Timeline of the Development of Gospel Music

First 20 Africans arrive at Port Comfort, Virginia; Dr. Isaac Watts, composer of more than 750 bring their music & dance of syncopated rhythms, hymns, is born in England. His hymns become so “call and response”, & ring shouts in which wor- popular among African-Americans they are called shippers move in a circle shuffling and stomping “an old Dr. Watts”. their feet and clapping their hands.

1619 1674 First African Baptist The “Great Awaken- Start of African Methodist John Wesley’s hymnal Church of Savannah, ing” - first wide- Episcopal—first independ- quickly becomes standard Georgia established; spread effort to ent A-A Christian denomi- in African-American sacred oldest black church Christianize en- nation based on race, not music. in America. slaved Africans. theological differences.

1787 1780 1777 1730s “Negro spirituals”, Black churches Drumming is prohibited so A-A music ac- shouts, lined hymns, Publication of began sponsor- companied by hand clapping and foot tap- and anthems emerge Richard Allen’s ing Sacred Mu- ping. Tunes use altered major scales with sung a cappella. Hymnal. sic Concerts. both flatted and normal seventh tones.

1800s 1801 1820 1800s Azusa Street Revival gives rise to 1st published use of modern day Pentecostalism; brings Rev. Dr. Charles Albert term “gospel song” back the energy of the shouts prior to Tindley starts publishing in songbook by Philip emancipation, a key event in the de- Slavery hymns; some still in use. Bliss. velopment of gospel music. abolished.

1906 1901 1874 1865 Recording companies National Baptist Convention Theodore Frye Sister Rosetta Tharpe start to produce records publishes “Gospel Pearls” - and Thomas A. scores 1st million sell- featuring “gospel blues” 1st hymnal including music Dorsey create ing gospel record with & “holy blues”. which would become known 1st gospel choir. “This Train”. as gospel.

1920s 1921 1931 1938 Variants of Gospel develop including gospel blues, Golden Age of Gospel with soloists like Ma- Southern gospel, Progressive Southern gospel, Chris- halia Jackson and groups like the Clara Ward tian country, bluegrass gospel, British black gospel, Singers, the Original Gospel Harmonettes, Celtic gospel, urban contemporary gospel, praise and the Caravans, and the Silvertones. worship music.

1960s to Present 1945-65