Early History of Gospel
Gospel music is a sacred genre that emerged from negro spirituals. Gospel music began to gain its popularity in the 1920s-30s. Early gospel music focused on biblical themes and were often drew from spirituals. Gospel music is a form of rhythmic, spiritual, responsive singing often produced in church. Gospel music is one of the roots and influences of rhythm and blues (R&B) music. In gospel music, songs can be sung in a call-response form, shouting/praise break, or speaking in tongues. From the beginning, gospel music challenged the existing church establishment as Black religious leaders rejected some forms as it was believed to be associated with secular music styles like ragtime, blues, and jazz.
Thomas Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson are considered to be the mother and father of the gospel music genre. Thomas Dorsey, a jazz composer and pianist, partnered with Mahalia Jackson, a prominent vocalist. Both have been exposed to the sounds of the Baptist church along with undertones of the Blues genre. Together, with their vision and new Christian sound, they formed the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in 1922, that is still prominent today. (African American Gospel | Ritual and Worship | Musical Styles | Articles and Essays | The Library of Congress Celebrates the Songs of America | Digital Collections | Library of Congress. (n.d.). The Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/collections/songs-of-america/articles-and-essays/musical-styles/ritual-and-worship/african-american-gospel, accessed 26 September 2024).
Mahalia Jackson
The "Mother" of Gospel Music
Thomas Dorsey
The "Father" of Gospel Music
Traditional Gospel
(1930s-1960s)
Traditional gospel fuses blues-styled harmonies, rhythms, and texts that testifies to the powers of God and Christianity. It provides earthly solutions to daily struggles. Traditional gospel did not confirm to standard hymns found in the church but their musical styles were found by religious leaders to have a “secular” beat. Dorsey along with other gospel artists performed their songs on sidewalks outside of churches, church conventions, etc. Chicago was considered the center for gospel music during its development. In gospel music, musicians can freely change keys, rhythm, tempo and allow performers to improvise. Core instruments in traditional gospel is the piano, the organ, and drums. Dorsey’s approach to gospel music and traditional gospel music focused on texts surrounding the New Testament and the African American experience. (History of traditional gospel. (n.d.). Timeline of African American Music. https://timeline.carnegiehall.org/genres/traditional-gospel, accessed 26 September 2024).
Traditional Gospel Artists
Contemporary Gospel
(1968-Present )
Contemporary gospel is music that references God, faith, salvation, and uses rhythms and instruments of secular genres. Contemporary gospel can be seen as controversial as religious leaders question their authentic ties to gospel and the text. Contemporary gospel features R&B, jazz, blues, folk, hip-hop, trap, urban musical sounds and techniques. Musical features and instruments of contemporary gospel is sampling, ensemble, vocals, body percussion, electric piano, and voice. The lyrics in contemporary gospel songs often mirror secular love songs but the object of affection is to God rather than another person. Lyrics reference topics of salvation, gratitude, faith, hope, and praise. Traditional gospel choir members wore suits, dresses, and choir robes while contemporary artists can be seen in casual styles like ripped jeans, slim-fit suits, pants, leggings, and form-fitting tops. (History of contemporary gospel. (n.d.). Timeline of African American Music. https://timeline.carnegiehall.org/genres/contemporary-gospel, accessed 26 September 2024).
Gospel music can be heard daily on the radio, television, and is performed at major venues across the country. Gospel has provided soundtracks for commercials, films, and has a significant impact on the music industry.
