Originally compiled by William Walker in 1866, The Christian Harmony is a significant tunebook in the shape-note tradition, known for using a seven-shape notation system. It includes many beloved hymns, some carried over from Walker’s earlier Southern Harmony, as well as new compositions. Over time, different editions have emerged, reflecting regional singing traditions. This edition is often referred to as “2010 Edition”, or “Black Book” though we’re referring to it as the “Modern Edition”.

The 2015 Folk Heritage Edition represents a continuation of the practice of singing from William Walker’s 1873 second edition of the Christian Harmony using reprints published in the Carolinas. These reprints have been referred to as the “Carolina Book,” reflecting its use primarily in the western Carolinas and neighboring areas of  East Tennessee and and North Georgia. It retains the original content and the original 7-shape notation system devised by its compiler, William Walker.

The Cooper Edition of The Sacred Harp traces its origins to W.M. Cooper’s 1902 revision of the 19th-century tunebook. Traditionally favored in the Florida Panhandle, southern Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas, this edition has distinct musical differences from the Denson tradition. The 2012 Revised Cooper Edition, meticulously retypeset by Karen Willard, improves readability and corrects errors while preserving the tunebook’s historical integrity. It remains a vital part of shape-note singing communities, maintaining a strong regional presence and drawing singers from across the country.

First published in 1844 by B.F. White and E.J. King, The Sacred Harp is one of the most enduring and influential tunebooks in the shape-note tradition. Known for its four-shape notation system and powerful, unaccompanied singing style, the book has been continuously used for over 175 years. It has undergone several revisions, with the 1991 Denson Edition being the most widely used today. The Sacred Harp remains at the heart of shape-note singing communities across the United States and beyond, preserving a deep-rooted musical and social tradition.

This 2013 tunebook is one of the most significant modern additions to the shape-note singing tradition. Compiled by a dedicated group of singers and scholars, The Shenandoah Harmony draws from a rich variety of early American sources, including forgotten compositions from the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions. With over 450 songs, it preserves historic tunes while also embracing the living tradition of Sacred Harp-style singing. Designed for both newcomers and experienced singers, it has become a cherished book in shape-note communities across the country.

This rich collection of shape-note music, featuring historical tunes alongside contemporary compositions in the Sacred Harp tradition. Drawing from the musical heritage of the Shenandoah Valley and beyond, this tunebook serves as both a practical resource for singers and a testament to the ongoing evolution of shape-note singing. Its carefully curated selection makes it an excellent companion for both personal singing and larger gatherings.

Minutes & Directory

The Minutes Book, officially titled Sacred Harp Singings: Minutes and Directory, is an annual publication by the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association. It compiles minutes submitted by secretaries of singings, offering a comprehensive record of Sacred Harp events. The book includes instructions for submitting minutes, directories of scheduled singings and local singing groups worldwide, minutes from the previous year, and a memorial list of recently deceased singers. Since 2021, printed copies are available for purchase through retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, while a free PDF version can be downloaded from the association’s website.

The Sacred Harp: A Tradition and Its Music

Buell E. Cobb’s classic work provides a thorough introduction to the Sacred Harp tradition, exploring its historical roots, musical structure, and enduring community practices. Blending scholarship with firsthand experience, Cobb captures the spirit of shape-note singing and its significance in American culture.

Like Cords Around My Heart: A Sacred Harp Memoir

In this deeply personal memoir, Buell Cobb reflects on his decades immersed in the Sacred Harp singing tradition. Through vivid storytelling, he shares encounters with singers, memorable singings, and the emotional connections that shape the community, offering an intimate look at a uniquely American musical form.

Strong Songs of the Dead: The Pagan Rites of Sacred Harp

Thom Metzger explores the uniquely American tradition of Sacred Harp singing, tracing its journey from its early roots to its modern revival. Immersing himself in the raw, powerful sound of the music, Metzger captures both its elation and the darker undercurrents that give it depth. Through vivid storytelling and unrestrained chapters, he intertwines themes of grief, loss, and longing with a celebration of life, portraying Sacred Harp as a deeply democratic and passionate form of musical expression.

Legacy of the Sacred Harp

Chloe Webb’s book weaves together history, personal narrative, and reflections on the impact of Sacred Harp singing across generations. With a focus on tradition and change, Webb highlights the ways in which this unique musical practice has shaped the lives of singers and communities over time.

Public Worship, Private Faith: Sacred Harp and American Folksong

John Bealle explores the intersection of Sacred Harp singing with American folk traditions, examining its role as both a communal act of worship and a personal expression of faith. Drawing on historical and ethnographic research, Bealle provides insight into the evolving place of shape-note music in American religious and cultural life.

Makers of the Sacred Harp

This authoritative work explores the origins of the Sacred Harp—a seminal collection in the southern shape-note singing tradition—by examining the 19th-century regional culture and its creators. Unlike studies of modern singers, Steel and Hulan trace every tune from its 1844 beginnings through the 1936–1991 contributions.

White Spirituals of the Southern Uplands

George Pullen Jackson’s groundbreaking 1933 study examines the origins and development of shape-note singing in the American South. Challenging assumptions about folk and religious music, Jackson traces the influence of early European hymnody on this uniquely American tradition. His research sheds light on the social and musical structures of shape-note singing, offering an essential foundation for understanding its historical and cultural significance.