Awake My Soul: The Story of The Sacred Harp | Matt Hinton (dir.) | DVD, Deluxe Ed.

A Haunting Journey into America’s Oldest Living Music Tradition

Experience the raw, powerful, and deeply moving tradition of Sacred Harp singing with Awake, My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp, the first feature documentary dedicated to this uniquely American musical form. This deluxe 2-disc DVD set immerses you in the history, sound, and spirit of Sacred Harp—a shape-note singing tradition that has been preserved in the deep South for over two centuries.

About the Film

Directed by Matt and Erica Hinton, Awake, My Soul is the result of seven years of dedicated filmmaking, capturing the voices and lives of singers who have kept this tradition alive. Featuring intimate interviews and rare archival footage, the film explores how Sacred Harp music, with its otherworldly harmonies and full-throated singing style, has endured despite cultural shifts and musical trends.

With narration by Jim Lauderdale, the documentary takes viewers from the historic Shoal Creek Church in Georgia to the annual Henagar Union Convention in Alabama, showcasing the living history of this art form. The film also delves into the deeply communal and democratic nature of Sacred Harp singing, where all voices come together in powerful harmony without the need for formal training.

Deluxe Edition Features

This special edition 2-disc set offers an in-depth experience for both newcomers and devoted enthusiasts of Sacred Harp:

• Feature Documentary (1 hr 15 min): A richly detailed exploration of Sacred Harp’s origins, evolution, and continued significance.
• Extended Interviews & Bonus Footage: Additional stories from legendary singers such as Hugh McGraw, Raymond Hamrick, Richard Delong, Rodney Ivey, and Warren Steel.
• Archival Recordings & Rare Singings: Footage from historic singings and conventions, showcasing the raw energy and emotion of this music.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: The making of Awake, My Soul and the filmmakers’ journey in documenting this tradition.
• Surround Sound Experience: Fully immersive audio to capture the depth and power of Sacred Harp singing.

Praise for Awake, My Soul

• “Some of the most raucous group vocals that have been recorded.” – Pitchfork
• “A fine documentary… You get the feel of the people and the wonderful sound of the music, and thankfully without any condescension. As an introduction to Sacred Harp, it’s as amazing as the music itself.” – Birmingham Weekly
• “A fascinating and informative film that does a great service to American musical and historical communities.” – AmericanaRoots

A Living Tradition

Unlike conventional choral singing, Sacred Harp is unapologetically loud, deeply communal, and meant for participation rather than performance. It is an art form born of rebellion, having resisted musical formalization since the 18th century. Awake, My Soul captures this spirit, revealing why generations of singers have dedicated their lives to its preservation.

Whether you are a seasoned Sacred Harp singer or discovering this tradition for the first time, this deluxe DVD set provides a rare and invaluable glimpse into an enduring American musical legacy.