Scott Gac

Singing for Freedom, a book by Scott Gac

Reviews: “Gac’s book is a rare work of cultural history that is a joy to read and that sheds enormous light on the era, suggesting the texture and feel of the time.” —John Stauffer, Harvard University. Read more reviews »

Synopsis: Meet the Hutchinson Family Singers, John, Abby, Judson, and Asa. These four siblings from a farming family in New Hampshire took New England by storm when they chose to sing antislavery music in 1843. Read the full synopsis »

Excerpt: Though the Hutchinson Family Singers feared a small turnout on 3 January 1844, they knew before showtime that their “antislavery friend” James Miller McKim—a Garrisonian abolitionist—had sold nearly enough tickets to cover their expenses. To the Hutchinsons’ surprise, the two or three hundred Philadelphians who showed at the group’s performance proved an excitable bunch … Read the full excerpt »