American roots music provides an untapped resource for church musicians who are looking for something different yet familiar.
Well-known are the spirituals (Ain’t that Good News, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, etc.), but early rural American blues & gospel music contains profoundly spiritual elements.
Here is an example: Save The Children – Essie Mae Brooks (mp3 download)
Who is Essie Mae Brooks?

Essie Mae Brooks
From the Music Maker Relief Foundation website:
Essie Mae Brooks was born in Houston County, Georgia in 1930. Her father was a great drummer in the nearly forgotten African-American tradition called “Drumbeat.” He would play the drum every weekend and people would gather and dance all night long. Her grandfather was a harmonica player and Essie started singing to accompany him. She began singing and writing gospel songs as a girl and has never stopped.
Here’s a video of Essie Mae performing a snippet of a song.
For more like this, click here.
(Audio & photo credit: Music Maker Relief Foundation)