From Ring Shouts to Hip-Hop: Gullah Geechee Music's Hidden Influence

The ring shout — an African-derived dance and worship tradition — is the oldest surviving African American musical practice in North America. And it was preserved by the Gullah Geechee.

From ring shouts came spirituals. From spirituals came gospel, blues, jazz, and eventually R&B and hip-hop. The Gullah Geechee people didn't just preserve African music — they shaped the entire trajectory of American music.

Our documentary series features Gullah Geechee music traditions. Our books document the cultural history. And our podcast plays the music and tells the stories behind it.

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