The influence of Gospel music on other musical genres is undeniable. It has been said that gospel music can be heard in the blues, jazz, rock, and even country music. Gospel music influences are not only found through its lyrics but also because of its roots coming from African American churches where it originated. This blog post will go into detail about how gospel influenced other styles of popular music and what you can learn from this history lesson when creating your own songs or musical compositions!
In the early 20th century, blues music was influenced by gospel. One of the most well-known examples is “Down By The Riverside” where Willie Brown and his wife Elizabeth recorded a rendition that became an influential recording to many other people who followed in their footsteps. Like popular Gospel songs, this example features call and response vocals.
Gospel music, which began during the times of slavery, has embedded itself deeply into society. Gospel music has had a significant influence on country, R&B, rock & roll and other musical genres. How does Gospel music created from hymns influence Rock and Soul music?
there are different types of gospel music. Contemporary gospel music is usually classified as a Christian gospel genre and often includes recording artists such as Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams.
Gospel`s influence on jazz was also significant in the 20th century when it became an integral part of many traditional New Orleans brass bands.
Gospel`s Influence On Rock & Roll
One of the roots for Rock & Roll is Gospel music. The piano, acoustic guitars and drums were used in both genres so it`s no surprise Rock & Roll was influenced by Gospel. The CD contains various blends of gospel music with cowboy and mountain tunes. Gospel`s influence on traditional and R&R is partly because of another type of music, the blues. Gospel comes from combining gospel words with blues notes that are primarily found in 12-bar blues chord progressions.
Gospel`s Influence on Hip Hop
It is not surprising to find out that Gospel influences hip-hop. In fact, gospel music was the common denominator for all of the artists interviewed in a study titled “The Social Implications of Gospel Music: A Case Study.” This group studied how people from various walks of life feel and about and respond to gospel music variations.
Gospel`s Influence On Soul
Soul music is an important component of Southern music, but the genre means different things to different listeners. Gospel is one way that people sing at the pulpit. For instance, Aretha Franklin was influenced by Soul because her pastor father would often perform this genre of music while preaching. Gospel music in particular influences other styles of singing, such as Soul. Ray Charles proclaimed the soul as digging deep within to find oneself.
Gospel`s Influence On Country
Country music is another genre of popular music that has gospel roots. For example, Hank Williams Sr., the “Hillbilly Shakespeare,” grew up in a family who were very religious and sang country Gospel songs as well as traditional folk and rural blues tunes.
Conclusion
Gospel music is influencing other musical genres in a number of ways. Rock & Roll, Hip Hop, Soul and Country are all influenced by gospel music to some degree. But what’s your favorite genre that grew out of the influence of gospel? Do you listen to more rock or country or hip hop because they share roots with this type of music? Let us know how gospel has impacted your listening habits!