Gospel music was born from the traditional hymns and spiritual songs the Africans sang during the slave era. The spirituals were songs of hope sung by the enslaved people before freedom/emancipation. The traditional hymns were introduced in the United States by the Europeans who had settled in North America. Gospel music, with its powerful messages of hope, love, and faith, has a profound impact on mental health. Beyond its melodic beauty, gospel music serves as a balm that soothes the soul and lifts the spirit.

Gospel music is also a form of African American religious music. At some Christian church services, people sing gospel music as a part of the preacher's sermon. The word gospel means “good news,” and gospel songs often praise God or Jesus. Many gospel songs also describe struggles and hard times.