From Bush Meetings to Chicago: Tracing the Unbroken Line of Love in Gospel Music

African-American Gospel music traces its origins back to the hymns and songs that provided solidarity, solace, and unwavering resilience to our enslaved ancestors—Negro spirituals. These spirituals were birthed out of “camp meetings” or “bush meetings,” where enslaved people would gather to share their joys, pains, and hopes. In these meetings, thousands of enslaved people would gather, listen to itinerant preachers, and sing spirituals for hours.

Between the abolishment of slavery in 1865 and 1925, Negro spirituals began to take on a new form as Holiness and Sanctified churches appeared. These churches became reminiscent of plantation “praise houses,” filled with foot-stomping, hand-clapping, and joyful expressions and songs.

As these spiritual traditions evolved, a new genre of music emerged, deeply rooted in the earlier spirituals’ emotional intensity and communal spirit. This genre would come to be known as Gospel music, and its development was influenced by the migration of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North.

Chicago was the birthplace of Gospel music. During the Great Migration, many African Americans left the South, carrying their musical roots and songs of resilience. Among them was Thomas Dorsey, a key figure in developing the Gospel music we know today. It’s impossible to discuss Gospel music without mentioning Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music.”

SEE ALSO – From Hymns To Hip Hop: Celebrating The Influence Of Gospel Music Across Genres This Black Music Month

From the plantations to the wooden-lined churches of that time, the soulful sounds of spirituals filled the air as every voice was lifted in harmony, echoing the pain and hope of a people seeking freedom and deliverance. Songs like “Wade in the Water” and “This Little Light of Mine” are etched in our collective memory as powerful examples of this tradition. These early Gospel songs were a means of worship, a source of strength, and a profound expression of faith in the face of unimaginable and communal adversity. The message has always been God’s nearness and love.

When I think about unconditional love, my mind goes to the cross: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Even through troubling times, God’s love has constantly pursued us.

Gospel music has always been a powerful way to express profound spiritual truths, particularly God’s love and faithfulness to His children. Even today, we turn to these melodies in moments of hopelessness and despair. Something about the music—the words and the song—reminds us of God’s enduring love and presence.

The thread in the Negro spirituals, which has evolved into Gospel, has always been the steadfast love of Christ. Even through more challenging times than our modern struggles, God’s love has been consistent, as expressed in songs like “Amazing Grace,” which are now an integral part of our heritage.

Here are some gospel songs you should listen to if you’re needing a reminder of God’s love:

 

Sade Solomon is a NYC-based social media personality and multi-hyphenate creator who boldly and fashionably ignites authentic and candid conversations on topics surrounding intercourse, singleness, and abstinence. After embarking on her journey of abstinence in 2013, Sade began openly sharing her life-changing commitment on various online platforms while enlightening and inspiring many through her journey. In her book, Ready, Set, Wait, Sade peels back the layers of truth about navigating singleness and abstinence as a single Christian woman. Her work and commentary have been featured by Good Morning America, Harper’s Bazaar, Essence, Black Love, and XO Necole.

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, Here are some gospel songs you should listen to if you’re needing a reminder of God’s love.
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