Roll, Jordan, Roll

Audio:

“Roll Jordan roll,
Roll Jordan roll,
I want to go to Heaven when I die
To hear old Jordan roll.”
—Black American spiritual,
nineteenth century

Transcription:

Sandy Campbell: Ashley illustrated several books of spirituals, the religious folksongs created by African-Americans during and after slavery. In this recording, the legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson sings “Roll, Jordan, Roll,” the spiritual Ashley chose to represent the letter “R.”