Gospel Music 101: What is gospel music?

July 18, 10:54 AMNashville Gospel Music & Entertainment ExaminerKathryn Darden

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What is gospel music?

Larry Norman, one of the pioneers of modern gospel music/CCM

Gospel music has been around for over 2000 years, from the time the disciples first began to sing songs of worship and praise centered on Jesus. Although the definition of gospel music may vary depending upon context, gospel music can be defined as the many diverse musical styles of songs written about Jesus, the Christian faith or the Christian life. In its broadest definition, Christmas carols, hymns, old Negro spirituals and many great symphonies are all gospel music.

Gospel music can also be defined as music written to provide a Christian alternative to other popular styles of music. Various genres of gospel music include but in no way are limited to: southern gospel, black gospel, urban gospel, contemporary Christian music (CCM), inspirational music, Christian pop music, Christian rock music, Christian metal, Christian alternative music, Christian hip-hop music, Christian R & B music, Celtic Christian music, modern gospel music and many other music forms. Find any genre of music and, with few exceptions, you will find its counterpart in gospel music.

Some music scholars trace the roots of today's gospel music to the pentecostal revival movement and revival hymns of the late 19th century starting with Dwight L. Moody whose revival services included musician Ira D. Sankey. Gospel music became especially popular after World War II, and again during the "Jesus Movement" of the late 1960s and early 1970s when contemporary Christian music (CCM) became popular. Gospel music has found its way into popular culture many times over the past several decades and is often performed by musicians who don't profess to be Christians.

Many artists have made the leap from gospel music to mainstream airplay including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jars of Clay, Chris Rice, Mercy Me, Stryper  and even the Jonas Brothers. Other artists like Diamond Rio, Randy Travis and Vince Gill have made the reverse trip, recording gospel albums after they were already well-known mainstream artists. Still other artists like Paramore and U2 have band members who are Christians and frequently incorporate faith-based lyrics in their music.

Gospel music spans the globe with many popular artists from countries around the world performing Christian songs and music in their own language and style. Gospel music is written and performed for many reasons: for personal worship, for church music, for ministry, for entertainment, and for profit in the music industry. Most record stores have sections devoted to gospel music, and Christian radio stations can be found in most cities and towns around the United States. Today gospel music is heard on the soundtracks of many popular movies and television programs, and is performed at weddings, political and patriotic events, festivals, coffee houses, churches, and other venues around the world.

Photo of Larry Norman from Wikipedia.

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