The Harlem Spiritual Ensemble (HSE) was founded in 1986 by Francois S. Clemmons to preserve the American Negro Spiritual through performances that utilized traditional arrangements. A recipient of degrees in music from Oberlin College and Carnegie Mellon University, Clemmons also directs the Ensemble. HSE has toured both nationally and internationally and has made recordings.
In 1989, Clemmons founded and became director of the American Negro Spiritual Research Foundation, Inc. (ANSRF), whose mission statement declares that this is "the only organization solely dedicated to preserving and performing the American Negro Spiritual in its original form."
From the description of Harlem Spiritual Ensemble collection, 1983-1999 (bulk 1987-1995) (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 176632314
