<DIV><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><B>From early spirituals to urban gospel, this definitive guide to gospel music expounds in great detail upon the most highly praised but least well known of the influences to contemporary rock, soul, and rap</B></P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal> </P><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Far beyond its immediate image of robed choirs, gospel?through its solo singers and quartets, its impresarios and recording companies?has helped to give voice to the history of black people in America as well as shaping more obviously secular musical forms such as blues and rock and roll. In this compelling and lively study, the story of gospel is told against the backdrop of over a century and a half of social and economic changes taking place in America. Its history is traced from its earliest expressions on the plantations of the south to initial influences in churches, its movement into the mainstream of popular music, and on to its major period of popularity and influence in the middle decades of the 20th century. Also featuring original interviews conducted by the author with many legendary figures of gospel and illustrated with gorgeous full-color photographs throughout, this authoritative guide to gospel music covers slavery and spirituals; the 1920s and Thomas Dorsey; the Golden age from 1945 to the 1960s and Mahalia Jackson; the 80s and Aretha Franklin; as well as the urban gospel of today?including dance, hip hop, R&B, and more.</P></DIV>