WADE IN THE WATER
The History, Influence, and Survival of Religious Music
The Wade in The Water gallery documents the history and influence of religious music -- from indigenous African music that survived during slavery, to the formation of African American spirituals and hymns, to the “Golden Age of Gospel” in the 1940s–1960s -- and its commercial growth. Exploration includes the influence of gospel vocal groups on secular singing in doo-wop, R&B, and soul music, as well as the impact that religious music had throughout the 20th century and into the new millennium. Guests can record themselves singing live with a gospel choir, and view sheet music for some of the most important gospel songs.