Primary Gospel Categories

Primary Gospel Music Categories (USA)

These are the major, industry‑recognized categories across radio, awards, streaming, and live events.

Traditional Gospel — Choirs, quartets, hymns, classic church sound (e.g., Shirley Caesar, Mississippi Mass Choir).

Contemporary Gospel — Modern production, solo artists, R&B‑influenced worship (e.g., Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs).

Urban/Contemporary Christian (Urban CC) — Smooth, R&B‑leaning inspirational music with Christian themes.

Praise & Worship — Congregational worship music, often used in church services (e.g., Israel Houghton, Maverick City).

Choir & Ensemble Music — Mass choirs, community choirs, church choirs, youth choirs.

Quartet Gospel — Traditional male quartet harmony style (e.g., Canton Spirituals).

Gospel Rap / Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) — Hip-hop with gospel or Christian themes (e.g., Lecrae).

Gospel Jazz / Inspirational Jazz — Smooth jazz fused with gospel melodies.

Southern Gospel — Predominantly white gospel tradition with country/bluegrass influences.

Bluegrass Gospel — Acoustic, roots-based gospel.

Latin Gospel / Spanish-Language Gospel — Gospel in Spanish or bilingual formats.

Caribbean Gospel — Reggae, soca, calypso gospel.

Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) — Pop/rock Christian music (e.g., Lauren Daigle).

Inspirational / Positive Music — Uplifting, faith-friendly songs not always explicitly religious.

Specialized Sub‑Genres & Formats

Gospel House / Gospel EDM

Neo-Soul Gospel

Acoustic Worship

Gospel Blues

Gospel Country

Gospel Pop

Children’s Gospel Music

Holiday Gospel (Christmas, Easter)

Spoken Word / Sermonettes with Music

Media & Industry Categories (Radio, Streaming, Awards)

Billboard Gospel Airplay

Billboard Top Gospel Albums

Billboard Hot Gospel Songs

Stellar Awards Categories

Dove Awards Gospel Categories

Gospel Radio Formats (Traditional, Contemporary, Urban, Worship)