April is Arkansas Gospel Music Month
Contents
Arkansas Gospel Music Month is celebrated in April. This is a time to enjoy and appreciate the many different styles of Gospel music.
What is Gospel Music?
Gospel music is a genre of Christian music. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as an entertainment product for the marketplace.
The Gospel Music Association
The Gospel Music Association (GMA) was founded in 1964 for the purpose of advancing the popularity and success of gospel music. The GMA works to promote gospel music through events, education, and partnerships with other organizations.
The GMA hosts an annual conference called GMA Week, which is a gathering of artists, songwriters, music executives, and other industry professionals. GMA Week includes seminars, panels, worship services, and showcases. The GMA also presents the Annual GMA Dove Awards, which recognizes excellence in Christian and gospel music.
The history of Gospel Music
Gospel music is a genre of Christian music. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as an entertainment product for the marketplace.
Gospel music usually has dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) with Christian lyrics. Gospel music can be traced to the early 17th century, with roots in the black oral tradition. Hymns and sacred songs were often repeated in a call and response fashion. Most of the churches relied on hand clapping and foot stomping as rhythmic accompaniment. Gospel music became popular outside of the African-American community in the late 19th century. White gospel music drew heavily on the musical traditions of both white Americans and African Americans.
The origins of gospel music are during American slavery, when slaves were forced to adopt the religion of their slave owners which was Christianity. Slaves were then able to sing about Jesus Christ and salvation which gave them hope. These songs were passed down orally until they were written down in 1876 by a group called The Fisk Jubilee Singers. Gospel music has been around for over 300 years and has evolved tremendously throughout that time. It is now one of the most popular genres of music with artists such as Kirk Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Yolanda Adams, James Cleveland, Andrae Crouch, Reverend Milton Brunson and many others
Arkansas Gospel Music
April is Arkansas Gospel Music Month, and what better way to celebrate than by attending one of the many gospel music events happening around the state? From concerts and sing-a-longs to seminars and workshops, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a gospel music enthusiast or just looking to learn more about the genre, be sure to check out one of these events.
The Arkansas Gospel Music Association
The Arkansas Gospel Music Association (AGMA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization formed for the purpose of celebrating and promoting Arkansas’s rich heritage in gospel music. We are committed to providing resources and opportunities for Arkansans to enjoy and participate in this musical genre.
Our mission is to promote gospel music and its artists in Arkansas through education, performance, and outreach. We seek to preserve and celebrate the history of gospel music in Arkansas while supporting its future through various programs and events.
The AGMA is governed by a Board of Directors made up of individuals from around the state who have a passion for gospel music. Our Board members represent a cross section of the state’s population and geographic regions.
The Arkansas Gospel Music Festival
The Arkansas Gospel Music Festival is held annually in April, in honor of Arkansas Gospel Music Month. The festival features performances by local and national gospel music artists, as well as workshops, seminars, and other events. The festival is a celebration of gospel music and its importance to the state of Arkansas and the world.
Gospel Music Month
Every year in the month of April, Arkansas celebrates Gospel Music Month. This is a time to come together and celebrate the genre of music that has its roots in the African American church. Gospel music is a genre of music that is uplifting and encourages people to celebrate their faith.
The proclamation of Gospel Music Month
In support of Gospel music and its artists, Governor Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed April as Gospel Music Month in Arkansas. The month-long celebration will culminate with the Arkansas Gospel Music Awards on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock.
During the proclamation ceremony, the Governor was joined by Gospel music artists, promoters, and radio personalities, who all shared their excitement for the impact Gospel music has made in their lives and careers. Hutchinson also presented a resolution honoring slain Gospel singer Malcom X. Suggs posthumously with a key to the city of Little Rock.
Gospel music has long been a staple of African American culture and its impact can be seen and heard around the world. In Arkansas, Gospel music is an important part of the state’s musical heritage and continues to thrive through the work of its artists and promoters. The proclamation of Gospel Music Month is a way to recognize and celebrate that contribution.
Events during Gospel Music Month
Gospel music has been a part of Arkansas’ musical heritage for many years, and April has been designated as Gospel Music Month in recognition of this important contribution to our state’s culture.
During Gospel Music Month, various events will be held throughout the state to celebrate this musical genre, including concerts, workshops, and exhibits. These events will showcase the talent of both local and national gospel artists, and will provide opportunities for both music lovers and aspiring musicians to enjoy this inspirational music.
So if you’re a fan of gospel music, be sure to check out the schedule of events during Gospel Music Month in Arkansas!
Conclusion
-Arkansas Gospel Music Month celebrates the state’s rich tradition of gospel music and its impact on American culture.
-Each year, the Arkansas Baptist State Convention partners with local churches and organizations to promote concerts and events across the state.
-Gospel music is an important part of Arkansas’s musical heritage, and April is the perfect time to celebrate it!
