Music is an artistic expression of the mind and feelings of the people who create it. An expression of emotional zeal and praise, as it is being considered nowadays, gospel music is now a successful branch of music to some extent.

It is believed that gospel music refers to the religious music created by the African-American churches during the 1930s. Similarly, it also refers to both this black gospel music as well as pious music composed and sung by white southern Christian artists. Neither of these two styles has been clearly defined; hence, sometimes an artist from one branch of gospel music sings the songs of the other branch.

The separation between black and white American churches has always kept the two branches of gospel music apart. And though the divisions have narrowed in the past 50 years, black gospel and southern or white gospel still have their own distinctions.

During the development of gospel music in the 1930s, Thomas Dorsey created songs combining shouts of praise and emotional fervor with his own contemporary style; hence, he was named the Father of Contemporary Gospel, and the 30s were called the Dorsey Era. During that time, Dorsey?s songs were mostly unwelcome in some U.S. churches.

To date, there are composers and performers of gospel music all over the world.

Gospel music is ever-changing and has evolved over several years. Gospel ensembles and quartets came to life in the 40s while piano or organs were added during the 50s. Gospel music also abounds with noted artists and performers like Mahalia Jackson, The Golden Gate Quartet, Clara Ward, Jordanaires, Al Green, Solomon Burke, The Staple Singers of Chicago, Albertina Walker, Yolanda Adams, and others.

If you are fond of gospel music, there are many record stores and distributors that offer CDs and tapes of gospel music. DVDs of gospel music concerts or performances are also available. If you?re longing for gospel music mp3s, the web has much to offer. There are sites that offer these mp3s as free downloads and streaming while some offer packages for a sum. In case you?re new to gospel music and want to further your learning, many magazines, journals, and online sites are offering information on artists and performers and on the history of gospel music.