The blend of Christian hymns with African music traditions gave birth to the vibrant genre we call Gospel music. Grown from spirituals, work songs, and chants of call and response, Gospel music created a message of hope in times of despair. The genre is heavily influenced by the Great Migration in which Black people brought their religion and tradition out of the south along with their families.
Gospel music has two distinct styles. First is Traditional Gospel which was heavily influenced by Thomas A. Dorsey and Charles A. Tindley. Traditional style typically takes on a more choral and classical structure. The second style, Contemporary Gospel, is spirited by those like Kirk Franklin and André Crouch incorporates more modern music aspects like pop, hip hop, and R&B.
It’s important to know that Gospel music can be found outside of churches. Many mainstream artist such as Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, and Kanye West sample gospel music or include gospel choirs in their music. Additionally, the soundtrack of Disney’s movie Hercules is heavily influenced by Contemporary Gospel music, which allows for an entirely other demographic to be exposed to the music that makes you want to get up out of your seat!
Listen to A Star is Born from Disney’s Hercules:
