Gospel music is a genre of Christian music characterized by dominant vocals, strong harmonies, and lyrics centered on the Christian faith, particularly the message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ

. It originated in the early 17th century, with roots in African-American spirituals, hymns, and sacred songs that were often performed in a call-and- response style, reflecting African musical traditions and communal worship practices

. The genre evolved significantly in the United States, especially within Black churches, blending Christian themes with musical elements from blues, jazz, soul, and later hip-hop and contemporary R&B

. Gospel music serves multiple purposes: religious worship, aesthetic enjoyment, and entertainment, and it has played a crucial role in cultural and social movements such as the Civil Rights Movement

. There are several styles of gospel music, including:

• Traditional gospel, which features choirs, hand-clapping, and call-and-response singing.
• Contemporary gospel, which emphasizes solo artists and incorporates modern musical influences.
• Quartet gospel, performed by small groups with tight harmonies.
• Praise and worship gospel, combining traditional and contemporary elements to lead congregational singing

Gospel music is not only a musical style but also a form of communal worship and testimony, often involving interactive and emotional performances that connect singers and listeners in shared spiritual experience

. In summary, gospel music is a rich, expressive Christian music tradition rooted in African-American culture, blending spiritual messages with diverse musical styles to inspire faith, hope, and community.