Gospel music is a type of American Protestant music that evolved in distinct ways among the white (European American White gospel music) and black (African American Black Gospel Music) populations of the United States during the nineteenth-century religious revivals. Over the years, both white and black traditions have been transmitted through song publication, performances, and other means.
The genre known as Black American gospel music evolved in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century with ragtime, blues, and jazz. The origins of the practice, however, may be found in both black and white music of the nineteenth century, especially prominently black spirituals, enslaved people's music, and white sacred music.
The origins of Black gospel music may be traced back to the early nineteenth-century hymnals. The earliest hymnal intended for use in Black worship was A Collection of Spiritual Songs and Hymns Selected from Various Authors (1801). The book, however, was devoid of music, allowing the audience to sing the words to well-known choral melodies. Following the Civil War, Black hymnals began to incorporate music, although the majority of the arrangements followed the structurally and melodically simple, unembellished approach of white hymnody.
Traditional Black Gospel music
Traditional Black gospel music, which evolved from the Negro Spirituals, is the most well-known genre and can be found in Black churches, non-Black Pentecostal and evangelical churches, and entertainment venues all across the country and world. This music was heavily influenced by the hymnody of the spirituals and Watts, as well as Dorsey's musical style and vision.
Urban contemporary
Today, the urban contemporary gospel is the most popular type of recorded gospel music. It significantly depends on modern secular music rhythms and instrumentation (hip hop music), while yet integrating the themes and legacy of the classic Black gospel genre. Kirk Franklin is the most well-known hip hop music artist in this genre, but Andrae Crouch, the Clark Sisters, and Yolanda Adams are all well-known.
VOCALS
Gospel music is distinguished by dominating voices and Christian lyrics. Choirs were frequently used in traditional types of gospel music.
INSTRUMENTS
Most forms use piano or Hammond organ, tambourines, drums, bass guitar, and, increasingly, electric guitar. In comparison with hymns, which are generally of a statelier measure, the gospel song is expected to have a refrain and often a more syncopated rhythm.
RHYTHM
Christ-Janer said "the music was tuneful and easy to grasp ... rudimentary harmonies ... use of the chorus ... varied metric schemes ... motor rhythms were characteristic”
LYRICS
Patrick and Sydnor emphasize the notion that gospel music is "sentimental", quoting Sankey as saying, "Before I sing I must feel", and they call attention to the comparison of the original version of Rowley's "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story" with Sankey's version.
Black gospel music is powerful and holds the power to grab your attention to the end. This also has a long and broad history, which is intriguing. Appreciate this music by listening to this right now!