Choir director Moses Hogan, who died at 45 in 2003, built community through worship and song. As a choir director, he published more than 80 original arrangements of spirituals. And many of his arrangements are considered the best. They’re staples in churches, high schools and college choirs across the country. He founded several choirs, including the Moses Hogan Chorale and the Moses Hogan singers. By performing his arrangements, these groups ushered in a new era that revitalized the spiritual.

Musical arrangements from Moses Hogan

Elijah Rock

Performed by Moses Hogan Chorale, Elijah Rock is a traditional spiritual that is said to bear similarities to Mary Don’t You Weep.

The Battle of Jericho

This spiritual has gone by many names that, include Joshua Fought de Battle of Jericho, Joshua and Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho. Hogan’s version is currently one of the most predominant arrangements. The work discusses the Battle of Jericho, where Joshua leads the Israelites against Canaan. It is one of the first songs that is said to be composed by slaves entirely.

Credits

Host: Vernon Neal

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Additional music selections: Jeffrey Yelverton

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher