British Black Gospel

Book excerpt: The first exploration of the history of UK black gospel music, featuring a foreword from a leading figure in British gospel Gospel music is a rapidly emerging genre and its effect and influence on other areas of the record industry cannot be underestimated. The style of gospel is wide, and apart from the traditional hymn-based choir arrangements there is a whole range of subgenres incorporating soul, jazz, funk, reggae, r'n'b, calypso, classical music, hip hop, and praise and worship which form part of this colorful and inspirational market. The roots of modern black gospel are traced here from 19th-century black pioneers such as Thomas Rutling and the Fisk Jubilee Singers to the contemporary sound of the London Community Gospel Choir. Steve Alexander Smith tells this story with a wealth of anecdotes, photos, and research that includes more than 100 personal interviews. An accompanying audio CD celebrates the spectrum of British black gospel.