Religion

Composers like Harry T. Burleigh, Nathaniel Dett and William Dawson, who applied Western classical music training to the traditional spiritual and created a new repertoire for the concert stage.

The legacy of this internationally renowned ensemble, innovators of the "jubilee" singing style that influenced the national sound of quartets in the black community before World War II.

The "father of gospel music," whose efforts led to an innovative performance style and refashioned existing music to reflect experiences of African Americans who migrated to urban communities.

The first gospel drama playwright, producer and composer, whose compositions were the first million-record sellers in gospel music.

Shout songs, drums, clapping, horns and choral chants that fed the evolution of 20th century gospel music.

The contributions made by composer-musicians Roberta Martin and Kenneth Morris, who continued Thomas Dorsey's work.

Jazz as sacred music within and beyond the boundaries of the organized African American church. Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, John Coltrane and others are featured.

Music without words: an experience of the power of instrumental African American sacred music.

The connecting lines between sacred and secular, explored through performances, texts, careers, recordings and the audiences who shared, exchanged and crossed over.

Virtuoso performances created by masters and documented through audio recordings that set the mold for specific vocal and performance styles.