When thinking of music, the word “gospel” brings to mind passionate melodies, unique rhythms, swaying ensembles, and emotion filled verses. The basics of gospel music can be traced from its roots in Africa, through the spirituals from black Southern slaves, and into its combination with jazz and blues influence. This gives us the more current form of gospel music seen and heard today. Mixing of African slave’s culture with the Christian music of the South gives us the wide variety of gospel music we have today. Black slaves from Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina brought a new spirit to the Christian psalms and hymns that would forever change the way music was viewed. The fast paced, foot-stamping, hand clapping spirituals soon evolved into the earliest form of gospel music. This type of gospel music was in high demand as a result of The Sunday School Movement of the 19th century when direct, catchy and emotional music that could captivate a large group was a necessity. Emerging from this time period was Thomas Andrew Dorsey, who was later to be known as “The Father of Gospel Music.” Born in Villa Rica, Georgia, in 1899 Dorsey was living in the center of the ever-changing gospel music. He was an accomplished blues pianist and early on made money by traveling from church to church singing to the congregations. His four hundred published songs inspired countless artists including fellow gospel singers Mahalia Jackson and Rosetta Tharpe. The wonderful southern lady, Mahalia Jackson made her first gospel recording with the help of Thomas A. Dorsey. Her voice was so powerful and extraordinary, she often sang without a microphone. It is because of her intent concentration and deep love for gospel music that she is called the “Queen of the Gospel Song” and “the greatest gospel singer of all time.” While Mahalia Jackson chose to sing only gospel music, Rosetta Tharpe was the first black American to sing popular gospel music. “Sister” Tharpe was born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. She made appearances in Europe, Carnegie Hall and New York’s Apollo theatre, helping to bring an appreciation of this type of music to millions. In the early 20th century, the new sound of the gospel quartets came to life. One of the lasting influences from Africa was the emphasis on ensembles and group singing and this played an important role in this new style of gospel music. African American families in the Northwest Piedmont were rooted in the community quartet tradition, which reigned supreme in gospel music. Some popular groups during this time included The Swan Silverstones, The Spirit of Memphis, the Davis Sisters, and the Caravans. As quartet music changed from “a capella”, without instruments, to its more modern style, utilizing multiple lead singers within a song and with a generally more emotionally charged background, one quartet took the spotlight. The Soul Stirrers, perhaps one of the most popular quartets of all, were influential in developing modern gospel style. They were the first gospel quartet group to feature a lead singer with a background and the first to introduce a guitar accompaniment to their program. The Stirrer’s most famous member, Sam Cooke, was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on January 22, 1931. He was only nineteen when he became the lead vocalist, and he recorded with them for six years. The amazing vocals and unique style of The Soul Stirrers and other quartet groups have stretched the boundaries to create the gospel music seen in quartet groups today. More contemporary quartet singers such as The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Fairfield Four, Canton Spirituals, and The Dixie Hummingbirds enjoy immense popularity today. The Dixie Hummingbirds originated in Greenville, SC and played to packed houses throughout the south during the 1940’s—the Golden Age of Quartet Singing. The energy they brought to recorded performances got them inducted into the Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 1988. Their timeless sense of sophisticated harmony has kept the gospel spirit alive. Reverend James Cleveland is credited with establishing the architectural design of contemporary Gospel music and transforming Gospel into its present form. Known as “King James” and the “Crown Prince”, Reverend Cleveland made his mark in gospel music with his Louis Armstrong type vocal style. In 1968, Cleveland followed his dream and brought together a small group of writers, singers and instrumentalists to nurture and develop Gospel music. Thirty-one years later, Cleveland’s dream has become a nationwide reality in the form of the 30,000 member, 150 chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America. In Gospel Music, the mass choirs and choruses replaced the quartets in terms of overall popularity. The vast number of choirs in the 90’s shows the continuous variety of style that can be found in these larger groups. One of the most popular groups during this time was the Mississippi Mass Choir, founded by Franklin Williams. The group has had many songs reach the Number 1 position on Billboard Magazine, and presently travels around the world performing and recording. However, Mississippi Mass Choir is just one of the many contemporary choirs. Also to be mentioned from this extensive list is Love Fellowship Choir, the Tri-City Singers, and the New Life Community Choir. Fueled by major recording companies, gospel music has leaped over its traditional religious walls and is now more than just church music. The acrobatic vocals of Kirk Franklin and the jazzy music of Yolanda Adams have assisted in gospel’s growing popularity. Many milestones were set over the past decade. Kirk Franklin’s "Why We Sing" went platinum, seven major recording companies created and staffed gospel divisions, and total revenue for gospel music has nearly tripled. Recently, gospel music has gotten more exposure with artists appearing on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Gospel Explosion”. It is evident how much gospel music has changed over the years, but knowing its history is essential in understanding the sounds we have today. From its early roots in Africa to the modern sounds finding popularity today, it is apparent that gospel music is here to stay.