Resounding Grace: Exploring the Artistic Gospel of Black Women Musicians

Resounding Grace: An Artistic Gospel Experience

By: Camille 

The Roots of Gospel Music in Art

The Last Journey Into Slavery by Kadir Nelson with illustrations by Kadir Nelson, captures the beauty and resilience of the African American experience, making his illustrations a perfect complement to gospel music. His rich colors and emotive characters could bring the lyrics of gospel songs to life in a visually compelling way. Similarly, The Migration Series by Jacob Lawrence, is a series of paintings that depicts the Great Migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North. Its themes of resilience, struggle, and hope could resonate with the themes of liberation and perseverance found in gospel music. 

       

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) - But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

In this blog post, we embark on a journey through the soul-stirring melodies and profound spiritual insights offered by Black women musicians in the realm of gospel music. From the sanctuaries of churches to the stages of concert halls, their voices and compositions have not only uplifted spirits but also served as a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring quest for liberation. This post is completely different then my others because this is more of a literary gospel experience, meaning, the videos and visuals provide those narratives.

Music within this context of Black-African Americans is a lot more than just a listening experience. It is a lot more than something you do because it is a job or a pastime. It is what keeps us alive, it is a source of freedom, a sonic embodiment of a physical shield. Just as you can hide and seek shelter behind a solid foundation, you can do the same with music. Spirituals and the music that rang from black churches are too important to just be regarded as another category.

The Birth of Gospel Music

Below is a short clip about the birth of gospel music. Certainly, a 3:12 video cannot fully encapsulate the emergence, but it does what it needs to do!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65JHpNO2814

The Voices of the Ancestors

The Intersection of Faith and Feminism

  • Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a Black Christian Gospel singer who was also a Lesbian, Sylvester the Disco Queen was a queer musician who developed a love of singing through the gospel choir at his Pentecostal church, who then turned away because of the congregation's disapproval and they found kinship with Black-cross-dressers and transgender women called "The Disquotays", are important figures to discuss regarding the intersection of faith and feminism. But, I will save that discussion for a later post because this blog would be looonng! Anywhooo, the intersection of feminism and faith for Black women and Black queer individuals calls for solidarity, understanding, and advocacy that recognizes the interconnectedness of gender, race, and sexuality in the pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity for all. Regarding this as a focal point to allyship, is important to keeping true and realistic allyship that doesn't tokenize these individuals. Never be an ally for the sake of being one or to save yourself from being "called out", be an ally because you recognize its importance now, in the past, and for the future.

Beyond the Stage: Impact and Legacy

The impact and legacy of gospel music, social justice, queer identity, and Black individuals are profound and interconnected. Gospel music has served as a source of strength and resilience within Black communities, while Black individuals have been at the forefront of social justice movements, advocating for equality and liberation. Queer Black individuals, existing at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, have played pivotal roles in LGBTQ+ rights advocacy, challenging stereotypes and fostering acceptance. Together, their collective influence has sparked cultural transformation, inspiring movements for justice and equality, and shaping a more inclusive and vibrant society. For further emphasis, consider viewing the following videos!

"The Black Church | The Role of Music | PBS"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgvXwLAtNYw

"The Black Church | Gospel and Disco’s Gay Anthems | PBS"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0YoYr14xuw

As we conclude our exploration of the literary gospel experience of Black women musicians, let us pause to celebrate their indomitable spirit, unwavering faith, and profound contributions to the tapestry of gospel music. Their voices echo through the corridors of history, reminding us of the transformative power of music to heal, inspire, and unite us all. The following two songs are ones of might and stoicism.

"Oh Sinner Dont Let This Harvest Past"- Leotyne Price

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzGXw7BXo8s

"Oh Freedom" by The Golden Gospel Singers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veiJLhXdwn8

This civil rights song has a catchy tune, but most importantly has an important message that we must hold onto and reflect upon when it comes to social justice and advocacy. It is not doing anything to call yourself an ally or to protest, doing so for the sake of saying you did is not enough. Acknowledging and understanding the roots, the girth of this fight lies within the lack of acknowledgment of the existence of minorities and their contributions. This freedom can not be simplified in a definition. This freedom can be heard from the mountains.  Just as the Psalmist declares in Psalm 121:1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth," the song "Oh Freedom" reminds us that our strength and hope come from a source greater than ourselves. It calls us to draw upon the deep wells of faith and determination as we navigate the rugged terrain of social injustice, knowing that the spiritual leaders' presence is our refuge and our strength. Like the mountains, our commitment to justice and equality stands tall and unyielding, a testament to the enduring power of love and solidarity in the face of oppression.



                                                                        Works Cited

Lawrence, Jacob. The Migration Series.

Nelson, Kadir. The Last Journey Into Slavery. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

Jackson, Mahalia. "Were You There." YouTube, uploaded by user Mahalia Jackson, 3 Feb. 2011, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ji7eP7k8cA.

Tharpe, Sister Rosetta. "This Little Light of Mine." YouTube, uploaded by user Christian Music Worldwide, 11 Mar. 2008, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj3fpujjFis.

Ward, Clara. "When We All Get To Heaven." YouTube, uploaded by user DeReKlee33, 22 Sept. 2009, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF6ZMhv4IVc.

Adams, Yolanda. "Victory." YouTube, uploaded by user Yolanda Adams, 5 Nov. 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4G89D1ZvfQ.

Cobbs, Tasha. "Break Every Chain." YouTube, uploaded by user Tasha Cobbs Leonard, 18 Nov. 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucY6NwQTI3M.

Hudson, Jennifer. "How Great Thou Art" with PTX. YouTube, uploaded by user PTXofficial, 7 Apr. 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6LTqtYKDtI.

"The Black Church | The Role of Music | PBS." YouTube, uploaded by user PBS, 9 Feb. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgvXwLAtNYw.

"The Black Church | Gospel and Disco’s Gay Anthems | PBS." YouTube, uploaded by user PBS, 16 Feb. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0YoYr14xuw.

Price, Leontyne. "Oh Sinner Don't Let This Harvest Pass." YouTube, uploaded by user JPETE PRODUCTION, 17 Aug. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzGXw7BXo8s.

The Golden Gospel Singers. "Oh Freedom." YouTube, uploaded by user qrafty, 10 Dec. 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veiJLhXdwn8.






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