gospel songs
Religious choral music
Gospel songs are religious songs associated with Christian worship, particularly in African American church traditions.
The genre emerged in the early 20th century, blending hymns with blues, jazz, and soul influences.
Gospel emphasizes emotional expression and often features call-and-response patterns: The choir sang gospel songs that had everyone on their feet.
The term extends to any music with similar spiritual themes or stylistic qualities.
- congregational singingCollective vocal worship
- spiritualsEnslaved people's sacred songs
- Amazing GraceHymn about divine mercy
- praiseExpression of approval
- raised handsLimbs lifted overhead
call-and-response · faith · soloist · camp meetings · Mahalia Jackson · melody · sacred music · testimony · revival meetings · altar call · tambourine · hand clapping · harmony · church hymns · civil rights movement · choir director · salvation · good news
- folk musicfolk, folk music, folk ballads, folk ballad, folk singers
- sacred hymnshymn singing, psalm, hymnals, canticle, hymnbooks
- songssong, tune, folk ballads, melody, ballads
- ChristianityJesus, Bible, Christ, God, Jesus Christ
- group songssing-along, sing-alongs, singalong, communal singing, call and response
- vocal songslieder, folk ballads, ballads, chansons, spirituals
gospel songssecular music
Non-sacred musical works
pop songs · love songs · drinking songs · dance music · club music
gospel songsblues
Mournful American music genre
honky-tonk · R&B · rock and roll · jazz