Long famous for its blues, jazz, and soul music, Memphis is also home to the genre of the African-American gospel quartet groups like the I.C. Glee Club Quartet, the Spirit of Memphis, and the Sunset Travelers. Drawing on interviews and field research, the author traces the evolution of such groups from the 1920s to the 1980s, describing the world of quartet unions, gospel radio personalities, fans, promoters, and singing teachers. He also analyzes the groups' place within the larger contexts of popular culture and African-American history. Originally published in 1988 by the U. of Illinois Press. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
