Music is a form of art which blends melodies with words to produce a piece that communicates with people’s thoughts and emotions, by stimulating their senses and thus extracting responses. Gospel, a distinctive genre of music, makes use of sounds and words to praise and worship God. It is also used to teach the teachings of God in an entertaining and captivating manner. Gospel music not only fills people’s hearts with hope and joy, but also relieves their stress and comforts them. One of the most influential figures who has played a major role in the flourishing of gospel music is James Edward Cleveland. Cleveland was an accomplished vocalist, performer, composer, producer, philanthropist, preacher, choral director and pianist; hence earning titles such as: “Crown Prince of Gospel” and “King of Gospel Music.”
Cleveland, son of religious parents: Rosie Lee and Benjamin Cleveland, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 5, 1931. He was introduced to gospel music by his grandmother, as she used to take him to the Chicago’s Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she was a member of the church’s choir. Even though he was not drawn to the choir rehearsals at first, he grew to enjoy it. The choir was directed by Thomas A. Dorsey, a man considered the “Father of Gospel Music”. Cleveland was eight at the time, thus being exposed to such an influential figure at a young age. After noticing Cleveland’s singing
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His dedication, self-motivation and determination make him an influential figure to look up to. Being true to himself since childhood and throughout adulthood, Cleveland spent his life creating meaningful and functional gospel music. He gave back to his community by working with various choirs as well as giving soulful, authentic and uplifting
Rachel M. Harper’s The Myth of Music intentionally weaves together 1960s era jazz music and a poor African American family via metaphor and allusion to show a deep familiar bond between father and daughter.
As his career developed and for many years following his death, Scott Joplin earned the title “King of Ragtime Writers’. Alfred Ernst, conductor of the St. Louis Choral Symphony Society, described Joplin as “an extraordinary genius.” He played an essential role in the development of ragtime music. His work also laid the groundwork for jazz, another distinctly American musical form. Joplin gave the world a unique form of music and he opened the door for other black musicians and artists to succeed in a racially segregated
Despite being originally rejected for it, a large portion of Cash’s career and fame are attributed to his work with gospel music. The influence of Christianity upon Cash’s life is clearly evident through his music. By 1970, Cash had recorded three gospel albums: Hymns by Johnny Cash, Hymns from the Heart, and The Holy Land. During this era, it was not abnormal for country musicians to also venture into religious productions. Often, however, these religious-type albums were merely quaint recollections of simpler times and family tradition. In this way, Johnny Cash set himself apart from the average country musician. Rather than utilizing gospel music to evoke a sense of nostalgia, Cash desired to use his music to truly exemplify his faith. Cash became a key figure in Neo-Evangelism, often appearing at rallies and
Music nurtured the African American tradition and their struggle towards equality in the same century.... ... middle of paper ... ... Greensboro, N.C.: Morgan Reynolds Pub. Carter, D. (2009).
It would be an understatement to say that Miles Dewey Davis III was one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Widely considered one of the most revolutionary and influential figures in the history of music of the twentieth century, Miles Davis has played an integral role in shaping the sounds of jazz, one of the few uniquely and entirely American genres. Needless to say, the brilliant artistry that coolly flowed from his trumpet speaks for itself and clearly shows what a phenomenally inventive and talented musician he was. One could go on and on discussing, analyzing, and meticulously scrutinizing his music, as has been done readily in the past, but the purpose of this paper is to examine his rare appearances on television and the impact his music had on American culture.
...erself expanded gospel’s exposure when she appeared twice on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Meanwhile, television producer Bobby Jones reaches four and a half million viewers each week with his BET program, “Gospel Explosion.” However, the test for Gospel music reflects one that all Christian musicians must wrestle with: Can Gospel continue to increase its fortune in the mainstream marketplace while still maintaining its spiritual base? Despite what you believe the answer to be, African American Religious music will continually evolve. Since Thomas Dorsey first stretched the boundaries to create gospel music, choirs, quartets, and power vocalists have been singing the same song, albeit in different styles and places. As African American religious music continues to grow beyond even Dorsey’s expectations, one can only hope that it will be embraced regardless of how it is labeled by everyone who needs to be reminded of the good news it represents.
By 1945, nearly everyone in the African American community had heard gospel music (2). At
”Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.” James K. Polk was an important part of American history because he led America to victory in the Mexican-American war.
Music is an art and a wonderful gift to human race. It soothes, stimulates and makes us feel happy. It affects our moods in many different ways from lullaby to war cry for changes in the society. Music is actually distinct to different people. Above all, it has a transformational importance that is captured in its art and nature. Music draws our emotions and it has an impact of bridging different cultures across the continents. Slave songs were very vital channels through which all kind of information was conveyed both positive and negative.
James the Greater was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. He was known as the “Greater” because he was taller than the other James or “James the Less”. He was the son to Zebedee and is thought to be a cousin to Jesus through Mary’s sister. James worked as a fisherman alongside his brother John but, he left his life as a fisherman when Jesus called him to spread the gospel. He agreed with the Iberian Peninsula to spread the word of Jesus.
Throughout History, there have been many different varieties of music performed. There have also been several American Artists who have made important contributions towards the development of American Music. Many artists out there have made a huge impact not only towards the development of American music but to people as well. Those of which have been a big inspiration to America’s youth throughout this paper, I will focus solely on the life of Etta James.
...the world of passion to them. If there were not able to talk and be heard out in society, jazz was the only way they were able to accomplish that. Everybody heard them, felt them, and healed with them.
We will look into the life of James Brown. He is known for his music. In his life, he had to face many obstacles, but through determination, he changed his life cycle. We will touch on the influences in his life, developmental stage and theories that best fit his personality.
There have been hundreds of articles written on Elvis Presley, as he was a prominent figure in the late 20th century; most people know Presley as the man who changed the music industry by introducing lewd or suggestive dance moves to the stage. This article, however, focuses on the southern spirituality of Presley. As mentioned in the seventy-fifth and seventy-sixth page of the journal, this is relatively unexplored territory. The article Just a Little Talk with Jesus by Charles Reagan Wilson derives its name from an old gospel song, also entitled “Just a Little Talk with Jesus.” This article begins with the retelling of the “Million Dollar Session” that occurred in December of 1956 at Sun Studios, the record studio for the now famous Presley. This session was given its name because of the worth of talent that attended; the group in attendance included Presley, Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. The five musicians played many songs together, including southern religious songs known extremely well by these five men who all came from church backgrounds. Among these southern religious songs was “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” that expounds the gospel and redemption, talking of a person lost in sin that was taken in by Jesus. It is vital to note that Presley’s spirituality was inherited and correlates to regional patterns. His spirituality and music along with the manner in which he fused the two makes Presley an “emblematic figure in southern culture” (pg. 76). For the point of this article, “spirituality” is one’s religious views that are based in one’s religious exercises and practices. The spirituality found in the south in the mid-twentieth century was far more than attending church; it permeated every aspect of souther...
Music has played a role in society since the dawn of man. Said to be the beginning of communication in early civilization, music and dance have influenced how we think, act and treat members of our own society. Song and dance is used in rites of passage ceremonies such as births, weddings and funerals throughout the world. Jamaican and Yoruba cultures have made many contributions to our society. The uses of this music as a vehicle for political issues, values, and beliefs have been used by many musicians from different cultures. I intend to discuss the Contribution of these two contemporary cultures music and their effect on society.