Southern Gospel
Southern gospel music is very similar to country music in sound. Most of the lyrics have a large influence of Christianity and other religions. It is believed to be one of the earliest forms of gospel music that was introduced. Southern gospel music is also believed to have laid a foundation for the world to take notice of gospel music as a whole.
Southern gospel music was the first to be taken from the Church and recorded for the public to hear on the radio. This was the beginning of marketing and commercializing gospel music. The world no longer viewed gospel music as just something related to the Church. Instead it was viewed as an amazing form of music that had a great sound and wonderful lyrics to match.
Many of the early Southern gospel recordings featured quartets without any instruments. As this type of gospel music became commercialized the various instruments were added. First came the guitars followed by the piano and keyboards. Eventually it evolved to embrace what we know as ragtime music as well. Some people believe Southern gospel styles musically also lead to the explosion of rock n roll in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Southern gospel music was quickly evolving into a loud and fast paced type of music but it still had the religious lyrics attached to it. Many conservative Christian’s were actively protesting it saying the music attached to the lyrics was something the devil would be happy with. They wanted the reigns of Southern gospel to be pulled in tighter. They wanted to be more associated with the Church where it initially came from.
This became even more of an issue when various Southern gospel performers and their bands started engaging in typical rock n roll touring lifestyles. This included drinking, drugs, and being with women who came to the shows. Conservative Christian’s simply could not justify this behavior for music that was to honor the word of God.
To help preserve the integrity and the legacy of Southern gospel music, the Southern Gospel Music Association was established. You can log onto their website to find a full listing of Southern gospel singers who have been inducted into the hall of fame, listen to new songs, find a Southern gospel radio station in your area, and find out about Southern gospel concerts that are coming up.
