Down to the River to Pray

We explore the history and biblical foundations of the hymn "Down to the River to Pray," tracing its origins from enslaved Africans in mid-19th century America to its modern popularity through Alison Krauss's recording for the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack. • First appeared in print in 1867 in "Slave Songs of the United States" with possible encoded references to the Underground Railroad • Highlights the tradition of mass public baptisms in the American South and Appalachia • Conta...