Through music, conversation, and films Spiritual Helpline celebrates the sacred sounds of tradition bearers in the South, and beyond. This project is a platform for connection and collaboration, celebrating the cultural wealth of sacred music. 

Spiritual Helpline is an outgrowth of Phil Cook’s love of African-American gospel music. Cook’s work increasingly introduced him to the young players of North Carolina’s gospel world. Their sounds and stories hinted at the depth of the area’s musical history.

“This is about people. This is about where we are as a country, about who we are.” says Cook. “I try to walk into these situations with love and respect, because this music and these musicians deserve that.”