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Where Gospel Music Originated

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Gospel music, historically, has been an integral part of Christian worship since the foundation of the first churches. The expanded denominational movement made the concept of composing hymns for congregational singing more accepted. When immigrants began to colonize America, many of them used this gospel music during often lengthy worship services. This infusion of gospel music formed the basis that composers used with the musical styles of their times to create new hymns.

When the slave trade introduced native Africans to this land, many of these slaves brought with them a tradition of spiritual songs, which were probably the forerunners of modern day gospel music. Christian worship became a central part of the African-American community, and gospel music formed the basis of their worship style.

The two paths of gospel music appear to have collided in the South during the early 20th century. White country performers often exchanged musical ideas with their black counterparts, including the use of religious themes in secular music.. This branch of gospel music, with white singers using many of the vocal techniques of their black counterparts, became known as Southern gospel.

While white performers were enjoying success in the Southern gospel music gospel, black gospel music performers were having a more difficult time finding a general audience for their music. Many black performers found it easier to break into secular musical genres such as boogie-woogie, jazz or blues than gospel music. Only a handful of black performers before the 1950s succeeded in bringing their form of black gospel music to a national audience. Early rock and roll performers such as Little Richard and Ray Charles did manage to incorporate the soulful sounds of black gospel music, into their music but remained in the secular market.

Southern gospel music has evolved into a smoother, modern sound. With the rise of independent churches and young age oriented worship centers, a form of modern gospel music called “Praise and Worship” also has become very popular. In the mean time, a number of black gospel music artists have adapted a new style based on urban sounds and a strong R&B influence, generally known as contemporary gospel music.

Gospel music is still a popular genre for those seeking a worshipful experience. Some gospel music performers also enjoy success in the Pop, R&B and country charts, while many secular artists have had significant success with side projects.

About the Author

After spending 45 years in two different careers, I now spend a lot of my time as a gospel music enthusiast writing on gospel music to perpetuate the legacy of gospel music with a bent toward southern gospel music. I also have developed an affiliate marketing website to provide handy access to all genre of gospel music for listening and purchase of your favorite cds, dvds, sheet music, and karaoke.

Yolanda Adams’ Open Up My Heart’ backing track