About The Group
After "the Freedom Singers" became a group in 1962, they went on to aid the civil rights efforts taking place all over the country. Over a period of 9 months, they traveled over 50,000 miles in a Buick Station Wagon performing at venues ranging from colleges and universities to living rooms for individuals to achieve their goal. Their goal was to spread the ideals of the African-American Civil Rights Movement through song and to enlighten individuals about what was happening concerning African-Americans at this time.
Their songs were derived from songs influenced by musical genres like Gospel, Rhythm and Blues, Soul, and other similar genres. They performed songs such as "This Little Light of Mine" and "Oh Freedom". They sought to raise money for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and spread awareness of what was taking place in the "Jim Crow" south through their music.
After the original "Freedom Singers" recorded an album in 1963, they disbanded. Shortly thereafter, an all-male version of "The Freedom Singers" was formed by the SNCC in 1964 and they were known as the "New Freedom Singers". The new members were Rafael Bentham, Emory Harris, Matthew Jones, Marshall Jones, James Peacock, and Charles Neblitt.
Read more about this topic: The Freedom Singers
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