Gospel is a musical form that owes much of its origin to the Christian
conversion of West Africans enslaved in the American South. Gospel music
partly evolved from the spiritual songs slaves sang on plantations,
notably work songs, and from the hymns they sang in church. Gospel
music, which is both emotional and jubilant, also stemmed from the
call-and-response singing between preacher and congregation, which
became common in black churches. Gospel style makes use of choral
singing in unison or harmony, often, but not always, led by a lead
singer or singers. The songs are performed with fervent enthusiasm,
vigor, and spiritual inspiration, with much enhancement in the solo
vocal lines.
In
the first half of the 20th century, gospel music was
considered to be the opposite to blues and jazz, despite their
similarity of origins. As a result, gospel performers rarely sang in
nonreligious settings. Later, as all three forms increased their
popularity outside the black community, they were less mutually
exclusive. A strong gospel element underlies the “soul” jazz and rock
music of the 1950s and 60s. Composer and pianist Thomas A. Dorsey, often
referred to as “the father of the gospel song,” played a major role in
the development of gospel music in a contemporary setting.
Important gospel performers have included Mahalia Jackson, Sister
Rosetta Tharpe, Alex Bradford, James Cleveland, The Soulsters, The Swan
Silver Tones, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Five
Blind Boys of Mississippi, Andre Crouch & the Disciples, and The Winans.
Pop
and Soul singers who have been heavily influenced by gospel include Ray
Charles, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Otis Redding, Wilson
Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Sly & the Family Stone, Patti Labelle, The
OJays, Marvin Gaye, The Stylistics, The Chi-Lites,
The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Pointer Sisters,
The Commodores, Earth
Wind & Fire, Lionel Ritchie, Luther Vandros, Whitney Houston, Boyz II
Men, Mariah Carey, Brian McKnight, A
licia
Keys and most of the Afro-American contestants on American Idol in
addition to “blue-eyed soul” artists like the Righteous Brothers, Hall &
Oates, and Michael McDonald. ..
