The History Of Gospel Music

What is gospel music?

Gospel music is a style of Christian music that has both inspired and drawn from popular music traditions. Many gospel songs emerged from traditional church hymns. Over time, gospel began incorporating traits of secular music—particularly country music, blues, and ragtime—which made the music as entertaining as it was reverent. Gospel’s relationship with secular music ran in both directions; many gospel singers and soloists began their musical journeys singing in church before transitioning to popular music.

Gospel artists including Little Richard and Aretha Franklin helped shape the sound of R&B and rock ‘n’ roll.

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