Washington Phillips was a gospel performer in the 1920's and one of the founding fathers of American gospel music. Although his entire recorded catalog consists of only eighteen songs, he was instrumental in laying the foundation for future performers of gospel music.

As a traveling preacher, he performed his songs accompanied by a unique instrument none have managed to conclusively identify, with a sound resembling that of a fretless zithar. Regardless, said instrument lends a very unique sound to Phillips' songs.