Gospel Train
From: Program 4 of Old Music for New Ears
Length: 00:04:28
Description:
Rhonda and Sparky Rucker play harmonica and guitar and sing “Gospel Train” from Program 4 of the KET series Old Music for New Ears. This song was used by slaves in the Underground Railroad era, often sung just before an escape to let all who wished to go know that the time was near. The series brings top folk and traditional musicians into the studio to perform for a young student audience. Designed to introduce the pure and simple forms of traditional music to today’s generation, the series includes 22 15-minute programs featuring a wide variety of traditional instruments and musical styles.
Suggested uses:
- to show how a harmonica is played (excerpt includes demonstration)
- as an example of African-American folk music tradition
- as part of a study of American history/Civil War era (example of code-word song used in Underground Railroad days; have students find, research, and interpret other code songs)
More information on Old Music for New Ears:
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