American
Gospel Music
Though it wouldn't be clear from the powerful, explosive gospel
performances happening every Sunday all over the United States,
in many ways gospel music has been overlooked as a major factor
in the development of American music. Its influence can be felt
in many music styles-jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, country-but
many are unaware of the deep connection it shares with these
styles. While gospel takes two very different forms for Americans
of European and African lineage, in both forms gospel music
is pervasive and deeply felt.
Early African American Gospel Music
African American gospel music developed in the late 19th century
out of a mix of African American styles, like spirituals and
ring-shouts, mixed with the hymn traditions of European American
churches. In the Los Angeles Azusa Street Revival from 1906-1909,
leaders and musicians explored making the hymn tradition more
African American, adding syncopation to the melodies and accompaniments
and leading call-and-response singing with the congregation.
Methodist minister Charles Albert Tindley of Philadelphia attended
some of the meetings and took the idea back to his church where
he developed it even further.
The final impetus came with the involvement of composer/singer
Thomas Dorsey. He not only composed and performed many new gospel
songs, but also started his own publishing company, called Thomas
A. Dorsey Gospel Songs Music Publishing Company, and was featured
on many of the first recordings of gospel.
Gospel Music Takes Off
By the 1930s, gospel was established as a major music style,
and concerts called "revivals," often organized by African American
churches , took place all across the country. Though early gospel
music generally featured banjo accompaniment, the piano soon
became the central instrument, backed by the guitar. Gospel
performances were full of emotion and power, with call-and-response
led by a soloist, improvised lyrics, a melismatic and ornamented
singing style, and hand clapping and foot stomping. Vocal quality
was often raspy, due to the tendency to use the upper vocal
range in order to be heard above the instruments and congregation.
Classic spirituals and hymns were performed alongside new compositions.
In 1938, Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "Rock Me" became the first
gospel hit record. By the 1940s, gospel had developed different
performance styles, including the doo-wop style quartet, performed
by artists like the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. Large gospel
choirs fronted by a soloist (who was often the preacher) became
the norm for church performance, backed by the now-pervasive
Hammond organ. Mahalia Jackson emerged in the 1950s and quickly
became the biggest star in gospel music. Her beautiful voice
and incredible improvisational and ornamental skill became the
inspiration and model for generations of African American gospel
singers. Other important performers of the time included Brother
Joe May, Reverend James Cleveland, and the Clara Ward Singers.
1970s to Today
In the 1970s, gospel music had developed to the point that distinct
sub-styles existed, including "sanctuary contemporary," "urban
contemporary," and "devotional gospel." Urban contemporary borrowed
the instrumental line-up of R&B and soul, featuring electric
guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano or organ, and sometimes horns.
From the 1990s to today, many gospel musicians are looking to
popular forms to create new directions and inspire new audiences
to appreciate the music, such as Kirk Franklin's 1993 album
Kirk Franklin and the Family. In addition, the female
vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock has rekindled the spirit
of early vocal ensembles.
European American Gospel
Though perhaps not as much in the spotlight, the gospel music
of European American churches has a large and devoted following
and has influenced several music genres, particularly country
and bluegrass. As with African American gospel, there are several
different styles, including "Southern Gospel," which tends toward
four-part singing backed by a country or bluegrass ensemble.
Important artists include the Happy Goodman Family and the Chuckwagon
Gang as well as the bluegrass gospel of the Lewis Family.
"Country Gospel" is one of the oldest country styles,
along with old-time music. Though it developed in the 1970s
into a sound that is sometimes indistinguishable from contemporary
Christian music, it nonetheless has an important place with
its simple arrangements, vocal choirs, and backing country band.
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