The Love of Southern Gospel

What is your favorite music genre? You can’t say that you don’t have a favorite and that you love all equally, that’s just not true. Some love the sound of Bluegrass Gospel, others love Praise and Worship, others Contemporary Christian, many Christian Hip Hop and still others, Southern Gospel. It doesn’t really matter which is your favorite as long as the lyrics are pleasing to God! Amen?

May I suggest a noncombative position on “Christian Music?” Saying that a particular Christian music style is not Christian is like saying that only those preachers who preach the “hell fire and brimstone” messages are the only true preachers. I know that there are some people who would agree with that statement. In 1 Corinthians 12 says that there are many different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit, many different kinds of service but the same Lord, many different kind of workings but the same God works in all of them in all men. One part of the body to say that they just don’t belong to the body doesn’t mean it’s true, or to say that a particular part of the body doesn’t belong doesn’t make that true either. All work together for the glory of God.

How can you listen to Southern Gospel music and not appreciate and love the unique sound. Sometimes is difficult to distinguish Southern Gospel from Bluegrass Gospel and even Contemporary Christian. Back in the late 1970’s and the early 1980’s to listen to a group such as the Imperials was to listen to Contemporary Christian. Today most people would consider their sound Southern Gospel.

Southern Gospel music began back in the 1800’s. It began because people of the south wanted to express their personal faith in God. The southern states were going through difficult times (Civil War) and were looking for ways to rebuilt and reconcile. The people of the south had to come together and the ideal place to do this was at the local church houses. They would gather and in a short amount of time, songs were sung, many in the form of quartets; thus Southern Gospel was born.

As Southern Gospel entered the 20th Century, those involved in the industry were turning professional and traveling mostly through the south but expanding to other regions of the country as well. From the beginning, Southern Gospel performers considered themselves to be ministers of the gospel. Music was a means to share the Good News with others. The musicians could entertain and preach, considering what they do to be the greatest way to spread the gospel as well as to earn a living.

As the 20th Century rolled along, the Great Depression set in. The Southern Gospel professionals struggled, yet persevered. Out of the depression era came the Speer Family, the LaVerne Family, the Blackwood Brothers and the Chuck Wagon Gang (a cross between Bluegrass and Southern Gospel). The Chuck Wagon Gang is still performing today.

The 1940’s saw the emergence of individuals such as Jake Hess (John Daniel Quartet, Hess Brother Quartet, Sunny South Quartet, Melody Masters Quartet, Statesmen Quartet and the Imperials Quartet) and J.D. Sumner (Blackwood Brothers, Stamps Quartet, Masters V). Both men instrumental in leading Southern Gospel music to the level it is today.

If tough times brings out the best in us, Southern Gospel music is about to explode. The 21st Century is going through some turbulent times. God will use Southern Gospel music to help us mend and heal. Groups such as The Gaither’s, The Isaacs, Legacy Five, Karen Peck and New River as well as others and those who have not even started will be used by God to help bring us out of this tough situation. Praise be to God!

The very best in Southern Gospel Music, please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store. To learn even more about Southern Gospel, please visit Southern Gospel History.