Harry T. Burleigh's iconic arrangement of Deep River holds a significant place in the canon of American choral music. Selected by the National Endowment for the Arts as an “American Masterpiece of Choral Music,” this arrangement is a testament to Burleigh's unparalleled talent as a composer and arranger. As the first published choral arrangement of Deep River, Burleigh's rendition laid the foundation for a beloved tradition in choral repertoire. The haunting melody and rich harmonies capture the spiritual depth and emotional resonance of the text, which speaks of longing for a peaceful home beyond the Jordan River—a double metaphor, representing the transition from earthly existence to heavenly bliss, and symbolizing the hopeful journey of enslaved African Americans crossing the Ohio River to attain freedom.