Gospel music is a traditional genre of Christian music, and a cornerstone of Christian media. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as an entertainment product for the marketplace. Gospel music is characterized by dominant vocals and strong use of harmony with Christian lyrics. Gospel music can be traced to the early 17th century.
Explore examples of Gospel with this music collection!
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James Brown was born in 1933 in Barnwell, SC, where he spent his early childhood. He developed his interest in music at an early age, performing gospel songs and first playing piano and later bass and...
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"G" is for Gospel Music. Gospel music as a genre consists of two major categories, White Gospel and Black Gospel. Both styles share similar musical routes that stem from the evangelical religious...
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Alfred Hutty painting of a Lowcountry group of singers. These men and women are quite likely the musicians for a "shout" ceremony, for they are singing and clapping their hands rhythmically. The...
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The music slaves brought with them from Africa came from a variety of different cultures, and it is impossible in the caption for a single image to recount the history of the blending of those...
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Noted South Carolina historian Dr. Walter Edgar discusses the key issues in SC History. in this episode, learn about South Carolina Music and Musicians. Genres of music like spirituals, blues, gospel...
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Spirituals developed at the same time as work songs on the plantations. Although they were religious songs with a Christian message, spirituals were also heartfelt expressions of the slave experience...
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After slavery ended, some African American churches shifted from traditional spirituals to a new kind of religious music called gospel. This style of music brought together the elements of the “shout”...
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"Amazing Grace: The Story of William "Singing Billy" Walker is about the Spartanburg resident, religious music composer and publisher. Walker became famous in the mid 1800's for changing the way...
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Eboni Ramm sings her jazz reinterpretation of the hymn, Amazing Grace and also includes spoken word.
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Eboni Ramm talks about her poem and the song, Amazing Grace.