Black Watermen and Music Making on the Chesapeake

Check Your Understanding

You have explored two types of music that African American watermen of the Chesapeake performed while working. As these musical styles were created by African American communities with similar cultures, experiences, and backgrounds, these musical styles also share similarities. However, the specific contexts and individual experiences of the groups of workers influence the musical choices that each group made. Through your analysis, what similarities and differences do you recognize?

Test your knowledge by comparing and contrasting the two expressions. Read each description and select the correct musical style.

 

It is important to note that not all spirituals and chanteys will include every musical feature that we have explored. Nevertheless, a significant number of these songs do share these traits.