Black History Month: The Impact of Gospel on Music History

Gospel music has had a huge impact on modern music from R&B to funk and even modern pop. Call and response structures, spiritual themes, vocal acrobatics and celebrating the holy spirit through song are classic musical traditions that are intrinsic to gospel music and found throughout music more generally. I am constantly making reference to “gospel touches” in modern music, but I have never showcased gospel music. Most people see gospel music as a springboard for artists to move to different genres, but gospel music has a rich tradition and is still very popular. So, let’s look at some African – American artists who started their careers in gospel, are foundational artists in gospel music and are huge figures in gospel music today. So, place your hand on your computer and let the music heal you.

Marion Williams: Talk About Jesus

Starting her career in the late 40s with the Ward Sisters and going solo in the 60s, Marion Williams showcased her powerful voice and wide vocal range. You can hear her vocal in pater artists like Aretha Franklin. She had such a presence and strength in her voice that she was instantly compelling. She covered a variety of tracks, but Talk About Jesus showcases her contributions to gospel music.

Mahalia Jackson: His Eye is on the Sparrow

Born in New Orleans and moving to Chicago, Mahalia Jackson was raised in the church and saw it as her purpose to spread God’s word through song. She sang in the 40s and 50s, was involved in the civil rights movement and sang at JFK’s funeral. Gospel music was closely tied to the civil rights movement and Jackson sang at the bus boycott and many of Dr. Martin Luther King’s rallies. She had a powerful and emotive voice that she dedicated to God and turned down a number of record deals for secular music to continue spreading the word. An amazing artist and an amazing person.

Ada Ehi: Congratulations

Ada is a contemporary Nigerian born gospel singer who integrates classic American gospel themes with modern Afro/dub Burna Boy – esque beats. Her music shows the long reach gospel music has and how modern gospel wraps traditional gospel themes within modern dub, club and pop arrangements. She is at the beginning of her career and she has a growing following within gospel music.

The Mississippi Mass Choir: Your Grace and Mercy

This is where it all began with African-American gospel music. Between the 30s and the 70s a ton of church choirs put out records. Some churches had their own record label just to put out their gospel records. You can still find some vinyls with a mix of these church recordings, which are amazing. The Mississippi Mass Choir carries on this tradition and has been putting out music for the last 35 years.

Blind Boys of Alabama: Amazing Grace

Probably the best known band on this list, the Blind Boys of Alabama have been putting out their mix of blues and gospel for decades. They are borne out of a classic tradition of quartets and quintets singing gospel music and spreading the word of God. They have toured the world, been in movies and are still putting out music.