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

According to Spotify, streams of gospel music in the UK have risen by 119% since 2020.

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

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

Country and gospel music weren’t on her radar.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

JP says his momma wakes him at the crack of dawn by turning gospel music on high, and he gets up and starts cleaning.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas