Slave's Music

There were three distinct types of music in a slave’s life: religious, work, and recreational. They combined parts of African and European music to form many different genres, such as gospel, jazz, and blues.

Since slaves were typically not given instruments, they had to make do with what they had. Slaves would use their voices and switch it up by singing together, alone, or in call-and-response. Lots of improvisation occurred to make different songs sound very different depending upon who sung it. Slaves would also use their hands and feet by clapping and stomping to make the beat like traditional African music. One instrument that was sometimes available was the banjo. It had many other names, such as the banjar, banger, bangelo, strum strum, and the merrwang. The banjo combined the rhythmic African music with melodious European music. The fiddle was also a popular instrument, especially for dancing. Drums used to be available to slaves until whites began to surmise (correctly) that they were sending messages through the drums, since they could practically sound like voices. Drums would accompany voices and dances. Everyday objects were also used. They could make a variety of rhythms and tones with different objects.

Religious songs were typically a cappella with clapping and stomping to keep the beat. They were inspired not only by African traditions, but also by Christianity. Some typical religious songs were “Look Down That Long, Lonesome Road,” “Run Old Jeremiah,” “Do, Lord, Remember Me,” “House Done Built Without Hands,” and “Meet Me in Jerusalem.”

Work songs would help slaves synchronize their tasks and take their minds off their labor. Also called “field hollers,” they often were call-and-response. Some examples of work songs were “Arwhoolie,” “Quittin’ Time Song 2,” “Mealtime Call,” “Hammer, Ring,” and “It Makes a Long Time Man Feel Bad.” Instruments were typically not used, since they were in the fields.

Recreational songs allowed slaves to relax, dance, or just enjoy music typically performed on string instruments. Some songs were “Shortnin’ Bread,” “Bile Them Cabbage Down,” “Rosey,” “Soldier’s Joy,” and “Go to Sleep.”

"Slavery and the Making of America . The Slave Experience: Education, Arts, & Culture |." PBS. Web. 14 Jan. 2010. .