History of Gospel Music

WHAT 
History of Gospel Music

WHEN
Post-Reconstuction

WHERE
South

HOW
Gospel Meaning  -  "Good News"

There is a close connection to the Gospel books in new testament and the references  to God's goodness and mercy.  The thematic content remains constant and utilizes a great deal of the repetition which is a carryover from the time when many Post-Reconstruction blacks were unable to read.  The repetition of words allowed those who could not read the opportunity to participate in worship.

Gospel Music over the centuries was meant for those who were downtrodden and disenfranchised.  God comes in nick of time to deliver his people from uncomfortable circumstances in a  consistent theme.  The African slaves  used this music as a relief to survive the uncertainty and danger  of harsh treatment.

Worship music (hymns) of the white masters became the backdrop for the music the enslaved africans would use in eventual worship meetings.  Because it was  unlawful for slaves to congregate in worship they would go to distance areas  to set up camp for meetings. New renditions of traditional hymns were developed because of the unlawfulness of blacks  congregating.  During such meetings great creativity and beauty came from this music in a very dismal period of time.  Gospel music stirs many emotions.