Slave Songs of the United States

The making of the book is described by Samuel Charters, with an emphasis on the role of Lucy McKim Garrison. A segment of History Detectives explored the book's history and significance.

Notable Songs

Several notable and popular songs in the book include:

• "Roll, Jordan, Roll" (#1)
• "Michael Row the Boat Ashore" (#31)
• "Bosom of Abraham" (#94 as "Rock My Soul")
• "Down in the River to Pray" (#104 as "The Good Old Way")
• "Jehova"
• "Hallelujah"
• "I hear from Heaven to-day"
• "Turn sinner"
• "Turn O"
• "Nobody knows the trouble I've had"
• "No Man can hinder me"
• "Heave away"
• "Charleston Gals"
• "I'm gwine to Alabamy"
• "I want to die like-a Lazarus die"
• "Belle Layotte"
• "On to Glory Jacob's Ladder"
• "My father, how long?"
• "Musieu Bainjo"
• "Lean on the Lord's side"
• "God got plenty o' room"

The book provides instructions for singing, which is accompanied by a discussion of the history of each song, with potential variations, interpretations of key references, and other related details. In the Dover edition, Harold Courlander contributes a new preface that evaluates the book's significance in both American musical and cultural history.