FOLKLIFE OF WIREGRASS GEORGIA: OF RELIGION AND SACRED LIFE

Singing conventions are nondenominational associations of singers who convene regularly to sing out of songbooks that use specially shaped note heads as an aid to the singers. The convention typically lasts one to two days, with informal hymn singing by those in attendance, and "specials" or performances by soloists and groups. In many places these older singing traditions have been replaced by gospel sings and musical performances which feature more professional artists in concert settings.

Photo: Members of the Convention Quartet (from left, Edgar Walker, Fred Johns, Luther Oakes, Jr., Joyce Oakes, and Leroy Vickers) perform gospel songs during breaks in the group singing, Royal Family Singing Convention, Mystic.

Photo by David Stanley, 1977.