Hi, Susan: My group, The Gospel Messengers does Roll Jordan, Roll.Our Bass, Joe Evans, and baritone, Frank Cummings both grew up in the south. When they were children, there were ex-slaves still living in their home town. We forget how recent slavery was. The Baptist Church that we go to in Connecticut was founded by 25 ex- slaves. Joe sings the lead on Roll Jordan, Roll, and like us white folks, doesn't have to sing in dialect. He is dialect. I am white and grew up in Southern Wisconsin. I don't try to sound "black." My singing has been influenced by blues, rhythm and blues and soul music, but I think it's truest to be who you are when you sing, not try to imitate something you haven't lived. We sing for the joy of singing, with a commitment to bring the Word of God out into the World. gospelmessengers@msn.com.