AMERICAN NEGRO SONGS

From Fisk University comes this scholarly study of our richest musical heritage, the Negro folk music. The editor traces his sources, in some instances, back to Africa; his emphasis is on rhythms and melodies, not on words, which are varied according to the sectional developments and customs. He takes the Spiritual (choral and communal music); the blues (solo and individual music), the work songs and the social songs, most of which have dance rhythms, the balance of the book includes the actual songs, with simple arrangements.