African American Heritage Hymnal: 575 Hymns, Spirituals, and Gospel Songs [Hardcover]

Rev. Dr. Delores Carpenter (Editor), Rev. Nolan E. Williams Jr. (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001

Eight years of inspired work by a committee of more than 30 musicians and pastors, all leaders in African American worship and gospel music, have resulted in this compendium representing the common repertoire of African American churches across the United States. For the first time in an African American hymnal, traditional hymns and songs are notated to reflect performance practices found in the oral tradition of the black church in America. At a time when such traditions are falling victim to modern technology, this book strives to preserve this rich heritage for future generations. Presented are litanies for “Fifty-Two Sundays of Worshipful Celebration” outlining an African American church year, including such special days as Martin Luther King Sunday, Elders’ Day, Mother’s Day, and Men’s Day. Also included are 52 responsive scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments and an extensive index that includes scriptural and thematic cross-references.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rev. Dr. Delores Carpenter is professor of religious education at Howard University School of Divinity and senior pastor of Michigan Park Christian Church in Washington, DC. Nolan E. Williams Jr. is the CEO of NEWorks, a music production, publishing, publications and consulting company. He also serves as Minister of Music at Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1104 pages
• Publisher: Gia Publications (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579991246
• ISBN-13: 978-1579991241
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,015 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Worship & Devotion > Hymns & Hymnals
  • #30 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Evangelism > Sermons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, yes!, July 6, 2002

By 

Tom Hinkle (Tulsa, OK USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: African American Heritage Hymnal: 575 Hymns, Spirituals, and Gospel Songs (Hardcover)

This collection of hymns, spirituals, and gospel songs is a total delight. As soon as I opened this book and started playing this music on my keyboard, I could hear heavenly gospel choirs singing in my head. Of course, there are many hymns and songs included here that most people would know, but what makes this hymnbook a treasure are the songs specific to the African-American tradition, with harmonies that unmistakeably suggest a black gospel choir. As a bonus, there is a good quantity of responsive readings in the front of the book suitable for use in the worship service. This book will get you into the Spirit, whether you are black, white, or anything in between. The "African-American Heritage Hymnal" zoomed right to the top of my hymnal collection list the moment it arrived. Get it, you won't be sorry!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of favorites, December 1, 2001

By 

John L. Velonis (Dobbs Ferry, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: African American Heritage Hymnal: 575 Hymns, Spirituals, and Gospel Songs (Hardcover)

I was raised in the Baptist church, though it has been many years since I've been in one. But looking through this hymnal, on page after page I found one or another old favorite tune leaping into my head. Regardless of your denomination, you are sure to find many songs worth singing here.

This hymnal contains more than 600 songs, with four-part harmony for nearly all, though no guitar chords. It sticks to the traditional lyrics, retaining archaisms like "thou" and non-politically-correct terms like "men" and "father" where the original authors wrote them. There are some songs here which seem to have been dropped from some hymnals, such as "Onward Christian Soldiers" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic".

One note -- while the book includes plenty of spirituals and gospel songs, these are outnumbered by what I would consider "standard" hymns and revival songs which are not specifically associated with African-American churches. I think this is a good thing, since it emphasizes how much musical heritage all English-speaking Protestants share.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best hymnal ever!!, April 16, 2002

By 

"latisa" (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: African American Heritage Hymnal: 575 Hymns, Spirituals, and Gospel Songs (Hardcover)

The church that I go to recently purchased these hymnals to use and I love them. The book has a wide variety of songs, from traditional hymns to childrens songs to contempory songs that are popular in the African American church. the music director at my church would have to go through tons of music books to find the right songs for the choir, then another set for praise and worship, then another for devotionals and so on. Now it is easier to find a song.