Sacred Music in Transition

This chapter examines Chicago sacred music in a period of transition, focusing on the roles played by Charles Henry Pace and the Pace Jubilee Singers. The Pace Jubilee Singers are a fascinating example of African American sacred music in transition. They were among Chicago's first black religious artists to perform on radio, broadcasting during the 1920s and early 1930s over radio station WCBN and megawatt stations WLS and WGN. The group was also among the first mixed jubilee ensembles to feature a female soloist prominently in the person of Hattie Parker. This chapter first provides a historical background on Pace and his formation of the Pace Jubilee Singers before discussing the group's recordings, including sessions with Victor Records, and Parker's contribution to the group. It also considers the Pace Jubilee Singers' radio appearances following the end of their recording career, as well as the careers of Parker and Pace after the group's disbandment. Pace continued writing and publishing sacred music, including gospel songs, in Pittsburgh. He died on December 16, 1963.