Le negro spiritual est un type de musique vocale et sacrée né chez les esclaves noirs des États-Unis au XIXe siècle, et qui serait à l’origine du gospel. Il est aussi la seule forme d’expression des esclaves noirs américains lors de la guerre de Sécession.

Le mot désigne également une œuvre ou un chant appartenant à ce courant musical.

source : Wikipedia

Spirituals (or Negro spirituals) are generally Christian songs that were created by African Americans. Spirituals were originally an oral tradition that imparted Christian values while also describing the hardships of slavery. Although spirituals were originally unaccompanied monophonic (unison) songs, they are best known today in harmonized choral arrangements. This historic group of uniquely American songs is now recognized as a distinct genre of music.

source : Wikipedia