Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit : 101 Best-Loved Psalms, Gospel Hymns & Spiritual Songs of the African-American Church

An important historical document as well as an inspirational gift, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit captures the rich connections between song and experience as no other volume does.

For over 200 years in African-American churches throughout the country, gospel and spiritual music have offered solace and been a source of celebration, leaving a mark not only on the Christian world, but on popular music as well. Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit contains the lyrics and music of 101 of the most widely known and cherished of these pieces, ranging from heart-stirring spirituals sung during slave times (Steal Away; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot) to songs of unity from the civil rights movement and contemporary times (We Shall Overcome; I'll Fly Away).

The book also presents a biography of each composer and the history of the evolution of each song, examining the role it played in enabling African-Americans to develop the strength to carry on in the face of adversity.

“Provides the fascinating, and often emotional, history behind songs from Sunday church services and the Civil Rights Movement.” —Victoria Valentine, Emerge

“Ev'ry time I feel the Spirit move in my heart, I will away.” —Traditional spiritual

“An intriguing analysis and a joyous celebration of four genres of religious music: Negro spirituals, gospel songs, Euro-American hymns, and contemporary gospel.” —Al Bromley, Dallas Morning News