After more than 15 years of researching African-American spirituals, Auburn University professor and professional singer Rosephanye Powell has released a CD titled "Motherless Child."
Powell, a professor in Auburn's College of Liberal Arts, said African-American spirituals, songs that enabled slaves to develop a sense of community, are considered by many anthropologists to be the first true American folk songs.
She has taken the traditional spirituals and given them a mix of R&B, urban, gospel and jazz feel.
By updating the sound, Powell says she hopes to spark a renewed interest in the African-American spiritual in mainstream America so that this part of black history isn't lost.
"Motherless Child" CDs and mp3 downloads are available online at cdbaby.com, iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon.com.
For more information or to view music videos, visit www.inkhornmusic.com or www.rosephanyepowell.com.
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