Wade in the Water
The History, Influence, and Survival of Religious Music
Ongoing Exhibit
Step into the Wade in the Water gallery, the first stop for many visitors after leaving the River of Rhythm Corridor. Named after the iconic African American spiritual, this immersive exhibition traces the powerful journey of sacred music from its African roots to modern gospel.
Origins in Africa
Discover the rich ceremonial and religious traditions of West and Central African societies. Learn how practices like call and response singing and circle dances laid the foundation for African American sacred expressions such as the ring shout.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade & Christianization
Follow the story of forced migration and the transformation of African spiritual practices during the Great Awakening of the 18th century, when many enslaved Africans were introduced to Christianity.
Interactive Experience
Visitors can virtually sing alongside legendary Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir.
Rise of Spirituals
Explore the birth of folk spirituals in the early 19th century and their evolution into concert music, highlighted by legendary groups like the Fisk Jubilee Singers of Nashville.
The Great Migration & Gospel’s Emergence
Trace how Black religious traditions spread across the U.S. during the Great Migration, blending with popular music genres like jazz and blues to create the vibrant sound of gospel music.
Gospel’s Golden Age & Beyond
Celebrate gospel’s Golden Age (1940s–1960s) and discover how contemporary artists continue to innovate, blending modern sounds while preserving gospel’s sacred purpose.
Interactive Experiences
Personal Gospel: Hear heartfelt stories from individuals about the gospel songs that shaped their lives.
Singing With the Choir: Join a virtual performance of “Oh Happy Day” with Dr. Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir.
“The spirit [or steadfast determination] lives in our peoples’ songs in the sublime grandeur of “Deep River,” in the driving force of “Jacob’s Ladder,” in the militancy of “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho,” and in the poignant beauty of all of our spirituals.” “
– Paul Robeson
Deeper Dive
Timeline
The 1700’s-present
The exhibit presents a chronological journey from the survival of African musical traditions during slavery, through the development of spirituals and hymns, to the flourishing of gospel music in the mid-20th century.sda
Learn
The History
Wade in the Water educates visitors on the historical timeline and profound impact of African American religious music, highlighting its influence on secular music styles as well as its role in cultural and civil rights movements.
Listen
Gallery Playlist
This playlist explores the enduring power of African American religious music—from spirituals that carried coded messages of liberation to gospel anthems that fueled the Civil Rights Movement.
Each track reveals how faith, resilience, and community have shaped the sound and spirit of American music.
