Gospel

Blues family · 1930s → · Chicago · Roots and blues

Urban gospel takes shape in Chicago around Thomas A. Dorsey, who trains Mahalia Jackson and tours with her until 1951. "Move On Up a Little Higher" (1947), which sold some eight million copies, is considered the best-selling gospel song in history.

What is still debated

Approximate start date: structuring of urban gospel around Thomas A. Dorsey in the 1930s.

Where it comes from

• Blues, spirituals, work songs

What it gave rise to or influenced

• Soul jazz, boogaloo
• Jump blues, R&B

Artists

• Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972, vocals)
• Thomas A. Dorsey (1899–1993, piano, vocals, composition)
• Clara Ward (1924–1973, vocals, arrangement)
• Cory Henry (1987, Hammond organ, keyboards, vocals)

Tracks to start with

• Move On Up a Little Higher — Mahalia Jackson (1947)
• If You See My Saviour — Thomas A. Dorsey (1932)
• Happy Days — Cory Henry (2020)

Sources

• Source

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