White Spirituals in the Southern Uplands | George Pullen Jackson

In White Spirituals in the Southern Uplands, acclaimed musical folklorist George Pullen Jackson delves deep into the rich tapestry of folk music that flourished in the hills and valleys of the Southern Uplands, commonly called “Sacred Harp.” Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Jackson unveils the tradition of “white spirituals,” these shape-note songs completely forgotten by popular culture and completely unknown to academic scrutiny. At the time, African American Spirituals were hailed as the first and only “uniquely American” musical idiom. Jackson’s book showed it was neither unique nor the first. In this landmark work, he sheds light on the origins, evolution, and profound significance of this “fasola singing” from its New England origins, and into the cultural landscape of the American South and beyond.
From haunting hymns passed down through generations, to jubilant anthems echoing in remote churchyards, this groundbreaking exploration celebrates the resilience, faith, and creativity of the people who shaped these melodies. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for preservation, Jackson brings to life the voices of the singers, the cultural traditions that developed around it, and the landscapes that inspired these timeless songs.