Gospel music can be traced to the early 17th century. Hymns and sacred songs were often repeated in a call and response fashion. Most of the churches relied on hand clapping and foot stomping as rhythmic accompaniment. ... The first published use of the term "gospel song" probably appeared in 1874. sister rosetta tharpe was the first gospel music artist and producer and her name is still used to this day. gospel music originally came from southern america and was mostly used by african american