Patricia Jimenez – SLM 521                                                                                                                                                 Web Drop #4 - October 22, 2005                           

Comparing Gospels to Spirituals Research

 

Both gospel and spiritual songs are religious and vocal in nature. 

Both are used to convey messages. 

The spiritual was born in the rural American cotton fields while

gospel grew its roots in the urban setting revival meetings.

Students will learn to differentiate between gospel and spiritual styles.

Students will be able to discuss the messages/lyrics found in gospel and spiritual songs.

 

Visit the following sites and scan for comparison information.

Negro Spirituals:  (http://www.negrospirituals.com/)
Look for information on lyrics, the Black Renaissance, and Thomas Dorsey.  

Gospel:  (http://www.island.net/~blues/gospel.htm)

Look for information on characteristics, liberation, and commercialization.

Crosscurrents:  (http://www.kusp.org/playlists/crosscurrents/history.html

Click on the “graphic overview of this article.”

Also click on “gospel history flow chart 2.”

Return to the main page and look for information on instruments and rhythm.

NPR: History of Gospel: (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4233793)
Read about Mahalia Jackson and listen to samples of gospel music.

Hall of Fame:  (http://www.igmhf.org/website/html_pages/subpages/history/history.html#)

Check out the timeline menu on the left of page and then choose a video to watch. 

Jester Hairston: (http://www.tufts.edu/alumni/tuftonia/archives/spr00/backpage.shtml)
Does his picture or the listings of some of his works look familiar?

 

Now that you have done some research, open a Word document and write an essay comparing gospels and spirituals.  Discuss the connections between function and style. 

Consider the following questions:

 

  1. What was the origin of spirituals?  What was the origin of gospels?
  2. Consider the stylings of spirituals and gospels (i.e.: call and response, strophic, improvisational) and the use of accompaniment.
  3. What function does this kind of music serve?  What kinds of messages does this genre of music express?
  4. What do you like or not like about this genre of music?
  5. How does this music affect you?
  6. Does gospel music reflect or confront pop culture? Express your reasoning.
  7. How would you compare Mahalia Jackson to Arethra Franklin?
  8. Gospel music originated to move the people.  Does it still move people?

Print your document.

Place it in your music folder to be used with our next class listening and discussion group.