Gospel Music - From Start to Now

Gospel – the famous music all around thechanges in United States during 1900 to 1930. In
world! Gospel is one genre of music that needs tothis time the gospel was spreading around the
be seen and heard. It makes it’s listeners acountry from the south with black African
feel of heaven on the earth. Everybody seems toAmericans. After this time some noted people
know the history of anything they do like. Thewho are given credits for the success of the
creation, performance, significance, and even thegospel music were came into picture.
definition of Gospel music varies according to The first is Thomas A. Dorsy (1899-1993). He
culture and social context. There are manywas a composer of such standards as “There
studies about the history of Gospel music. SomeWill Be Pease in the Valley”. He is considered
people believe that gospel music first came out ofas “Father of Gospel Music” by many
African-American churches in the first quarter ofgospel devotees. He was also consummate
the 19th century. Some believe that it was sungmusician and as a young man accompanied some
by predominately white Southern Gospel artists.of the most famous blues singers of all
This argument is based more on geography thantime-specially, Bessie Smith (1894-1937) and Ma
fact.By the history point of view, the gospelRainy (1886-1939). He also arranged and
music has a long and wide history.composed blues tunes. Dorsey was a planter. The
 The story of history of the gospel music startsfruits of that harvest were the exceptional
from 18th century. This was an era where hymnssingers who spread gospel around the country
were lined and repeated in a call and responseand indeed the world in the years that
fashion. On the other hand, the spiritual and workfollowed--Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972), Clara
songs of the African slaves came along. SlavesWard(1924-1973) and James Cleveland(1931-1991)
were prohibited and punished by their masters forare but a few.
offending. The sharp division between black and Gospel music is still being more popular
white America, particularly black and whitenowadays. Many gospel musicians are attempting
churches, have kept the two apart. While thoseto introduce the gospel music to the mainstream
divisions have lessened slightly in the past fiftyaudience. There are many gospel musicians which
years, the two traditions are still distinct. Theplay their instruments and worship god. They are
Slaves were not able to create their own hymnstrue devotees of god. Gospel singers play a vital
and had to do that with their masters in suchrole in gospel music by singing the prayers to the
condition. But it could not stop them. Theygod.
organized the secret meetings and together theyThe combination of Singers Musicians and playing
created their own worship hymns. Gospel musicmusical instruments make the environment
came into picture now.religious. Gospel music is such a great music all
Gospel music was undergone through socialaround the world.