Black Gospel Music: 2016’s Best Hits

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Looking for the best Black Gospel Music of 2016? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with the top hits of the year.

What is black gospel music?

Black gospel music is a genre of American music that is rooted in the worship traditions of the African-American church. It is one of the earliest forms of black popular music and it developed in the 1920s from a fusion of blues, gospel, and jazz. Black gospel music has been a major influence on other genres of music, such as soul and hip hop.

The term “black gospel” is used to describe a musical style that combines elements of both blues and gospel. Black gospel music is characterized by its use of call-and-response patterns, clapping, stomping, and intense vocal deliveries. It is often performed by a choir or soloists and it often features guitar, piano, and Hammond organ.

Black gospel music has had a significant impact on American culture. It has shaped the way that black Americans express their faith and it has contributed to the development of other genres of music. Black gospel music is an important part of the American musical landscape and it continues to influence and inspire musicians across the country.

The history of black gospel music

The history of black gospel music can be traced back to the early 17th century, when the first hymns were created by groups of English missionaries in the West Indies. These hymns, which were based on traditional folk tunes, were adapted to fit the needs of the African-American community.

The first black gospel song to be published was “Amazing Grace” in 1831. This song, which was written by John Newton, became an immediate hit among slaves and free blacks alike. The popularity of “Amazing Grace” led to the publication of other black gospel songs, such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.”

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, black gospel music began to take on a more professional approach. Hymnals were published and choirs were formed in churches across the country. The first black gospel album, titled “Gospel Songs for Church Choirs,” was released in 1927.

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, black gospel music played an important role in raising awareness about the plight of African-Americans. Songs such as “We Shall Overcome” and “Amazing Grace” became anthems of the movement. In recent years, black gospel music has continued to evolve, with artists like Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams finding success in both the Christian and mainstream markets.

The influence of black gospel music

Black gospel music has its roots in the hymns, spirituals, and work songs of African-American slaves who were brought to the Americas by Europeans in the early 1600s. These early songs were often spirituals sung during work or in moments of worship and praise, and they quickly began to evolve. By the late 1800s, black gospel music had emerged as a distinct genre, with groups like the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the Dixie Hummingbirds becoming popular performers.

Black gospel music continued to evolve in the 20th century, with artists like Thomas Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson helping to popularize the genre. In more recent years, black gospel music has been embraced by both secular and Christian audiences, with artists like Kirk Franklin and Smokie Norful finding crossover success. Today, black gospel music is as popular as ever, with new artists carrying on the rich tradition of this powerful genre.

The top black gospel songs of 2016

This year was full of amazing new music from some of our favorite black gospel artists, so it was pretty tough to narrow it down to just ten songs. Here are the ones that made our list of 2016’s best hits.

“Put a Little Love in Your Heart” by Tamela Mann
“God Provides” by Travis Greene
“Fill Me Up” by Casey J
“Wanna Be Happy?” by Kirk Franklin
“I Can Only Imagine” – MercyMe
“You’re Bigger” by Jekalyn Carr
“Give Me Jesus” by Larry Gaither Vocal Majority
Choir
Soweto Gospel Choir

The future of black gospel music

2016 was a banner year for black gospel music. From the anointed sounds of Travis Greene to the chart-topping success of Kirk Franklin, the past 12 months have been filled with amazing music from some of the genre’s brightest stars. But what does the future hold for black gospel music?

There are a few things that we can expect to see in the coming years. First, we’ll continue to see an increase in the number of artists crossing over into the mainstream. We’ve already seen this happen with artists like Lecrae and Koryn Hawthorne, and it’s only going to become more common.

Second, we can expect to see more black gospel artists embracing different styles of music. We’re already seeing this happen with artists like Tasha Cobbs Leonard, who is incorporating elements of R&B and pop into her sound. As black gospel artists continue to experiment with new sounds, we can only imagine how creative and exciting their music will become.

Third, we can expect black gospel music to become even more globalized. We’re already seeing this happen with the success of artists likeDeitrick Haddon, who is popular not only in the United States but also in Africa and other parts of the world. As black gospel music continues to reach new audiences, there’s no telling how far it will go.

Fourth, we can expect to see more black gospel collaborations with other genres of music. We’ve already seen this happen with projects like Lecrae and Tori Kelly’s “Unbreakable Smile” remix, and Kirk Franklin’s collaboration with Dance Gavin Dance on their song “Lost.” As black gospel artists continue to collaborate with other genres, we can only imagine how opportunities will open up for them to reach even wider audiences.

Finally, we can expect black gospel music to continue to evolve and change as it has for centuries. Black gospel music has always been at the forefront of change in society, and 2016 was no exception. As we move into 2017 and beyond, we can only imagine how black gospel music will continue to shape and impact our world.

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