The Best Black Gospel Music for Christmas

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

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

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Christmas is a special time of year and what better way to celebrate than by listening to some of the best black gospel music out there? Here are our top picks for the best Christmas gospel songs.

What is black gospel music?

Black gospel music is a genre of music that is composed and performed by black Christians. It is a form of worship music that has its roots in the African American church.

The genre has its origins in the spirituals, hymns, and work songs that were sung by enslaved Africans during the period of slavery in the United States. After the Civil War, these musical traditions were combined with elements from European hymns and folk music to create a unique musical form that was African American in both its origins and its persecutors.

One of the earliest and most influential practitioners of black gospel music was Thomas Dorsey. Dorsey was a musician and composer who was born in 1899 and died in 1993. He is credited with writing over 400 songs, including “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” which is considered by many to be the greatest gospel song ever written.

Black gospel music has been a part of the African American experience since the early 19th century. It is a genre that has been shaped by both religious and secular influences, and it continues to evolve as new artists bring their own unique perspectives to the style.

The history of black gospel music

Black gospel music is a genre of American gospel music that originated in the Late 19th century. African American spirituals and hymns were heavily influenced by the music of the European-American majority. However, black gospel music has undergone a number of changes since its inception. In the early 20th century, black gospel music was influenced by jazz and blues. As a result, many of the early recordings were characterized by a bluesy sound. In the 1930s and 1940s, black gospel artists such as Mahalia Jackson and Sovereign Grace Quartet began to infuse elements ofswing and bebop into their recordings. This can be seen in Jackson’s early recordings such as “Move On Up a Little Higher” (1947) and Sovereign Grace Quartet’s “That Old Time Religion” (1948).

By the 1950s, black gospel music had evolved away from its blues and jazz influences and was beginning to develop a more distinctly urban sound. The major turning point for black gospel came in 1956 when Thomas A. Dorsey’s “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” was recorded by Mahalia Jackson. This song, which Dorsey had originally written as a slow blues ballad, became an instant hit with both black and white audiences when Jackson recorded it as an uptempo gospel song. The song’s popularity helped to spread the popularity of black gospel music beyond its traditional base in the African American church to broader audiences throughout the United States and Europe.

In the 1960s and 1970s, black gospel artists such as James Cleveland, AndraĆ© Crouch, Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminary Choir and Mighty Clouds of Joy become household names thanks to their chart-topping recordings of songs such as “Oh Happy Day,” “My Sweet Lord” and “Amazing Grace.” As black gospel continued to gain popularity in the mainstream, artists such asAretha Franklin began to infuse elements of soul, R&B and pop into their recordings while still remaining true to their spiritual roots. This can be seen in Franklin’s hits such as “Spirit in the Dark” (1970) and “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” (1971).

Today, black gospel music is enjoying something of a renaissance thanks to artists such as Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin, Smokie Norful and Hezekiah Walker who are helping to bring the genre to new audiences around the world.

The best black gospel music for Christmas

Black gospel music is a genre of music that is typically associated with the Christian church. This type of music has its roots in the African-American oral tradition, and it often includes elements of blues, jazz, and spirituals.

There are many different styles of black gospel music, but some of the most popular styles include traditional black gospel, contemporary black gospel, and urban contemporary gospel. Black gospel music is sometimes also referred to as uplifting music or inspirational music.

If you are looking for some great black gospel music to listen to during the Christmas season, here are some of the best options:

“Amazing Grace” by Le’Andria Johnson
“Joy to the World” by Kirk Franklin
“O Come All Ye Faithful” by Fred Hammond
“Silent Night” by Donnie McClurkin
“The First Noel” by Yolanda Adams

How black gospel music has evolved over the years

Black gospel music has a rich history dating back to the early days of the African-American church. This type of music is known for its powerful lyrics and soulful melodies, which often convey a message of hope and inspiration.

Over the years, black gospel music has evolved to include a wider range of styles and influences, while still remaining true to its roots. Today, there are many different artists and groups who perform black gospel music, each with their own unique sound.

If you’re looking for some great black gospel music to enjoy this Christmas, here are some of our favorites.

The impact of black gospel music on society

The impact of black gospel music on society is undeniable. This genre of music has led to the empowerment of the black community and has helped to change the way that people view black culture. Black gospel music is a unique and powerful genre that has the ability to touch people’s hearts and souls. It is a genre of music that should be celebrated and appreciated by all.

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