A Black History Tribute to Queen Victoria
Never before heard outside of African-American communities, the private performance of Freedom songs, such as Steal Away to Jesus and Go Down Moses deeply moved the exclusive audience of the Queen in mourning and her highest ranking noble companions, the Dukes and Duchesses of Argyll and Northumberland.
Lauded by all the major press and every echelon of society ‘… Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, expressed gratification with what she heard (The Daily Telegraph)’
‘Isn't it wonderful? I have never heard anything like it… (The Right Honourable W. E. Gladstone)’
‘… nobility and commoner mingled at their concerts and vied with one another in making compliments … (Christian World)’, ‘Unqualified Admiration..’
‘... If you will give them those benefits and opportunities which you have yourselves enjoyed.’
An enlightened appeal for social equity from the Jubilee Singers’ tour sponsor, the Earl of Shaftesbury, an human rights and social reform advocate.
This world phenomenon justified in many hearts and minds the elimination of slavery in the United States and Great Britain and all of its territories; and underscores the deep rooted and complex ties between the British Empire and the African Atlantic Diaspora.
These African-American Spiritual, Sacred and Freedom Songs have influenced all subsequent forms of popular music globally, and render the African American Gospel singer as the most emulated and influential singer in the history of the world.
Comments