gospel music

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noun

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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Also called gospel.

Origin of gospel music

First recorded in 1950–55

Words nearby gospel music

go so far as to, go south, gospel, gospeler, gospeller, gospel music, gospel oath, Gospels, gospel side, gospel truth, Gosplan

How to use gospel music in a sentence

Deborah Brevoort’s play, directed by Sheldon Epps, traces that relationship in the run-up to Anderson’s historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, where she sang operatic arias, gospel music and “My Country ’Tis of Thee.”
After a devastating lull, theater is coming back big|Peter Marks|September 10, 2021|Washington Post
To get into that emotional state, she played gospel music her grandmother had played.
Can Condon's Freak Show Win Broadway?|Tim Teeman|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The man introduces himself as Tyrone Lewis, a singer of gospel music.
The Stacks: The Neville Brothers Stake Their Claim as Bards of the Bayou|John Ed Bradley|April 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sherman Washington programmed gospel music at the festival from 1972 until shortly before his death in 2011.
The Cradle of Jazz, Blues and Gospel Endlessly Rocking|Jason Berry|April 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Some gospel music, like Blind Willie Johnson's, chronicles an indeterminate journey to an unknown destination.
Leaps of Faith: Wrestling With Uncertainty and Finding Grace Through the Music of Hiss Golden Messenger|Howard Wolfson|March 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In 1948, the family band, less one daughter, went professional, beginning a successful and acclaimed career in gospel music.
The Deaths You Missed This Year|Malcolm Jones, Jimmy So, Michael Moynihan, Caitlin Dickson|December 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A child prodigy of gospel music, he has surmounted personal adversity to become an accomplished pianist and singer.
Complete State of the Union Addresses from 1790 to 2006|Various

Cultural definitions for gospel music

gospel music

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.