe this music just naturally came to them through the Holy Spirit, soothing all the tedium of life you describe above. No cheap supermarkets at all back in that day. During the Jesus Movement in '69 - 76'ish' the music was also without instruments and the singing to beautiful it cannot be described. Just very, very interesting, the whole thing, and rather lost to time and a very satanic world. Which is sadly interesting.

@sufficientgrace8375

7 жыл бұрын

Not to me Jane. This is glorious music and definitely sung in the Spirit. I will make sure this is not lost !

@LoisAGrimm

5 жыл бұрын

I'm a northern agnostic and I can appreciate the place music held for these people. Well said.

@jenniferf5877

5 жыл бұрын

Come on down! The Gulf Coast welcomes you. But don't forget your mosquito spray! You could literally catch one and have it for dinner...if you're lucky!

@eytonshalom

4 жыл бұрын

think what their lives are like now--video games, drugs, mindless television....

Those altos!!!

A cartoon brought me here and now I'm actually crying

Absolutely gave me goosebumps. I always wondered what this style was called. I am in love.

@the32712

8 жыл бұрын

+amelia bloom Check out Primitive/Old Regular Baptist Lining. If this gives ya goosebumps, those old Lined Hymns will give ya a big 'ol bump.

@digztytwo

7 жыл бұрын

It's called sacred harp singing.

@schlesmail1

5 жыл бұрын

For more info, visit fasola.org .

*Psalm 98:4* Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise!

@annalieff-saxby568

Жыл бұрын

I'm not a Christian, and this is the first overtly Christian post I've ever responded to but yes, brother, let us all join together to make a joyful noise. Blessings and peace be upon you and yours, blessings and peace.

It took me way too many Google searches to find this group again, but I'm so glad I have!

@johndavid8815

5 жыл бұрын

Rachael Anthoney come to our reunion to witness this.

There is no congregation to be a member of, as this is not a church. The singings are to singers somewhat like 'jams' are to musicians. Whoever wants to join in brings their instrument (voice) and sings along. Sometimes a few people come just to listen, but the majority of those attending came to sing. Newcomers are always welcome. There are loaner books, and if you need any help, someone will always oblige. You will also be welcome to the potluck dinner, even if you didn't bring anything.

@mstarsg1

6 жыл бұрын

Nice in theory but It depends where you go, there are parts of the country where it is kept among the "pros" and newcomers are discouraged or not so politely asked to leave. The music has unfortunately moved away from its once spiritual roots and been hijacked by exclusivist hipsters. It is really too bad the way a pure art form has been reappropriated, thankfully we have recordings like this that keep its spirit alive.

We sing this often in San Diego CA. We sing from Sacred Harp most Sun. 3 to 5 pm in several places. We' been singing here since 1975.

@janehafker

9 жыл бұрын

Mimi Wright Mimi, you are very, very blessed. Lucky you!

I'm always amazed with the way these Alabama Sacred Harp Singers recordings change pitch over the course of a lesson. And those altos...

@alskndlaskndal

9 жыл бұрын

I didn't even notice listening through the first time, but if I skip back to the beginning again, I can hear they got quite a bit sharper during the song.

@themcool8824

7 жыл бұрын

Unusual that they drift *sharp*.... Singers tend to flatten very quickly without instrumental support. They must really be throwing all their energy at it.

Glad this was recorded

We thank the Lord of heav’n and earth, Who hath preserved us from our birth. Chorus: For present joys, for blessings past, And for the hope of heav’n at last. How shall we half our task fulfill? We thank Thee for Thy mind and will. (Chorus) Redeemed us oft from death and dread, And with Thy gifts our table spread, (Chorus) See www.sacredharpbremen.org/lieder/300-bis-399/318-present-joys .

i love it. we still do this in our community.

Just wonderful!

Still done in Alabama. My choice is Sardis church north of Birmingham. This recording could have been done there, it sounds so similar. Let's hope it never dies.

Go listen to the Louvin Brothers sing. They were Sacred Harp from childhood. Their singing style is unique to them in country music.

@johndavid8815

5 жыл бұрын

Winston Tucker Our family still sings at the reunion where the Louvin brothers grew up. I stood with their sister at their parents grave about a week ago at our reunion. I am blessed to be a part of this family.

I have relatives singing in this amazing quality consedering the time period.

Some of the songs in The Sacred Harp actually do go back at least as far as the 18th century. Shape note singing in this style spread from New England through the south and western frontier beginning in pre-Revolutionary times, and is being sung all over the US today by groups who treasure its songs and traditions. You can find hundreds of vids on KZread by using the search terms, "Sacred Harp singing' or 'shape note singing.' On my channel alone, I have posted over 200 songs. Check it out!

I GREW UP ON THIS ,,,,,,LOVE IT

Goosebumps!

My great uncle was a sacred harp singer and is from Bonifay- right up the road from Geneva. Our family had a farm south of Geneva in New Hope, Florida (not a town, just a crossroad as you probably know). My sentiments for what you say, exactly.

Yes, it's actually from 1959, in stereo, recorded by Alan Lomax, Jr., not senior.

@jarrodgeorge325

4 жыл бұрын

Sean Coxen my Great Grandfather Leon Wilkie is singing Bass on this. It was recorded in my hometown of Fyffe, Alabama. I sing Treble myself.

Stunningly beautiful

wow, that sounds so wonderful, I wonder if this kind of thing happens in my area!

Spec we'll all be seeing this group one day. I'll just bet everyone of them made it in, huh? Let's hope we will too. Much harder now, I think, to keep one's eyes on the Prize. But not impossible, just hang in . :)

We sing at our family reunion in Section Alabama

This was recorded the same year my dear Dad was born. Twas but yesterday.

I have just finished reading Cold Mountain, different from the film and just as amazing.........this picture speaks volumes,

@johndavid8815

5 ай бұрын

The singers in the movie are my family

i found gold

There might be singings in your area. Check out the national website, fasola.org, where there's information about singings all over the US and even a few abroad, with contacts you can call to find out more.

Word is that it's also done in Guelph ontario!

Still performed in the South. Was thinking of moving to the Asheville NC area and found some towns in the foothills that are still devoted to this style of Christian harmony--accompanied by strange rigid movements of their hands to keep time.

@kalwallingford7039

9 ай бұрын

you go back where God saw fit to spew you from your mama and we might keep our true christianity down here. you need to go right back

I love Sacred Harp singing! I hope it can be preserved. Did the girl in the middle of the picture have Down Syndrome? I hope she was able to live a good life. I'm glad that she was able to praise the Lord with the rest of her congregation.

this is a modern recording isn't it ? I don't think it dates back to 1942, hearing how its crispy clean and in stereo. very nice anyhow :)

The description here says "Recorded in 1942." The version on Harry Smith's "Anthology Of American Folk Music" was recorded in 1928. Yet this clip sounds like it's in stereo. What gives?

@jenniferf5877

5 жыл бұрын

Some earlier Sacred Harp recordings have dated back in to the late 1800's but the most popular being from the Jefferson County co courthouse in 1942. Not 1928.

318 in the Sacred Harp 1991 edition

The Magpie Salute brought me here.

@maartenvodeb5815

6 жыл бұрын

amorican88 me too!

This is in stereo or has been somehow formatted for stereo, with different parts emphasized in the left and right speakers. How was that done? There wasn't stereophonic recording in 1942 was there? Interesting, and wonderful singing!!! Thanks for this post.

@andreaf.6572

7 ай бұрын

All of the singers face the middle of the room. They are not facing the same direction such as a choir in an auditorium.

where did you get that photo? one of the people in it looks just like a relative of mine.

@kellylomax2511

9 жыл бұрын

Are you talking about the back row, 4th from the left? Holy Cow....if he's not a Lomax......

Thats beautiful. Can anyone join you? Or do you have to be a member of the congregation?

@johndavid8815

5 ай бұрын

I was born into a sacred harp singing family in Alabama

Anyone understand the first lines they're singing?

@dominikfraune6734

6 жыл бұрын

Before starting to sing the verses the notes where sung on their names (FA SOL LA MI) to find the melody.

You are cordially invited to the "Kiirtan Hour 2017©" global event . You can find all the information on the event page "Kiirtan for Peace and All Round Prosperity©". This is a free and non-denominational event. Listen to the mantra we are using, Baba Nam Kevalam. The sound is in the "Kiirtan Hour 2017©" document. Please join us and invite anyone you like. Sing the Mantra, enjoy it's benefits, and if you feel like it send us a simple phone video of you singing the Mantra alone or with friends to help inspire others.

🦉

Is the photo legit? look closer, looks pretty dark to me.

@johndavid8815

5 ай бұрын

It looks right to me

Strange and rigid to me--as in that old WASPish rigidity: See Christian harmony singing, Rutherfordton NC (St. John's Church. Rutherfordton, NC. Dan Huger leading Pisgah. 2009) My favorite. Though, I did read that they really belt it out from their very depths..not WASPish at all and you can hear these women really shouting.

@jdools4744

3 ай бұрын

WASP supremacy 🐝 💪🏻

Except that this style developed in the 1840s, Baruch. No need to be a fly. You can sing Sacred Harp all over the US, England and Ireland any time you want. Look it up. Sacred Harp is not part of church services.

Very Confederate lol

Very Confederate lol