Gospel music is a genre of Christian music that has roots in African-American spirituals, hymns, and blues music. It is characterized by its lyrics that are centered around Christian themes such as salvation, forgiveness, and faith.
The origins of gospel music can be traced back to the late 19th century when African-American churches began incorporating music into their services as a way to express their faith and emotions. This music often included call-and-response singing, hand-clapping, and foot-stomping.
Over time, gospel music evolved into a more structured form that included choirs, soloists, and musical instruments. In the 20th century, gospel music gained mainstream popularity and influenced other genres such as soul and R&B.
Today, gospel music continues to be an important part of Christian worship and is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the most popular gospel music artists include Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Kirk Franklin, and Marvin Sapp.