Win a Copy of New Book on Gospel Quartet Singing

Venerable music historians Lynn Abbott and Doug Seroff have combined their inestimable research on, and knowledge of, gospel quartet singing in a new book, To Do This, You Must Know How.

Released by University Press of Mississippi in February of this year, the book takes a fascinating look at the evolution of African American gospel quartet singing: from its origins in voice culture instruction at universities such as Fisk and Tuskegee, to glee clubs and community choirs, jubilee quartets, influential high school vocal instructors, quartet trainers, and the vaudeville stage.

Abbott and Seroff focus in particular on the quartet movements that developed out of the university setting; in Jefferson County, Alabama; Chicago; and New Orleans.  Well written, highly detailed, lushly illustrated with vintage photos, and a step back in time, To Do This, You Must Know How is essential reading for students of American music history.

Thanks to the generosity of University Press of Mississippi, The Black Gospel Blog has two copies of the book to give away.

The first two persons to email us with the correct answer to this question  will get a copy.
Q:  What quartet singer was elected Chicago’s “Mayor of Bronzeville,” an honorary post, in 1945?

The contest ends Friday, April 19, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time, or as soon as we have our winners.

Update: We have our winners:
Peter Batchelor of New Plymouth, New Zealand
J. Hayes McClendon of Cheraw, SC

Both correctly answered the above question.  R.H. Harris of the Soul Stirrers was elected Mayor of Bronzeville in 1945.  They will each get a copy of To Do This, You Must Know How, courtesy of University Press of Mississippi.  Congratulations!