History of Gospel Music
From the Roots of the Genre to its Uses in Today's Society
Taking you on a journey from the very beginnings of Gospel Music, through to key players and influences in the genre, ending with a look at its uses in today's society.
The story begins in the America’s Deep South around the 1930’s. African slaves combined the rhythms and melodies of their work songs, with the protestant hymns they sung in church,to create the earliest form of Gospel Music. It had a strong and powerful message of hope and revival through devotion to god.
Traditionally the songs were in a call and response form between a choir and a preacher, although solo singers and later male vocal harmony groups also became popular. Many of the songs were written by the ‘Father of Gospel’ Thomas A Dorsey. Dorsey’s achievements include opening the first Gospel publishing company, founding the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in America, and becoming the first African/American to be elected to the Nashville Song Writers Hall of Fame.
Girl Power
Forget the Spice Girls, one of the earliest stirrings of girl power came from Gospel Music. Within the church women were freed from the constraints of male prejudice, and they embraced the opportunity to become Gospel singers. Some of these women rose to become the greatest Gospel singers of their time, influencing many singers that came after them. These included Sister Rosetta Sharpe, Elvis Presley’s favourite Gospel singer, and Mahalia Jackson.
The Soul Stirrers
Male vocal harmony groups also had their part to play in the Gospel revolution, the most notable of those being the Soul Stirrers. In their prime, they were well known for their emotional intensity and fresh vocal arrangements. Lead vocalist Sam Cooke also became the first Gospel singer to turn pop star. His number one single ‘You Send Me’ in 1957 saw the start of the Soul era.
The Soul Era
It was the golden era of soul in the 1960’s that brought Gospel in to the mainstream music industry, although its influence was by no means limited to this genre. Pop, R&B and Rock all produced singers with Gospel roots, and most of the major record labels continue to have Christian Music Divisions.
Aretha Franklin arrived on the music scene around this time. Aretha was the daughter of one of the most famous Pentecostal preachers in America. She began her Gospel journey in a choir, and one of her first recordings was Thomas A Dorseys classic, ‘Precious Lord’. Her career has taken several twists and turns, since her teenage years, but she became known as the ‘Queen of Soul’ and produced anthems such as ‘Respect’. With the fire of her musical roots ever present Aretha returned to Gospel releasing the album ‘Amazing Grace’ in 1972.
Amy Grant
Gospel music soon extended far beyond the African/American communities and became much more accessible to white people. One of their biggest stars was Amy Grant. Amy made her debut as a teenager with a number one hit on Christian Radio, followed by another accolade two years later. Her album ‘Age to Age’ was the first contemporary Christian album to be certified Platinum. She has received a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel performance, and continues to be one of America’s best selling Christian artists, rightly earning her place on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
U.K Gospel Music
The U.K has also produced its fair share of Gospel magic over the past few decades. Disco Diva Candi Staton performed as part of a Gospel trio as a teenager, and after a string of Disco and R&B hits returned to Gospel music with her Husband in tow. Also the London Community Gospel Choir are very popular. Initially made up of members from over 30 black churches in London, they have toured, released C.Ds, and shared the stage with a diverse range of music stars. These have included Will Young, Blur, and Madonna.
The Real Stars of the Show?
Whilst some websites list up to 117 singers and groups associated with Gospel music, for many of you, it will be the famous songs that you remember. These have stood the test of time, and have many uses in today’s society! From adverts for Cadburys digestive, to one of at least nine sporting versions ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’. Not forgetting the Rugby anthem ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’.
Gospel is all around and long may it continue to be. What more is there to say other than ‘Oh Happy Day’?
