In stark contrast to hymns and anthems of the 1930s, gospel music, introduced to churches in Chicago by Thomas A. Dorsey, brought about a change in what in sounded like to praise and worship God. Years later, Edwin Hawkins expanded perceptions of the genre with the introduction of Contemporary gospel. This article examines two songs from traditional and contemporary gospel to better understand differences in the styles.
The first thing I hear when listening to “Take My Hand. Precious Lord” is the light sound of piano. Next rings the warm and soulful timbre of Mahalia Jackson’s voice as she cries out “I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.” Though the hymn was written by Thomas A. Dorsey, Jackson demonstrates vocal improvisation with her use of varying dynamics and tempo. In the beginning of “There’ll Be Peace In The Valley,” there is similar instrumentation with the organ and drums, which maintain a steady rhythm and usher in the vocals of Dorsey. Throughout the piece the organ and drums accompany the promises sang of “peace in the valley for me.” Both of these pieces highlight the nature of the gospel genre as a way to sing of the presence of God in troubling times and the hope He brings.
Edwin Hawkin’s “Oh, Happy Day,” recorded in 196, was a song that brought in the contemporary era of gospel. In contrast to the sound of the traditional songs above, this song immediately begins with faster rhythm that has a sense of groove. The piano is paired with percussion and dynamics quiet before the voices of Hawkins and his ensemble begin with the proclamation “Oh, Happy Day!” This song favors body percussion, as a congregation would likely be encouraged to clap along to this song. “Melodies from Heaven” by Kirk Franklin features this kind of hand clapping in its opening as Kirk Franklin encourages the audience to get into the song. This piece includes an ensemble as well as a call and response between them and Franklin. Similar to “Oh, Happy Day,” this song has a sense of groove in its rhythm, with drums and keyboard accompanying the performance.
