While this may refer to traditions of white hymnody (which intersect with country music), “gospel” is more often identified with a black genre that emerged from spirituals after the turn of the nineteenth century alongside ragtime, blues and jazz. This free-form singing, with emotive solos, antiphonal responses of repeated spiritual messages, instrumental back-up (piano and tambourine) and rhythmic choral support, was also associated with the rise of charismatic and spiritual churches. In fact, mainline black Protestant denominations avoided it for decades. Among its guiding spirits was Thomas Dorsey, who turned from blues to the composition of classic gospel hymns like “Precious Lord, Take my Hand” (1932). Gospel influenced—and was influenced by—rhythm and blues and soul; artists Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin embody this intersection in their work.
- Part of Speech: noun
- Industry/Domain: Culture
- Category: American culture
- Company: Routledge
Creator
- Aaron J
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