Evolving from the haunting echoes of slavery field hollers and the profound depths of Negro spirituals, gospel music stands as the beating heart of Black musical artistry. It is the very soul from which modern mainstream genres like soul, blues, rock, hip hop, and contemporary Christian music draw their breath. Gospel's powerful vocals and harmonious Christian lyrics can uplift spirits and move feet. As we conclude Black Music Month, we honor the pioneers who blazed trails and the passionate artists who carry the torch, keeping the spirit of gospel alive and resonant in our hearts.

Mahalia Jackson

The "Queen of Gospel," Mahalia Jackson’s powerful contralto voice and style dramatically influenced gospel music. She is widely regarded as the greatest gospel singer ever, a major crossover success whose popularity spanned racial divides. Her singularly expressive voice inspired generations of vocalists and introduced blues elements to  gospel, infusing it with new sensuality and freedom. Born in New Orleans in 1911, she began singing in church choirs at age four. Jackson’s career soared with hits like "Move on Up a Little Higher." She became a cultural icon, performing at President Kennedy's inauguration and Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral and remained a defining symbol of gospel music's power.

Thomas A. Dorsey

Known as the "Father of Gospel Music," Thomas A. Dorsey compositions melded Christian praise with jazz and blues rhythms. He was the most influential figure in gospel music, penning classics like "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" and "Peace in the Valley." Dorsey founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses and helped launch the careers of legends like Mahalia Jackson. Born in 1899 in Georgia, he settled in Chicago in 1918, where he transitioned from blues to gospel. Despite personal tragedies, Dorsey authored many songs that resonated during the Depression. He remained a revered figure in gospel music until he died in 1993.

Shirley Caesar

Shirley Caesar is a gospel music icon and multiple Grammy Award winner known for her powerful voice and emotive singing. A giant in spiritual music, she's called "the First Lady of Gospel Music," with a career spanning seven decades, earning 11 Grammy Awards and 15 Dove Awards. Born in Durham, North Carolina, she began singing to support her family after her father's death. She joined the Caravans in 1958, launching a successful solo career in 1966. Caesar's notable works include "Put Your Hand in the Hand of the Man from Galilee" and "No Charge." She also founded the Shirley Caesar Outreach Ministries.

The Staple Singers

The Staple Singers’ music served as a spiritual and musical backbone for the civil rights movement. One of the most powerful vocal groups of the '60s and '70s, they embraced stylistic diversity while staying true to their gospel roots. Led by Roebuck "Pops" Staples, the quartet evolved from gospel to a socially conscious gospel and R&B hybrid, achieving their greatest success with soul hits at Stax Records in the '70s. Their work featured rich vocal blends, Pops' guitar textures, and Mavis Staples' lead vocals. Notable albums include Freedom Highway and Be Altitude: Respect Yourself. The group continued to impact music and social change throughout their career.

Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin is known for leading contemporary gospel music with his hip-hop and pop-infused style. One of contemporary gospel music's brightest and most enduring stars, he emerged in the early '90s leading the Texas-based choir the Family. Their debut, Kirk Franklin & the Family (1993), was a platinum success, crossing over to the R&B and pop charts. His subsequent collaborations with choirs like God's Property and solo albums such as The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin (2002) solidified his fame. Franklin's ability to blend gospel with R&B and hip-hop has garnered him multiple Grammy Awards and a wide, lasting appeal.

Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s powerful voice and contemporary sound have made her a leading figure in modern gospel music. A Georgia-based singer, songwriter, and pastor, she broke out in 2013 with the Grammy-winning single "Break Every Chain." Her success continued with chart-toppers like 2015's One Place Live, 2017's Heart. Passion. Pursuit., and 2020's Royalty: Live at the Ryman. In 2022, she released the ambitious live album, HYMNS. A 2023 compilation, 10 Years of Tasha, celebrated her back catalog, followed by the 2024 single "Do It Anyway." Her ministry work continues in Atlanta, where she serves as a pastor.

Travis Greene

Travis Greene’s modern take on gospel blends traditional praise with contemporary rhythms. A raw, expressive singer and songwriter, Greene emerged in 2007 and gained wide acclaim with 2015's The Hill, topping the Billboard gospel chart. His hits "Intentional" and "Made a Way" earned Grammy nominations, with the latter staying at number one on the Hot Gospel Songs chart for 13 weeks. Greene won seven Stellar Gospel Awards and received multiple Grammy nods for his albums Crossover: Live from Music City and Broken Record. In 2021, he released Oil + Water, followed by collaborations with Forward City Church in 2022 and 2023.

Jonathan McReynolds

Jonathan McReynolds skillfully combines gospel with elements of folk and R&B. A contemporary gospel vocalist, he is known for his emotive and uplifting sound. His 2012 debut, Life Music, peaked at number three on the Billboard Gospel chart. McReynolds has remained a chart favorite, hitting number one with 2015's Life Music: Stage Two and 2018's Grammy-nominated Make Room. In 2021, he earned a Grammy for "Moving On." My Truth, his fifth album, arrived in early 2023. A Chicago native, McReynolds learned drums and keyboards before singing in high school. His early EPs highlighted his fusion of modern R&B, jazz, and contemporary rock.

Maverick City Music

Maverick City Music is a diverse collective that redefines contemporary worship music with its inclusive approach and powerful performances. This Atlanta-based group, founded in 2018 by Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay, bridges the gap between contemporary Christian music and gospel. They debuted with EPs in 2019 and gained recognition with Maverick City, Vol. 3 in 2020. Their collaborations include a chart-topping album with Elevation Worship, Old Church Basement, and projects with Tribl, Upperroom, and Kirk Franklin. Their Spanish-language album, Como en el Cielo, and 2023's The Maverick Way Complete showcase their evolving sound. Known for their uplifting anthems, they’ve earned Dove Award nominations.

Kim Burrell

Kim Burrell is a renowned gospel singer known for her distinctive jazz-inflected style and powerful voice, significantly influencing contemporary gospel music through her innovative vocal techniques and heartfelt performances. Houston-based Burrell calls her "jazz gospel" style and stands out for writing much of her material. She began performing early, singing solo at one year old. Starting with Rev. James Cleveland's Gospel Music Workshop Choir, she debuted in 1995 with Try Me Again. Her album Everlasting Life in 1998 gained acclaim. Burrell has collaborated with artists across genres and received a Grammy nomination for The Love Album in 2011.