Jazz music is a cultural foundation of the American society because at times of emotional turmoil - be it in reel or real life - it is not unusual to hear the sounds of gospel jazz music. While gospel jazz music can be thought of as the music of pain and loss, it is also the music of rebirth and promise.
History
Gospel jazz music originated in the early 20th century and its roots came from African-American churches in the South that, as part of the service, encouraged people to speak aloud, with great fervor. They wanted worshippers to share their encounters with Divine Power and discuss their unwavering beliefs in the power of salvation. These emotional speeches transformed into singing incorporated with dancing, and early famous artists of gospel jazz music, such as Thomas A. Dorsey, implemented the new style of music into mainstream American society.
Dorsey implemented familiar jazz instruments into the form of gospel jazz music, so that it became commonplace to hear such instruments as drums and pianos behind the powerful ballads of such singers as Sister Rosetta Tharpe. It is important to note that Dorsey brought gospel music to the forefront of American musical culture at that time not with the goal of making it popular. His goal was to provide a basis for churches to help their attendees to express themselves about their religious convictions, using his music as a general guideline.
Upbeat
The tone of gospel jazz music during Dorseys time was passionately moving, but not very upbeat. In fact, one might describe it as being rather serious in nature, and at times almost depressing. As the 1940s arrived, gospel jazz music began to take a new turn, as singers and composers made music that had more dance rhythms, and songs that had joyous overtones.
Whereas earlier gospel jazz music was restricted to religious text, this new form of music was broadened to include the trials of everyday life. In turn, gospel jazz music was incorporated into popular music by artists such as The Mills Brothers, reaching audiences that had never heard such unique musical influences ever before.
Today, gospel jazz music is still popular in the South. American artists still are influenced by its sound, and echoes of gospel jazz ballads can be heard in many pop music ballads. Gospel jazz music has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings in small churches, and its influence will continue to be heard in various forms for a long time to come.
