Important points about Gospel Music!
- The first form of “Gospel” music can be traced back to work songs and “spirituals”. African-American slaves performed these two types of songs while they worked in the fields, to pass time and provide a sense of hope.
- They integrated many West African musical characteristics such as: complex rhythms, call and response vocals, singing as a group and various self made instruments.
- Eventually spirituals blended with European church music (hymns) to create “Gospel”.
- The popularity of racist minstrel shows spread the awareness for the genre, and eventually provided a platform for Blues and Jazz development.
- Based out of the Christian faith. Gospel music tells stories and praises Jesus Christ as the savior of the Christian religion.
- In the 1940’s and 50’s Gospel connected with early Soul/Rhythm and Blues (at the time called “Race” music). This provided growth in the genre, and created a more “pop” sound that would only expand the popularity of the genre. Gospel could also be preformed in Barbershop quartets and outside of church or Praise Services.
- Once the lyrical topics shifted to troubles and hardships, and became more connected to work songs and complex chord progressions, the Blues was born. Many people feared the Blues due to the use of “the devils chord progression” which was eventually the base for Rock and Roll.
- Gospel was also a starting point for Jazz musicians in New Orleans, creating Ragtime and “The Second Line” from funerals,
- Gospel today can be referenced or seen predominately in Pop, R&B and Hip-Hop. Most Gospel references are connected to the Black church and worship practices of the artists upbringing.
- Gospel music was key in developing early Motown, Rock & Roll, Blues and Jazz music.
- Instruments consist of: Organ/keyboards, choir singers, with a lead singer and occasionally Rock band set up: (bass, drums, guitar, vocals), horns (trumpets, saxophones, etc).
- Gospel Handout 1, Gospel Handout 2
- African Slave Trade Article
Examples of Gospel music: hymns and Christian worship songs…
Sites to reference…