Gospel Music
Introduction
Gospel music is deeply rooted in the history of African descendants who reside in the United States. Traditional African music was brought over via ships carrying enslaved Africans, possessing native melodies with Christian themes. These further developed once arriving to the United States as those enslaved were taught European hymns, which they adapted to with their native sound. As enslaved Africans endured slavery, the hymns often held subliminal messages to help those escape, notably “Wade in the Water” which was used by abolitionist Harriet Tubman to lead the way to freedom. Post-Civil War, the church further developed by incorporating spirituals into the church service, and with choirs performing hymns.
Establishing Gospel
The jubilee quartet began to raise in prominence on the latter end of the 1800’s, performing arranged spirituals that caught the attention of both Black and white audiences. When gospel began to find its sound was during the rise of Holiness and Pentecostal churches in the early 20th century, emphasizing emotional expression, spontaneous singing, and use of other instruments such as the tambourine. Thomas A. Dorsey, known as the “Father of Gospel Music”, played an intricate role in shaping early gospel. He combined the spiritual lyrics with blues-style music to create the genre.
Modern Gospel Inspiration
Many African Americans singers that we know of today had their starts in the church singing gospel music including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and non-gospel artists like Usher. Mahalia Jackson, the “Queen of Gospel” was beloved for her renditions of spiritual hymns, and played a crucial part in the Civil Rights Movement by performing at rallies and marches, vocalizing the fighting spirit of African Americans of the time.
One Response
I like how you mentioned the influences that gospel has had on non-gospel artists like Usher, who have helped pushed the genre further. My favorite aspect of this post is when you mention Jubliee Quartets, it’s a nice reminder that everything is connected.