A 9-member choral ensemble from Fisk University, the first American university to offer a liberal arts education to “young men and women irrespective of color,” the Jubilee Singers began performing around the country in 1871 to raise money to support the struggling university. Soon they were in demand, performing at large and important venues, including the White House, and touring Europe. The group still exists and performs today. Learn more about the Jubilee Singers HERE.
Click on the image below to hear one of the Jubilee Singers' earliest recordings, now in the Library of Congress:
The Jubilee Singers visited Marblehead multiple times in the first two decades of the 20th century. Below, you will find newspaper articles detailing the troupes' performances and public reception.