Fisk University-Fisk Jubilee Singers

Shared post.

As Fisk University mourns the passing of Dr. Paul T. Kwami, the longtime Musical Director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, we take a moment to reflect on the founding of a cornerstone of this institution.

Founded in 1865, Fisk University faced the threat of closure only a few years after opening its doors. Professor George White had appreciation for students’ acapella singing and organized small choral groups on campus.

He proposed a touring singing student troupe. Seeing the benefit of such an endeavor, by 1871 #FiskUniversity trustees allowed its students to undertake a musical tour.

The Jubilee Singers experienced a successful southern concert tour in the fall of 1871 before departing on a northern concert tour in 1872. Following their successful tours, the singers and Professor White traveled throughout England in 1873, and their tour culminated in a performance for Queen Victoria.

The money generated by the singers helped pay many of the school’s debts and provided funding to allow Fisk University to construct the school’s first permanent building, Jubilee Hall.

The TN Library Archives joins the community in honoring Dr. Kwami for his leadership and continuing the legacy of the #FiskJubileeSingers during his nearly three decades as Musical Director.

Pictured: Photograph showing original members of the Fisk Jubilee Singers surrounding a piano. The title reads “The Jubilee Singers, Original Company from Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn., 1871-1882, Eleventh Season.”

Source: Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA):

https://teva.contentdm.oclc.org/.../reconaa/id/203/rec/1