Little Gospel Fingers Play Spirituals

About the Book

“Little Gospel Fingers Play Spirituals” is a good source of black history. It contains black spiritual arrangements for children with illustrations and stories about the spirituals. These spirituals, which I arranged for my piano students, were passed down through generations. My great aunt Katie (1875–1975) shared stories that her mother had told her. I understood more about spirituals after hearing Bible stories in Aunt Katie’s Sunday school class. My students did not know about black spirituals; however, they enjoy playing them. They especially like the energetic rhythms in the accompaniment. I believe others will enjoy them too.

About the Author

Vivian Myers Johnson is a retired elementary school music teacher who taught for thirty-eight years. She also served as a church choir director and musician for over forty years. Presently, she teaches piano and writes music, playlets, and operettas for children and youth. She received a BS degree in music education from Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia; an MEd from the University of South Carolina, Columbia; and an EdS from Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee.