What is Gospel music?

Origin of Gospel

USA, early 1900s. Sacred African American vocal music fusing European hymn tradition with blues expressiveness and West African call-and-response. Thomas A. Dorsey coined gospel blues in 1930s Chicago. Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and later Kirk Franklin brought it to mainstream audiences.

Era: 1900s--present

Defining sound of Gospel

Powerful lead vocals with emotional delivery -- growls, runs, melisma. Choir or backup vocal response. Piano, organ, and drums. Lyrics are explicitly spiritual and celebratory or supplicatory. BPM ranges from slow devotional ballad to jubilant uptempo shouting. Emotional catharsis is the goal.

Pioneers of Gospel

• Thomas A. Dorsey
• Mahalia Jackson
• Sister Rosetta Tharpe
• Aretha Franklin
• Edwin Hawkins

Key Gospel artists

• Kirk Franklin
• Andrae Crouch
• Tasha Cobbs Leonard
• Chance the Rapper
• Kanye West

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Gospel

When did Gospel start?

Gospel originated 1900s--present. USA, early 1900s.

Who invented Gospel?

Gospel was pioneered by Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Aretha Franklin, Edwin Hawkins. USA, early 1900s. Sacred African American vocal music fusing European hymn tradition with blues expressiveness and West African call-and-response. Thomas A. Dorsey coined gospel blues in 1930s Chicago. Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and later Kirk Franklin brought it to mainstream audiences.

Is Gospel still popular?

Gospel continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Kirk Franklin, Andrae Crouch, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Chance the Rapper.

What does Gospel sound like?

Powerful lead vocals with emotional delivery -- growls, runs, melisma. Choir or backup vocal response. Piano, organ, and drums. Lyrics are explicitly spiritual and celebratory or supplicatory. BPM ranges from slow devotional ballad to jubilant uptempo shouting. Emotional catharsis is the goal.

What is the difference between Gospel and soul?

Gospel and soul are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the soul definition page for a full comparison.