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African American Gospel Music Essay

1017 Words5 Pages

Isabella Saia
Professor McCrary
FYS 162-03
13 March 2023
My Journey Through the Experience of African American Gospel Music
As I continue to grow and learn in this class, I have formed a thorough understanding of African American Gospel music. African American Gospel music is an art that forms genres of music that have been rooted in the African American church. This music has changed a lot as different genres have formed through time including, but not limited to, gospel, jazz, hymns, blues, and rap. Throughout my time so far in class, I have been able to listen, read, and watch new types of music that all have formed from African American music. This music has served as a means of communication, expression, and hope for enslaved Africans …show more content…

While listening to the video “Too Close to Heaven,” I heard a narrator speak of slavery and mention, “Black people are very unique and are able to express a deep emotion” (Too Close to Heaven). No matter what the African Americans went through, they were always expressing their sadness through their music to enlighten their energy as they faced harsh treatment from people who did not look like them. They brought together their sorrow and turned it into joyful music, representing their love for their community of African Americans. This music was thoroughly known as Sorrow Songs and was one of the first lessons that stood out to me in this class. While learning about their love for music, I have grown an enjoyment for the lyrics of their …show more content…

Each genre of music has special leaders in history that made a mark on the power of music through their talent and lyrics. One of the most well-known figures in African American Gospel music is Mahalia Jackson, a fisk jubilee singer, who began singing in the church as a child and went on to become an international sensation. She used her platform to spread messages of hope and social justice. Another notable African American Gospel musician includes Thomas A. Dorsey, who is considered the father of Gospel music. The final musician that stood out to me throughout my time in class is Sam Cooke and The Soul Stirrers. The Soul Stirrers focused on their savior, Christ, and his salvation. Their gospel music leads straight to heaven. Sam Cooke was a prominent leader of music during his time, and people chose him to have great influence. His lead in songs brought groups a great amount of money as well as fame and

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