Jubliee

It's 1871. You're attending a black-only college in Nashville which is struggling to stay open. What do yo do? You form an elite group of singers and go on tour to raise money, of course!

That's how the Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble was formed more than 140 years ago. That group of groundbreaking vocalists is celebrated each year on October 6 on "Jubilee Day" at the university.

The original group was put together by the school's treasurer, George White, who was also a Northern missionary. After touring through much of the Midwest, the Jubilee Singers eventually sang for President Ulysses Grant at the White House and even traveled overseas to perform for England's Queen Victoria.

White had vowed to raise at least $200,000 for Fisk and they did just that in the first year. That money was used to build the first permanent building on campus – known as Jubilee Hall – which is now on the National Register for Historic Places and a crowning monument of pride for everyone at Fisk, even today. It is often said that the Jubilee Singers are credited with solidifying Nashville's reputation as a true "Music City."

The 1871 Jubilee Singers made a name for themselves nationally and the group continues to sing and represent the university today. They've won several awards, including the National Medal of Arts, and were part of the inaugural class of inductees into the Music City Walk of Fame. Today's singers continue to perform around the world, representing not only Fisk University, but Nashville's rich musical heritage.