They developed from slave songs sung by slaves during the American Civil War. The blues also came from tribal songs from African-American communities and tribes in Africa.
Arhoolies are African-American folk songs.
African American work songs.
Using African instruments and songs in their services
Using African instruments and songs in their services.
The African spirituals differ from traditional American songs due to their origin and the affects such a differents made. It's the difference between Jazz and Classical. The African spiritual, based on the rhythm of tribal song, combined with the freedom of expression were, overall, more happy and yet yearning. The traditional American songs gained origin from Britain's staid belief in restraint from worldliness. Most church songs from colonial times were based on psalms and were first written in the Bay Psalm Book.
Motown songwriters were successful because they had the ability to write songs for African-American artists that appealed to both African-Americans and white audiences.
Using African instruments and songs in their services
hymns
Yes, Ned Washington, the pop lyricist, was African American. He co-wrote many popular songs, including "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "Stella by Starlight," and was one of the first African American songwriters to achieve significant success in the music industry.
Newman Ivey White has written: 'Shelley' -- subject(s): Biography, English Poets, Poets, English 'American Negro Folksongs' 'American negro folk-songs' -- subject(s): African Americans, English Folk songs, English Songs, Folk music, Folk songs, English, History and criticism, Music, Songs, English 'An anthology of verse by American Negroes' -- subject(s): American poetry, African American authors
The songs were connected to life and daily functions.