Struggle & Resistance Achievement & Excellence

January 1875

The Fisk Jubilee Singers, founded in 1871 to raise funds for Fisk University, completed their second European tour in 1875, performing before Queen Victoria and heads of state across Europe. Their performances of Black spirituals — the first time these songs were systematically preserved and performed in concert settings — raised over $150,000 for Fisk and introduced the world to African American sacred music as high art.

Events

1875
Fisk Jubilee Singers Introduce Black Spirituals to the World
The Fisk Jubilee Singers, founded in 1871 to raise funds for Fisk University, completed their second European tour in 1875, performing before Queen Victoria and heads of state across Europe. Their performances of Black spirituals — the first time these songs were systematically preserved and performed in concert settings — raised over $150,000 for Fisk and introduced the world to African American sacred music as high art.
1875
Fisk Jubilee Singers Perform for Queen Victoria, Introduce Spirituals to World
The Fisk Jubilee Singers completed their second European tour in 1875, performing for Queen Victoria and heads of state across Europe. Their performances systematically preserved and presented Black spirituals in concert settings for the first time, raising over $150,000 for Fisk University and introducing African American sacred music as high art to international audiences.