The Fisk Jubilee Singers are an esteemed vocal ensemble with a storied history that has profoundly influenced the course of American music. Established in 1871 at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, they comprise a group of African-American students brought together by school treasurer and music director, George L. White. Named in honor of the college's Jubilee Hall, their initial mission was to raise funds for the university, which faced dire financial circumstances post-Civil War. The original ensemble undertook an ambitious tour, performing a repertoire that included Negro spirituals—a pioneering effort that marked the first time such songs were performed in public by a choir in a formal setting, thereby introducing them to the wider American audience and preserving this crucial aspect of African-American culture.

Their contributions to music and culture have received international acclaim, with their performance tours not only contributing to Fisk University's survival but also earning them recognition from audiences worldwide, including European royalty. Over the decades, the legacy and mission of the Fisk Jubilee Singers have been upheld by successive generations of vocalists, all Fisk University students, who continue to celebrate their rich heritage. Their recordings, such as "Celebrating Fisk! (The 150th Anniversary Album)," encapsulate their tradition and growth over time. The ensemble's importance in the history of American music and education was recognized with a National Medal of Arts in 2008 and their induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. With releases ranging from "At The End Of The River" to "Gospel Music Hall of Fame Series - The Fisk Jubilee Singers," the Fisk Jubilee Singers persist as ambassadors of spirituals and are a beacon of resilience, cultural expression, and musical innovation.

Genres

Spirituals

Vintage Gospel

Vocal Harmony Group

Related Artists

Rodney Atkins

MacKenzie Porter

Tyler Hubbard

BRELAND

ERNEST

Devin Dawson

Jameson Rodgers

Chris Janson

Katelyn Brown

Bryan Martin

Parmalee

Randy Houser

Latest Release

At The End Of The River

Wyn Starks•

The Fisk Jubilee Singers

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released February 17, 2023