Hold On: A Story of Resilience in One Song

The song “Gospel Plow” or “Hold On” has been an African American folk standard for generations. While its exact age isn’t known, “Gospel Plow” almost certainly originated among enslaved people and evolved into a Civil Rights anthem in the 1950s and 60s, its steady beat and hopeful lyrics telling Black Americans to “keep your eyes on the prize and hold on.”

“Gospel Plow” has been recorded and performed by musicians as diverse as Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson, The Famous Ward Singers, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and Mavis Staples. In her talk, Park Guide Evan Meyer will discuss the biblical references that permeate the song, what they meant to the enslaved and Civil Rights activists who sang it, and explore a few of the many different 20th century versions of this abiding folk classic.
The program is free. For reservations call 314-842-1867 ext. 230.