God's Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse

By James Weldon Johnson

Book Overview

"God's Trombones; Seven Negro Sermons in Verse" is a masterpiece of American literature that captures the rhythmic power and spiritual fervor of the African American oral tradition. In this collection, James Weldon Johnson reimagines the traditional folk sermon as a high art form, translating the passionate cadence of the black preacher into vivid, dignified verse. Eschewing stereotypical dialect, Johnson utilizes the majestic sweep of the English language to echo the emotional depth and musicality of the pulpit.

The volume consists of seven sermon-poems, including well-known pieces like "The Creation" and "Go Down Death," as well as an introductory prayer. Each piece serves as a tribute to the "old-time Negro preacher," whose voice Johnson likens to the trombone-the instrument most capable of expressing the range of human emotion. Through these verses, the work explores universal themes of life, death, and salvation while celebrating a unique cultural heritage. "God's Trombones; Seven Negro Sermons in Verse" remains an essential contribution to the Harlem Renaissance, offering a profound look at the intersection of faith, folklore, and poetic innovation.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025682807
• ISBN13: 9781025682808
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Sounding God's Trombones

James Weldon Johnson (1871 -- 1938) is best-known as the author of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the "Negro National Anthem" written in 1900 for Lincoln's birthday. Johnson had extraordinary gifts as a poet. His celebration of the African-American preacher in God's Trombones, published in 1927, is a masterpiece of American poetry. Johnson was inspired to write "God's Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse " after hearing a stirring African-American preacher in Kansas City in 1918. Johnson wrote seven free-verse poems on biblical themes to capture the rhythm, content, language and religious commitment of the African-American preacher. Johnson also wrote a celebrated prose introduction to the book in which he described the place of the preacher in African-American life and explained his decision not to use dialect in writing the poems. Johnson also explained why he used the trombone as the guiding figure of his poem. Johnson wrote of his experience with the Kansas City preacher: "He strode the pulpit up and down in what was actually a very rhythmic voice, a voice -- what shall I say? -- not of an organ or a trumpet, but rather of a trombone, the instrument possessing above all others the power to express the wide and varied range of emotions encompassed by the human voice -- and with greater amplitude. He intoned, he moaned, he pleaded, -- he blared, he crashed, he thundered. ... [T]he emotional effect upon me was irresistable." The poetry opens with a short preliminary call to prayer, "Listen, Lord" followed by the seven sermons. The sermons open with the preacher's account of "The Creation"; and they conclude with a sermon on the end of days, "The Judgment Day". Four of the remaining poems deal with Biblical subjects, "The Prodigal Son", "Noah Built the Ark", "The Crucifixion", and "Let my People Go", the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The remaining sermon "Go down death -- a Funeral Sermon" is a meditation on the death of an elderly woman in Georgia who, in the preacher's language, is carried by Death to the throne of Jesus. The poems are in free verse, move in an elevated and lively style, include vivid imagery, and a sense of rhythmic speech and propulsion. It is useful to read them aloud. The poems make use effective use of repetition. Look at "The Crucifixion", for example, and see the many different adjectives Johnson applies to the figure of Jesus. The opening lines of the first three stanzas alone refer to "my gentle Jesus", "my burdened Jesus" and "my sorrowing Jesus". Each of the poems conclude with a short and effective exhortation to the listener. Thus, in the final words of the final poem, "The Judgment Day": "Sinner, oh sinner, Where will you stand, In that great day when God's a-going to rain down fire?" These poems are short and the book can be read quickly. But they will have a long-lived impact on the reader. This book would make an excellent introduction to poetry for young people. And Johnson has given a l

A poetic tribute to African-American religious oratory

James Weldon Johnson was one of the giants of African-American cultural history. A novelist, poet, songwriter, diplomat, educator, and activist, he left behind a towering legacy when he died in 1938. An essential part of that legacy is "God's Trombones," a book in which Johnson pays poetic tribute to the "old-time Negro preacher.""God's Trombones" contains seven poems, each of which is inspired by the art of the classic African-American sermon. Most of Johnson's poems retell Bible stories. "The Creation," "Noah Built the Ark," "Let My People Go," and more--each one carries the reader to the traditional Black churches of Johnson's era. In his preface Johnson discusses the cultural significance of the traditional African-American religious orator and also reflects on his own literary strategies in the construction of these poems. Johnson's poems beg to be read aloud. Whatever your own ethnic heritage or religious inclination, try giving voice to these masterworks: you'll be amazed at the effect. If you are a lover of Christian inspirational writing, a scholar of African-American culture, or a person who appreciates great poetry, "God's Trombones" would make a fine addition to your library.

Inspirational

I read this book two years ago as a freshman in college. The poems touched me so much that I still continue to read them. Through this book James Weldon Johnson has retold familar Bible stories in a new light. He has captured the spirit of an oral tradition and has preserved this great tradition for future generations. I would highly reccomend this book to people of all ages and all backgrounds!

"The Creation" surely is one of the best poems ever!

Many times I have used the poems from this book as dramatic readings and audiences have always responded in positive ways. The majesty of the words and the profound experiences that they describe bring peace to the soul. The first time I read this book was in 1960. It had a tremendous impact on me then and continues to minister to me even now. Real truth will do that. It never goes out of date.

A Fabulous Collection of Prolific Negro Poetry

This book highlights the amazing talents of Johnson. The depth and grandeur of the poetry included will touch your soul. The portraits that are painted throught his words are fluid yet profound. You cannot help but to be completely engulfed by the imagery. He maintains a high artistic level of quality without ever diluting the most important messages that are meant to be conveyed to the reader. I honestly feel that these poems/sermons are a must read for everyone, REGARDLESS of there heritage.