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

Or, as Ehio puts it: "The gospel means the good news, gospel music is healing, it's a chance to receive healing, hope, faith, encouragement, a lot of the positive stuff."

From BBC • 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

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

According to the outlet, in 1973 she became a Christian and “Hee Haw” brought her back to sing gospel music on the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

At home he hardly communicated with anyone but went immediately to his tiny room, where he listened to the gospel music of James Cleveland.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger