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Gospel
Originating in the southeast United States, gospel music took heavy influence from spiritual songs, work songs, and white hymnody. Initially, Black hymnody followed a straightforward rhythm and melody, and unembellished style. In the last decade of the 19th century it evolved, including syncopated beats and high energy singing. This stylistic shift gave rise to the establishment of Pentecostal churches. Pentecostal sermons became very popular and eventually reached a white audience.
MUSIC THEORY
Traditional gospel music or spirituals are typically written on 12/8 time, dividing beats into groups of three and creating a swinging rhythm, but more contemporary gospel is found at 4/4 or 6/8 time. With a tempo of 80-120 bpm, Gospel is generally more at a slower pace, but with variations depending on the mood and style of the song.
Vocals for gospel are expressive and powerful, using many different techniques such as growling and squalling, or for a more subtle emotion, an artist can use hums. An artist might also use techniques like surging phrases and ornamentation, decorating their singing with rhythmic and melodic embellishments.
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