Patience and great performance are their own rewards, but in the Fisk Jubilee Singers case, a first-ever Grammy Award came with it. “Celebrating Fisk!,” the 150th Anniversary Album, won the 2021 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album.
“I thank the Fisk University family,” said Dr. Paul Kwami, musical director since 1994. “And all the fans around the world. Thank you so much, hallelujah.”
Started in Nashville in 1871 by Fisk University treasurer George Leonard White, the Fisk Jubilee Singers’ purpose was to raise much-needed funds for the 5-year-old school. Soon after, however, they were forerunners in bringing, what for better or worse are called, “Negro spirituals” to the wider world.
Touring the U.S. and Europe, the original group performed for Mark Twain, U.S. Grant and Queen Victoria, among others. As years passed and members changed, the quality never diminished. Having popularized gospel mainstays such as “Steal Away Jesus,” they also performed the earliest known recording of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” which the Library of Congress catalogued in 2002.
With 12 songs, “Celebrating Fisk!” is a compilation of recent concert performances at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Ruby Amanfu, Lee Ann Womack and The Fairfield Four are among its many guest performers.
Though nominated for a Grammy once in 2009, this is the group’s first win; a surprising fact, given that they’re part of the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Music City Walk of Fame.
“Sometimes I think it’s because of the music we’re known for, which is the Negro spiritual,” Kwami said. “Whatever the case, I’m happy this happened in the year we are celebrating our 150th anniversary.”
The group has a full “Year of Jubilee” planned to celebrate the anniversary. To learn more, visit theyearofjubilee.org.
