african-american

Excerpt from the Blind Boys of Alabama's 2001 song, "Run On For a Long Time," on their album Spirit of the Century. The song is a gospel rendition of the traditional folk song "Run On."

Sound recording of a South Carolinian imitating the cries of a merchant from his hometown. Catchy tunes such as these were a common form of advertising in a society without digital media or amplification.

Sound recording of a woman imitating the street cries of a Georgia watermelon merchant. The tune uses both snappy lyrics and exaggerated claims to market the product to passersby.

Sound recording of a South Carolinian imitating a memorable field holler from his hometown. Field hollers such as this were often used to signal the end of the work day among slaves.