Spirituals of William L. Dawson: The St. Olaf Choir
Through his numerous a cappella choral arrangements, African-American composer William Levi Dawson (1899-1990) helped to preserve and promote the rich tradition of spirituals. When Dawson was awarded an honorary doctor of music degree from Ithaca College, president James J. Whalen honored this legacy eloquently, stating, You, William Dawson, have spent a lifetime immersed in the folk music of your peoples…You have committed your life to bringing this music of the heart, this …