Digital Commons Network^™

The Persistence Of "Dr. Watts" In The Core Culture African American Churches In The Memphis Area, Brent Virgil Buhler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the mid-eighteenth century, Rev. Samuel Davies introduces slaves to an now archaic form of English Hymnody,which became known as "Dr. Watts." Isaac Watts, Charles and John Wesley, John Newton,and Horatius Bonar, among others wrote many of these hymns. Nearly three hundred years later "Dr. Watts" continues atweekly worship services as an essential component in stabilizing, strengthening, and bringing peace and comfort to many core culture African Americans. The traditionis under-studied inmuch of theUnited States, especially in the Memphia Area. The purpose of this thesis is to confirm the musical characteristics, performance practices, and examine some of the motivations that …