gospel music

American  

noun

1. a now popularized form of impassioned rhythmic spiritual music rooted in the solo and responsive church singing of rural African Americans in the South, central to the development of rhythm and blues and of soul music.

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gospel music Cultural  

1. Intense, joyful music that is associated with evangelists (see evangelical) in the South, especially among African-Americans. Gospel had a strong influence on many rock 'n' roll singers. Well-known gospel artists include Mahalia Jackson and the Dixie Hummingbirds.

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Etymology

Origin of gospel music

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Faith is also important to Agyemang, and she listens to gospel music before matches to help get herself in the zone.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

Stone, whose real name was Sylvester Stewart, began singing gospel music with his brothers and sisters at a young age.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2025

The family sang gospel music and were active in the Church of God in Christ, where K.C. was a deacon.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2025

Wiggins and Saadiq’s childhood days were filled with soul and gospel music, and the sounds the Bay Area had to offer.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2025

In the four corners of the music room, there’s only me and Mrs. Walton and gospel music rattling through my bones.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles