Gospel Music
By
User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1279132871)
Ira D. Sankey, one of the first famous gospel singers from the end of the 19th century once said, "Before I sing I must feel, so always feel when I sing." Although this may sound unbearably cheesy, feeling really is the foundation of this music genre. The music itself is written with the intention of expressing a communal belief God, spirituality or Christianity and to send a powerful message, one that can only be properly conveyed through emotion and feelings. The genre is typically characterized by dominant vocals, thrilling harmonies, syncopated rhythms, choruses and even electric guitar. It's not Christian music you think of priests singing in church, or the hymn before taking communion (though it could be if you go to a Gospel or Baptist Church), but rather a powerful, normally upbeat musical praise of God.
History of the Genre
Most people trace gospel music back to post-Reconstructional hymns that were written by African Americans who did not yet know how to read. Many African Americans at the time were recently freed slaves filled with complex emotions and only a few ways to express them, though music and religion. Thus came the school of gospel music, something that has grown in complexity and style but has not lost any of the passion or communal characteristics of its 18th century ancestor. Over the years, the stars and styles have slightly changed but gospel has always been considered one of the favorite genres of Christian Music and has also had an enormous impact on the rest of the song writing industry.
Today's Popular Gospel Artists
'''''Marvin Sapp''''' Sapp'>Here I Am''.
'''''Brian Courtney Wilson''''' Wilson'>Just Love'' is an incredibly touching collection of songs which tell the story of the role of God and love in Wilson's life. Soon after the first CD was sold, Wilson became one of the top selling gospel artists and he will hopefully share unique voice and moving stories with audiences again in the years to come.
'''''CeCe Winans''''' Winans'>Songs of Emotional Healing''.
'''''Blind Boys of Alabama''''' Alabama'>Duets''.
Some other popular gospel artists include
The Statler Brothers
Quick Picks
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