Gospel blues
Form of blues-based gospel music
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gospel blues (or holy blues)[1] is a form of blues-based gospel music that has been around since the inception of blues music. It combines evangelistic lyrics with blues instrumentation, often blues guitar accompaniment.[1]
| Gospel blues | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Late 19th century, African Americans |
According to musician and historian Stefan Grossman, "holy blues" was coined to originally describe Reverend Gary Davis's style of traditional blues playing with lyrics conveying a religious message.[2] Davis and Blind Willie Johnson are considered the genre's two dominant performers, according to Dick Weissman.[1] Other notable gospel-blues performers include Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Washington Phillips.[3]
Blues musicians who became devout, or even practicing clergy, include Reverend Robert Wilkins and Ishman Bracey.[4] Bluesmen such as Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charley Patton, Son House, Bukka White,[5] and Skip James also recorded gospel blues or religious songs.[6] Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton released gospel songs under a pseudonym.[7]