Gospel Music Gospel music is rooted in the traditions of the African-American church. It includes spirituals, hymns, and sacred songs that are normally accompanied by percussion, hand clapping and foot stomping.
By it's very definition "gospel" means good news. Gospel music then becomes a method for the good news of Christianity to be spread throughout the world. The music truly moves you.
“Go spe l mu goo s ic is d tidin new n o thin g s. It s -bec spr g but will aus ead last s i n g e it i n i ng a g s t of is s long h e ung g o a o s d s a hum tra n ym i g a ht f ―M n he usic rom art aha .� lia J t he ack son There were four distinct styles of gospel music that developed in the golden age of gospel from the 1930s. Traditional gospel took the songs and hymns and gave them to a larger choir. It was easy and helped communities to come together in song. Contemporary gospel changed this and allowed solo artists to come forward and tell their stories on their own. Quartet styles saw groups of vocalists sing these songs in tighter harmonies, something that would later emerge in other musical styles. Then there was the praise and worship style. This is the one that many outsiders immediately think of when they imagine gospel choirs. This blend of styles brings together the choir, soloist and the responses of the congregation.
mahalia jackson October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972 .........was an American gospel singer. Possessing a contralto voice, She was referred to as "The Queen of Gospel". She became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She once said "I sing God's music because it makes me feel free". Listen to this recording of her singing "Oh Happy Day": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHEE52X6pZ4
Activity Listen to this recording of my university choir singing "The Lord is my Light" https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=usT5WA9bKCY On a sheet of paper answer these questions: 1. What qualities of gospel music can you pick out from this recording? 2. How does this music make you feel? 3. In our music making, how can we bring joy into what we are singing? NOW: -On another sheet of paper, create a piece of art work that can be a beacon of light to someone else during this time of lockdown using some of the qualities of gospel music.