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

See Examples For:

gospel music

Willis, born July 1, 1951, in Texas but a San Francisco native, grew up around gospel music in his minister father’s Baptist church.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

Ehio says there's a "big market" for gospel music, and an enthusiastic audience that wants to hear it.

From BBC ● Mar. 6, 2026

She thinks "gospel music has been overlooked for a long time and not been noticed by the mainstream platforms, the charts and the radio stations".

From BBC ● Mar. 6, 2026

The first thing I’d probably do aside from washing my face and brushing my teeth, is put on gospel music or listen to anything that can put my mind at ease.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2026

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