Product Details

• Actors: David McCullough, David Ogden Stiers, Joe Morton, Liev Schreiber, Linda Hunt
• Writers: Rocky Collins, Henry Hampton
• Producers: Katy Mostoller, Michael Rossi, Rocky Collins, Tracy Heather Strain
• Format: NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: Unrated
• Studio: Pbs (Direct)
• VHS Release Date: June 6, 2000
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: B00004TRYZ
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,377 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Setting forth to keep financial ruin from striking their Tennessee college for former slaves, the Jubilee Singers, most of whom were former slaves themselves, managed to bring the haunting music of bondage to an enormous international audience. This documentary, an installment of the PBS American Experience series, tells their story beautifully by utilizing excerpts from letters and diaries, archival photographs, and subtle re-creations by modern actors and singers that replicate the inspiring ambience of the original performances. Overcoming the obstacles of violent racism and audience indifference, the Jubilee Singers eventually acquired an appreciative audience whose far-flung members included Mark Twain, President Ulysses S. Grant, and England's Queen Victoria (who was so impressed she allowed her personal portraitist to paint the troupe during a triumphant European tour). The Jubilee Singers succeeded beyond anyone's expectations. They essentially saved Fisk University as well as the music of their past, while always carrying an important message about racial equality. And while they found considerable fame on the world stage, the strain of constant touring exacted a considerable toll on the singers. This documentary is a fascinating look at an inspiring cultural phenomenon. --Robert J. McNamara

Product Description

It was 1871, and the young singers - all but two of them former slaves - were performing before far-off audiences to save their struggling new school. The Jubilee Singers' first concert, in Oberlin, Ohio, raised hopes but little else. Still, they refused to quit, and as word of their talent spread along the route of the old Underground Railway, both crowds and collections grew. The youths from Nashville, Tennessee, made history by saving Fisk University, introducing the world to the power of spirituals, and challenging racial stereotypes. See - and hear - this profound and moving story of students who battled prejudice and oppression to sing their way into a nation's heart.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jubilee Singers an important part of American history, September 3, 2000

By	Curt Zimmerman (Bainbridge Island, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Jubilee Singers from Fisk University in Nashville are animportant but sometimes forgotten part of American History. Formed in 1871, they traveled the world singing the spirituals that came out of slavery. They battled prejudice, refused to sing to segregated audiences, kept an exhausting schedule, making history along the way.

This documentary from "The American Experience" series on PBS invites you into the remarkable story of the Jubilee Singers. A great addition to your collection of historical videos. END