Rise Up Singing

Rise Up Singing is a comprehensive folk music songbook containing lyrics and chords for 1,200 songs. First published in 1988 by Sing Out!, the collection spans 35 different categories arranged alphabetically, with additional indices for artists, subjects, titles, cultures, and holidays. The book presents songs in a chord-and-lyrics format without musical notation, except for the rounds sections. This format allows the book to remain compact and affordable while including a vast collection of folk music from various traditions. Monthly singalongs centered around Rise Up Singing take place across the United States, creating community gatherings where people share these songs together. The book originated from Peter Blood's 1973 songbook Winds of the People and has since become a central resource for folk music enthusiasts. This collection represents a bridge between oral folk traditions and modern musical documentation, serving as both a preservation tool and a catalyst for communal music-making.

Readers view Rise Up Singing as a practical songbook for group singing, with over 1,200 songs from multiple genres. The simple chord notation and lyrics-focused format make it accessible for beginners. Liked: - Clear organization by theme/category - Extensive song selection spanning folk, spirituals, and protest songs - Compact size for carrying to gatherings - Durable spiral binding that lays flat Disliked: - Melody lines not included for most songs - Small text size hard to read - Some songs have incorrect or oversimplified chord progressions - Missing verses from certain songs Many users note it works best as a memory aid for known songs rather than learning new ones. One reviewer stated "You need to already know the tune or have someone teach it to you." Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,400+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.4/5 (280+ ratings)

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🎵 Originally published in 1988, this songbook has sold over a million copies and remains one of the best-selling folk music resources of all time. 🎸 Editors Peter Blood and Annie Patterson are not just compilers - they're active folk musicians who have performed together since 1973 and regularly lead singing circles. 🌟 The book's title comes from the African American spiritual "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder," which includes the phrase "rise up singing" in its lyrics. 🎼 Pete Seeger, legendary folk singer and activist, wrote the foreword and was instrumental in the book's development, contributing both songs and guidance. 🤝 Many of the songs included were suggested by folk music communities across America, making it a truly collaborative project that reflects diverse musical traditions.