gospel

Gospel music developed in African-American churches in the early 20th century, blending spirituals, hymns, blues, and jazz into a uniquely powerful form of sacred expression.‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‍​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‌​‌ It is characterised by call-and-response patterns, powerful vocal delivery, hand-clapping, and an emphasis on the emotional experience of faith.

Thomas A. Dorsey, known as the father of gospel music, combined blues sensibility with religious lyrics to create the modern gospel style. Mahalia Jackson, the Queen of Gospel, brought the genre to international prominence. Gospel's influence on secular music is immense — soul, R&B, and rock and roll all grew directly from gospel traditions. Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston all started as gospel singers.