Many of us were introduced to singing through joining a choir or some type of church group. Gospel music has played as many of us evolved into musicians or listeners, but the music itself has also evolved.
The definition of gospel music varies but most would agree that this type of music has to have some type of message surrounding religion or spirituality.
Gospel music was used during slavery for Black empowerment, and during the Civil Rights movement it was used to unify and uplift in the same way. Today, gospel is still used for empowerment but its sound is much different from the traditional spirituals or hymns we learned in church.
New gospel music today might have more production and effects behind it, but much of it still promotes positivity and uplifts its listeners.
Gospel has had an impact on genres outside of faith, and there’s still room for it today as we continue to fight for liberation and encourage new generations to carry the torch for freedom. Imagine the new heights gospel music is going to reach in the future!