Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
February 15, 2007 issue
Watauga Library Celebrates Black History with the Gems of Gospel February 24
Story by Celeste von Mangan
In observance of Black History Month, the Watauga County Public Library is presenting a special program called The Gems of Gospel: African-American Gospel Music History and Heritage. The event takes place Saturday, February 24, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the library meeting room and is free and open to the public.
“This program is the capstone of Black History Month,” said Ross Cooper, reference and adult services staff librarian. “It will last between one hour and one and a half hours and there will be speaking and performances relating to black gospel music. Mr. Sam Tate will serve as the moderator and I understand he has old recordings he made of various artists. There will be a short history and nostalgia traced to the modern gospels.”
Tate is the host of Gospel Gems on Radio 106.1 FM that is broadcast every Sunday from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. Sam Cooke, considered one of the most important soul singers in history, is a special area of study and teaching for Tate and he will present songs and information about the late singer.
Cooke was born on January 22, 1931 in Clarksdale, Miss. Even as a youngster, he had an extraordinary voice and wrote most of his own material including “Another Saturday Night,” “Chain Gang,” “Only Sixteen,” “Wonderful World” and “You Send Me.” Cooke also composed the songs “Twistin’ the Night Away,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll” and “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.” Cooke’s career bridged gaps between black and white audiences—a feat few others had even attempted, much less surmounted. On December 11, 1964, Cooke was shot to death in Los Angeles.
Gospel music in general refers to a body of songs associated with Christian evangelism evolving from the early nineteenth century Great Awakenings to the urban evangelist campaigns of 1870 through 1920. Beginning around 1950, it has also referred to a style derived primarily from African American singing practices. Black gospel enjoys a deep, rich history with pioneers Shirley Caesar, Reverend James Cleveland, Albertina Walker and Five Blind Boys of Alabama.
Light refreshments will be served at the Gems of Gospel event. For more information call 828-264-8784.
Southern Appalachian Gospel Music
Ross Cooper, reference and adult services staff librarian at the Watauga County Public Library, would like to speak to anyone who has information about Southern Appalachian gospel music. This area encompasses a body of work all its own, and discovering and defining its scope and sphere have been challenging. Please call 828-264-8784 if you have information pertaining to Southern Appalachian gospel music or know of any contacts in the field.