October 1871

The Fisk Jubilee Singers, students from Fisk University in Nashville, embarked on a fundraising tour that introduced African American spirituals to national and international audiences for the first time. Their performances before Queen Victoria and European royalty transformed the perception of Black music and culture, and their tours ultimately saved Fisk University from financial collapse.

Nine students depart Fisk University in Nashville on a fundraising concert tour under director George White. Near-broke and facing racism at every turn, the ensemble introduced spirituals — 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' 'Go Down, Moses' — to white Northern audiences. The tour raised $20,000 (equivalent to roughly $500,000 today), saving Fisk from closure.

Nine formerly enslaved students and freedpeople from Fisk University in Nashville began a world tour in 1871 to raise money for their cash-strapped institution. The Jubilee Singers introduced the African American spiritual — "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Go Down Moses," "Deep River" — to Northern and European audiences. They raised $150,000, saved Fisk, and permanently established the spiritual as a recognized art form, performing for President Grant and Queen Victoria.

Nine Fisk University students began a world tour in 1871 to save their cash-strapped institution. The Jubilee Singers introduced African American spirituals — "Swing Low," "Go Down Moses," "Deep River" — to Northern and European audiences. They raised $150,000, saved Fisk, and performed for President Grant and Queen Victoria, permanently establishing the spiritual as a recognized art form.