Gospel music is a rich African-American tradition

Early black Pentecostal churches transformed a common household item, a wooden-framed washboard, into a percussion instrument. The strumming, tapping sounds filled the church with beautiful praise music.

Gospel music is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of African-American culture and the black church. It has influenced every facet of the black experience, the fight for freedom and justice, social change, education, community, the struggles and successes won along the way.

Gospel music carries a powerful message and promise that God is faithful and that he is with us in the storms of life. Sunday mornings, black churches across America come alive with hand clapping, foot-stomping, and high-energy dancing to enjoy a lively worship service. The praise and worship team has the ability to move the congregation emotionally as well as spiritually.

On a basic level, black gospel music forged together in the fire of slavery two seemingly irreconcilable musical traditions: the timeless, indigenous music of Africa and 18th century Christian hymns. At the heart of gospel’s evolution was Thomas Dorsey, who would later become known as the father of gospel music. He wrote such endearing songs as "Peace in the Valley" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." This style of gospel music exploded at the turn of the 20th century.

Radio and television broadcasts helped popularized black gospel music in the 1960s and '70s. Black gospel began exerting an influence outside the walls of the black church as black performers found white audiences. Mahalia Jackson, the great gospel singer, appealed to both black and white audiences.

Mahalia Jackson was among the best-known and most celebrated solo gospel vocalists of the 20th century. She broke down several barriers through her career. Her 1947 hit “Move On Up a Little Higher” sold more than a million copies, which was unheard of in the gospel realm.

She appeared on national radio and television programs, including the "Ed Sullivan Show." Starting in 1983, Black Entertainment Television hosted The Bobby Jones Gospel Hour. A syndicated awards show for black gospel, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, continues to be broadcast around the country.

When I am driving, I keep my car radio tuned to Heaven 600 or WDIH 90.3 FM, where gospel plays continuously. I love hearing the uplifting words and the pulsating soul music.

Gospel music is a pick-me-upper. When I feel overwhelmed by a situation, the music picks me up and transports me into a spiritual orbit. Some of my favorite artists and songs are: Isaac Carree's "In the Middle, Hezekiah Walker" and "Every Praise to our God,"  Anthony Brown and the Group THERapy's  "I’ve got a Testimony," and our own local Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, the Rev. Norman Hutchins' "God’s Got a Blessing With Your Name On It.”

Let’s celebrate our heritage with pride and honor. This priceless gift came at great sacrifice from our ancestors who demonstrated unwavering faith in the face of adversity. With voices raised to their God, they expressed their faith and confidence in him through spirituals, hymns and worship.

I am so proud of my heritage because it is a reflection of me, and it has shaped the person I have become and am becoming. At a family function one day, my 9-year-old niece surprised me when she said about her heritage, “It’s a part of me.” For the record, when was the last time you celebrated or even acknowledged your precious heritage?

Betty L. Ricks-Jarman is co-founder of Vine & Vessels Christian Writers Fellowship. She resides in Greenwood.

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