[Ads-l] Antedating of "We Shall Overcome"

[Bill Mullins]

 . . . and I posted this without yet seeing Fred's follow-up.

Sigh.

________________________________
From: Bill Mullins <amcombill at hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 7, 2025 1:18 AM
To: American Dialect Society <ads-l at listserv.uga.edu>
Subject: Antedating of "We Shall Overcome"

1902 The News Journal  11 Jan 3/3

After the delicacies of the season had been served, the Rev. C. A. Tindley sang "We Shall Overcome Some Day," and thanked Miss Johnson in behalf of the managers for their kindness in remembering the aged of the race.

https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/161741337/?match=1&terms=%22shall%20overcome%20some%20day%22





There is a recording of the song in 1952 by the Jewish Young  Folk Singers with the "We Shall . . ." title.

https://secondhandsongs.com/release/274336



1952 Washington Afro American 23 Aug 18/2

The reverse side features the Jewish Young Folk-Singers, conducted by Bob DeCormier, in a moving presentation of the spiritual, "We Shall Overcome," with Miss Duncan as featured soloist with the chorus.

https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1043340858/?match=1&terms=%22we%20shall%20overcome%20%22

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