In 1619 the first enslaved Africans were brought to Jamestown, Virginia. In the time since then the world has borne witness to numerous musical art forms created by them and their descendants. At the heart of this indelible musical footprint are the songs called Afro-American folk music, slave songs, Negro spirituals or simply, the Spirituals. Where did they begin? How were they created in the souls of an oppressed and suffering people? What did they mean then and what do they mean today? Join host, Paul Anderson II as we explore the history, origin and meaning behind the Spirituals. Welcome to the Deep River Podcast.