2.
19th and 20th century religious musical form
Today we are focusing on African American gospel
music that evolved in urban areas after the Great
Migration, which occurred around the time of World
War I and II.
African American gospel music is dynamic form of
gospel music that melds a variety of vernacular
musical forms with popular music, including blues,
jazz, and later pop music.
What is Gospel Music?
3.
“Gospel” refers to the first four books of the new
testament
The word “Gospel” is derived from an Anglo-Saxon
word, “godspel”, or “good story.”
The word “gospel” was substituted for the original
Greek word “euaggelion” which meant“a present given
to one who brought good tidings”, or “a sacrifice offered
in thanksgiving for such good tidings having come”.
Gospel has shifted to mean “good news” about what God
did for us through Jesus Christ:
What is Gospel?
4.
Hymns: older songs drawn from 19th century Protestant hymns
Spirituals are predominantly antebellum songs that passed
through oral tradition—themes of freedom, unburdening, and
movement
http://search.alexanderstreet.com.ezproxy.depaul.edu/view/
work/bibliographic_entity%7Crecorded_cd%7C71867
Jubilee: songs about release from slavery and being free (Fisk
Jubilee Singers)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVJICPDsIY0
later jubilees referred to up tempo songs performed by gospel
quartets that featured vocal effects,, prominent rhythm, strong
vocal lead, and a pump bass (Golden Gate quartet)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yXoBMNZVzo
Origins of Gospel Music
5.
Call and Response
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMgNTwZW
5gY
Belting (chest voice, strong volume, high breath
support)
Hand clapping/foot stomping
https://youtu.be/NuK8iVXuVpU
Strong use of harmony
Common Stylistic Elements
6.
Holiness Pentacostal Style
• New compositions and old protestant hymns
• Harmony not strongly emphasized
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4EzrdMiSWU
Tindley Style
• Music essential to worship
• Strong song texts
• Standard I iv v progression
• (Leave it there-youtube)
Rural Gospel Music
• Sung by solo blues singers w/guitar or harmonica
• Minimal chord changes
• Variable rhythm
• Call response between voice and instrument (god moves on the water d2l)
Early Gospel Music Threads
7.
Thomas Dorsey
Charles Tindley - composer of I Shall Overcome
Mahalia Jackson
James Cleveland
Pioneers of Gospel
Music
9.
Thomas Dorsey, born outside Atlanta in 1899,
popular blues pianist.
Moved to Chicago as a teen
Lost wife and son in childbirth with touring
Dorsey stated that he “I lost a lot of confidence in the
Lord or somebody, it took awhile to get myself
together.”
Thomas Dorsey
10.
“Take My Hand, Precious Lord”: One of the most
popular Gospel songs of all times
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HNZNvlhlN
4
It became one of the most popular of all Gospel
songs.
Also wrote “Peace in the valley”, “Today”, and
“Search me Lord”.
GOSPEL SONGS
11.
Dorsey’s music began to catch on in churches
throughout the South Side of Chicago.
After establishing Gospel music at Pilgrim Baptist
Church at 33rd street and Indiana Avenue, he created
the NATIONAL CONVENTION of Gospel Choirs
and Choruses.
GOSPEL MUSIC
GROWTH
12.
Came to gospel music as a preacher
Music a component of dynamic worship
Formed the C.A Tindley Gospel Choir in
Renowned for his song texts
“We’ll understand it better by and by”
“Stand by Me”
“The storm is passing over.”
“Leave it there.”
Charles Tindley
13.
born October 26, 1911, New Orleans,—January 27,
1972, Evergreen Park, near Chicago)
“Queen of Gospel Song.”
Mahalia Jackson
14.
Much more Modern and Contemporary
added keyboard, drum tracks, faster tempo
Gospel music genres (Christian contemporary, country,
gospel blues, hip hop gospel, etc.)
Mary Mary - God In Me https://youtu.be/agxi8cei9h8
Tye Tribbett - Work It Out https://youtu.be/PZ8Anq5IBEg
Today's Gospel Music
