Post by Alan on Mar 21, 2005 13:36:00 GMT
Saw the advert for this, may be of interest.
THE GOSPEL TRUTH?: 8pm Channel 4
Could the origins of Gospel Music be white? Broadcaster and theologian Robert Beckford explores the extraordinary claims of Willie Ruff, a black Professor of Music at Yale University whose recent visits to the Outer Hebrides have convinced him that his musical roots are more Gaelic than African. Professor Ruff maintains that "lining out", Alabama style, is at the roots of all African American congregational singing, including Gospel. He believes this form of worship was given to African slaves over 200 years ago, along with Christianity. Beckford unravels the combined history of the descendants of African American slaves and their Highland Scots owners. He goes in search of evidence to support or refute Ruff's theory, and in doing so encounters many conflicting opinions. Professor Ruff decides to put his theory to the ultimate test: he invites 10 Gaelic Psalm singers from Lewis to Alabama, to sing at his local church, for a congregation that still "lines out" the old way. For the first time since the days of slavery the two groups will sing in unison. Beckford is on hand to assess the evidence
THE GOSPEL TRUTH?: 8pm Channel 4
Could the origins of Gospel Music be white? Broadcaster and theologian Robert Beckford explores the extraordinary claims of Willie Ruff, a black Professor of Music at Yale University whose recent visits to the Outer Hebrides have convinced him that his musical roots are more Gaelic than African. Professor Ruff maintains that "lining out", Alabama style, is at the roots of all African American congregational singing, including Gospel. He believes this form of worship was given to African slaves over 200 years ago, along with Christianity. Beckford unravels the combined history of the descendants of African American slaves and their Highland Scots owners. He goes in search of evidence to support or refute Ruff's theory, and in doing so encounters many conflicting opinions. Professor Ruff decides to put his theory to the ultimate test: he invites 10 Gaelic Psalm singers from Lewis to Alabama, to sing at his local church, for a congregation that still "lines out" the old way. For the first time since the days of slavery the two groups will sing in unison. Beckford is on hand to assess the evidence
