Angola Prison Spirituals Recorded by Dr. Harry Oster

Arhoolie Records – CD 9036

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: United States
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Gospel
[Tracklist]
01 I'm on My Way: Andy Mosely and Robert Pete Williams (02:41)
02 Church on Fire with the Word of God: Robert Pete Williams (03:03)
03 What Shall I Do: Robert "Guitar" Welch (02:55)
04 Brother Norah: Angola Quartet (02:51)
05 Little School Song: Tom Dutson and Robert Pete Williams (01:28)
06 Dyin' Soul: Robert Pete Williams (04:29)
07 Let My People Go: Roosevelt Charles (03:48)
08 So Much Is Happenin' in the News: Robert Pete Williams (04:17)
09 Dig My Grave with a Silver Spade: Tom Dutson and Robert Pete Williams (03:42)
10 Brother Mosely Crossed the Water: Andy Mosely and “Hogman" Maxey (01:29)
11 I'm Stranded on the Banks of Ole Jordan: Angola Quartet #2 (01:55)
12 I'm Goin' Back with Him When He Comes: Robert Pete Williams (03:01)
13 The Old Ship of Zion: Rev. Benjamin E. Osborne (07:22)
14 When I Lay My Burden Down: Robert Pete Williams (05:04)
15 See How They Done My Lord: Angola Quartet (Six) Camp A (02:57)
16 Be with Me Jesus: Angola Quartet (Six) Camp A (02:30)
17 Rise and Fly: Angola Vocal Group (07:59)
18 I Know I Got Religion: Andy Mosely and "Hogman" Maxey (02:29)
19 Jesus: Andy Mosely and "Hogman" Maxey (01:55)
20 I Take Jesus (Do Lord, Remember Me): Angola Choir (01:55)
21 Each Day (Life's Evening Sun): Angola Choir (02:35)
22 Steal Away to Jesus: Angola Choir (04:18)
[Credits]
Recorder and Liner Notes: Harry Oster, Liner Notes: Chris Strachwitz
[Notes]
Angola Prison, officially known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is one of the largest maximum-security prisons in the country. In the 1950s, LSU English professor Dr. Harry Oster (1923-2001) recorded a series of music performances by African American prisoners at the infamous facility. Among the performances were the singing of gospel and spirituals. The songs provide a sense of soul present in the music—pain, hope, and heart. Part of the royalties from this collection go to the Inmate Welfare Fund at the Louisiana State Penitentiary.