The Function of Music in African-American Society Before and After Emancipation

Author

• Lara Noel Anderson, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-2001

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

History

Abstract

The first collection of African-American music, Slave Songs of the United States, was published in 1867. Since then, there have been many collections of African-American songs, and the division of these songs into categories. There have been books that trace African-American music from the plantation to minstrelsy, to choral arrangements, to blues, jazz, gospel music, and rap.¹ There have been books that report when certain songs were written or sung, and by whom. Despite all of these collections and volumes, one question is not satisfactorily answered: what purpose did African-American songs and music serve in daily life in the nineteenth century before Emancipation in 1865? By analyzing the songs that were sung by slaves, what can we say about their purpose and function in the lives of African-Americans? The music and songs of slaves were invaluable in counteracting the feelings of inferiority and self-hate triggered by the institution of slavery. African-American music and songs helped nineteenth century blacks to survive in an incredibly unjust world.

Recommended Citation

Anderson, Lara Noel, "The Function of Music in African-American Society Before and After Emancipation" (2001). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 1065.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/1065