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Gospel Music: A Guide for Beginners

If you are looking for a genre of music that can uplift your spirit, inspire your soul, and connect you with God, then you might want to explore gospel music. Gospel music is a genre of Christian music that is rooted in the religious revivals of the 19th century, and has developed in different directions within the white and Black communities of the United States. Gospel music is characterized by dominant vocals and strong use of harmony with Christian lyrics, and can be performed for various purposes, such as religious, ceremonial, or entertainment. Gospel music has also influenced many other genres of music, such as soul, blues, rock, and country.

In this article, you will learn about the origins, the development, the styles, the artists, the benefits, and the resources of gospel music. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what gospel music is, how it came to be, how it varies in different styles and subgenres, who are some of the most influential and popular gospel artists of all time, how it can benefit you as a listener, and where you can find more resources to learn more about gospel music.

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The Origins of Gospel Music

Gospel music emerged from the intersection of various musical traditions in the 19th century. The main sources of gospel music were the hymns and psalms of the Protestant churches, the spirituals and work songs of the enslaved African Americans, and the folk and popular music of the white and Black communities. Gospel music was influenced by the social and cultural changes that occurred during the Great Awakening, the Civil War, the Reconstruction, and the Industrial Revolution. Gospel music was also shaped by the musical innovations and expressions of composers, performers, and evangelists who used gospel music as a tool for worship, evangelism, social justice, and entertainment.

The Development of Gospel Music

White Gospel Music

White gospel music evolved from hymnody, spirituals, and popular styles. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, white gospel music was mainly associated with rural revival meetings, camp meetings, and tent revivals. White gospel music featured simple melodies, catchy choruses, and emotional appeals. Some of the early forms of white gospel music were shape note singing, gospel hymns, gospel songs, and sacred harp singing. Some of the influential figures of white gospel music were Dwight L. Moody, Ira D. Sankey, Charles H. Gabriel, Philip P. Bliss, and Homer Rodeheaver.

Black Gospel Music

Black gospel music evolved from spirituals, blues, and jazz. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, black gospel music was mainly associated with urban churches, social movements, and musical innovations. Black gospel music featured complex rhythms, syncopation, improvisation, and vocal techniques. Some of the early forms of black gospel music were jubilee quartets, gospel blues, traditional gospel, and modern gospel. Some of the influential figures of black gospel music were Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland, Clara Ward, and Roberta Martin.

Gospel Music in the 20th Century

Gospel music became a popular commercial genre with radio, recordings, concerts, and TV broadcasts in the 20th century. Gospel music also crossed over to other genres of music such as soul, blues, rock, and country. Gospel music also reflected the social and political issues of the times, such as civil rights, integration, war, and poverty. Gospel music also expanded its audience and appeal to different regions, cultures, and denominations. Gospel music also embraced new technologies, styles, and sounds to keep up with the changing musical landscape. The Artists of Gospel Music

The Pioneers of Gospel Music

Gospel music would not be what it is today without the contributions of the pioneers who shaped the genre in its early days. Some of these pioneers are:

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• Fanny Crosby: a blind hymn writer who wrote over 8,000 hymns, many of which are still sung today, such as "Blessed Assurance", "To God Be the Glory", and "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior".

• Thomas A. Dorsey: a former blues musician who is considered the father of black gospel music. He wrote over 400 gospel songs, such as "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "Peace in the Valley", and "There Will Be Peace in the Valley for Me". He also founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses.

• Mahalia Jackson: a powerful and influential singer who is known as the queen of gospel music. She sang at many civil rights events, such as the March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral. She also popularized gospel music with her recordings, such as "Move On Up a Little Higher", "How I Got Over", and "His Eye Is on the Sparrow".

• James Cleveland: a singer, composer, arranger, and choir director who is known as the king of gospel music. He revolutionized gospel music with his modern style, his use of mass choirs, and his incorporation of jazz and soul elements. He also founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America.

The Legends of Gospel Music

Gospel music has produced many legends who have become famous for their gospel music as well as their crossover to other genres of music. Some of these legends are:

• Aretha Franklin: a singer and songwriter who is known as the queen of soul. She started her career as a gospel singer in her father's church, and later became a secular star with hits such as "Respect", "I Say a Little Prayer", and "Think". She also returned to her gospel roots with albums such as Amazing Grace and One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.

• Sam Cooke: a singer and songwriter who is known as the king of soul. He started his career as a gospel singer with the Soul Stirrers, and later became a secular star with hits such as "You Send Me", "A Change Is Gonna Come", and "Wonderful World". He also blended gospel and soul with songs such as "Bring It on Home to Me" and "Touch the Hem of His Garment".

• Andrae Crouch: a singer, songwriter, producer, and pastor who is known as the father of modern gospel music. He bridged gospel and contemporary music with his innovative style, his use of diverse instruments, and his collaboration with secular artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Quincy Jones. He also wrote many gospel classics, such as "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power", "Soon and Very Soon", and "My Tribute".

• Kirk Franklin: a singer, songwriter, producer, and choir director who is known as the leader of urban contemporary gospel music. He broke new ground with his fusion of gospel, hip hop, R&B, and pop music, his use of rap vocals, and his social commentary. He also led many successful choirs, such as The Family, God's Property, and One Nation Crew. He also wrote many gospel hits, such as "Stomp", "Revolution", and "I Smile".

The Contemporary Stars of Gospel Music

Gospel music continues to produce many stars who are making gospel music popular today with their talent, creativity, and charisma. Some of these stars are:

• CeCe Winans: a singer and songwriter who is known as the best-selling female gospel artist of all time. She started her career as a duo with her brother BeBe Winans, and later became a solo artist with hits such as "Alabaster Box", "Mercy Said No", and "Never Have to Be Alone". She also won 12 Grammy Awards, 23 Dove Awards, and 15 Stellar Awards.

• Yolanda Adams: a singer, songwriter, radio host, and actress who is known as the queen of contemporary gospel music. She started her career as a lead singer of the Southeast Inspirational Choir, and later became a solo artist with hits such as "The Battle Is the Lord's", "Open My Heart", and "Be Blessed". She also won five Grammy Awards, 16 Dove Awards, and seven NAACP Image Awards.

Marvin Sapp: a singer, songwriter, pastor, and bishop who is known for his powerful and passionate vo