The Gospel genre emerged in the twentieth century in urban cities after the Great Migration. Gospel is characterized by its usage to spread the gospel or good news and performance style of spirituals and hymns. Gospel music is derived from folk songs and negro spirituals. Gospel music is enjoyed across all religious denominations. In the 1960s Gospel began to take a turn from its traditional setting. Gospel was now more performing than ministering. Many other genres were also added to Gospel including disco, funk, and jazz. Solo gospel artists also began to emerge in the place of choirs. Some prominent Gospel artists from the 60s include:
- Mahalia Jackson
- Roberta Martin
- Rosetta Tharpe
- Clara Ward
Below is Mahalia Jackson in concert in 1964
by Jiana Barnes
