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Gospel music is music that has been created to express religious belief and is characterized by the use of dominant vocals. The precise origin of is relatively unknown because the roots of gospel music are not documented well. Stories behind gospel songs weren’t written down any many of the early records have been lost. Despite this, many historians believe that gospel music evolved from slaves sometime in the 18th century.

When slaves arrived from Africa they tried to maintain their culture, but were forbidden by slave owners to play African instruments. The slaves infused music and dance into their everyday tasks such as working the fields. The slaves sang songs about working hard and about God. It was at this time that the field holler was created and it encouraged others to answer and sing along.

When slavery was abolished, African-Americans slowly began to migrate north to big cities. The former slaves clung to their music and dance, but brought it indoors to the churches that they started to attend. The church soloist often sang and the choir answered in response to the soloist’s questions. It was a way to celebrate God and to celebrate life.

Thomas Dorsey, an African-American musician, has been given credit for pushing gospel music to the masses in the 1930s. He was the son of a preacher and wrote many religious songs. The music that he created was exuberant and featured shouts of praise. Dorsey promoted gospel choirs and singers in venues other than churches and changed admission fees for the performance  Read more...

The Kirk Whalum: Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter II

Another Uniquely American Invention, Black Gospel Music Lyrics and Songs are Universally Uplifting

When an individual not entirely familiar with the character of gospel music thinks of the genre, that person probably wouldn’t consider it as intricately tied into American culture. Perhaps that person would think of the kind of music often sung in black Churches, or the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” might pop into mind.

One might acknowledge the music’s relevance to specific niche groups of our society, but probably wouldn’t rank it nearly as influential as, say, Rock, Jazz, Rap, or even Country.

What most people don’t understand, but which is understood within the gospel song industry, is that ‘Gospel music’ isn’t just a single genre. The gospel label encompasses a wide range of sounds, styles, and messages, and the simplistic description of it as “God music” simply isn’t appropriate. In fact, understanding the evolution and impact of Gospel provides valuable insight in the character of American culture.

Black Gospel and Southern Gospel Explained

The primary difference was that Black Gospel was and still is primarily about God, while Southern Gospels tend to be addressed to God. Both genres, then also vary radically from other Christian music, with which they are often confused. The history of Gospel is rich and intricate. So, to make it simple, let’s look at it from two basic perspectives. We’ll take the earlier examples, and consider black Church music, and the kinds of sounds people know from O Brother Where Art Thou. These two perspectives summarize the essential roots of Gospel music, as a fusion between early American white and black culture.  Read more...