The slaves used elaborate hand slapping as rhythmic accompaniment instead. Spirituals often contained hidden messages about the Underground Railroad used to help slaves escape. Jubilee Fisk Singers popularized spirituals through their tours in the 1870s to raise money for the Fisk University. Lay dis body down. Singing style highly expressive.
Performance varies from singer to singer, audience to audience.
The term gospel came from a popular northern hymnal Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs from 1875. Thomas A. Dorsey is considered the father of gospel music. Great gospel groups include the Ward Singers, The Soul Stirrers, and the Golden Jubilee Singers.