The Holy Profane Religion In Black Popular Music

The Holy Profane: Religion in Black Popular Music

by Teresa L. Reed

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages

FREE

Music has long been a sacred space for black people to express their spiritual beliefs and experiences. From the call-and-response of gospel music to the blues' mournful melodies, black popular music has provided a way for people to connect with the divine and find solace in times of trouble.

This article explores the many ways in which religion has influenced black popular music. We will examine the role of gospel music in the church, the blues' roots in African American spirituals, and the way in which hip hop has become a new form of religious expression.

Gospel Music

Gospel music is a genre of Christian music that originated in the African American church. Gospel songs typically feature strong vocals and a simple, repetitive beat. They are often used to express joy, praise, and worship.

Gospel music has a long and rich history. The first gospel songs were sung by slaves in the fields. These songs were a way for slaves to connect with their African roots and to express their faith in God. After the Civil War, gospel music began to be sung in churches. It quickly became a popular form of music, and it has continued to be a vital part of the black church experience.

Gospel music has had a major influence on black popular music. Many of the biggest stars in black popular music, including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder, began their careers singing gospel music. Gospel music has also influenced the development of other genres of black popular music, such as soul, rhythm and blues, and hip hop.

The Blues

The blues is a genre of music that originated in the African American community in the late 19th century. Blues songs typically feature a slow tempo, a simple chord progression, and lyrics that deal with themes of love, loss, and hardship.

The blues has its roots in African American spirituals. Spirituals were songs that were sung by slaves to express their faith in God and to find solace in times of trouble. After the Civil War, spirituals began to be secularized, and they eventually evolved into the blues.

The blues has had a major influence on black popular music. Many of the biggest stars in black popular music, including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Eric Clapton, have played the blues. The blues has also influenced the development of other genres of black popular music, such as jazz, rock and roll, and hip hop.

Hip Hop

Hip hop is a genre of music that originated in the Bronx in the 1970s. Hip hop music typically features rapping, DJing, and breakdancing. Hip hop lyrics often deal with social and political issues, and they can be used to express anger, frustration, and hope.

Hip hop has become a new form of religious expression for many black people. Hip hop artists often use their music to talk about their faith in God and to share their spiritual beliefs. Hip hop music can also be used to promote social justice and to inspire people to make a difference in the world.

The holy profane religion in black popular music is a complex and fascinating phenomenon. Music has long been a way for black people to connect with the divine and to find solace in times of trouble. Gospel music, the blues, and hip hop are just a few of the many genres of black popular music that have been influenced by religion.

The holy profane religion in black popular music is a testament to the power of music to express the human experience. It is a music that is both sacred and secular, both joyful and sorrowful, and both hopeful and despairing. It is a music that has the power to move the soul and to change the world.

The Holy Profane: Religion in Black Popular Music

by Teresa L. Reed

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages

FREE