Gospel music is a form of African American religious music. Gospel music derives from the folk spiritual which was the earliest form of religious music created by African Americans.
The Father of Gospel Music: Thomas Dorsey
The son of a Baptist preacher, Thomas Dorsey has always been rooted in religion. Dorsey grew up playing the organ at his church, but he discovered his true love for music after being exposed to performers such as Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Thomas Dorsey worked to cultivate his musical abilities by learning how to read music and apprenticing himself to more experienced pianist. Later in life, Dorsey relocated from Atlanta to Chicago in hopes of a better life. While in Chicago he attended the National Baptist convention where he felt prompted to begin writing and performing gospel music.
Black religious music that emerged in the 1930s; prevalent in present day African American worship
A song structure in which a singer or instrumentalist makes a statement that is answered by another soloist, instrumentalist, or group. The statement and answer sometimes overlap.