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MG116 – Gospel Music

Course Outcomes:

  1. Explain the difference between White Gospel Music and Black Gospel Music
  2. Name dominant instruments used in both genres
  3. Name notable artists of both genres

Watch Video:

Watch the Video Lesson above multiple times until you fully understand; and attempt the lesson’s assignment by clicking the button below.
NB: Students who perform below average will be asked to re-do their assignments.

White Gospel Music Genre

White Gospel Origin:

Emerged in the 19th to 20th century amongst European Americans.

White Gospel Characteristics:

Dominant vocals with strong use of harmony

White Gospel Melody & Structure:

Very simple
I, IV and V

Mostly in the top voice and mostly in major keys
Usually set in about 4 stanzas or verses

White Gospel Music Distribution:

Transmitted through hymn books

Black Gospel Music Genre

Black Gospel Origin:

Roots traced back to the early hymnals of the 19th century with barbershop style singing.
Pentecostal churches brought in tambourines, pianos, organs, banjos, guitars, brass etc

Black Gospel Dissemination

Disseminated through publishing, concerts, recordings, radio and television broadcast

Genres incorporated into Black Gospel

Later incorporated other genres such as blues, country, jazz etc