All About Gospel Music!!

Victory LIVE!

I grew up in a traditional Baptist church and heard a lot of great gospel music constantly. Gospel music was always playing in our home and on our car radios. It was a big part of our lives. As a child, the best part of church was always the music! Of course, now that I am a bit older I realize that the message is just as important as the music.

I remember Friday and Saturday night musicals that would last late into the night, choir anniversaries with elaborate entrances and anticipating the latest gospel CD. I also remember the impact that Tramaine Hawkin's song, "Fall Down" had on the gospel scene. This song was played and danced to in the nightclubs! It was scandalous at the time. I remember our Pastor emphatically forbidding any secular music to enter the music played in our church. He said you should be able to tell the difference between the church and the outside. Gospel music has certainly come a long way since then, thanks to the influence of artists such as Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond and the fairly new Gospel rap.

One of the main things I love about Gospel music is that it has something for everyone's taste. I love the contemporary sounds of Deitrick Haddon, Tonex and Israel Houghton just as much as I enjoy the traditional fare of artists like Shirley Caesar, Dottie Peoples and Albertina Walker.

Gospel music is an important part of the African-American experience and has made a big impact on all musical genres. Many artists attribute their beginnings to gospel music, often citing it as their main influence. This music will always be about lifting spirits and healing hearts. Gospel music is God's music. It is the music of the soul.

I hope you enjoy this lens and the videos that are included. Don't forget to support this great genre of music and the gospel music artists by purchasing their CD's. There is nothing better than a great gospel CD to listen to!