Black people are spiritual beings, which contributes to our deep connection to gospel music. A 2021 Pew Research survey found that “belief in the divine is close to universal among Black Americans.” The vast majority of Black Americans say they believe in God or a higher power. This is why today’s gospel music industry features many talented Black singers, specifically songstresses.
Who Created Gospel Music?
Multiple outlets report Black people as the creator’s of gospel music. “The origins of gospel music lie in the transatlantic slave trade, as African musical traditions blended with new forms born out of the horrors of slavery. The rich lineage of gospel music began in earnest as a young man named Thomas Dorsey came to Chicago during the Great Migration,” WTTW, Chicago’s PBS television station reported. Dorsey has earned the posthumous nickname “the father of gospel music.” He co-founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in 1933, which nurtured Black women talents including Sally Martin and Magnolia Lewis Butts.
Kierra Sheard
Kierra Sheard came from a musical family. Her mother, Karen Sheard, and three aunts were part of the Grammy Award winning gospel girl group the Clark Sisters. At nine years old, she secured the Best Children’s Performance Stellar Award for her vocals on her mother’s song “The Will of God.” Her solo career started in 2004, and Sheard has since collaborated with Glorilla, Mary Mary, Eric Bellinger and Chance The Rapper on songs.
Erica Campbell
Erica Campbell originally arrived on the gospel music scene as one half of the renowned duo Mary Mary. The group, composed of Campbell and her sister Tina, has sold more than six million albums according to the Walt Disney Concert Hall. In 2013, Campbell went solo and her debut album “Help” won a Grammy for Best Gospel Album. She later released songs “I Luh God” and “A Little More Jesus.” Years later in 2016, she released “Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell,” a successful radio show.
Tasha Cobbs
Tasha Cobbs is a successful singer and songwriter. Cobbs is known for her singles “Break Every Chain,” “In Spite of Me,” and “You Know My Name.” In 2020, Cobbs was named both Billboard’s Top Gospel Artist of the Decade and Top Female Gospel Artist. She also founded The Purpose Place Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, alongside her husband Kenneth Leonard.
Yolanda Adams
With four Grammy Awards, Yolanda Adams is one of the most renowned gospel singers of all time. Initially, Adams started out as a schoolteacher and part-time model before venturing into singing. Her first album, titled “Just as I Am” was released in 1987. Since then, Adams has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Her biggest hits include “The Battle Is the Lord’s,” “Open My Heart” and “This Joy.” Adams released her latest album “Sunny Days,” in Sept. 2024.
Tamela Mann
Tamela Mann is a multihyphenate singer and actress. In the 90s, Mann joined “Kirk Franklin & the Family’s” gospel group, before going solo in 2005. Her biggest single by far is “Take Me To The King,” which was released in 2012. The heartfelt spiritual ballad is now certified double platinum by the RIAA. On the acting front, the singer co-starred in tons of Tyler Perry plays and movies. The list includes “Diary of A Mad Black Woman” and “Madea Goes to Jail.” From 2009 to 2011, she starred alongside her husband David Mann, who played her father, in the series “Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns.”