Dr. James Abbington to Lead Baylor Presentation on Gospel

From a press release:

Black sacred music — spirituals, gospel, Freedom Songs — is the foundation for all American popular music. We wouldn’t have rock, pop, rap, R&B, hip hop or soul without it,” said Robert Darden, associate professor at Baylor University’s department of journalism and media arts.

People will have a chance to learn more about that foundation at Spirits that Dwell in Deep Woods on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Paul Powell Chapel in Truett Seminary, located at the corner of 3rd and Dutton.

Dr. James Abbington, associate professor of church music and worship at Candler School of Theology at Atlanta’s Emory University, will lead the musical presentation on black gospel music.

“[Black gospel music’s] significance is that it is the music of a people and a culture that has developed throughout 20th century history that has formed, sustained and identified the Black Christians’ faith and experience,” Dr. Abbington said.

This musical presentation is part of an ongoing effort to promote the Black Gospel Music Restoration Project—started by Darden—that preserves black gospel music for future generations.

The event will include gospel spirituals, short lectures and demonstrations. Two pieces will be performed by The Heavenly Voices, a student gospel choir that started in 1988 and is the only gospel choir currently at Baylor.

The event is open to the public. A reception will be held following the event.

For more information go to:  www.baylor.edu/lib/index.php?id=77736