Song of the Week: "Michael Row the Boat Ashore"

"Michael Row the Boat Ashore" is an old American folk song that hails from the slave era, and became a popular anthem during the civil rights movement. Its existence was first noted in the early 1860s, although the song itself is probably much older. The song was noted in letters between teachers and abolitionists, who heard it while on St. Helena Island in South Carolina. Learn more about this classic American folk song, including information about the lyrics and who has recorded some of the most popular versions.