One of the first documentary collections of Negro folk songs was compiled in 1867 by William Francis Allen, Charles Pickard Ware and Lucy McKim Garrison. Under the title Slave Songs of the United States, this collection of 136 authentic folk songs of the Negro people revolutionized America’s understanding of this music. The book, which contains spirituals, work songs, field hollers, soldier songs of Civil War days, and freedom songs, has become a classic of its kind. These songs provide the basis for subsequent expressions of gospel music, blues, and jazz. In 1965, composer Irving Schlein created sensitive and useful piano settings for every song from the original edition. Chords for guitar have also been added to the musical notation. The result is a magnificent and practical volume of songs of great historical value designed for contemporary use.
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