Gillespie, Jessie 1987-06-13
Jessie Gillespie reviews early gospel singing in Draw, Texas.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Jessie Gillespie
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: June 13, 1987
Location: Brownfield, Texas
Interviewer: Richard Mason
Length: 10 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Gillespie Jessie,
Born May 20 1903,
Currently living in Levelland Texas,
Have lived 52 years in Hockley County area,
Husband was farmer and carpenter,
Bought place west of Ropes,
Raised in Draw community of Lynn County,
Father came from Snyder, Texas,
Learned to sing in Draw community,
Started at 10 years old,
Singing schools at one-room school,
Learned Shaped-note singing,
Singing schools of 10 days length,
Finished by dinner and big singing on the grounds,
Held in spring or summer,
Men of community sponsored,
Teachers from outside singing groups,
V. O. Stamps of Fort Worth,
Sang with her husband,
Did not teach here but came as quartet,
Fee was a few dollars,
Practice singing,
At night in different homes twice a week,
Some piano used,
She could read music,
Father bought farm near Tahoka,
She finished high school and took piano,
Marriage to Phillip Gillespie a singer,
After children began to arrive formed quartet,
Gillespie Quartet sang at area singing conventions,
Sacred Harp singing,
Husband sang she attended,
Difference was all harmony versus 4 parts,
Her religion was Methodist,
Songs they sang,
Early one was “I Must Tell Jesus”,
Later were Stamps songs,
Still heard nowdays,
“Stepping in the Light”,
First song she played on piano,
(ends after 10 minutes).
Tape 1, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1903-1987
Bulk Dates: 1913-1940s
Access Information
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Transcript:
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